Port Augusta is a major crossroad point in the State and is 76 kilometres from Whyalla and 320 kilometres from Adelaide. Matthew Flinders first came across the area in 1802, and very few others really bothered with it much (except for the explorer, E.J. Eyre, who visited a couple of times), until the late 1840s, when pastoral leases were taken up.

In 1852, the town was surveyed. Its harbour became an important port, dealing in wool, wheat and minerals from the east and north of the Flinders Ranges. Indeed, it was its potential as a port which had been the incentive for Thomas Elder (parliamentarian and wool merchant) to put pressure on the powers that be, to establish the town and port.

There was much enthusiasm with the opening up of the pastoral areas, however, come 1864, things took a turn for the worse. Drought struck and remained for three years.

It was directly as a result of this, that a Boiling Down Works was established, to process the bones, hides and fat of the destroyed livestock. Wheat growing then became a popular agricultural activity, with great hopes for its success. Again these hopes were dashed, as initial success turned sour, and it became apparent that the area to the north of Port Augusta was not suitable for such wheat growing.

At the end of the 1870s the railway arrived and by 1917 it had been extended to Perth across the Nullarbor. The arrival of the railways in Port Augusta brought a great deal of business to the port town. This coincided with the peak period the town experienced as a port, however, in the closing years of the nineteenth century things slowed down considerably. When the whole area of shipping declined, it was the railway which remained the town's lifeline.

Following the second World War, an electricity power house and some light industry were established in the town.

Historical Attractions

The town's Water Tower was built in 1882, with the idea of it being to ensure that Port Augusta had a reserve supply of water. Today it provides one of the best vantage points from which you can admire the views of the town, the Spencer Gulf and the Flinders Ranges.

Another interesting lookout point with a historical background is McLellan Lookout. Its historical significance relates to the fact that it was here that Flinders landed and today there is a cairn to mark this. The spot will guarantee you excellent views of the Spencer Gulf plus the Flinders and Bluff Ranges.

There are two heritage walks which will take you around some of the historic sites of the city and lasting one and two hours respectively. Amongst the many buildings of historic note within Port Augusta are the Uniting Church which was built in 1885, the Town Hall from 1887, the Institute Building which was constructed in 1875 and the Courthouse dating back to 1884.

Museums

The Homestead Park Pioneer Museum is where you will be treated to a viewing of the Yudnapinna Homestead, which has been carefully moved from its original site to this museum. It dates back to the middle of the last century and has been suitably decorated with furnishings of the last century. Apart from this there are amny other artefacts dating back in time, which will reveal something to you of the life of pioneers in the vicinity. Located on Elsie Street.

Other Attractions

The Wadlata Outback Centre is an interpretive centre covering a whole range of interesting subjects. These include quite hi - tech displays of Aboriginal culture, the early European explorers, modern technology and the development of both transport and communications networks. Located at the corner of of Flinders Terrace and Marryatt Street. It is open Monday to Friday from 9 am until 5.30 pm, and on the weekend from 10 am until 4pm.

Everyone knows the importance of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, providing medical services for those who live in remote outback locations. Port Augusta is home to one of the fourteen national bases, and a visit here will inform you of many of the aspects of running the service, allowing you to experience at first hand how it operates. The base is located at 4 Vincent Street.

Living in the outback can not only make medical treatment somewhat difficult. It also has implications for the education of children. An absolutely vital service which helps to overcome this problem is the School of Air which first began in 1951. There is an audio - visual display which will inform you about the service and you can also watch some of the teachers in action as they are in radio contact with children. Located in Power Crescent.

It is possible to go on a tour of the Australian National Workshops, which play a vital role in the repair and overhauling of locomotive equipment amongst other things. You will see welding, painting, car building and electrical work going on around you as you are taken on the tour.

During the week you can take a tour of the ESTA Northern Power Station, which is where up to 40% South Australia's power is produced. Approximately 5 kilometres east of Port Augusta.

In April Port Augusta plays host to a two day country music festival, which includes a talent quest. The Port Augusta Cup Carnival is another annual event, held in June. This is a week long festivity which includes not only racing, but a mardi gras and all kinds of other entertainment.

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