Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Hampton, an English-style private township, was named after Edward Hampton, an assayer at the Smelting Works.

Established to support the local mining community, the township once included 30 miners’ cottages and a Bible Christian Chapel. Stone quarried in Hampton was instrumental in constructing many of Burra’s historic buildings.

Walking through Hampton, the original layout of the village is still evident. Fences, walls, and ruins of stone residences provide a glimpse into the lives of the miners and their families. The area is home to remnants of fruit trees, almonds, olives, and pepper trees, planted by its early residents, now mingling with native gums. In the early morning, mist over the hills and the silence of the ruins contrast starkly with the bustling community that once lived here. The walking trail is an easy, well-marked route with interpretive signage at the entrance and along the way. Signs near the ruins identify previous residents, including the Watkins, Cullen, and Muller families.

The township, alive with activity in the late 1800s, was ultimately abandoned by 1960.

Entry to Hampton Town Ruins is included in the Burra Heritage Passport, available at the Burra and Goyder Visitor Information Centre, 2 Market Square, Burra.

The site is accessible with your Passport Key during daylight hours.