Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The old town centre has considerable appeal, with some elegant old buildings and a re-
vitalised waterfront: locals cast lines into the blue, and indigenous kids back-flip off jet-
ties. The town has had problems with alcoholism (the streets are now a dry zone), but the
vibe is rarely menacing.
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Sights & Activities
Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden
GARDENS
(
www.aalbg.sa.gov.au
; Stuart Hwy; tours adult/child $8/5.50; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm Sat
& Sun, tours 10am Mon-Fri)
F
Just north of town, the excellent (and free!) botanic
garden has 250 hectares of sand hills, clay flats and desert flora and fauna. Explore on
your own, or take a guided tour. There's a cafe here, too.
Wadlata Outback Centre
MUSEUM
(
www.wadlata.sa.gov.au
;
41 Flinders Tce; adult/child/family $16.50/10/38.50; 9am-5.30pm
Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm Sat & Sun)
The highlight at this combined museum/visitor centre is the
'Tunnel of Time', tracing local Aboriginal and European histories using audio-visual dis-
plays, interactive exhibits and a distressingly big snake.
Port Augusta Aquatic & Outdoor Adventure Centre
OUTDOORS
( 0427 722 450, 08-8642 2699;
www.augustaoutdoors.com.au
;
4 El Alamein Rd; 9am-4pm
Mon-Fri)
Offers lessons and gear rental for kayaking, windsurfing, rock-climbing, abseil-
ing, snorkelling, bushwalking, sailing… Bike hire is $55 per day.
T
Tours
Flinders & Outback Water Cruises
CRUISES
( 0438 857 001;
www.augustawestside.com.au
;
3 Loudon Rd; adult/child $50/30)
Two-hour
morning eco-cruises to the top of the Gulf (any dolphins?).
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Sleeping & Eating
Oasis Apartments
APARTMENTS $$$
( 08-8648 9000, 1800 008 648;
www.majestichotels.com.au
;
Marryatt St, foreshore; apt
$145-215; )
Catering largely to conventioneers, this group of 75 luxury units (stu-
dios to two-bedroom) with jaunty designs is right by the water. All rooms have washing
