Burra Gorge
BURRA GORGE - 10-13 September 2026
Six groups enjoyed an absolutely wonderful weekend at Burra Gorge and exploring the surrounding area, scenic drives and local heritage.
Joy and Gordon, Brett and Lorraine arrived on early Thursday afternoon, and were surprised to find most of the campsites in Burra Gorge already taken. Thankfully there was a large area available at the back of the camping area. Rudy and Birgitte, and Greg arrived later in the afternoon. They all enjoyed a lovely dinner at the Commercial Hotel in Burra before heading back to camp to set up a campfire. Our four-legged friends, Chilli and Henry, loved exploring around the campsite. It was a particularly cold evening and everyone used their diesel heaters to take the chill out of their caravans.
Yvonne and Neil arrived early the next morning after staying at Mintaro the previous night. Late morning, Gordon and Joy led the group through the main roads of Burra and Terowie before turning onto Dare’s Hill Circuit, one of the scenic drives on the local unsealed roads. It was a beautiful sunny cool day and the scenic drives were more interesting than we had expected. The countryside was extraordinarily green after good rains and the canola paddocks were in spectacular yellow bloom. We saw plenty of historic ruins and mobs of kangaroos. Last stop of the day was at the historical homestead where Sir Hubert Wilkins was born. Scott, Bec, Chloe and Laura arrived early evening, and we all enjoyed the warmth of the campfire on another chilly but fine night. Gordon and Joy generously provided all the firewood for the weekend which they transported on a trailer using their Land Cruiser ute.
We noted that everyone on this trip had a caravan and a Land Cruiser – oh how the times have changed from mostly camper trailers and tents, and a mixture of vehicles!!
Joy did her magic and arranged another glorious spring day 😊 We did a scenic drive north east of Burra which was quite hilly at times, and provided great views over the eastern landscape. Joy and Gordon generously welcomed everyone for a shared morning tea in the huge veranda at their home in Burra. Everyone contributed a range of delicious savoury and sweet items, including Joy’s homemade sausage roles. It was like a substantial “high tea” and we didn’t need lunch!! While everyone loved the morning tea, we’re a bit concerned this could be the new expectation!
As Joy and Gordon are residents of Burra, the rest of us were their guests as part of their two tickets ($35 each) for the self-guided heritage tour of Burra which included a key to gain entry to most of the sites. The history of mining and agriculture in Burra is fascinating and thanks to the dedicated local community and funding grants, many buildings have been restored and well maintained. We visited the Bon Accord, Redruth Gaol, Paxton Square and Cottages, the underground Cellars Unicorn Brewery, Morphett’s Engine House, the lookout with views over the mines and town, and finished with a drink at the Bon Accord Hotel.
There was no reception at the Gorge, however Greg had Starlink and set up his TV to watch the AFL game. He was quietly happy Brisbane won the game.
Those that had work, school or family commitments left on Sunday morning, leaving the new sub-club (Joy, Gordon, Brett, Lorraine, Birgitte, Rudy) – the retirees with white Land Cruiser 200 series and caravans!!
As the key for the Burra Heritage tour didn’t need to be returned till later in the day, the remaining group had a closer look at the Railway station, miners dugouts, the Police lock up and stables, and Paxton Square cottages. To our surprise, there was a small market, free sausage sizzle and refreshments at the Railway Station which provided us with a lovely morning tea.
Back in central Burra, we visited the Town Hall with many fascinating artefacts, pictures and information of the town history, and also the art gallery. As the Commercial Hotel wasn’t open till 3pm, we enjoyed beverages in the adjoining café before having more beverages at the Bon Accord Hotel.
With the 3 white 200 series looking so similar (Birgitte doesn’t notice the detailed differences!!) Birgitte inadvertently started to get into Joy and Gordon’s car before realising it wasn’t her car!! Joy empathetically understand Birgitte’s situation as she did something similar a while ago when she tried to get into Brett and Lorraine’s car.
The smaller group of retirees enjoyed their last evening by the campfire. They packed up and left on Monday morning, with some of the group exploring parts of Eudunda and Kapunda on the way home including the art silos – both are definitely worth visiting next time you drive through.
A huge thanks to Gordon and Joy for organising the great weekend, their informative commentary, hosting morning tea at their home and supplying all the firewood. Everyone really enjoyed the combination of driving scenic back roads, exploring historical sites, the delicious morning tea and relaxing evenings by the campfire.