Burra is a country town in South Australia located 160km north of Adelaide, with a population of approximately 1,200 people. Founded in 1845, it was from then until 1877 the site of one of the world’s major copper mines, the income from which did much to save the young colony from financial disaster.

The Burra Hotel was originally built in 1847 as the single-storey Miners Arms Hotel. Located in the hub of the main road system in Kooringa, the hotel became a focus of after-work celebrations by the miners. Free ginger beer was supplied for miners who competed in regular wrestling matches in the hotel’s stable yards, and a whole bullock was often roasted. Many of these contests continued throughout the night and were known to last up to three days during Christmas holiday breaks.The hotel also provided refreshments and accommodation for coach travellers. One of its more famous visitors was the explorer John McDouall Stuart, who stayed overnight on 16 December 1862, as he returned from his successful crossing of Australia from south to north. In 1878, the same year as the railway extension from Burra to Hallett was opened, the hotel was badly damaged by fire. In 1880, after it was rebuilt, it became the Burra Hotel. A second storey was added in 1912, and the verandah in 1920.

Today Janine and Mark offer the best of country hospitality.