Destination guides > Australia > South Australia > Port Augusta
Port Augusta
If you’re travelling west or north from Adelaide, you’ll pass through Port Augusta. This industrial city lies at a crossroads between Adelaide, Alice Springs and Perth and is the last large town before the outback.
Port Augusta doesn’t have a lot to offer the traveller, apart from a convenient place to stock up on supplies before heading into the outback.
The town doesn’t have a very good reputation with Adelaide residents, however its attractions are surprisingly interesting and worth visiting if you have time to spare. In general the town’s sights reflect Port Augusta’s position as gateway to the outback and the Flinders Ranges.
Practical information
Port Augusta Tourist Information Centre
Wadlata Outback Centre, 41 Flinders Terrace, Port Augusta
Tel (08) 8641 0793 or 1800 633 060
Website www.flinders.outback.on.net
Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm
Coming & going
BUS & COACH
Premier Stateliner (tel (08) 8415 5555) and Greyhound (tel 1300 473 946) buses go to Adelaide. Premier Stateliner also go to Ceduna, Whyalla, Port Lincoln, Woomera and Roxby Downs and Greyhound heads north to Alice Springs. Buses stop at the coach terminal on McKay Street.
TRAIN
Port Augusta lies at the crossroads of two long-distance rail lines: the Ghan (Adelaide to Darwin) and the Indian Pacific (Sydney to Perth). The Pitchi Ritchi Railway has trains to Quorn in the foothills of the Flinders Ranges. The train station is on Stirling Road.
Hostel accommodation
There is no longer a hostel in Port Augusta. The closest hostel is in Quorn, just a one-hour drive to the north.
Sightseeing, museums & tourist attractions
Arid Lands Botanic Gardens
This unique park north of the town centre showcases a range of plant-life that thrives in desert conditions. The gardens also include a research centre and information centre.
Stuart Highway, Port Augusta
Tel (08) 8641 1049
Website www.australian-aridlands-botanic-garden.org
Admission free
Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm
School of the Air
Children living in remote outback areas learn through this correspondence school that is noted for running classes over the airwaves.
59 Power Crescent, Port Augusta
Tel (08) 8642 2077
Admission $2.50
Tours Mon-Fri 10am except school holidays
Wadlata Outback Centre
The Wadlata Outback Centre adjoins the visitor information centre and is an interesting attraction depicting outback culture with displays on early exploration, geology and Aboriginal culture.
41 Flinders Terrace, Port Augusta
Tel (08) 8642 4511
Website www.wadlata.sa.gov.au
Admission $9.95
Open Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm
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