Port MacDonnell SA 5291 (Pop 600)

Port MacDonnell is a quiet LimestoneCoast fishing township located 477 s-e of Adelaide. The Bungandidj Aborigines originally inhabited the area with Europeans arriving around 1850s and establishing what was to become SA’s second busiest port (1880s). Port MacDonnell was named after the SA Governor of the time and would have remained a major port had it not been bypassed by the railway. Today it is a popular holiday spot and home to Australia’s largest rock-lobster fishing fleet. Bayside Festival (Jan).

Tourist Attractions & Info:  
Public Buildings Complex, cnr Standish St & The Parade includes the courthouse, police station, customs house & telegraph station (1862-75). Port MacDonnell & District Maritime Museum, Meylin St excellent historic remnants, photographs and displays. Open (12.30pm-4.30pm) Mon/Wed/Sun.

Nearby:
Cape Northumberland Heritage & Nature Park (west) unusual rock formations, historic lighthouse remains and penguin colony. Dingley Dell (2 km west) historic cottage (1862) and former home of renowned Australian poet, Adam Lindsay Gordon (1864-7). Fully restored, each room has been recreated. Open (10am-4pm) daily. Germein Reserve (opposite Dingley Dell) named after first lighthouse keeper and features 8 km wetlands boardwalk. Ewens Ponds Conservation Park (7 km east) beautiful wetland habitat with excellent snorkeling and diving ponds and sinkholes. Mount Schank (10 km north) located within the Mount Schank State Heritage Area (150 ha) a cone-shaped dormant volcano consisting of two dry craters. A two and a half hour walk leads to the top. Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park (20 km east) vast reed swamp with underground springs providing some of Australia’s best diving caves (sinkholes). Excellent snorkeling but experience and permit required for divers. Tel (08) 8735 1177 (SA Parks & Wildlife Service).

Accommodation: Port MacDonnell has a motel, hotel, holiday apartments and a couple of caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: 7 Charles St. Tel (08) 8738 2576.

Airport:
Mount Gambier Airport (MGB), off Riddoch Hwy. Tel (08) 8725 1112. (44 km north).

Hospital:
Mount Gambier Hospital, Wehl St North. Tel (08) 8721 1200. (35 km north).