Holiday Destination: Port Augusta

Port Augusta is the fifth most populous city in South Australia after Adelaide, Mount Gambier, Whyalla and Murray Bridge. It is a seaport and railway junction city located on the east coast of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia and is located at the head of the Spencer Gulf. Port Augusta is situated on the quiet waterways at the head of the Spencer Gulf, in close proximity to the spectacular Flinders Ranges. Off to the west and south west lie a range of hills which once marked the territory of the Nukunu Aboriginal tribe, and to the north-west are two remarkable flat topped mounts, peacefully lying underneath the sky's vast blue canopy. Other major industries include electricity generation. It is a natural harbour which was founded on 24 May 1852 by Alexander Elder and John Grainger who selected the location for the port. Mr. Grainger was a member of Government from Adelaide. The port was named after Augusta Sophia, Lady Young, the wife of the Governor of South Australia, Sir Henry Edward Fox Young.

Climate

Summer 32.0 °C (89.6 °F), Winter 8.1 °C (46.6 °F)

Tourist Season

May to September is best for tourism.

Accommodation

Hotels and Apartments.

General Information Of Port Augusta

• Land Area: 200 sq mi (322 km2)
• Population: 13 Thousand.
• Capital City: South Australia.
• Language: English.

Tourist Attraction in or Near by Port Augusta

Alan Mclellan Lookout

A stone cairn marks the spot where Captain Matthew Flinders stepped ashore on 10 March 1802. The cairn was built in 1967 and named after Alan McLellan, an early historian of Port Augusta. The lookout is situated in Whiting Parade at the end of Edinburgh Terrace, and provides a good view of the Spencer Gulf, the Northern and Thomas Playford Power Stations.

Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens

The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden is located on the Stuart Highway, 1.4 km north of the Eyre Highway in Port Augusta, South Australia. The garden was established in the 1980s and opened in September 1996. It is an initiative of the City of Port Augusta and corporate funding, and very limited state government support. The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden was designed by the landscape architect, Grant Henderson. It features Australian and overseas plants from arid environments within its 250 hectares. Some of the aims of the Botanic Garden are to bring attention to arid zone ecosystem conservation, draw attention to the economic significance of arid zone agriculture and create a better understanding of the arid zone environment amongst the general public. The garden has an interpretive centre, cafe, gift shop, walking tracks and an eremophila garden. The eremophila garden contains around 155 different varieties, one of the largest collections of its kind. In 1988, a herbarium and meeting room for groups meetings and conferences was opened.

Great Western Bridge

Great Western Bridge is the common name of the Great Western Bridge, a cast iron road and pedestrian bridge built in the 19th century to carry the Great Western Road at a high level across the River Kelvin. West End of the city of Glasgow, Scotland. The river lends its name to its surrounding area at several points along its course and so there are indeed several Kelvin Bridges, including one in Torrance. Great Western Bridge is also used to refer to the area in the neighbourhood of the bridge, encompassing parts of the districts of Woodside, Woodlands, Kelvinside and Hillhead. In the early 19th century, the Great Western Bridge provided a crossing point across the boundary of the city and into the neighbouring town of Hillhead, which was incorporated into the city later. Adjacent to the bridge is Great Western Bridge subway station on the Glasgow Subway one of the deepest on the circuit due to the proximity of the river on the south east side of the bridge.

Heritage Walk

Heritage Walk of Port Augusta and a Tourist Drive has been developed. Details of the walk and a map are included in the local Port Augusta Visitor Guide, available at information outlets. The Tourist Drive is also available as a separate publication. The beginning of the tourist walk is located at the Wadlata Outback Centre, by turning right off National Highway One into Flinders Terrace.

Old Number Four Bargem

On the eastern side of the old bridge are the remains of the Number Four Barge. It was brought from Port Pirie in 1944 to support workmen who were strengthening the bridge for the erection of the Morgan to Whyalla pipeline. The barge was said to be built in Morgan in the 1880's for carting goods along the Murray. In approximately 1910 Barges Number One and Number Four were purchased by the Adelaide Steam Tug Company to carry ore from Whyalla to the Port Pirie Smelters.

Wadlata Outback Centre

Visit the Wadlata Outback Centre a must see before starting your journey to the Flinders Ranges & Outback. Walk through its Tunnel of Time, the story of an ancient land, its people and treasures Down Under. Through the mouth of Max the giant Ripper Lizard, you’ll discover how the region evolved and highlights you shouldn't miss. Multi sensory displays will take you back to when dinosaurs roamed the land. Learn about the flora and wildlife. Walk a while with Aboriginal peoples. Experience the hardships of explorers and settlers. Discover the transport that opened up the Outback. Drive a dump truck or get caught up in Opal Fever. It really is a journey you will not forget, Wadlata Outback Centre is also the nationally accredited Port Augusta.

Water Tower Lookout

A water tower is an elevated structure supporting a watertank constructed at a height sufficient to pressurize a water supply system for the distribution of potable water. The Water Tower Lookout is surrounded by lovely gardens. This tower was built in 1882 to provide a pressure water supply for the residents of Port Augusta West. From the balcony at the top of this tower you can enjoy excellent views of the town, the Spencer Gulf, the Flinders Ranges and the outback. Many water towers were constructed during the Industrial Revolution some are now considered architectural landmarks and monuments, and may not be demolished. Some are converted to apartments or exclusive penthouses.

Port Augusta Aquatic and Outdoor Adventure Centre

Situated in the old Port Augusta Yacht Club building right on the water front, the Port Augusta Aquatic and Outdoor Centre has many activities for young and old alike. Water based activities you can try include kayaking, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, and snorkelling - are all taught by qualified instructors or just hire a kayak for a day. Land based activities such as rock climbing and abseiling, bushwalking, cycling, team games and orienteering are all available. Bikes are also available for hire. Charges vary depending on activity. We cater for school groups, youth groups or just a bunch of friends who want to have some fun.

Urramunja Art Centre

Urramunja Art Centre is a professional art gallery exhibiting authentic Aboriginal art from over 28 Aboriginal clan groups from outback South Australia and northern Flinders Ranges. The diversity of the artists produces a rich mix of traditional Aboriginal art and modern images. The coastal proximity, close to the Flinders Ranges, is reflected in the art through a range of diverse subject material and vibrant colours. The gallery contains a unique collection of traditional Aboriginal crafts from wood and egg carving to colourful jewellery and traditional medicine. Let the Aboriginal artists of the gallery take you on a cultural artistic tour and discover the fascinating world of the Dreamtime. When you leave you will take with you an understanding of art and culture that has survived for millenniums.

Accessibility

Bus Terminal in or Near by

Des's Cabs Whyalla

5 Oborn Street
Whyalla, SA, Australia

Best Western Alexander Motel

99 Playford Ave
Whyalla, SA, Australia

Stop V1 King William St - West side

Kings William Street
Adelaide, SA, Australia

Stop E1 King William St - East side

Kings Willia Street
East side
Adelaide, SA, Australia

Airports in or Near by

Port Augusta Airport: For international and domestic flights.

Parafield Airport: For international and domestic flights.

Railway Stations

Port Augusta Railway Station

Port Augusta, SA, Australia

Stirling North Railway Station

Stirling North, SA, Australia

Winninowie Railway Station

Winninowie, SA, Australia