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Kapunda

The name 'Kapunda' is believed to have derived from the phrase "Cappie Oonda" - an aboriginal expression for 'water jumping out' - which probably related to the fact that the town has a number of natural springs throughout its creeks, the River Light and land area.

Kapunda was the first commercial copper mining town in South Australia, soon after Charles Bagot discovered copper ore on the surface of grazing pastures in 1842. Commercial mining began in 1844 and continued until 1878 when world copper prices fell and rising water at the mine diggings became a problem. Revenue from Kapunda's high grade copper saved the South Australian colony from bankruptcy. When the railway was established in 1860, Kapunda became the rural centre for the Mid-North of the State and a one time was the largest populated town outside of Adelaide.

Kapunda recognizes a number of notable men linked to South Australia's history. Many became members of the State Parliament and were either born in Kapunda or lived here at some stage. Four of these men became Premiers of South Australia, whilst two were Premiers in Western Australia and another in Tasmania.

Sidney Kidman, came to Kapunda in 1870 at the tender age of thirteen and later became Australia's largest landowner and on an international scale was also considered to be the world's biggest landowner. His International horse sales at Kapunda were recognized as the largest in the world. His business interests were numerous, although he is often referred to as 'the cattle king' because of the many cattle stations he owned throughout Australia.   His business and philanthropic acumen later earned him a knighthood.

In 1857 Henry Binney Hawke established H.B. Hawke & Co Engineering, creating the first hydraulic car hoist; the Broadcast Seed Sewing Machine and the Weighbridge.   For 126 years, until the company closed in 1983, it was an integral part of the region's survival and success.

Amongst the several well-known pastoralists who lived in the area, the name Dutton stands out.   In 1839, Francis Dutton established 'Anlaby', a pastoral station and merino stud.  The Dutton family features strongly in the history of the region.

With a current population around 3000, Kapunda continues to develop rurally, culturally and residentially and retains a relaxed, friendly, country atmosphere.  Nestled between the Clare and Barossa Valleys Kapunda is ideally centrally located to see and explore the region.  Uniquely the Mawson, Heyson and Kidman Riding Trail  meet at Kapunda offering nature enthusiasts the opportunity to cycle, walk or ride the countryside.

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