Burraga: Mining History and Rural Driving Route

Burraga combines a rural setting with a rich mining history. Sheep and cattle farms, along with pine forests, shape the landscape; meanwhile, the surviving mining and smelting infrastructure, a war memorial and a historic church tell different stories about the town. A 168-kilometre scenic drive includes Burraga as part of a longer route. As you plan your trip, you can weigh up a tour exploring the history of copper mining against taking in the rural surroundings.

Traces of Copper Mining

At its peak, the Burraga copper mine was the second-largest copper supplier in the Central West. By 1900, it had produced more than £1,000,000 worth of copper. This scale gave mining a central role in the town’s history. Much of the surviving mining and smelting infrastructure is still intact. The old copper mine chimney is also one of the stops on the Burraga driving route.

The establishment of the mining town is also part of this history: in 1877, a significant mine and a private mining town were founded in the region. The town was initially named Thompsons Creek and later Burraga Village. Under Lloyd’s ownership, Burraga’s population grew to 500 in 1883; at the same time, 200 men were employed in mining. These details convey how closely the town’s development was linked to copper mining.

The Memorial and Church as Further Stops

Burraga War Memorial Park contains a stone obelisk with two marble plaques honouring those who fell in the First and Second World Wars. So, alongside its industrial history, a visit to Burraga also offers a remembrance of both world wars. The memorial and the mining remains highlight different aspects of the town’s history, without any single theme needing to explain the whole place.

Another stop on the driving route is St Dympna’s Church. The Catholic church was opened and consecrated in September 1941. For those interested in Burraga’s history, it offers a specific date from the town’s more recent past, alongside the older mining remains. The route also includes a visit to Burraga’s old trout hatchery.

Rural Surroundings and Scenic Drive

The scenic drive runs from Black Springs via Burraga, Abercrombie Caves and Trunkey Creek to Rockley and back. It is 168 kilometres long and suitable for two-wheel-drive vehicles. The route provides a way to experience Burraga as part of a longer drive, rather than limiting your trip plans to the town alone. Fuel is available in Burraga along this route.

Burraga Dam Reserve lies north of the village. It is a picnic, camping and fishing spot, adding a place to spend time in the surrounding area to the historical stops. Holiday accommodation in Burraga is a suitable search option if you want to make the town the focus of your travel plans.

For the broader travel overview: Oberon Council.