Port Augusta marked in red

Port Augusta SA 5700 (Pop 13 900)

Port Augusta is an important port and industrial city located 322 km n of Adelaide. It sits at a true crossroads for traffic heading north (Alice Springs and Darwin), west (Nullabor Plain and Eyre Peninsula), east (Broken Hill and NSW) and south (Adelaide). European settlement began 1840s and the town was named to honour the SA Governor’s wife. The area grew rapidly due to its strategic location, the Overland Telegraph Line and railway. Today power generation and tourism account for the city’s economic prosperity. Outback Surfboat Carnival (Feb/Mar) & Cup Carnival (June).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Wadlata Outback Centre, Flinders Tce explores the region’s historic and Aboriginal past with excellent displays and artifacts. School of the Air, Power Cres a fascinating look at Outback Australia education. Tel (08) 8642-2077.  Homestead Park Pioneer Museum, Elsie St features an excellent rural and railway museum as well as SA’s only genuine log cabin, Yudnapinna Homestead, 130 years old which has been relocated and restored. Royal Flying Doctor Service, Vincent St. Open 10am-3pm (weekdays). McLennan Lookout, Whiting Pde site of Matthew Flinders’ landing place (1802). Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden (2 km north) demonstrates the rich diversity of desert flora and excellent Flinders Ranges views. Water Tower Lookout, Mitchell Tce (1882) panoramic views across Spencer Gulf to the city centre. Gladstone Square, cnr Jervois & Marryatt Sts provides a landscaped look at historic Port Augusta featuring the courthouse, barracks and Presbyterian church.

Nearby:
Scenic region drive includes Pichi Richi Pass, historic Quorn and Warren Gorge. Spencer Gulf for all types of watersports.

Accommodation:
Port Augusta has 8 motels, 7 hotels and 4 caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: 41 Flinders Tce. Tel (08) 8641 0793.

Airport:
Port Augusta Airport (PUG), off Eyre Hwy. (5 km west).

Hospital:
Port Augusta Hospital, Hospital Rd. Tel (08) 8648 5500.