Discover Port Augusta

If you’re looking for a hotel in Port Augusta, it’s worth first considering the themes you’d like to shape your stay: arid habitats and birdlife, a historic tourist railway, art or Outback history. These attractions vary in the time they require and the experiences they offer. This can help you plan your trip and find suitable accommodation based on the activities that matter to you.

Arid habitats and walking trails

The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden showcases diverse arid-zone habitats across more than 250 hectares on the shores of the Upper Spencer Gulf. The garden is also home to more than 150 bird species. Nature watching is a focus here, alongside exploring the landscape.

There are four specially signposted walking trails. One is the Red Cliff Walk, which offers views of the Spencer Gulf and the Flinders Ranges. If you’re interested in landscapes and botany, you can combine a visit to the garden with a walk; the Red Cliff Walk’s lookouts offer a distinctive feature among the four trails.

Historic railway and planning your time

The Pichi Richi Railway is a historic tourist railway and an active railway museum. Trains depart from Port Augusta. One of the available journeys is the Afghan Express, a full-day return trip from Port Augusta station to Quorn. This makes the railway an option not only for railway enthusiasts, but also for planning a full day of your trip. Check the current timetable before travelling.

Art and Outback history

Yarta Purtli Art Gallery is in the centre of Port Augusta and is open Tuesday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm. Check opening hours before your trip. The gallery holds various art exhibitions each year featuring local, regional and state artists. It can also host workshops and events. If you’re travelling specifically for an event, check the relevant dates.

The Port Augusta Heritage Walk focuses on the city’s role in the development of South Australia’s Outback. The walk takes about two hours and follows a leisurely route. This is a considerable difference in duration from the full-day Afghan Express, so you can weigh up whether you’d prefer to include a longer railway excursion or a shorter walk in your stay.

At the Wadlata Outback Centre, visitors can learn about the people who first owned, explored and settled the region. The centre also features the award-winning Tunnel of Time, which takes visitors back to when dinosaurs first roamed this land. The focus is therefore on different historical perspectives: the history of the people in the region and an interpretation of its distant natural history.

Planning your visit

If you’d like to use this service, check the latest service information in advance, as operational details may change.

For the broader travel overview: Port Augusta City Council.