Cockburn - SA

Cockburn is a historic settlement on the border between South Australia and New South Wales, 48km west of Broken Hill.Cockburn sits on the traditional lands of the Wilyakali peoples. The dramatic rise of mining in Silverton and Broken Hill in the late 1800s led to the need to transport ore from New South Wales into South Australia for smelting and shipping at Port Pirie. The town of Cockburn was established on the border as a result of the NSW government’s refusal to allow South Australian locomotives to operate in the state. Cockburn quickly grew into a town of over 2000 people, with a busy railyard where locomotives and goods were transferred. Cockburn was also an important stop for passengers on the busy rail route between Peterborough and Broken Hill.Built in 1884, the Coburn Hotel - colloquially known as “the first and last pub in South Australia” - serves as a community hub for locals and travellers along the Barrier Highway. It offers food, bar services, accommodation, and also houses the post office.