If you are planning a holiday to South Australia, you might be wondering what the best things to do in Port Augusta are. Port Augusta, which is located on the east coast of Spencer Gulf, is a former railway town, now a road traffic junction. This city at the top of Spencer’s Gulf is located 322 km north of the state capital Adelaide. It is home to the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden and the Pichi Richi Railway. However, if you want to spend more time in the area, here are some of the top things to do in Port Augusta.
Port Augusta is not a scenic place whatsoever and to be blunt most people think its a bit of a shithole and is known throughout South Australia as Port a Gutter or The Gutter.
But if you are driving to, or from the Northern Territory or Western Australia chances are you’re going to go there.
Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden
If you are planning a trip to South Australia, then you should go to the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden. It is located in Port Augusta, South Australia and was established in 1996. Its facilities include an interpretive center, cafe, and shop. It also offers tours and a chance to learn about the local plants. If you plan to visit this garden, be sure to take the time to visit the local wildlife and the garden.
Located in Port Augusta, South Australia, the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden features many native and exotic plants. The site is surrounded by red sand dunes. The garden is known for focusing on plants that grow in the interior of the continent. The garden is designed to replicate the regional ecosystems of arid South Australia. There are also many flowering plants and trees found in the area.
Wadlata Outback Centre
Located in the heart of Port Augusta, the Wadlata Outback Centre in South Australia is an ideal destination for anyone interested in the Outback. The Outback Museum offers visitors unique exhibits about the history of the Outback. There’s a gift shop and a coffee shop. After exploring the museum, spend some time relaxing in the coffee shop. There’s no better way to end your day than with a coffee at the Wadlata Outback Centre in Port Augusta SA.
The Wadlata Outback Centre is a nationally accredited tourist attraction in Port Augusta, SA. There are plenty of activities and exhibitions for visitors to enjoy. The centre’s cafe features an outdoor area, while the self-guided tour of the 1300-square-metre facility includes 22 films and 30 interactive displays. Visitors can learn about the unique ecosystem of the Australian desert and its wildlife.
Water Tower Lookout
If you haven’t been to the Water Tower Lookout in Port Augusta yet, you’re in for a treat. This former water tower has steep flights of stairs that lead to a sweeping lookout point. Take a break from the climbing on the sand dunes for a refreshing drink and a snack before ascending the stairs. After a long day of exploring, you’ll be glad you did.
The Water Tower Lookout in Port Augusta SA offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding gulf. The tower was constructed in 1882 to supply water pressure for the town. Now it serves as a viewing platform, where visitors can take in sweeping vistas of the city, the Spencer Gulf, the Flinders Ranges, and the vast inland area. Those who visit the tower will enjoy the stunning views it affords.
The tower was originally used as a water supply tank, but the Lions Club built a viewing platform in the tower. This allowed them to make the structure more usable for more than just a scenic view. In addition, the tower is a landmark, a perfect place to take photos. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the historical plaque. The tower is well worth a visit.
Pichi Richi Railway
You can ride the Pichi Richi Railway in Port Augusta, South Australia to experience the history of the region. This railway has been in operation since 1973, and is the last piece of the “Old Ghan” railway still in operation. The Pichi Richi Railway features a steam-hauled train that uses timber-bodied carriages built in the late 1920s. The train journey to Quorn takes six hours round trip, and includes a two-hour stop at historic Quorn. The Quorn township is SA Tourism’s Tiny Tourism Town 2022 winner, so there are many reasons to visit.
The Pichi Richi Railway is run by a volunteer group. The society is an active museum, and has preserved a vast collection of historic locomotives and other trains. It has also restored a variety of historic vehicles to operational condition. You can take a train ride on the Pichi Richi Railway during school holidays and public holidays, but be aware that the ride is not for the faint-hearted. A good time for family fun is when the ghostly train reaches Port Augusta. The Pichi Richi Railway is operated seasonally, and you can buy a ticket at the railway station.
Matthew Flinders Red Cliff Lookout
When in Port Augusta, don’t miss a chance to see the stunning sunset views from the Matthew Flinders Red Cliff Lookout, part of the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden. You can also check out the local museum, which features art works, local history, and a tank. The lookout is a short walk from the Matthew Flinders Motel.
This historical viewpoint overlooking the Spencer Gulf was made famous by English explorer Matthew Flinders, who first explored the area in 1802. A century later, he followed in the footsteps of explorers like Charles Darwin, whose expedition from Port Augusta north to Lake Eyre included the famous inland sea. In 1846, J.A. Horrocks discovered a pass that led to the coastal plain, where the first pastoral leases were granted.
The 4.5-kilometre Red Cliff Circuit Walk offers fine views of the Spencer Gulf, as well as other nearby landscapes. The walk itself is scenic, passing a railway bridge and a bird hide. A cafe serves native food, and there are samples of the local fauna. A picnic lunch is the perfect way to end the day in Port Augusta. If you’re looking for something more active, try a kayak trip.
Curdnatta Artists’ Platform Gallery
The Curdnatta Artists’ Platform Gallery is located at the Port Augusta Railway Station. Curdnatta members have been in the art industry for over 50 years, and the group is now celebrating its 50th anniversary in style. The group has a gallery and work spaces in two separate locations, including the main gallery and an artists’ studio. The gallery is open to the public, and 25% of all sales go towards running costs.
The gallery is run by volunteer artists and features high-quality art from the region. The gallery features several group exhibitions throughout the year, and local artists also have the opportunity to hold their own solo exhibitions. Interested in becoming an artist? Contact the Curdnatta Artists’ Platform Gallery for information about upcoming exhibitions. You can visit the gallery during business hours or on weekends.
Port Augusta Cultural Centre – Yarta Purtli
Port Augusta Cultural Centre – Yarta Purtli is a community arts facility that encourages and supports the local arts community. The centre is located in the town of Port Augusta, South Australia. The centre is close to the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary and the Australian Arid Land Botanical Garden. The cultural centre is open to the public and offers a variety of free events.
The Port Augusta Cultural Centre is a wonderful place to visit for a variety of cultural events. The Cultural Centre is home to two gallery spaces, a large open space for outdoor events, and an Institute Theatre. It also houses the venue coordinator and arts officer. It also manages the Lea Memorial Theatre. Visitors often stay for the gallery and the Theatre. If they are in town for another purpose, they can explore the Port Augusta Golf Course.
RSL Military Museum
The RSL Military Museum in Port Augusta is an excellent way to learn more about South Australia’s history and military. The museum showcases a vast collection of military memorabilia. Whether you’re interested in a particular campaign or just curious about the history of the Port Augusta area, the museum is sure to have something for everyone. The Port Augusta Museum is located at 15-17 Fulham Road.
While in Port Augusta you can learn everything from Aboriginal creation stories to the development of local communities to life in the town today. The museum is well worth the small admission fee, and online bookings of tickets will get you a discount. Visiting the museum in person is another great option. If you’re traveling by road, you can check out the historical displays in the town’s downtown area.
If you’re looking for a more hands-on experience, the museum is a great place to start. Its gift shop has a small café that offers light meals and souvenirs. There are also several tours of the town, and you can even order a custom flight to fly over the outback. The RSL Military Museum in Port Augusta SA.
Best Places to Eat in Port Augusta
Here are some places in Port Augusta to get a meal.
- Standpipe Restaurant – This restaurant is located in the Wadlata Cultural Centre and offers a variety of modern Australian dishes made with local produce, as well as a selection of wines and beers. The restaurant has a stylish decor and offers great views of the Flinders Ranges.
- Redgum Restaurant – This restaurant is located in the Majestic Oasis Apartments and offers a variety of contemporary Australian dishes, as well as a selection of wines and beers. The restaurant has a modern and elegant atmosphere and is a great spot for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.
- Augusta’s Wok – This Chinese restaurant offers a variety of traditional Chinese dishes, as well as a selection of soups, noodles, and rice dishes. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and is a popular spot for a family dinner or a group meal.
- Roasted Cafe – This cafe serves a variety of breakfast and brunch dishes, as well as a selection of coffee, tea, and other beverages. The cafe has a cozy and relaxed atmosphere and is a popular spot for a morning or midday meal.
- Mick’s Bakery and Cafe – This bakery and cafe offers a variety of freshly baked bread, pastries, cakes, and other sweets, as well as a selection of coffee and tea. The cafe has a casual atmosphere and is a great spot for a quick snack or a coffee break.
- Tandoori Oven Indian Restaurant – This Indian restaurant offers a variety of traditional Indian dishes, as well as a selection of naan bread and other sides. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and is a popular spot for a family dinner or a group meal.
10 interesting facts about Port Augusta SA
- Port Augusta is located at the head of the Spencer Gulf in South Australia. It is a major transportation hub, serving as a crossroads for road and rail networks.
- The town was founded in 1852 and was named after Augusta Ada King, Countess of Lovelace, who was an English mathematician and writer known for her work on Charles Babbage’s proposed mechanical general-purpose computer.
- The Arid Lands Botanic Garden in Port Augusta is home to a diverse range of plants, including many species that are found nowhere else in the world. The garden is a popular tourist attraction and is a great place to learn about the unique flora of the region.
- The Flinders Ranges, a mountain range located to the north of Port Augusta, is home to a number of rare and threatened species, including the yellow-footed rock-wallaby, the Malleefowl, and the black-footed rock-wallaby.
- Port Augusta is known for its sunny climate, with an average of over 300 sunny days per year. This makes it a popular destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking.
- The Wadlata Outback Centre in Port Augusta is an interactive museum that tells the story of the region’s indigenous culture, European settlement, and the development of the Flinders Ranges.
- The Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society operates steam and diesel train rides through the Pichi Richi Pass, which is a scenic route that runs through the Flinders Ranges.
- The Old Telegraph Station in Port Augusta is a historic building that was once used to transmit telegrams between Adelaide and Darwin. It is now a museum that tells the story of the Overland Telegraph Line, which was built in the 1870s to connect Australia to the rest of the world by telegraph.
- The Port Augusta Power Station is a coal-fired power station that is located on the outskirts of the town. It is a major supplier of electricity to South Australia and is one of the largest power stations in the state.
- The Port Augusta Cultural Centre is a venue for performing arts, exhibitions, and community events. It is home to the Port Augusta City Library, which has a collection of over 20,000 books, DVDs, and other resources.
