Port Elliot
Town
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
Nearby national parks
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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
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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 moreMarion 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 moreWest 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 moreWallaroo 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 moreWedge 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 morePort 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 moreNeptune 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 moreEco-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 moreBirdwatching 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 moreDiving 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 moreSwimming 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 moreMorialta 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 moreAboriginal 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 moreAdelaide 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 moreKangaroo 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 moreCycling 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 moreWine-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 moreGolf 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 moreGlenelg 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 moreKooyonga 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 moreRoyal 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 moreThe 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 moreThe 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 moreCafes & restaurants around town
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 moreThe 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 moreGoodlife 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 moreNearby 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 moreSouth 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 moreAdelaide 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 moreBrewboys 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 moreCoopers 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 moreKnappstein 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 moreCampsites 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 moreBarker 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 moreGodfreys 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 moreColes 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 moreJacks 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 moreWoodcutters 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 moreChookarloo 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 moreMark 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 moreTapanappa 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 moreStringybark 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 moreCaravan parks around town
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 moreGoolwa 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 moreMount 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 moreMilang 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 moreJetty 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 morePort 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 moreMcLaren 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 moreMoana 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 moreBrighton 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 moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
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
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 moreAntechamber 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 moreClarion 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 moreCoorong 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 moreNautilus 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 moreEleanor 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 moreLighthouse 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 moreRest 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 moreJackmans 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 moreTailem 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 moreMonteith 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 moreParnka 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 moreCoomandook 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 moreCoonalpyn 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 moreSherlock 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 moreCoonalpyn 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 moreLoop 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 morePeake Rest Area 117 km
Middle of town Small area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S35 21.913 E139 57.025... Find out moreCulburra 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 moreMoppa 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 moreDublin 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 more42 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 moreTintinara 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 moreTruro 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 moreTarlee 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 morePort 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 moreAnnadale 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 morePort 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 moreWhat's on around town
Market: Lakala Reserve; 1st and 3rd Sat each month.
Port Elliot Show: Oct.