Flinders Ranges - Port Augusta - The crossroads of Australia

what-is-life (52)in #travel • 6 years ago (edited)

Port Augusta is in the Spencer Gulf, South Australia and is located 300km North of Adelaide. Formerly a seaport, it is now a major road traffic and railway junction city.

In 1852 Port Augusta was named by A.L. Elder after Augusta Sophia Marryat wife of Sir Henry Edward Fox Young, the first civilian Governor of South Australia.

Port Augusta is a central point in the lives of Aboriginal people, featuring in stories of inland groups. In the past it was the main trade route. The area had supplies of food and water. There were plenty of Kangaroos, water birds and water holes that would continue through into the flinders Ranges. "Curdnatta" was the Aboriginal name for the area, meaning "sandy place".

Playford B (coal powered) Power Station was located at about 5.5 kilometres (3.4 mi) south of the city centre of Port Augusta. It was commisioned in 1963 and was shut down in 2016.

Wharflands Esplanade

Port Augusta was once a thriving port. This ended in the 1970's, with the last ship being Japanese, carrying copper concentrates.

Gladstone square
Gladstone square was named after the Prime Minister of England in 1883.

The late Mayor Joy Baluch sculpture.
Mayor Joy Baluch AM was a dedicated and passionate Mayor of Port Augusta for nearly 30 years. She is now immortalised in a life sized bronze sculpture in Gladstone square.

The Rotunda
The Rotunda was built in 1890. In 1920 it was dedicated as a soldiers Memorial.

Memorial for Alexander Drysdale Tassie
Alexander was a merchant and first settler in Port Augusta. He died January 26th 1873 aged 40 years. This tribute of respect was erected by some of his friends. He was a man of many good qualities and lived nearly 20 years in the township.

Wadlata outback centre
In the Wadlata complex you'll find the award winning "tunnel of time", an interactive, interpretive centre for the Flinders Ranges and Out back Region. There is also an information centre, cafe and gifts.

The Railway Station.
Opened in 1917 as part of the Trans-Australia Railway. It is also the terminal for the Pichi Richi railway which runs between Quorn and Port Augusta as a tourist attraction.