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Published: 20 May 2026.

Finniss Terrace in Burnside is named after Boyle Travers Finniss (1807–1893), the first Premier of South Australia. Finniss arrived at Kangaroo Island in 1836 and before entering politics, served as a surveyor with Colonel Light’s party, helping to map the early layout of Adelaide and its surrounding districts.

His connection to Burnside stems from his purchase of a sawmill on First Street in 1840. Powered by a water race and waterwheel, the mill began operating in 1842, with the race running near the present-day Catholic church. The site later developed into a three-storey flour mill, but it was not a commercial success due to the intermittent water supply affected by seasonal changes. Finniss lived on the property until 1858, and part of the mill is now on display at the City of Burnside Civic Centre.

Photograph: Boyle Travers Finnis, c 1882. State Library of South Australia B 11204.