South Australia (Clare Valley)
Kapunda
Kapunda was the site of Australia's first viable copper mine. Its economic significance to the young colony was enormous. In near bankruptcy due to speculation, the discovery of copper gave South Australia the leg up it needed. In 1841 South Australia was in serious economic trouble; the discovery of copper at Kapunda the following year rescued the young colony and put it at the forefront of Australia’s mining boom. 

The early finds were soon overshadowed by those at Burra 65km north: the Burra “Monster Mine” was the largest in Australia until 1860, creating fabulous wealth and attracting huge numbers of Cornish miners in particular. The boom ended as suddenly as it began, as resources were exhausted – mining finished at Burra in 1877 and Kapunda in 1878. The mines produced 14,000 tonnes of copper metal.
Kapunda's streetscape reflects this prosperous past, with numerous historic buildings, museums and churches. Many wear the characteristic old 'Kapunda Lace' on their verandahs, intricate decorative ironwork designed and manufactured in the town last century. The Cattle King, Sir Sidney Kidman also lived in Kapunda for many years. His home Eringa is now part of the high school. 

Heading to KAPUNDA from the Barossa Valley, the landscape changes as vineyards are replaced by crops and grazing sheep. As you come into town, you’re greeted by a colossal sculpture of a Cornish miner entitled Map Kernow – “son of Cornwall”. A place that once had its own daily newspaper, eleven hotels and a busy train station is now a rural service town, pleasantly undeveloped and with many old buildings decorated with locally designed and manufactured iron lacework.

If you have your own transport, you can follow a ten-kilometre heritage trail that takes in the ruins of the Kapunda mine, with panoramic views from the mine chimney lookout; details are available from the Kapunda Information Centre on Hill Street (Mon–Fri 9am–4pm.

On the same street, the Kapunda Museum (1–4pm Sept–May daily except Fri, June–Aug Sat, Sun & holidays; $4) occupies the mammoth Romanesque-style former Baptist church. The best time to come to Kapunda is during the Celtic festival held on the first weekend before Easter, when Celtic music, bush and folk bands feature at the four pubs.

For accommodation, Ford House, 80 Main St, has colonial-style B&B; and the Sir John Franklin Hotel, also on Main Street, has simple, clean rooms and is the most popular pub for inexpensive meals. Campers are catered for at Dutton Caravan Park, 11 Montefiore St.