Port Pirie SA
Port Pirie SA
Port Pirie is SA seventh-largest city after Adelaide, Mount Gambier, Victor Harbor, Whyalla, Murray Bridge and Port Lincoln. The city’s economy is driven by the huge silver, lead, gold, copper and zinc smelters which process the raw ore brought from Broken Hill. The substantial port services both the surrounding rural areas as well as the minerals. Although it is primarily an industrial city it does have a gracious and impressive main street and some spectacularly impressive and unusual buildings.
Port Pirie is set against a dramatic backdrop of the southern Flinders Ranges on the shores of Spencer Gulf. This historic seaport town is home to beautiful heritage buildings, fascinating industrial history and a blossoming cultural precinct. Port Pirie is the perfect spot to spend a night when travelling to the Flinders Ranges, Outback and Eyre Peninsula. Explore local museums, head down to the jetty to cast a line and stock up at the huge array of shops.
Location
Port Pirie is located on the eastern shore of Spencer Gulf 224 km north of Adelaide.
Pic credit: SATC/Port Pirie Regional Council
Origin of Name
When Samuel Germein found the creek upon which Port Pirie developed it became known as Samuel’s Creek. Then, in 1845, a schooner named John Pirie travelled up the creek, loaded a flock of sheep and transported them to Port Lincoln. This led the South Australian governor, Governor Robe, to name the settlement Port Pirie. John Pirie, after whom the town was named, was a director of the South Australian Company.
Port Pirie SA Today
Old colonial buildings, a lively main street, waterfront views and nature-rich surroundings offer a current and accurate description of this South Australian town.
Today, Port Pirie is the main city for people living in the Mid North area, north of Adelaide. A number of smaller towns in the area rely on Port Pirie for shopping and also employment. A handful of schools also mean that students visit daily from nearby towns.
For visitors however, there is also a great deal of interest. Port Pirie is home to a large Greek and also Italian population, which adds an interesting layer of culture to the mix. Meanwhile, a yearly country music festival brings the city to life each September.
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Port Pirie SA, Australia
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