Port Augusta SA

Port Augusta SA

Port Augusta in SA was primarily a port. Lying at the top of the Spencer Gulf it was vital to all the properties in the Flinders Ranges and beyond. The port was the point where wheat and wool were loaded on clipper ships and transported around the world.

By the 1970s that had stopped and the town, exploiting its unique position, became the starting point for tourism for the Nullarbor Plain, the Flinders Ranges and all journeys north to Central Australia and the Northern Territory. 

If you head north from Port Augusta you won’t stop until you get to Darwin. The Stuart Highway heads north and 2,722 km later you will be driving into Darwin. Head west on the Eyre Highway and 2,390 km (after you have crossed the Nullarbor Plain) you will reach Perth. Head east, via Broken Hill, and 1,561 km later you’ll be in Sydney and, almost as an afterthought, you can head south and in a mere 310 km you’ll reach Adelaide.

Port Augusta really does sit at a crossroads and, by strange serendipity, the roads really do head to the primary points of the compass – north, south, east and west. Not surprisingly everyone who passes through Port Augusta needs to stop at the Wadlata Outback Centre. It provides valuable travel advice and is a wonderful introduction to the lives and history of the Aboriginal desert people who, for over 40,000 years, have lived in the lands that surround this strange city.

The City of Port Augusta SA

Commercial Rd, Port Augusta

Commercial Road is one of the main shopping areas and one of the oldest streets with several historic buildings and pubs. Watch out for signs with the route of the interpretive walk, photos and descriptions of the historic buildings. Stock up your supplies at supermarkets and specialty stores. Shopping in the city is definitely cheaper than in the Outback. 
The quiet waters of the Spencer Gulf are not far away from Port Augusta’s city centre. Enjoy a day at the foreshores. Swimming beaches are on both sides of the gulf. Swimming pontoons, jetties for fishing, walking trails, playgounds, and barbecue areas make the city foreshores beautiful recreational areas. 

Wadlata Outback Centre

The centre is an award winning tourist attraction, very much worth a visit. “Wadlata” is an Aboriginal word, which means to “teach or communicate”. And that’s what you get, an enthralling lesson in “The Outback’s Tunnel of Time”. 
Begin your virtual journey 15 million years ago when dinosaurs roamed the land. Discover the evolution of the Australian Outback and the Flinders Ranges. Listen to Aboriginal stories, follow Akurra, the rainbow serpent, back to the times when the land was created. Join the early explorers on their daring journeys to open up this unknown country.
Watch films, for example “Back of Beyond” about the Birdsville Track mailman Tom Kruse, enjoy the interactive displays, learn about the Australian Outback and the ancient continent Australia. 

The Wadlata Outback Centre is open 7 days a week (except Christmas Day) from 9am – 5.30pm during the week, and 10am – 4pm on weekends.
If you don’t have the time to spend a few hours experiencing the “Tunnel of Time” visit at least the main visitor information section and souvenir shop. You’ll get plenty of information and free brochures about the Australian Outback, and perhaps some unique souvenirs.

The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden

The 200 ha garden introduces visitors to the unique flora and fauna of Australia’s arid regions. The garden is a paradise for birdwatchers. Bring your camera, binoculars, and plenty of time.
Pick up a brochure at the visitors centre (open 9.00am to 5pm Mon – Fri and 10am to 4pm on weekends) and explore the garden on your own. Guided tours (for a fee) are available at 10 am on weekdays. Otherwise, it is free to explore the The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden. The garden is open from 7:30 am until sunset.

From the Arid Lands Garden, take a short walk to Redcliff lookout, also known as Matthew Flinders lookout. The views over the northern end of the gulf towards the Flinders Ranges are stunning, especially at sunset. 

 Pichi Richi Railway

This is a historic train journey from Port Augusta to Quorn, a must do for railway enthusiasts. A steam train follows a part of the famous Old Ghan Railway line through the Pichi Richi Pass to Quorn. See beautiful scenery on the legendary Afghan Express.