Blinman - South Australia

Tiny copper town with a glorious past

---

The picturesque town of Blinman is the only survivor of numerous copper towns in the Flinders Ranges.

The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside. From whichever direction you come here, it is a magnificient drive.

Bushwalking, four-wheel-driving tours, exploring the old copper mine and historic buildings - there is much to do to keep you busy for a day, or two.

Scenic drives through Glass Gorge and to Parachilna via Parachilna Gorge are very worthwhile and a great experience.

Explore Blinman

Historic buildings and the old mine area are the main attractions in town, and most of them are lined along the wide main road.

The old schoolhouse (1883) was built of local sandstone. Today, the Wild Lime Cafe & Art Gallery invites you to take a rest from exploring the town's history. Delicious Devonshire teas, Espresso and dishes made from native bush ingredients are a specialty.

The gallery displays fine art, the work of the owners, and from other Australian artists.




The Memorial Hall (1896) was built from local sandstone, as well as the police station (1885).

Other historic buildings include the small library (1900), the post office (1876), a butcher's shop and of course a hotel.

The North Blinman Hotel (1869) is a brick building that was later rendered, and still had alot of its original features. The hotel still operates, of course. Hey there is no Australian town I can think of without a running hotel. :)
The hotel offers motel style accommodation and camping.

Spread across the town are still a few old miner's cottages built from pine.

Blinman-Cottage and the Captain's cottage offer accommodation, see more on the Flinders Ranges Travel Tips page.

You can visit the the mine area and old smelters west of the town. It's a rocky road uphill, that should be used with a 4 WD vehicle, but you can walk as well.

Like in most Australian Outback towns the cemetery is worth a visit. These old cemeteries tell stories of the hardship in the early days.

How to get there

All routes to Blinman can be called a scenic route. The Flinders Ranges offer beautiful scenery anywhere.

Coming from the south you have a sealed road all along the way from Hawker via Wilpena.

Access from the west is along the stunning Parachilna Gorge. In dry weather there are no problems with a conventional car.
Another option is a drive along Glass Gorge when you drive from / to Parachilna.

The same is valid for the Arkaroola to Wirrealpa road. These roads are in fairly good condition when the weather is dry.

To be on the safe side check out the road restriction report for South Australia Ph: 1300 361 033 before you go.

Have a safe trip and South Australia's highest town.

---