🔍

Burra

SA 5417 • Rest of SA

1,112
Population (2021)
$28,028
Median Income
440.79 km²
Area
$180/wk
Median Rent
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About Burra

Burra is a historic rural town in South Australia's Mid North region, located approximately 156 kilometres north of Adelaide within the Goyder District Council. Spanning a vast 440 square kilometres at an elevation of 466 metres on the southern edge of the Flinders Ranges foothills, Burra has a population of 1,112 with a notably older demographic — a median age of 54 and a median household income of $866 per week reflect its retiree and long-term rural resident character. The town's predominantly Anglo-Celtic ancestry, with significant English, Australian, Scottish, and Irish heritage, is deeply rooted in its nineteenth-century settlement history.

Burra is celebrated for its extraordinary copper mining heritage — in the 1840s and 1850s it was one of the most significant copper producers in the British Empire, and the legacy is preserved through the Burra Heritage Mines and Burra Museum, which attract visitors from across Australia. The town's distinctive bluestone and slate architecture, including the Redruth Gaol and Morphett's Enginehouse, lends it a character found nowhere else in South Australia. Residents enjoy a quiet country lifestyle with local schools, shops, and community services, while the scenic Clare Valley wine region lies to the south-west and the open outback landscape stretches to the north.

Burra falls under postcode 5417 and is governed by Goyder Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Stuart electorate.

📍 Location

State
South Australia
Postcode
5417
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Goyder
Federal Electorate
Grey
State Electorate
Stuart
Type
Rural
Timezone
Adelaide (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-33.68°, 138.94°
Statistical Area
Rest of SA
Area
440.79 km²
Elevation
466m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Yorke Peninsula Coaches / regional coach services — Adelaide CBD Approx. 2 hrs 30 min

Commute to Adelaide CBD

Distance
156 km
By Train
No direct train service; regional coach available
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 45 min – 2 hrs 15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 40 min – 2 hrs

🛣️ Main route via Main North Road / A32; car is the primary mode of transport

Walkability Car-Dependent

The town centre has some walkable amenities, but a car is needed for most services and travel outside town

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$180
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$953
Avg Household Size
2 people
Median Age
54 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
3.1%

7 state housing + 8 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,103
Census 2021
1,112
▲ 0.8% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$25,584
Income 2021
$28,028
▲ 9.6% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 878
Born Overseas 125

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 59
  • 2. Philippines 11
  • 3. Germany 10
  • 4. Netherlands 8
  • 5. New Zealand 8
  • 6. Indonesia 5
  • 7. India 4
  • 8. Scotland 4
  • 9. Sri Lanka 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 491
Australian 451
Scottish 116
Irish 108
German 104
Australian Aboriginal 21
Dutch 18
Welsh 11
Polish 10
Italian 9

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

766
Both parents born in Australia
165
Both parents born overseas
78
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
45.3%
Christianity
41.0%
Buddhism
0.9%
Hinduism
0.4%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
45 (4.0%)
5-14 years
132 (11.9%)
15-19 years
63 (5.7%)
20-24 years
31 (2.8%)
25-34 years
84 (7.6%)
35-44 years
99 (8.9%)
45-54 years
120 (10.8%)
55-64 years
197 (17.7%)
65-74 years
217 (19.5%)
75-84 years
108 (9.7%)
85+ years
32 (2.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Burra known for? +

Burra is renowned for its remarkable copper mining heritage from the 1840s and 1850s, when it was one of the most productive copper mines in the British Empire. The Burra Heritage Mines, Burra Museum, and the town's distinctive bluestone architecture make it one of South Australia's most significant historic towns.

How far is Burra from Adelaide CBD? +

Burra is approximately 156 kilometres north of the Adelaide CBD, typically a 1 hour 45 minute to 2 hour 15 minute drive via Main North Road.

Does Burra have public transport? +

Burra has no rail service. Regional coach services operate between Burra and Adelaide, taking approximately 2.5 hours. A car is the most practical way to get to and around Burra.

What is the population of Burra? +

According to the 2021 Census, Burra has a population of 1,112 residents. The town's population has remained relatively stable, with a predominantly older demographic (median age 54) reflecting its character as a retiree and long-term rural community.

Is Burra a good place to live? +

Burra offers a quiet, affordable country lifestyle rich in history, appealing to retirees, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a slower pace of life. Housing costs are low relative to the state average, and the town provides essential services and a strong community spirit, though residents must travel to larger centres for specialist services and major shopping.

What is the postcode for Burra? +

The postcode for Burra, South Australia is 5417.