25 OCTOBER 2021
At the Burra Information Centre we picked up a Burra Heritage Passport, a self guided tour around this fascinating old Copper mining Town. Of course we could not go past the old Bookshop with its wonderful nick knacks and ancient tomes to be explored. We found the perfect guitar for James, however the price tag ($12,500) was rather alarming.
Peacock’s Chimney, built in 1857, was originally located where the open cut mine now lies, full of water. The National Trust relocated it to the current site back in 1971. The figure on the top of the chimney was the mascot of the Burra miners, Johnny Green. He has been located on several sites around the town.
The Burra Railway Station was once much more impressive, with a huge arched roof covering the track between the two platforms. Passenger services ended in 1985, and the line finally closed in 1998.
I was most moved by the beautiful flower beds on the station.
Our last stop before a very late lunch break, was at the Bon Accord Mine, which was owned originally by Scottish investors in the late 1840’s. Despite the impressive old stone buildings on the site, they failed to find an economic body of ore. In 1908 pumping equipment was erected on the main shaft, and this supplied Burra’s water until 1966 when the Morgan-Whyalla pipeline was built.
Our friends in camp had mentioned how beautiful the Worlds End Camping Site was, so that was our choice of picnic spot. We did not realise just how far out of town it was, making it a VERY late lunch break.
Norm chose yet another road less travelled to return to camp on. WE enjoyed breathtaking views over the Burra Valley, from the hills between Burra and Farrell Flats. Many of the farmers have started harvesting their grain and other crops. The drive home took us through such beautiful countryside, I was constantly clicking away. Can you see the interesting creature in the old river gum?
We arrived home in time to enjoy yet another glorious sunset as we joined our new friends for another later afternoon tea.
ON THE ROAD 