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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 possibly related to the fact that numerous natural springs and soaks were dotted around the town with water literally bubbling from the ground in places and local creeks and the River Light receiving natural bursts from underground reserves.

Kapunda has a rich and interesting history.   It 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 and at one time Kapunda was the largest populated town outside of Adelaide.

Kapunda has been home to a number of notable men linked to South Australia's history. A few became members of the State Parliament. Four of them became Premiers of South Australia, whilst two were Premiers in Western Australia and another in Tasmania.

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 Hawke & Co., was an integral part of Kapunda's and the region's survival and success.

Sidney Kidman, arrived in Kapunda in 1870 at the tender age of thirteen with a one eyed horse and three bob in his pocket.  He went on to become Australia's largest landowner and at that time was also considered on an international scale, to be the world's biggest landowner. His horse sales at Kapunda were recognized as the largest in the world, attracting international buyers. 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.

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 and thrive but retains its relaxed, friendly, country atmosphere.  Nestled between the Clare and Barossa Valleys, two of Australia's premium wine growing districts, Kapunda is ideally centrally located as 'The GateWay' to see and explore it all. 

You'll find a vibrant arts culture in the region with opportunities to view works of resident artists, including Robert Hannaford, Jacqueline Coates and Roger Murcott.

Uniquely the Mawson, Heyson and the Kidman Riding Trail all converge at Kapunda offering nature enthusiasts the opportunity to cycle, walk or ride the countryside.

Kapunda is a destination you won't want to miss.

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