Port Augusta Australia

Gateway to the Flinders Ranges and the Australian Outback

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Port Augusta Australia is centrally located at the head of Spencer Gulf, 306 km north of Adelaide.
The city is also known as "cross roads of Australia" because of its strategic position at the junction of three major Australian highways, and two railway lines.

Whichever direction you go from here, the Australian Outback is never far away.

With a population of 15,250, Port Augusta is the fifth largest city in South Australia. This makes it the ideal place for travellers to explore the attractions of Port Augusta and the surrounding areas, the Flinders Ranges for example.

Relax a couple of days and stock up your supplies before you head to the loneliness of the Australian Outback.

Attractions of Port Augusta Australia

       City Centre - 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 describtions 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, 41 Flinders Terrace
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.
Entry fees adults $10.95 and children $6.95
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 souvernirs.

       The Arid Land Botanic Garden, Stuart Highway
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 Arid Lands Botanic Garden. The garden is open from 1:30 am until sunset.
Take a short walk to Redcliff lookout, and enjoy the beautiful views over the gulf towards the Flinders Ranges.

Tours and Activities in Port Augusta Australia

Local tour operators conduct a wide range of cruises and tours. Enjoy a sunset tour on Spencer Gulf, or discover the secrets of surrounding Outback regions.

Flinders & Outback Water Cruises - Tour operator Aaron Morgan takes you on a tour to the tip of Spencer Gulf. See the Redbank Cliffs, the old salt works, and the beautiful scenery of the Flinders Ranges.
A sunset cruise is available as well.

Flinders Ranges and Outback Day Tours operated by Aaron and Christine Morgan offer special 4 wheel drive tours to secret places travellers usually don't find.
Yorkey's Outback Crossing Tour and Eyre's Outback Depot Tour follow the foot steps of Edward John Eyre. These half day tours reveal a lot of history about the first Australian explorers.

Wallaby Tracks Adventure Tours runs tours throughout the Flinders Ranges and into the Australian Outback. Based in Quorn, they pick up travellers from Port Augusta for their tours.

Blue Emu Tours - this Port Augusta based company offers half and full day tours to the southern and central Flinders Ranges, as well as to the opal mining town Andamooka.

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

For more tour information and bookings contact the Visitor Information Centre: Wadlata Outback Centre, 41 Flinders Tce in Port Augusta.

Accommodation in Port Augusta Australia

Port Augusta has a wide variety of accommodation to offer for travellers. Please use the search box below to check out prices, availability and accommodation styles in Port Augusta.
For suggestions you can also see my Port Augusta Hotels page.




Enjoy your stay at Port Augusta Australia

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