Port Augusta is a truly Australian town. Located on a natural harbour enclave off the coast of the Southern Ocean, Port Augusta (named Kurdnatta by local Indigenous Australians, meaning “place of drifting sand”) is situated east of the Great Australian Bight, where highways roll west across the Nullabor into Western Australia, and north across the Flinders Ranges into Darwin.
Often labelled the crossroad of Australia, Port Augusta’s incredible landscape and terrain is a must-see for every Australian in their lifetime.
Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Port Augusta.
Explore the Arid Lands Botanical Garden
The Arid Lands Botanical Garden features thousands of unique flora, fauna and birdlife from Australia’s low-rain desert regions. The gardens, located a short 6 minute drive from The Comfort Inn & Suites Augusta Westside, feature peaceful walking tracks that range from short 3 minute walks to routes that cover several kilometres.
The Arid Lands Botanical Gardens cafe, located in the visitor centre, offers incredible views of the arid landscape, and specialises in meals made with bush tucker, such as locally made quandong jam.
Visit the Matthew Flinders Red Cliff Lookout
Located a short drive from the Arid Lands Botanical Garden, the Matthew Flinders Red Cliff Lookout offers striking views of red cliffs falling into the Spencer Gulf. The red cliffs vivid colours are particularly striking at sunrise and sunset – So be sure to bring a picnic rug and relax and watch the sun go down.
Grab coffee at Archers Table Cafe
Archers Table Cafe, located two doors down from The Comfort Inn & Suites Augusta Westside, is a quirky and friendly cafe much loved by locals. Brewing Toby’s Estate coffee and a selection of organic local teas, Archers is the perfect place to start your day in Port Augusta over breakfast or a light lunch.
Explore Lake Gairdner National Park
Lake Gairdner National Park, located just under 2 hours from Port Augusta, is a remote salt lake, surrounded by rolling red sand hills. The glistening white salt lake, accessible via 34km of unsealed road at Mt Ive Station, features an incredible 200 islands, and is layered in parts with a metre of dense salt.
Need a place to stay?
The Comfort Inn & Suites™ Augusta Westside is located in Port Augusta, a crossroad for Highways and railways which run west across the Nullarbor in WA or north to the Flinders Ranges and Darwin, south to Adelaide and Port Lincoln and each to Sydney. With Port Augusta straddling the Flinders Ranges, Spencer Gulf, Outback, Eyre and Yorke peninsulas, it is an ideal base from which to explore a range of experiences, and is perfect for taking a guided or self-drive tour. Book your next stay with Choice Hotels.
