Kapunda

• Summary
• Weather for Kapunda

Kapunda is where Australia's copper industry truly began. In 1838, a sheep farmer named Dutton stumbled over some moss-coloured stones. He sent the stones to be assayed in the United Kingdom and it was of course copper-ore - moreover, the highest grade ore found anywhere in the world to this day.

Dutton and his partner Bagot bought the land around Kapunda, announced their discovery and built Australia's first mining town. The million pounds-worth of copper proved a huge bonus for the South Australian colony in times of economic hardship.

The Kapunda Visitor Information Centre is a wonderful place to start your visit; downstairs from the information desk is a thoughtful and ingenious display of the town and surrounding area. Be sure to pick up a brochure describing the Kapunda Heritage Trail. This 10km walk through yesteryear will lead you into the old mine area, past tunnels, open cuts, and miners cottages.

Admire the many buildings adorned with magnificent 'Kapunda lacework', and remember to look up at 'Map Kernow' on the southern edge of town; this eight metre high statue was constructed as a tribute to the miners of Kapunda.

Don't miss the fascinating two-storey folk museum - regarded as the finest in Australia - with its extensive agricultural and mining displays. Bagot's Fortune is an excellent interpretative display of the mining history with a working scale model of Kapunda's original Cornish Bull Pumping Engine. A motor pavilion features Kapunda's old fire engine and ambulance.

Kapunda was the home to Australia's 'Cattle King', Sir Sidney Kidman, for more than 40 years. He oversaw the establishment of enormous horse sales, which came to be regarded as the world's largest, and eventually donated the family home to the community to be used as a high school. Nearby Anlaby Station is a magnificent pastoral homestead, originally settled by the Dutton family.

The Wheatsheaf Pub at Allendale is a must do when visiting Kapunda. Other attractions include The Mine, and Map, The Miner Monument.