Back to Burra – 180 Year Celebration

If you require assistance booking tickets for an event – please contact the Burra & Goyder Visitor Information Centre on 8892 2154 or pop in store at 1 Market Square, Burra.

Thursday 1st May -Time Travel Through Sewing: Historical Costume Workshop 6pm – 8pm Burra Community School Home Economics Classroom

Time travel through sewing, sewing machines and fabric provided! This historical costume making workshop will bring the past to life. Learn to craft garments for the perfect silhouette or create stunning fashion and accessories to complete your historical wardrobe. $10 per person.

Bookings required. Contact Tina Couper, 0432 373 494, tina.couper2@gmail.com

Saturday 3rd May – The Meredith Satchell Memorial Lecture, Paxton Function Centre 3pm – 5pm

What do we know of relations between the Ngadjuri people of the Mid North and the earliest Europeans to occupy their Country? How has this been remembered/forgotten through generations? How do we come to terms with colonial violence in Australia? In this lecture, Dr Skye Krichauff will draw on two decades of research to answer these questions.

Bookings required by text message (0438923777) or email (burrasahistory@hotmail.com)

Sunday 4th May – Meredith Satchell Commemorative Plaque Unveiling at the Burra Railway Station. 11am – 1pm

Following the recent passing of local historian Meredith Satchell, the Friends of the Burra Railway Station will be unveiling a plaque to commemorate the contribution made by Meredith to the preservation of Burra’s written, photographic and built heritage. $15 includes morning tea.

Contact Pip Edson 0488 992 835, peteredson@gmail.com

Tuesday 6th May – Time Travel Through Sewing: Historical Costume Workshop 6pm – 8pm Burra Community School Home Economics Classroom

Bookings required. Contact Tina Couper, 0432 373 494, tina.couper2@gmail.com

Thursday 8th May – Time Travel Through Sewing: Historical Costume Workshop 6pm – 8pm Burra Community School Home Economics Classroom

Bookings required. Contact Tina Couper, 0432 373 494, tina.couper2@gmail.com

Every Friday and Saturday between 9th – 31st May – Apparels of the past 2pm – 4pm – Burra Courthouse Helston Street, Burra

Explore the newly restored Burra Courthouse and view the collection of period clothing and personal artefacts, including three exceptionally well-preserved dolls dating from the mid-19th century to the 1920s.

Geraldine Smedley, geraldinesmedley39@gmail.com

Saturday 10th May – Burra Cemetery Walk and Talk: A Journey Through Early SA History 3pm – 4pm

Join Abbey Snook, Burra’s 2025 Young Citizen of the Year and local tour guide, for a walk and talk through Burra Cemetery, established in 1845. Abbey will chronicle the lives and misfortunes of the mining community and the pastoral families who shaped Burra as a commercial, social, and religious centre. A fascinating walk through history.

Bookings required via email abbeysnook@bigpond.com

Sunday 11th May – The Burra Film Group Presents: ‘Breaker Morant’ (1980) at the Burra Town Hall 2pm

A celebratory screening of the 1980 Australian war drama film ‘Breaker Morant’, directed by Bruce Beresford with scenes filmed in Burra. The event will held at the historic Burra Community Town Hall, which is celebrating 150 years.

Callan Govett – 0447 656 692 – burrafilmgroup@gmail.com

Tuesday 13th May – Historic Smelters Home Tour and Chair Repair Workshop 11am – 2pm

Step into the historic Smelters’ Home built in 1849 and Australia’s oldest unrenovated pub, now a charming Bed and Breakfast. Enjoy a self-guided tour, then stay to repair a period chair. All materials are provided, and you will take home your restored piece of history.

Bookings required. Contact Sarah 0420 237 199, info@smeltershomeburra.com

Sunday 18th May – Burra Bowling Club Wide Bowls Competition 10am – 2pm

Make a team of four and come along for a friendly game of bowls. Free sausage sizzle. Raffles and drinks available.

Sunday 18th May – Community Church Service at St Mary’s Anglican 10am – 11am

Join Reverend Anne Ford for a service in praise and thanksgiving for the township and community of Burra, in celebration of 180 years since foundation. Built in 1879, the church features a 1905 Dodd pipe organ and stunning stained glass windows by Edward Brooks, South Australia’s first stained-glass maker. A moment of reflection and history.

Rev Anne Ford – 8892 2313

Thursday 22nd May – ‘The Foundling: A Tale of the Burra Burra Mine’ by Mary Talbot Cross. Held at the Burra Community Library 4pm – 5pm

Join us in the historic Burra Community School Library building and learn the story and the research behind ‘The Foundling: a tale of the Burra Burra Mine’. A presentation by the author Mary Talbot Cross. The Foundling is set in the earliest years of European settlement of South Australia.

Saturday 24th May – Redruth Studio Presents House Concert with Inkling Trio. Held at the Old Redruth Methodist Church 7pm – 9pm

Emlyn and Jodie O’Regan welcome past and present Burra residents and guests to a house concert at the former Redruth Methodist Church. Join the O’Regans for a set of their acappella vocal magic, followed by special guests, Adelaide folk band: Inkling Trio. This innovative trio’s musical palette has roots in traditional folk and classical styles. $20 donation.

Bookings required via email jodie.oregan@gmail.com

Sunday 25th May – Bus Tour to Netfield: Childhood Home of Sir Hubert Wilkins

Enjoy a day trip from Adelaide to Mid-North to visit Wilkins’ childhood home in Mount Bryan East and Dares Hill lookout. Hear of the amazing exploits of this South Australian explorer with commentary from knowledgeable Wilkins historians and local experts. Tickets $95 per person, $70 Concession. Ticket includes return airconditioned bus travel from Adelaide, expert commentary, lunch, afternoon tea, and travel treats, and all entry tickets.

***IMPORTANT***
The bus tour is not wheelchair accessible. Delegates will need to be ambulant and able to manage stairs on and off the bus, uneven terrain, gravel pathways and steps at historical sites. The bus has toilet facilities.

There are two departure options for the tour: Victoria Square, Sir Samuel Way Building – Law Courts, please arrive at least 15 mins prior to 8am departure or from Gawler Information Centre, 2 Lyndoch Road  Gawler, please arrive at least 15 mins prior to 9am ready for departure.

Bookings Required – Online Tickets Available Click here

Friday 30th May – “Back to Burra” Community School Tours 9.40am – 10.25am and 12.15pm – 1pm

Enjoy the opportunity to return to school! Members of the 2025 student leadership group will provide a tour of the school classrooms and grounds, with current classes in action. Browse, reminisce, share stories and explore. To conclude your tour, enjoy light refreshments in the Copperhouse kitchen, with goods made and served by current students. Gold Coin Donation. Bookings Required.

Book via email: dl.1432.info@schools.sa.edu.au or phone 88922007

Friday 30th May – Burra Town Hall Gala Dinner 6pm – 11pm Burra Town Hall

Join us for a special evening celebrating 150 years of the Burra Town Hall, the heart of decision-making, celebrations, and monumental moments for the region. ABC Adelaide evenings host, Spence Denny, will chat with special invited guests as they share memories and anecdotes of Burra, while current community members reflect on the town’s rich history and bright future. Enjoy live music, a hearty roast dinner, and Clare Valley wine as we come together to celebrate the enduring spirit of Burra.

EVENT SOLD OUT!

Saturday 31st May – Guided Burra Heritage Passport Bus Tour: Unlock the Past 9.30am – 12.00pm

Join National Trust Burra Branch President Chris Reed for an exclusive guided tour of key heritage sites. Explore Burra’s rich mining history and gain insight into its recent UNESCO World Heritage tentative listing. A rare chance to dive deeper into the town’s iconic past. Sites include The Unicorn Brewery Cellars, Redruth Gaol, and more. $20 per person.

Bookings required. Contact the Burra & Goyder Visitor Information Centre 1300 775 540, discover@visitburra.com

EVENT SOLD OUT!

Saturday 31st May – Burra Courthouse Opening and Historic Clothing Exhibition 11am – 4pm

Step inside the Burra Courthouse as it opens to the public for the first time. Discover a stunning curation of recently unearthed and catalogued historical period clothing. A rare and special glimpse into Burra’s past, a very unique exhibition, don’t miss it. By Donation. No Bookings required.

Burra & Goyder Visitor Information Centre 1300 775 540, discover@visitburra.com

Saturday 31st May – Burra’s 180th Birthday Celebration 6pm – 11pm Burra Town Hall

Featuring the South Australian Police Band enjoy a musical evening with back-to-back performances at the National Heritage-listed town hall. Bring your own picnic dinner and drinks and enjoy the celebration!

A lovely relaxed evening – not to be missed! $20 per person. Bookings required.

Bookings Required – Tickets Available at the Burra & Goyder Visitor Information Centre. phone 8892 2154

Sunday 1st June – Back to Burra : 180 Year Town Parade and Picnic, Paxton Square Lawns 12noon

Get ready for a day of nostalgia, excitement and community spirit at the Town Parade and Community Picnic.

Whether you’re a history buff, a car enthusiast, or just love a good parade, this event is for you! Starting at 11am in Market Square, the parade will feature vintage machinery, classic cars, fire engines from the Bon Accord Mine Museum, Clydesdale horses, and even a brass band! This celebratory parade will showcase the town’s historical spirit, encouraging local participation and bringing the community together.

Following the parade, come along to the free community picnic held on the lawns at Paxton Square. This event will feature live music, food trucks and activities for the adults and children. It will be a perfect conclusion to the month’s festivities, fostering community spirit and celebrating Burra’s heritage in a casual, welcoming setting. Bring your picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and positive vibes—let’s make this picnic one to remember!