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Port Elliot

Population 1750

Port Elliot is a charming historic town set on scenic Horseshoe Bay. Its popularity as a holiday destination lies in the fabulous beaches and the relaxed coastal atmosphere. The town was established in 1854, the year Australia's first public (horse-drawn) railway began operating between Goolwa and the town. Port Elliot's intended purpose as an ocean port for the Murray River was, however, unsuccessful. The bay proved less protected than was first thought and the port was moved to Victor Harbor.

Visitor Information

Goolwa Wharf; (08) 8555 3488

www.visitalexandrina.com

Nearby national parks

  • Coorong National Park

    Coorong National Park is a long, narrow ribbon of saline wetlands, saltpans, coastal dunes and wild ocean beaches stretching for 150...more

  • Onkaparinga River National Park

    The rugged Onkaparinga River National Park features South Australia’s second longest river as it slices through a steep valley and...more

  • Belair National Park

    Set aside in 1891, Belair National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the world and the first in South Australia. Treasured for its...more

Nearby towns

  • Victor Harbor

    In the 1830s the crystal waters of Encounter Bay – and the Southern Ocean beyond – throbbed with the whalers and sealers of the south....more

  • Goolwa

    Goolwa is a rapidly growing holiday town on the last big bend of the Murray River before it reaches open waters. In 2007 Goolwa became the...more

  • Willunga

    The historic town of Willunga grew rapidly around the slate quarries, which drove the town's economy until the late 1800s. Fortunately, by...more

In Town

National Trust Historical Display: interpretive centre detailing local history in the old railway station; The Strand. The Strand: historic street of art and craft shops, cafes and restaurants. Cockle Train: stops at the railway station on Henry St on its journey from Goolwa Wharf to Victor Harbor, so you can do a section of the journey from here; for more details see Goolwa. Freeman Nob: spectacular views and coastal walks; end of The Strand. Encounter Bikeway: scenic coastal route between Goolwa and Victor Harbor. Horseshoe Bay: safe family beach with fishing from jetty. Boomer Beach: popular surfing beach; western edge of town. Maritime Heritage Trail: the town's story illustrated in foreshore displays. Heritage walk: brochure from railway station.

Nearby

Basham Beach Regional Park: scenic coastal trails with interpretive signage and southern right whale sightings during their migration season, June–Sept; just north-east of Port Elliot. Middleton: coastal town with heritage bakery, the old flour mill and fabulous beaches; 3 km NE. Crows Nest Lookout: excellent views of the coast; 6 km N.

Fishing spots near town

Ardrossan 141 km

Located on the east side of the Yorke Peninsula, Ardrossan is bountiful water just 150 km west of Adelaide, so is a popular weekend fishing destination. Looking out on the long pier at Ardrossan, it’s striking how... Find out more


Marion Bay 157 km

Situated at the bottom of the Yorke Peninsula, Marion Bay is angler central and offers access to spectacular offshore and beach fishing. Southern beaches from Marion Bay east to Troubridge, such as Butlers, provide top... Find out more


West Coast 170 km

Head to Innes National Park, at the southern end of Yorke Peninsula, to find two noteworthy places for anglers. The first is Pandalowie Bay where boats can be launched and, north of this, Browns Beach. The latter is well... Find out more


Wallaroo 203 km

The small SA seaport of Wallaroo, north of Moonta, offers an excellent base for anglers wanting to catch big snapper, King George whiting, Australian salmon and yellowtail kingfish. Many of the reef systems are close to... Find out more


Wedge Island 207 km

Wedge Island is one of a number of small islands making up the Gambier Group, about 19 nautical miles west of the southern toe of the Yorke Peninsula. Viewed from the sea it is easy to see how the island got its name... Find out more


Port Broughton 227 km

Port Broughton is a favourite destination for anglers wanting to fish from charter boats. The boat ramp in the sheltered harbour is next to a small pier complex and is popular for small fish including salmon, Tommy ruff,... Find out more


Neptune Islands 238 km

Ever wondered where the filming was done for one of those documentaries where divers film great white sharks from the safety of underwater cages? One of the most popular areas for that sort of adventure is around South... Find out more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Swimming along the Fleurieu Peninsula 6 km

There are plenty of great swimming beaches along the peninsula. Victor Harbor has a plethora to choose from – including Kent Reserve and Dump Beach – but there is also Horseshoe Bay at Port Elliot, and the... Find out more


Birdwatching around the Fleurieu Peninsula 10 km

Abutting the Coorong, and with wetlands, beaches and a wide variety of terrain, the Fleurieu Peninsula is a top spot for birdwatching. There is a hide off Barrage Road at Goolwa, and the Goolwa Effluent Ponds can have... Find out more


Diving and snorkelling off the Fleurieu Peninsula 42 km

Some of the state’s best diving – particularly in-shore and around jetties – is on the Fleurieu Peninsula, with leafy sea dragons, shipwrecks, dolphins and myriad fish species. Second Valley is great... Find out more


Swimming with dolphins off Glenelg 63 km

Since 2002, the eco-accredited Temptation Sailing has offered a ‘swim with the dolphins sail’ on a 17-metre catamaran out of Glenelg, in which the bottlenose and common dolphins reputedly come to the vessel... Find out more


Morialta Conservation Park 67 km

One of the most stunning parks in the region and located only 10 kilometres north-east of Adelaide, this has waterfalls and deep gorges, woodlands, koalas, echidnas and southern brown bandicoots. The pick of the walks is... Find out more


Aboriginal gallery, Adelaide 68 km

The Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery at the South Australian Museum holds the largest collection of Aboriginal artefacts in the world. Some 3000 are on display at any one time.... Find out more


Adelaide Zoo 69 km

With its catchphrase ‘We exist to save animals from extinction’, this is another of Australia’s excellent zoos. The sea-lion display and walkthrough rainforest aviary are particularly recommended.... Find out more


Kangaroo Island Marine Tours 95 km

This well-respected, eco-accredited outfit runs a variety of wildlife-focused tours out of Kingscote in a low-emission, rigid, inflatable vessel that takes up to 12 people. Swim with dolphins, go whalewatching, see a New... Find out more


Cycling in the Barossa 115 km

In the Barossa, you can hire bikes from the visitor centre in Tanunda and take the paved 7-kilometre cycle path to Nuriootpa. For a guided, multi-day supported bike tour, sampling the best of the region’s cuisine... Find out more


Wine-tasting - Nuriootpa and Angaston 121 km

Elderton Wines near Nuriootpa is a carbonneutral winery. Its cellar door is partially solar-powered and the vineyard is using biodynamic methods of production. Yalumba in Angaston has three organic wines and an... Find out more


Golf courses around town

Links Lady Bay Resort 34 km

‘A pleasurable golf course,’ Dr Alister MacKenzie once wrote, ‘is not necessarily one that appeals at first sight, but rather one that grows on a player like good music, good painting, or good... Find out more


Glenelg Golf Club 65 km

Glenelg is to Adelaide what Bondi is to Sydney – the city’s most popular beach suburb. The terminus for the City to Bay tram, a Glenelg icon, can be found where Jetty Rd meets the beach, where you will... Find out more


Kooyonga Golf Club 68 km

Kooyonga is a thinking player’s golf course. One of the game’s greatest strategists, Peter Thomson, gave an insight into what is required to play well at Kooyonga after winning the 1972 Australian Open... Find out more


Royal Adelaide Golf Club 72 km

In the city of churches, Royal Adelaide is the golfing equivalent of the Vatican. Every visiting golfer should make a pilgrimage to this Dr Alister MacKenzie-designed layout, one of Australia’s top 10 courses,... Find out more


The Grange Golf Club (West Course) 73 km

Melbourne’s sandbelt wasn’t the only region in which golf course construction was booming during the 1920s. Various sites in Adelaide’s western suburbs – Kooyonga in 1922, Glenelg in 1926... Find out more


The Grange Golf Club (East Course) 73 km

Vern Morcom was working on the final changes to The Grange’s West course redesign when the club announced plans for a second course. Morcom was asked to design it, on 150 acres of adjoining land, and the East... Find out more


Cafes & restaurants around town

Flying Fish Cafe

Famous for its fish and chips on the deck, this wonderful beachfront cafe also serves sophisticated lunch and dinner fare. Seafood is to the fore here, with superb oysters, rich fish stews and beer-battered King George... Find out more


Stranded Mexican

There are worse places to be marooned than this convivial bar, garden and restaurant. Situated on The Strand – hence the name – the former guesthouse has been reborn as a multi-talented eatery. The food has... Find out more


Nearby eco-friendly places to eat

The Organic Market and Cafe 58 km

This bustling cafe and organic produce outlet in Stirling was the national winner of the best organic retailer award. Something of an institution in the area, it has delicious antipasto platters and great coffee. About... Find out more


The Locavore 58 km

The Locavore (‘local eater’) at Stirling in the Adelaide Hills sticks to the ‘100-mile’ philosophy of sourcing food, which in its case includes the Barossa, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and the... Find out more


Goodlife 63 km

This innovative restaurant and takeaway not only makes carbon-neutral pizzas, but also places an emphasis on sourcing produce that is organic and local. Takeaway pizzas here even come tied up with string.... Find out more


Nearby breweries

The Steam Exchange Company 10 km

South Australia seems to have more than its fair share of craft breweries in significant historical locations, and The Steam Exchange Brewery is no exception. It’s housed in a heritage-listed former railway goods... Find out more


South Australian Brewing Company 69 km

Established in 1888, the South Australian Brewing Company became the state’s dominant beer-maker by steadily acquiring competitors like the Kent Town Brewery, West End Brewery and the Walkerville Co-operative... Find out more


Adelaide Hills Craft Brewing 71 km

Located in the former Onkaparinga woollen mill complex at Lobethal in the Adelaide Hills, this brewery/bar is run by Alistair Turnbull and Phil Jones. The pair turned their backs on careers in banking to study brewing in... Find out more


Brewboys 73 km

One of the country’s newest craft beermaking enterprises, Brewboys is a partnership between Stephen Nelsen and Simon Sellick, who also operate the contract brewing company Fresh Cellars. At present they utilise a... Find out more


Coopers Brewery 74 km

More than any other Australian brewery, Coopers has grown significant market share over the past two decades on the back of increased demand for alternative beer styles. It was established in 1862 by Yorkshireman Thomas... Find out more


Knappstein Enterprise Brewery 189 km

History has turned full circle for the Clare Valley’s Enterprise Brewery, which ceased beer-making operations in 1916, but was revived for its original purpose in 2006. In between time, this gorgeous sandstone... Find out more


Campsites around town

Waitpinga camping area 20 km

Sheltered sites are set amongst coastal scrub a short stroll from Waitpinga Beach, 16 km south-west of Victor Harbor. Access is from Range and Dennis roads. A permit is required and cooking is by gas/fuel stove only.... Find out more


Barker Knoll camping area (boat-based camping) 21 km

This is a great beach location for self-sufficient campers, right at the Murray Mouth and reached only by boat via Coorong or Lake Alexandrina. Pick up a permit from the self-registration station.... Find out more


Godfreys Landing camping area (boat-based camping) 21 km

Beach camping just south of the Murray Mouth is reached by boat access only. Come equipped for self-sufficient camping, and pick up a permit from the self-registration station.... Find out more


Coles Crossing camping area 22 km

At 17 km north-east of Mount Compass this camping area is reached from Coles Crossing Rd, 6 km south of Mt Magnificent Rd. Campers need to note that only gas/fuel stoves are permitted.... Find out more


Jacks Paddock Campground 33 km

Opposite Kuitpo Hall, with access from Christmas Hill Rd, this paddock campground is 11 km south of Meadows. With a restored barn and horseyards, it’s recommended for group camping. Arrange your booking and permit... Find out more


Woodcutters Cottage 34 km

This former youth hostel is a 4-room stone cottage with lounge, kitchen and sleeping room for 12, plus room nearby for tents. It’s 2 km from the information centre on Brookman Rd. Bookings and a permit are... Find out more


Chookarloo Campground 36 km

Creekside camping is permitted just 1.5 km from Kuitpo’s main information centre, 8 km south-west of Meadows on Brookman Rd.... Find out more


Mark Point camping area 38 km

Close to the water, with a boat launch, Mark Point is reached from Mark Point Rd, 35 km west of Meningie. Permits are available from self-registration stations within the park.... Find out more


Tapanappa Campground 40 km

There are fantastic views along Tunkallilla Beach and over to Kangaroo Island from this lofty ridgetop campground. It’s also a staging post for challenging bushwalks to Deep Creek Cove and beautiful Boat Harbour... Find out more


Stringybark Campground 40 km

Deep Creek’s main campground is sheltered by delightful stringybark forest, a feature of the park’s higher ground. It’s a comfortable self-sufficient base camp for daytrips and walks on Tapanappa Rd, 9... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Port Elliot Holiday Park 1 km

Located just 2 km from Port Elliot, between Victor Harbor and Goolwa in a fabulous beachfront position, this is an excellent place to stay year round. We feel this is one of the great seaside caravan parks on the... Find out more


Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park 7 km

Right on the beachfront, this park is also within walking distance of the town centre (1.5 km). It is a quality tourist park with good facilities. Ideal for a few days or an extended stay, bookings are required during... Find out more


Goolwa Caravan Park 13 km

Located 4 km from the town centre, in a quiet waterside area, this is a big park with large numbers of both annual sites and powered tourist sites, as well as an enormous number of unpowered sites. Reservations must be... Find out more


Mount Compass Caravan Park 20 km

As neat as a pin, this newly established caravan park in a rural setting has reached a high standard in its first three years. It is a great inland base for exploring the Fleurieu Peninsula. Bookings are required in peak... Find out more


Milang Lakeside Caravan Park 30 km

This neat and shady park on the western shores of Lake Alexandrina is the ideal getaway destination for those wanting to have a few quiet days in a waterside location. Bookings are required during Christmas and Easter... Find out more


Jetty Caravan Park - Normanville 35 km

This is a neat tourist park alongside the beach. Bookings are required during Christmas and Easter holidays and a minimum-stay period applies at Christmas, January, Easter and long weekends.... Find out more


Port Willunga Tourist Park 36 km

In a quiet rural location about 4 km from Aldinga, this is a spacious park with well-established shady trees. Bookings are necessary at Christmas, January, Easter and long weekends and a minimum-stay period applies.... Find out more


McLaren Vale Lakeside Caravan Park 37 km

This is a spacious, quality park amid the vineyards of the McLaren Vale region. If you want to experience the great wines from the multitude of cellar-door outlets, you will find the park the best base on this part of... Find out more


Moana Beach Tourist Park 41 km

Only a short distance from the Moana town centre and close to the beach, this park is also not far from Adelaide’s southern suburbs. Bookings are required at Christmas, January, Easter and long weekends. There is a... Find out more


Brighton Caravan Park and Holiday Village 57 km

Just 17 km from Adelaide city, this tourist park enjoys absolute beach frontage and has a nice, relaxed feel. It is a popular family park and bookings are essential during busy holiday periods. A 2-night minimum-length... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Brooklands Heritage B&B

Dating from 1839, this painstakingly revived settler’s cottage is a world apart from the seaside hustle. Hidden among 26 hectares of farmland in gentle hills above the coast, it has superb garden and ocean views.... Find out more


The Summer House

A bravura creation of cutting-edge design and decor, the ingenious floor plan integrates three bedrooms and two bathrooms with a spacious living, kitchen and dining wing. All of this wraps around an enormous central deck... Find out more


Trafalgar House

This majestic 19th-century guesthouse has been rejuvenated to offer both hosted and self-contained accommodation. It’s close to the historic heart of town and only a short stroll to the spectacular Horseshoe Bay... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Ridgetop Retreats 41 km

Three funky, architecturally designed cabins sit in quiet seclusion in Deep Creek Conservation Park at the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula. They have solar hot water, composting toilets, two bedrooms, floor-to-ceiling... Find out more


Antechamber Bay Ecocabins 62 km

This low-key, out-of-the-way spot in the east of the island is next to a beautiful and isolated beach. There are two fairly basic self-contained and solar-powered cabins with room for up to eight people each, half a... Find out more


Clarion Hotel Soho 67 km

Completed at the end of 2008, this five-star boutique hotel was designed with many hidden environmental features, such as water-recycling systems, sustainable building materials and airflow and passive cooling to reduce... Find out more


Coorong Wilderness Lodge 76 km

Opened early in 2009, the five beautiful cabins here on a limestone cliff on Aboriginal lands have 180-degree views over the Coorong, with pelicans, ducks and other birds flying past at window height. The cabins have... Find out more


Nautilus Lodge 108 km

This solar-powered, four-bedroom house is surrounded by Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park and is situated right on the beach. It can sleep up to 12 people.... Find out more


Eleanor River Homestead 131 km

This beautiful two-bedroom log cabin in the middle of the island is solar-powered, has rainwater and a sewage worm farm.... Find out more


Lighthouse cottages 190 km

Stay in eco-accredited lighthouse keeper’s cottages on wind-swept hills at opposite ends of the island: Cape Borda, Cape Willoughby and Cape du Couedic. There are also daily tours of the lightstations.... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Meningie Park Area 62 km

Middle of town Large parking area on the shores of the lake. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S35 41.10 E139 20.20  ... Find out more


Jackmans Lookout Rest Area 72 km

0.5 km E of Swanport Bridge (L) or 19 km W of Tailem Bend (R) Large area well off the highway at the lookout. GPS: S35 08.40 E139 18.58  ... Find out more


Tailem Bend South Rest Area 73 km

6 km S of Tailem Bend (R) or 46 km N of Meningie (L) Small secluded area among the trees. Good shade. GPS: S35 18.15 E139 25.50... Find out more


Monteith Rest Area 73 km

4 km E of Swanport Bridge (L) or 15 km NW of Tailem Bend (R) Large area around a few trees. GPS: S35 09.46 E139 20.37   ... Find out more


Parnka Point Camp Area 78 km

T/O 23 km S of Meningie (R) or 121 km NW of Kingston (L) Two small but open camp areas located 2 kilometres south of the highway on the foreshore in Coorong National Park. Toilets at nearby ‘day use only’... Find out more


Coomandook Park Area 93 km

Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade.  GPS: S35 28.16 E139 41.49 ... Find out more


Coonalpyn North Rest Area 103 km

20 km SE of Coomandook (R) or 10 km NW of Coonalpyn (L) Large secluded area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S35 36.50 E139 48.42 ... Find out more


Sherlock Rest Area 105 km

Middle of town Small area adjacent to the highway opposite the store. Limited shade. GPS: S35 19.118 E139 48.076... Find out more


Coonalpyn Park Area 108 km

Middle of town Large parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade.  GPS: S35 41.48 E139 51.27 ... Find out more


Loop Road Camp Area 110 km

T/O 61 km SE of Meningie (R) or 83 km NW of Kingston (L) Small secluded camp area located 1 kilometre off the highway opposite a lake on the Loop Road in Coorong National Park. Limited shade. GPS: S36 08.16 E139... Find out more


Peake Rest Area 117 km

Middle of town Small area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S35 21.913 E139 57.025... Find out more


Culburra North Rest Area 119 km

14 km SE of Coonalpyn (R) or 13 km NW of Tintinara (L) Large secluded area surrounded by trees. Limited shade. GPS: S35 47.50 E139 56.47 ... Find out more


Moppa Road Rest Area 122 km

29 km NE of Gawler (L) or 3 km W of Nuriootpa (R) Small area just off the highway behind a few trees. GPS: S34 27.33 E138 58.26  ... Find out more


Dublin Park Area 123 km

On the service road Parking area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 27.119 E138 21.109 ... Find out more


42 Mile Crossing Camp Area 126 km

T/O 78 km S of Meningie (R) or 66 km N of Kingston (L) Secluded campground located 3 km west of the highway at a clearing behind the dunes in Coorong National Park. GPS: S36 17.15 E139 42.42  ... Find out more


Tintinara Park Area 131 km

South end of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade.  GPS: S35 53.05 E140 03.25  ... Find out more


Truro East Rest Area 131 km

1 km E of Truro (L) or 45 km W of Blanchetown (R) Small area just off the highway among a few large trees. Good shade. GPS: S34 24.30 E139 08.07... Find out more


Tarlee Park Area 140 km

Middle of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 16.471 E138 46.258... Find out more


Port Wakefield South Rest Area No.2 143 km

22 km N of Dublin (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S34 17.396 E138 14.543... Find out more


Annadale Rest Area 144 km

29 km E of Truro (L) or 17 km W of Blanchetown (R) Large area just off the highway among numerous trees. Limited shade. GPS: S34 23.22 E139 25.55... Find out more


Port Wakefield South Rest Area No.1 147 km

12 km S of Port Wakefield (L) southbound only Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S34 15.327 E138 13.381... Find out more


What's on around town

Market: Lakala Reserve; 1st and 3rd Sat each month.

Port Elliot Show: Oct.

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