Kapunda SA 5373 (Pop 2 400) 

Kapunda is a prosperous historic township located between the Clare and Barossa Valleys 75 km north of Adelaide. The town’s name derives from the Aboriginal ‘cappie oonda’ relating to a nearby spring. Kapunda’s long and interesting history begins with the discovery of copper in 1842 by an original settler, Francis Dutton. The copper was the highest grade in the world and continued to be successfully mined on and off until early into the 20^th century. Around 1870s, Australia’s ‘cattle king’ Sir Sidney Kidman began buying up huge tracts of land and upon his death (1935) owned over 60 million acres of land throughout Australia. Today Kapunda operates as an important rural service centre. Celtic Music Festival (Apr). Farm Fair (May – odd numbered years).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Map Kernow (Son of Cornwall), Main St 8 m bronze statue celebrating early miners (many of them from Cornwall). Kapunda Museum, Hill St interesting historical displays and artifacts. ‘Discovering Historic Kapunda’ booklet available including the Kapunda Heritage Trail. Open (1pm-4pm) daily. Gundry’s Hill Lookout, West Tce panoramic town and surrounding district views. Open Cut Mine & Lookout, Morton St fascinating walks around the mine and chimney with informative panels and photographs of early mining operations.

Nearby:
Pines Reserve (6 km n-w) bushwalks and wildlife. Anlaby Station (16 km n-e) historic Dutton homestead, gardens, station buildings etc. Open (10am-4pm) Wed-Sun. Riverton (30 km n-w) historic Gilbert Valley township with interesting museum and many heritage buildings. Open (1pm-4pm) weekends.

Accommodation:
Kapunda has half a dozen hotels, a couple of B&Bs, holiday cottages and a caravan park. Visitor Information Centre: Cnr Hill & Main Sts. Tel (08) 8566 2902.

Airport:
Adelaide Airport (ADL), 1 James Schofield Dr, Adelaide Airport. Tel (08) 8308 9211. (82 km s-w).

Hospital:
Kapunda Hospital, Nash St. Tel (08) 8566 2007.