Kapunda
Town
Population 2479
Kapunda is between two wine districts – the Barossa Valley and the Clare Valley – but its history is very different. Copper was discovered here by Francis Dutton, a sheep farmer, in 1842. It was to be the highest-grade copper ore found in the world. Settlement followed, and Kapunda came into existence as Australia's first coppermining town. When the mines closed in 1878, Australia's 'cattle king' Sir Sidney Kidman moved in, eventually controlling 26 million hectares of land across Australia.
Visitor Information
Cnr Hill and Main sts; (08) 8566 2902
Nearby national parks
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Belair National Park
Set aside in 1891, Belair National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the world and the first in South Australia. Treasured for its...more -
Onkaparinga River National Park
The rugged Onkaparinga River National Park features South Australia’s second longest river as it slices through a steep valley and...more -
Coorong National Park
Coorong National Park is a long, narrow ribbon of saline wetlands, saltpans, coastal dunes and wild ocean beaches stretching for 150...more
Nearby towns
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Nuriootpa
The long history of winemaking in this Barossa town is apparent when travelling down the main street. Old vines that glow red in autumn...more -
Tanunda
Tanunda is at the heart of the Barossa and surrounded by vineyards. The modern-day township grew out of the village of Langmeil, which was...more -
Angaston
Angaston takes its name from George Fife Angas who purchased the original plot of land on which the town now stands. He was a prominent...more
In Town
Kapunda Museum: excellent folk museum with a short Kapunda history film and displays of old agricultural machinery, an original fire engine and other vehicles in the pavilion. Detailed mining history is in Bagot's Fortune interpretive centre; open 1–4pm daily; Hill St; (08) 8566 2286. Community Gallery: significant regional gallery with local and touring art exhibitions; cnr Main and Hill sts. 'Map Kernow': 8 m bronze statue commemorating early miners, many of whom migrated from Cornwall in England; end of Main St at southern entrance of town. High school's main building: former residence of Sir Sidney Kidman; West Tce. Gundry's Hill Lookout: views over township and surrounding countryside; West Tce. Heritage trail: 10 km self-guide tour through town and historic Kapunda Copper Mine; Discovering Historic Kapunda brochure available at visitor centre.
Nearby
Pines Reserve: nature and wildlife reserve; 6 km NW on road to Tarlee. Anlaby Station: historic Dutton Homestead and gardens, once a setting for large prestigious parties. Also a coach collection and historic station buildings; open 10am–4pm Wed–Sun; Anlaby Rd; 16 km NE. Tarlee: historic local-stone buildings; 16 km NW. Riverton: a historic town in the Gilbert Valley, once a stopover point for copper-hauling bullock teams. Many historic buildings remain, including the heritage-listed railway station and Scholz Park Museum, which incorporates a cottage, blacksmith and wheelwright shop; open 1–4pm weekends; 30 km NW. Scenic drive: 28 km drive north-east through sheep, wheat and dairy country to Eudunda.
Fishing spots near town
Ardrossan 92 km
Located on the east side of the Yorke Peninsula, Ardrossan is bountiful water just 150 km west of Adelaide, so is a popular weekend fishing destination. Looking out on the long pier at Ardrossan, it’s striking how... Find out morePort Broughton 124 km
Port Broughton is a favourite destination for anglers wanting to fish from charter boats. The boat ramp in the sheltered harbour is next to a small pier complex and is popular for small fish including salmon, Tommy ruff,... Find out moreWallaroo 128 km
The small SA seaport of Wallaroo, north of Moonta, offers an excellent base for anglers wanting to catch big snapper, King George whiting, Australian salmon and yellowtail kingfish. Many of the reef systems are close to... Find out morePoint Lowly 181 km
The Point Lowly lighthouse marks the southern extremity of Fitzgerald Bay. Near the lighthouse is a small community of shacks. These lighthouse cottages are cared for by the Uniting Church, and are available for hire. It... Find out moreFitzgerald Bay 189 km
Snapper fishing has a language all of its own. In Queensland and NSW, anglers talk about small snapper as ‘squire’. In Victoria, small snapper are ‘pinkies’; in SA, they are known as... Find out moreWhyalla 189 km
Whyalla is snapper central for anglers. Every Easter the Australian Snapper Championships are based here and the top ten snapper weighed in are always over 10 kg. As you would expect with a destination where fishing is... Find out moreMarion Bay 203 km
Situated at the bottom of the Yorke Peninsula, Marion Bay is angler central and offers access to spectacular offshore and beach fishing. Southern beaches from Marion Bay east to Troubridge, such as Butlers, provide top... Find out moreWest Coast 214 km
Head to Innes National Park, at the southern end of Yorke Peninsula, to find two noteworthy places for anglers. The first is Pandalowie Bay where boats can be launched and, north of this, Browns Beach. The latter is well... Find out moreWedge Island 243 km
Wedge Island is one of a number of small islands making up the Gambier Group, about 19 nautical miles west of the southern toe of the Yorke Peninsula. Viewed from the sea it is easy to see how the island got its name... Find out moreEco-friendly activities around town
Wine-tasting - Nuriootpa and Angaston 16 km
Elderton Wines near Nuriootpa is a carbonneutral winery. Its cellar door is partially solar-powered and the vineyard is using biodynamic methods of production. Yalumba in Angaston has three organic wines and an... Find out moreCycling in the Barossa 21 km
In the Barossa, you can hire bikes from the visitor centre in Tanunda and take the paved 7-kilometre cycle path to Nuriootpa. For a guided, multi-day supported bike tour, sampling the best of the region’s cuisine... Find out moreAdelaide Zoo 70 km
With its catchphrase ‘We exist to save animals from extinction’, this is another of Australia’s excellent zoos. The sea-lion display and walkthrough rainforest aviary are particularly recommended.... Find out moreAboriginal gallery, Adelaide 71 km
The Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery at the South Australian Museum holds the largest collection of Aboriginal artefacts in the world. Some 3000 are on display at any one time.... Find out moreMorialta Conservation Park 72 km
One of the most stunning parks in the region and located only 10 kilometres north-east of Adelaide, this has waterfalls and deep gorges, woodlands, koalas, echidnas and southern brown bandicoots. The pick of the walks is... Find out moreSwimming with dolphins off Glenelg 80 km
Since 2002, the eco-accredited Temptation Sailing has offered a ‘swim with the dolphins sail’ on a 17-metre catamaran out of Glenelg, in which the bottlenose and common dolphins reputedly come to the vessel... Find out moreBirdwatching around the Fleurieu Peninsula 130 km
Abutting the Coorong, and with wetlands, beaches and a wide variety of terrain, the Fleurieu Peninsula is a top spot for birdwatching. There is a hide off Barrage Road at Goolwa, and the Goolwa Effluent Ponds can have... Find out moreBanrock Station, Kingston-on-Murray 132 km
A world leader in sustainable wine-making and tourism, Banrock Station Wine and Wetland Centre should be high on any ecotourist’s South Australian wish list. Sample the inexpensive wines at the centre, which is 40... Find out moreWhale-watching on the Fleurieu Peninsula 134 km
Between May and October, southern right whales often cruise right next to the shore of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Popular viewing spots include Port Elliot, Goolwa, Middleton and Victor Harbor, but your best starting point... Find out moreSwimming along the Fleurieu Peninsula 137 km
There are plenty of great swimming beaches along the peninsula. Victor Harbor has a plethora to choose from – including Kent Reserve and Dump Beach – but there is also Horseshoe Bay at Port Elliot, and the... Find out moreGolf courses around town
The Grange Golf Club (East Course) 72 km
Vern Morcom was working on the final changes to The Grange’s West course redesign when the club announced plans for a second course. Morcom was asked to design it, on 150 acres of adjoining land, and the East... Find out moreThe Grange Golf Club (West Course) 72 km
Melbourne’s sandbelt wasn’t the only region in which golf course construction was booming during the 1920s. Various sites in Adelaide’s western suburbs – Kooyonga in 1922, Glenelg in 1926... Find out moreRoyal Adelaide Golf Club 72 km
In the city of churches, Royal Adelaide is the golfing equivalent of the Vatican. Every visiting golfer should make a pilgrimage to this Dr Alister MacKenzie-designed layout, one of Australia’s top 10 courses,... Find out moreKooyonga Golf Club 74 km
Kooyonga is a thinking player’s golf course. One of the game’s greatest strategists, Peter Thomson, gave an insight into what is required to play well at Kooyonga after winning the 1972 Australian Open... Find out moreGlenelg Golf Club 78 km
Glenelg is to Adelaide what Bondi is to Sydney – the city’s most popular beach suburb. The terminus for the City to Bay tram, a Glenelg icon, can be found where Jetty Rd meets the beach, where you will... Find out moreLinks Lady Bay Resort 136 km
‘A pleasurable golf course,’ Dr Alister MacKenzie once wrote, ‘is not necessarily one that appeals at first sight, but rather one that grows on a player like good music, good painting, or good... Find out moreCafes & restaurants around town
The Wheatsheaf Pub
This historic and revamped local pub just north of town is a lively destination. There’s art on the walls, Friday-night jam sessions, and plenty of tasty food and wine. The menu covers many options, from pizza and... Find out moreNearby eco-friendly places to eat
The Locavore 76 km
The Locavore (‘local eater’) at Stirling in the Adelaide Hills sticks to the ‘100-mile’ philosophy of sourcing food, which in its case includes the Barossa, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and the... Find out moreThe Organic Market and Cafe 76 km
This bustling cafe and organic produce outlet in Stirling was the national winner of the best organic retailer award. Something of an institution in the area, it has delicious antipasto platters and great coffee. About... Find out moreGoodlife 80 km
This innovative restaurant and takeaway not only makes carbon-neutral pizzas, but also places an emphasis on sourcing produce that is organic and local. Takeaway pizzas here even come tied up with string.... Find out moreNearby breweries
Knappstein Enterprise Brewery 63 km
History has turned full circle for the Clare Valley’s Enterprise Brewery, which ceased beer-making operations in 1916, but was revived for its original purpose in 2006. In between time, this gorgeous sandstone... Find out moreAdelaide Hills Craft Brewing 63 km
Located in the former Onkaparinga woollen mill complex at Lobethal in the Adelaide Hills, this brewery/bar is run by Alistair Turnbull and Phil Jones. The pair turned their backs on careers in banking to study brewing in... Find out moreCoopers Brewery 67 km
More than any other Australian brewery, Coopers has grown significant market share over the past two decades on the back of increased demand for alternative beer styles. It was established in 1862 by Yorkshireman Thomas... Find out moreBrewboys 68 km
One of the country’s newest craft beermaking enterprises, Brewboys is a partnership between Stephen Nelsen and Simon Sellick, who also operate the contract brewing company Fresh Cellars. At present they utilise a... Find out moreSouth Australian Brewing Company 71 km
Established in 1888, the South Australian Brewing Company became the state’s dominant beer-maker by steadily acquiring competitors like the Kent Town Brewery, West End Brewery and the Walkerville Co-operative... Find out moreThe Steam Exchange Company 130 km
South Australia seems to have more than its fair share of craft breweries in significant historical locations, and The Steam Exchange Brewery is no exception. It’s housed in a heritage-listed former railway goods... Find out moreCampsites around town
The Old School House Campground 39 km
This historic building is in the north of the reserve sleeps 8 and has tent spaces close by. You’ll find it 9 km east of Williamstown, from Springton Rd. Book ahead as access is via a gate.... Find out moreCentennial Drive camping area 40 km
This long creekside campsite next to Centennial Dr and stands of large radiata pines is on the Heysen Trail. A short – but steep – climb from here leads to Mt Crawford. The sites are 12 km east of... Find out moreAuburn Caravan Park 41 km
In Auburn, the historic gateway town to the Clare Valley at the start of the popular Reisling Trail, this small park is on Saddleworth Rd, next to the oval and recreation grounds. Follow the sign from the Mid North Rd.... Find out moreRocky Paddock camping area 42 km
A large open campground set among rocky outcrops on the edge of the forest plantation, this site is 1 km from the information centre off Tower Rd. Carry in your own water.... Find out moreFromms Farm Campground 43 km
This former dairy is now a generous-sized shelter for group camping, with tent spaces close by. Located on Mount Rd, 2 km from the information centre, you enter via a gate so you need to book.... Find out moreChalks camping area 45 km
This expansive and popular grassed site is set among river gums on Chalks Rd, close to the corner of Warren and Forreston roads, 4 km from the information centre. There’s a short walk from the parking area over... Find out moreCromer Shed camping area 47 km
This recent addition to the forest’s list of campsites features a large shelter shed among eucalypt woodland on the south-eastern edge of the forest. It’s off Cricks Mill Rd, 7 km west of Mt Pleasant.... Find out moreMount Crawford camping area (bush camping) 47 km
For self-sufficient walkers there are assorted bush camping options along the Heysen Trail, with walk-in access only. The information office can provide details.... Find out moreBurra Creek Gorge camping area 58 km
Mighty river red gums feature in this extensive reserve on Robertson Rd, 26 km south from Burra. After winter rains the creek environment is a lush habitat for birds and other wildlife. It’s a good spot for relaxed... Find out moreSwan Reach camping area (bush camping) 61 km
Sites for self-sufficient bush camping are signposted off Swan Reach–Sedan Rd, 10 km west of Swan Reach. Near here, on an unsealed road off the Swan Reach–Walker Flat Road, are spectacular views of the Murray... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Barossa Valley SA Tourist Park 16 km
This good quality Barossa Valley caravan park has a large number of sites, a choice of accommodation and a range of facilities including tennis courts. It is within walking distance of the town centre and close to... Find out moreTanunda Caravan and Tourist Park 22 km
Enjoy the Barossa Valley experience from this popular park; it is a great base for exploring the fabulous wine-producing region. Located 1.5 km from the town centre, with easy access, it offers patrons a good range of... Find out moreGawler Caravan Park 32 km
This is a good quality park close to the town centre and located on the banks of the Gawler River. It is a good base for exploring the nearby Barossa Valley and is easily accessible from the Sturt and Barrier highways.... Find out moreBIG4 Blanchetown Riverside Holiday Park 64 km
This well-maintained park is in a picturesque spot on the banks of the Murray River, just below the Blanchetown lock. It is a smaller, good quality park with a range of accommodation, about 500 metres from the town... Find out moreLevi Park Caravan Park 67 km
Levi Park is just 6 km from the city and a very good base for exploring central Adelaide. It has shady caravan sites and pleasant grassy tent sites, all located in a magnificent historic garden. The River Torrens flows... Find out moreDiscovery Holiday Parks - Adelaide Beachfront 70 km
With very good amenities and a wide range of facilities, this quality park is close to Port Adelaide, Football Park and the West Lakes shopping complex, as well as only 10 km from the city centre. It is one of... Find out moreBurra Caravan and Camping Park 73 km
This picturesque park is situated alongside a creek just two minutes walk from the centre of Burra, a historic mining town. The park has good basic facilities and plenty of large shady trees. It is an excellent base from... Find out moreBrown Hill Creek Tourist Park 77 km
This picturesque owner-operated park is set in the Adelaide foothills, 7 km south-east of the city. Its 120-acre bushland setting offers lots of shade and facilities include a tennis court. A minimum-stay period applies... Find out moreMarion Holiday Park 82 km
This tourist park in the southern suburbs is close to the enormous Marion shopping centre. It has very good amenities, shaded areas and good facilities including a recreation room and a tennis court. It makes a good base... Find out moreBrighton Caravan Park and Holiday Village 86 km
Just 17 km from Adelaide city, this tourist park enjoys absolute beach frontage and has a nice, relaxed feel. It is a popular family park and bookings are essential during busy holiday periods. A 2-night minimum-length... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Recently restored to a meticulous standard, this stately country house merges traditional decor with the latest luxuries. All the elements of high Victorian style are on display here, from impressive chandeliers and... Find out more
Eco-friendly places to stay around town
Clarion Hotel Soho 71 km
Completed at the end of 2008, this five-star boutique hotel was designed with many hidden environmental features, such as water-recycling systems, sustainable building materials and airflow and passive cooling to reduce... Find out moreRidgetop Retreats 154 km
Three funky, architecturally designed cabins sit in quiet seclusion in Deep Creek Conservation Park at the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula. They have solar hot water, composting toilets, two bedrooms, floor-to-ceiling... Find out moreCoorong Wilderness Lodge 177 km
Opened early in 2009, the five beautiful cabins here on a limestone cliff on Aboriginal lands have 180-degree views over the Coorong, with pelicans, ducks and other birds flying past at window height. The cabins have... Find out moreAntechamber Bay Ecocabins 178 km
This low-key, out-of-the-way spot in the east of the island is next to a beautiful and isolated beach. There are two fairly basic self-contained and solar-powered cabins with room for up to eight people each, half a... Find out moreNautilus Lodge 215 km
This solar-powered, four-bedroom house is surrounded by Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park and is situated right on the beach. It can sleep up to 12 people.... Find out moreEleanor River Homestead 226 km
This beautiful two-bedroom log cabin in the middle of the island is solar-powered, has rainwater and a sewage worm farm.... Find out moreRest areas around town
Moppa Road Rest Area 14 km
29 km NE of Gawler (L) or 3 km W of Nuriootpa (R) Small area just off the highway behind a few trees. GPS: S34 27.33 E138 58.26 ... Find out moreTarlee Park Area 15 km
Middle of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 16.471 E138 46.258... Find out moreTruro East Rest Area 22 km
1 km E of Truro (L) or 45 km W of Blanchetown (R) Small area just off the highway among a few large trees. Good shade. GPS: S34 24.30 E139 08.07... Find out moreRiverton South Rest Area 24 km
South side of town Large area among trees. Good shade. GPS: S34 10.287 E138 44.769... Find out moreWinkler Park Area 30 km
2 km S of Saddleworth (L) or 7 km N of Riverton (R) Very small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S34 05.892 E138 46.465... Find out moreHanson Rest Area 34 km
13 km S of Burra (L) or 28 km N of Manoora (R) Large area among numerous large pine trees. Good shade. GPS: S33 45.158 E138 50.405 ... Find out moreAnnadale Rest Area 48 km
29 km E of Truro (L) or 17 km W of Blanchetown (R) Large area just off the highway among numerous trees. Limited shade. GPS: S34 23.22 E139 25.55... Find out moreDublin Park Area 53 km
On the service road Parking area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 27.119 E138 21.109 ... Find out moreBurra Creek Gorge Camp Area 57 km
T/O 16 km SE of Burra (R) or 69 km NW of Morgan (L) Large secluded campground located 11 kilometres south-east of the highway in a natural bush setting on the banks of the creek. Good facilities and shade. GPS:... Find out morePort Wakefield South Rest Area No.2 62 km
22 km N of Dublin (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S34 17.396 E138 14.543... Find out morePort Wakefield South Rest Area No.1 65 km
12 km S of Port Wakefield (L) southbound only Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S34 15.327 E138 13.381... Find out moreBurra East Rest Area 66 km
21 km SE of Burra (L) or 64 km NW of Morgan (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S33 45.801 E139 07.059... Find out moreLake Lochiel Rest Area 84 km
82 km S of Warnertown (L) or 33 km N of Port Wakefield (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S33 54.807 E138 09.791 ... Find out moreMount Bryan Rest Area 87 km
Middle of town Town park opposite the hotel. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S33 33.007 E138 53.532... Find out moreSnowtown North Rest Area 92 km
62 km S of Warnertown (L) or 53 km N of Port Wakefield (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good shade. GPS: S33 44.870 E138 12.577 ... Find out moreAngus Rest Area 95 km
24 km E of Morgan (R) or 64 km W of Sturt Hwy (L) Small area just off the highway around a few trees. GPS: S34 03.24 E139 53.31... Find out moreRosies Rest Area 95 km
25 km E of Morgan (L) or 65 km W of Sturt Hwy (R) Small area just off the highway around a few trees. GPS: S34 03.409 E139 53.588... Find out moreJackmans Lookout Rest Area 97 km
0.5 km E of Swanport Bridge (L) or 19 km W of Tailem Bend (R) Large area well off the highway at the lookout. GPS: S35 08.40 E139 18.58 ... Find out moreSpalding Park Area 97 km
Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S33 29.990 E138 36.435... Find out moreMonteith Rest Area 99 km
4 km E of Swanport Bridge (L) or 15 km NW of Tailem Bend (R) Large area around a few trees. GPS: S35 09.46 E139 20.37 ... Find out moreWaikerie Lookout Park Area 102 km
2 km E of Waikerie (L) or 46 km W of Barmera (R) Small area just off the highway. Good views over the river. GPS: S34 11.14 E140 00.43... Find out moreHolder Bend Camp Area 102 km
T/O 3 km E of Waikerie (L) or 45 W of Barmera (R) Large camping area on the banks of the river 2 kilometres north of the highway via Holder Top Road and Holder Bottom Road. GPS: S34 11.11 E140 00.43... Find out moreTailem Bend South Rest Area 117 km
6 km S of Tailem Bend (R) or 46 km N of Meningie (L) Small secluded area among the trees. Good shade. GPS: S35 18.15 E139 25.50... Find out moreGeorgetown Park Area 119 km
South side of town Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S33 21.634 E138 23.632... Find out moreAriverrun Rest Area 122 km
58 km E of Morgan (L) or 32 km W of Sturt Hwy (R) Large area around trees just off the highway. GPS: S34 09.026 E140 12.986... Find out moreBanrock Rest Area 127 km
28 km E of Waikerie (R) or 20 km W of Barmera (L) Large area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S34 11.36 E140 17.09... Find out moreGladstone Park Area 130 km
West side of town Parking area adjacent to the highway near the caravan park. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S33 16.119 E138 20.999... Find out moreMoorook Camp Area 134 km
T/O 36 km E of Waikerie (R) or 12 km W of Barmera (L) Grassed area located 6 km south of the highway by the river just off the road through town. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 17.18 E140 22.05... Find out moreCooba Camp Area 134 km
T/O 36 km E of Waikerie (R) or 12 km W of Barmera (L) Large campground located 5 kilometres south-east of the highway on the riverbank in Moorook Game Reserve. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S34 16.01 E140... Find out moreSherlock Rest Area 136 km
Middle of town Small area adjacent to the highway opposite the store. Limited shade. GPS: S35 19.118 E139 48.076... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Farm Fair: including fashion, craft and antiques; odd-numbered years, Apr/May.
Celtic Music Festival: Sept (can vary).
Kapunda Show: Nov.