Burra Railway Station Dining Car - Expression of Interest

Burra is one of South Australia’s most significant heritage tourism destinations. A beautifully preserved historic town, Burra’s mining heritage is recognised on the National Heritage List, and the Australian Cornish Mining Sites, Burra and Moonta, were added to Australia’s World Heritage Tentative List in 2024, supporting the community’s aspirations for future World Heritage recognition.

Burra is a renowned heritage tourism destination, attracting visitors from across South Australia and interstate to experience its remarkable history, historic buildings, local businesses and unique visitor experiences. A highlight is the much-loved Burra Heritage Passport, an iconic and long-running tourism experience that gives visitors access to some of Burra’s most significant heritage sites. Together, these attractions provide a strong foundation for continued tourism growth and new visitor experiences in Burra.

An opportunity now exists for a suitably qualified and experienced individual, business or organisation to express interest in the future management and operation of the dining experience at the historic Burra Railway.

The opportunity centres on Edie (ED22), a beautifully restored 1917 Commonwealth Railways Dining Car, featuring a modern commercial kitchen and intimate dining facilities. The carriage provides a unique setting with potential for dining, high teas, functions, private events and other visitor experiences.

The Burra Railway is an important heritage and community asset, restored and maintained through significant community effort and currently operated by a local volunteer group.

Edie provides a unique foundation for a hospitality and tourism offering, with:
• 24-seat dining capacity, with potential for alfresco dining on the railway platform.
• Modern kitchen facilities, including a five-burner gas stove, dishwasher, two refrigerators, storage and pantry facilities, plus period crockery, cutlery and additional kitchenware.
• An established market, currently hosting pre-booked functions, community groups, bus tours and seasonal events, with significant potential to expand the offering.
• A broader visitor experience, with the historic station building and B&B accommodation located within the Railway precinct and providing complementary opportunities for visitors.
• Strong community support, with the Friends of the Burra Railway volunteer group providing an opportunity for the successful operator to work alongside an established and passionate local group and leverage their knowledge, connections and support to build on the Railway’s success.• A unique heritage setting, with an expectation that any future operation respects and celebrates the significance of the Railway and its heritage.

Expressions of Interest are sought from applicants who can demonstrate the experience, capability and vision to build on the existing asset and develop a sustainable and appealing dining experience.

Relevant experience may include:
• Tourism and visitor experiences
• Hospitality, dining, events or functions
• Heritage or tourism asset management
• Business or commercial operations

What happens next?
The initial EOI is a simple online form seeking information about your:
• Relevant experience and capability
• Interest in the opportunity
• Proposed approach and broad vision for the dining experience

Following the initial EOI process, suitable applicants will be shortlisted and invited to participate in a second stage, which will include further information about the opportunity, a site visit and the opportunity to submit a detailed proposal.

Interested in the opportunity?

Please complete the online EOI form below - Applications close October 25, 2026

More information about the Burra Railway at www.burrastation.com