Images: Clare Valley Wine, Food & Tourism Centre
Hidden beneath the surface at Burra, lies a relic of South Australia’s rich brewing history, the remains of the Unicorn Brewery. Operating from 1873 to 1902, this once-thriving brewery supplied beer to a quarter of South Australia as far as Broken Hill. Now, this dark and extensive tunnel system is the ultimate spot for any curious explorer, brewery buff, or paranormal investigator.
Today, all that remains are the brewery’s underground cellars, boundary walls, the manager’s residence, and storeroom. The cellars and walls are recognised on the South Australian Heritage Register, preserving the 30-year story of a brewery that played a vital role in the region’s economy and culture.
Unicorn Brewery was established in 1873 by William Banks during uncertain times. Burra’s population was declining as mining activities dwindled, and the town already had a well-established brewery. Despite this, Banks and his backers placed their bets on the expansion of the Northern Railway and the agricultural growth in the surrounding areas.
The arrival of the railway in 1870 made it easier to transport barley, machinery, and beer, while the opening of new agricultural townships created a steady demand for the brewery’s products. Equipped with cutting-edge machinery and extensive cellars capable of holding 500 hogsheads, the Unicorn quickly became far superior to their rivals, and the sole brewery in Burra by 1875.
The closure of the Burra Burra Mine in 1877 could have spelt disaster for the brewery. However, the thriving Silverton and Broken Hill mines provided a new market, and from 1880 to 1902, thirsty miners in Broken Hill favoured Unicorn Ale.
After Banks died in 1878, an Adelaide company took over operations and the Lockyer family managed the brewery until its closure. But with the introduction of legislation to control individual breweries in 1902, requiring costly compliance measures, Unicorn Brewery was ultimately shut down.
In the years that followed, the brewery buildings and machinery remained unsold. Portions of the property were repurposed, with some stone used to construct a school residence and cottages. The 7 underground cellars, built of stone and brick were largely forgotten until their rediscovery in the 1970s.
Restoration efforts began in the late 1980s, and by 1989, the cellars were opened to the public. These cellars are a fascinating example of 19th-century brewing innovation, featuring arched stone vaults, earth floors, and a cold room supported by massive timber beams.


Today the Unicorn Brewery remains a staple for tourists and locals wanting to dig deeper into the history of the region. The cellars also served as a filming location for the Australian cult classic Wolf Creek 2. To bring the experience to life, an interactive guide featuring film star John Jarratt welcomes visitors to the cellars, sharing tales of the brewery’s past and behind-the-scenes insights into the movie’s production.
For those intrigued by the paranormal, the tunnels are also rumoured to be a place alight with activity.
You can now explore these 600 metres of underground cellars with the Burra Heritage Passport. This is available from the Burra and Goyder Visitor Information Centre at 2 Market Square. With your passport key, you can explore the cellars anytime during daylight hours.
The Unicorn Brewery cellars are a true testament to Burra’s industrial heritage, where visitors have a chance to step back in time and explore this unique underground labyrinth. What began as a risky venture has become an interesting piece of South Australia’s history, celebrated for its contribution to the region and its story of resilience and rediscovery.
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