Burra has an interesting history which can be explored in this unique way. With heritage listed sites scatted in and around the town, offering a 'passport key' to go and explore the sites works well. Being able to go in and enter the buildings, such as the Redruth Gaol and read about it's history in detail at your own time was fantastic. We had our key over one night, so we were checking out some of the sites at sunset. It provided a different sort of atmosphere, being the only two people crossing the yard of the old gaol as night time was coming quickly.You are also provided a map to explore the areas which you do not require a key - the most impressive being the open cut mine pit, which looks spectacular; as well as the Old Burra Railway station that is currently being renovated.
I had no expectations when I arrived in Burra. The lady at the information centre in Morgan recommended it so I came here. I arrived late on Saturday afternoon and bought a pass for the historic tour. The ladies at the visitor centre were friendly and accepted my Qld university student ID as sufficient for a concession pass (they actually encourated me to find some way to get a concession, which was kind). On Sunday I started walking the historic tour (I am cycle touring so don't have a car and didn't feel like cycling). It is a long walk and after 5 hours I arrived back at camp without having even seen half the sights - so definitely consider driving or cycling this one. Fortunately, you can keep the key for as long as you stay in town so I could go out for a couple more hours on Monday and see the rest of the sights. So it's definitely value for money.The museums are fantastic and the guide knew his stuff. The only thing is that it can be challenging to time the museums correctly for their opening hours because the tour guide book is coordinated by the visitor centre and the museums by the historic society. That's the minor issue I had. The key entry locations were fantastic, with some exciting surprises to be had (like walking through the brewery cellars and seeing a cottage fully set up like it would have been in the 1850s). I am not really a history buff by any stretch of the imagination but I was enthralled both days. But the best place in town is the Town Hall. You don't need a pass and entry is free. Go upstairs behind the stage to try on the costumes in the old theatre dressing rooms. It's allowed and you can also ask the caretakers to take photos of you in the costumes.
Definitely worth stopping off in Burra and taking the Burra Passport Tour. So many wonderful attractions and beautiful old buildings and homes to see. So much history. Well worth the money and so glad we were told about. The visitors centre staff who we encountered at the weekend were lovely and most helpful and informative. Well worth it.
Fascinating history driving in and around the township of Burra. Great way to spend a day. Crawling through tight tunnels, underground brewery cellars and old dugout cave homes are just so good to see and experience.
This is a fantastic way to spend a day... even more if you want. They told us it would take around 3-4 hours, we took 7 and then some, the places were so interesting, we took our time and because everything was so close we were able to pop back to the motorcamp for lunch. We will definately go back and take family and friends from overseas. Anyone from South Australia who hasn't been there and done this should. It is an amazing place of history. Great people at the information centre, very helpful. fantastic value for money.
This is a wonderful self-drive tour around a fantastic heritage landscape - the copper mine, the various villages that now link together as parts of Burra - many of which have been beautifully retored/preserved by the National Trust. You must get a key from the Information Centre to gain entry to some of the more special sites, but all can be seen from the outside if you don't. The history of Burra and the protection of its heritage sites is extremely important for the development of heritage protection legislation in Australia and New Zealand. A highly recommended tour!
Had a but one get one free deal so the cost in my case was value worth while. As stated in other reviews there was a person at some sites who gave a comprehensive story of the history of the area and answered questions. A wide range of things to see and read about. Included with the key was a tour guide showing locations and history etc of each attraction. Well worth a visit.
Self tour of over 50 places to visit...Just pop into the visitors centre @2 market sq opposite the Burra Hotel ..$25 each gives you a key to access many historic sites.ie Redruth Gail were Breaker Morant was filmed..to miners dug outs ..Well worth the money
Our second visit after several years and there's still more to see. Congratulations to the National Trust and the Burra (historical ) community for providing this window into a significant part of the history of a country that still has a love affair with mining. The passport and key is a great concept to allow self paced exploration. We started at Morphett's Engine House and enjoyed the benefit of good overall introduction from the attendant there which helped us choose which of the other independant keyed sites we would squeeze in, before we finished off with more local stories ( and old fashioned lollies) from the " shopkeeper" at the Market Square Museum. The renovated Railway Station is well done and will be enhanced further when its BnB section is open.
If you are near Burra or traveling around sight seeing this tour is one of those unexpected gems. I made burra a stop over at the last minute thing and ended up staying for next day. So much history and the tour is a must! Lots of good food, wine, sight seeing, coffee shops,restaurant, and the motel is great. On the tour you get that look back in time, and see great sites around burra and the mines, with a detailed history from your guide. If this is what your trip is about ! Don't miss out.