The township of Auburn was established in 1849 and was first known as Tateham's Waterhole. It is commonly known as 'The Gateway to the Clare Valley' and is rich in history and heritage buildings.

As early as 1839, in South Australia's infancy as a colony, pioneers grazed sheep and cattle in the district.

At about the same time Auburn was being developed, copper was discovered at Burra to the north east. The copper was transported by bullock drays along the Gulf Road from Burra through Auburn to Port Henry (later Port Wakefield). As Auburn was the half way mark, it became a popular resting place for the bullockies and their teams which watered in the nearby River Wakefield.

With up to 100 bullock drays a day in the early 1850's passing through the Auburn area, various services were quickly established and land sales drew many investors. However, the Gulf Road was abandoned as the copper teams were re-routed through Riverton to the new railway terminus at Gawler which was extended in 1857. Despite this, Auburn continued to flourish as an agricultural area. The town was an important commercial centre, particularly in the 1860's and 1870's, Auburn's great growth period. It boasted two breweries, a foundry, gasworks, flour mill and a shoe factory. Vines were planted north of Auburn in the early 1850's. Today the Clare Valley is one of Australia's premium wine regions.

The stonework of Joseph Meller is still to be seen in many fine colonial buildings. This renowned stonemason had a bluestone quarry near the Eyre Creek.  Other noted builders were William Threadgold, Robert Whitehead, James Scott and Joseph Jones.  Some of South Australia's finest stonework is to be found in the group of public and private buildings along Main North Road and St Vincent Street. Auburn is widely recognised as an historic town and many of its buildings are listed on the National Trust and State Heritage Registers.

When visiting Auburn, why not pick up a 'Walk with History at Auburn' Brochure from one of the Visitor Centres and enjoy exploring this historic treasure.