Crossroads of Australia
Port Augusta is known as the "Crossroads of Australia", where the major highways converge that lead to the Northern Territory and Western Australia. It is the major shopping and commerce centre for the area. The City is set on the quiet waterways at the head of the Spencer Gulf, in close proximity to the spectacular Flinders Ranges. Port Augusta has a low rainfall and enjoys mild winters with hot dry summers. Spring and Autumn are the best times of year.
The City of Port Augusta with its leafy parks, lawns and trees with picnic and BBQ facilities provides a welcome for visitors. There are a number of attractions and a range of accommodation to suite all budgets.
Visitors to the foreshore area will find a pleasant park connecting the old bridge region to the shopping precinct with a shared pedestrian/bikeway.
The Swimmers Memorial Gardens have been restored and are a pleasant spot to relax with a walk along the wharf area. The Water Tower Lookout, Matthew Flinders Lookout and McLellan Lookout present spectacular views.
Attractions include Wadlata Outback Centre with interpretive displays of early days in the Flinders Ranges and Outback, the Australian Arid Land Botanic Gardens. Port Augusta Cultural Centre - Yarta Purtli and Curdnatta Gallery showcase local art.
Pichi Richi Railway operates over the scenic route between Port Augusta and Quorn, the last section of the original Ghan.
Port Augusta is host to many on route visitors and is an ideal base for day trips to the Flinders Ranges.
For information visit Wadlata Outback Centre.
Send a Postcard from Port Augusta
History
It is the territory of the Nakuma Aboriginal people and the head of Spencer Gulf was an important meeting place as groups followed their trading routes from around the country.
In 1802 members of Captain Matthew Flinder’s ship the Investigator came ashore and hiked to Mount Brown while on route circumnavigating the coast of Australia.
A few years after settlement Port Augusta became the thriving port and centre for wheat, wool and copper. Later the railways and the Power Station became the major industries.
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