Tourist Australia > Destinations > South Australia > Clare Valley > Kapunda and to the South
Your tourist guide for Kapunda and to the South provides you with the essential travel resources to plan your holiday!
Kapunda is a place where Australia’s copper story began—an unassuming patch of farmland that sparked an industry, shaped a state, and left behind a legacy as rich as the ore beneath its soil. Today, this historic South Australian town blends heritage, culture, and warm country hospitality, inviting travellers to slow down, explore, and connect with the stories that built a nation.
In 1838, a sheep farmer named Francis Dutton noticed moss‑green stones glinting on land that wasn’t his. Curious, he sent samples to the United Kingdom for testing—a process that took two long years. The results confirmed what would become a turning point in Australian history: copper ore of exceptional quality. Dutton and his partner, Charles Bagot, quickly purchased the land, announced their discovery, and established what would become Australia’s first commercial mining town.
The Kapunda Mine went on to produce copper worth more than a million pounds—an economic windfall credited with saving South Australia from financial collapse. Today, the echoes of that boom era remain visible across the landscape, from miners’ cottages to open‑cut pits and heritage buildings that line the town’s streets.
Begin your journey at the Kapunda Visitor Information Centre, home to an impressive interpretive display that brings the region’s mining and agricultural history to life. It’s the perfect place to orient yourself before exploring the town.
Pick up a brochure and follow the 10‑kilometre Kapunda Heritage Trail—a captivating walk through the old mine precinct. Wander past historic tunnels, open cuts, and the remnants of miners’ cottages, gaining a deeper appreciation for the people who carved out a life here.
Standing eight metres tall on the southern edge of town, Map Kernow is a striking tribute to the Cornish miners who shaped Kapunda’s identity. This monumental statue is a must‑see photo stop and a powerful symbol of the town’s roots.
Discover one of Australia’s finest folk museums, a two‑storey treasure trove of agricultural, domestic, and mining history. Don’t miss Bagot’s Fortune, an immersive interpretive experience that tells the story of the mine and the fortunes it created.
Kapunda was home to Sir Sidney Kidman—Australia’s famed “Cattle King”—for more than 40 years. Nearby Anlaby Station, one of the state’s grandest pastoral homesteads, now offers accommodation and tours, giving visitors a glimpse into pastoral life at its most opulent.
A charming rural town with a familiar face—its Railway Hotel starred as the Gungellan Hotel in the beloved Australian TV series McLeod’s Daughters.
Home to Roseworthy College, Australia’s first agricultural education centre. Visit the Dryland Farming Museum to experience authentic country life and agricultural innovation.
A creative hub featuring the Balaklava Courthouse Gallery, showcasing works by local painters and potters. If you’re visiting in August, the Balaklava Cup is a highlight of the regional racing calendar.
Once a World War II air force base, Mallala is now a destination for motorsport enthusiasts, hosting national and international events at its renowned racetrack.
Kapunda is a year‑round destination, but each season offers something special:
Kapunda is an easy 80‑minute drive north of Adelaide via the Northern Expressway. The journey winds through rolling farmland and historic townships, making it a scenic introduction to the region.
Auburn
Auburn and surrounds
Balaklava
Blyth
Burra
Clare Valley
Eudunda
Hamley Bridge
Lochiel
Mallala
Mintaro
Penwortham
Riverton
Saddleworth
Sevenhill
Sevenhill and surrounds
Snowtown
Tarlee
Terowie
The Clare Valley Wine Region
Watervale
