Port Augusta, SA, lies between Spencer Gulf and the Flinders Rangers, 310 km north of Adelaide.
Formerly a seaport, Port Augusta is often called the "Gateway to the Outback" and has several
interesting historical sites.
The Barngarla People
The earliest dated archaeological records of Aboriginal people at Port Augusta is 40,000 years ago (Hamm et al 2016; Walshe 2012).
The Barngarla people occupied land around the Eyre Peninsula, which they called Curdnatta, meaning "plenty of sand".
Historical evidence also suggests that the Kokatha, Nukunu and, to a lesser extent, the Adnyamathanha (Tindale’s Wailpi) shared social, cultural and
ceremonial interests in the Port Augusta region, as well as historical, cultural and linguistic bonds (
1).
Aboriginal peoples' Dreamtime stories are believed to tell their history and how the world was created. Creation Ancestor stories and Creation Ancestor tracks ("songlines") are regarded as sacred and to reveal laws and rules
for living.
 |
| Aboriginal hunter. An aboriginal man in a kangaroo fur cloak, holding a woomera, and shield with incised diamond pattern. There is a boomerang in the woven bag over his shoulder. Approximately 1876, SLSA |
Pastor Clamor Schürman, a Lutheran missionary, became deputy-protector of Aborigines at Port Lincoln in 1840 and recorded the Barngarla language, which is part of the Thura-Yura group of languages. According to Schürman, both men and women carried a bag made from plants or animal skins called a "nurti". He wrote:
“All the above weapons and implements... a large flat shell for drinking, a round smooth stone for breaking the bones of animals, one or more kinds of paint, a wooden scoop used in roasting roots, some pieces of quartz and the whole skin of some animal which answers for a purse to keep minute things in such as kangaroo sinews and pointed bones of various sizes...sharp edged bones to peel roots with, tufts of feathers, tips for beards, strings, spear barbs...”
Clothing was made of
animal skin sewn together with kangaroo sinew, and men decorated their beards with dingo tails or feathers.
In 1914 Wilhelm Schmidt produced a language map which showed that the Barngarla language was spoken in the Port Lincoln, Whyalla and Port Augusta areas. This work has become the foundation for reclaiming the Barngarla
language today. Schmidt also opened a school which only Barngarla people attended.
The Seven Sisters (or the Pleiades Constellation) is an important Dreamtime story in which a man called Wati Nyiru chases seven sisters across Australia, including Port Augusta, shaping the land as they go.
Before British colonisation, however, the Barngarla people were under pressure from the Kokatha people, possibly
due to food resources. The Barngarla were moving south-west into the land of the Nauo people.
On 22 January 2015, the Barngarla people were granted native title over most of the Eyre Peninsula.
1802 In 1802, Captain Matthew Flinders, whilst circumnavigating Australia, using a sextant to determine his position, was the first European to explore the area around Port Augusta, accompanied by botanist Robert Brown,
who collected plant species from the area.
 |
| Portrait ot Matthew Flinders by Will Longstall, Internet Archive Book Images |
Flinders explored the gulf from its 8 km wide mouth to the channel lined with mangroves 320 km north, where a port would
later be established some 50 years later. Flinders later wrote in
A Voyage to Terra Australis:
"...the country here is as well inhabited as most parts of Terra Australis but we had not the good fortune to meet with any of the people. We had seen fires on the eastern shore and wherever I had landed there were traces of natives".
In April 1802, Baudin, the French explorer, sailing in
Le Geographe, was in South Australian waters and met Flinders at Encounter Bay, SA.
 |
| Nicolas Baudin died of tuberculosis at Mauritius on 16 September 1803, at the age of 49. Afterwards, the zoologist Francois Peron set to writing the official account of the voyage. He had clashed with Baudin and made little mention of him. Peron’s note about the death of "Monsieur Baudin" is the only time the Commander was mentioned by name in the two volume account of the voyage |
In 1839, Robert Cock, on the vessel
Victoria, under Captain Hutchinson and with Surveyor Hughes, landed at several places around present-day Port Augusta, taking depth soundings of the gulf.
Only thirteen days later, the expedition party led by Edward John Eyre camped at Depot Creek, about 25km north of the head of Spencer Gulf, where they
found a reliable source of drinking water. Of the Aboriginal people, Eyre said:
"In our route up the Gulf we had seen very few natives, and those were timid and alarmed at our presence: but to judge from the many and well-beaten tracks leading up the hills to the water, and the numerous fires we saw among the hills at night, I should imagine there were a considerable number in that neighbourhood."
Describing the land, Eyre said:
"A complete sandy desert, interspersed with scrub... nowhere could we see the least sign of grass or water... the whole was barren and arid looking in the extreme and as I gazed on the dismal scene before me I felt assured I had approached the vast and dreary desert of the interior"
Shortly afterwards, pastoral
interests developed from the Flinders Ranges north to Leigh Creek. The first leases, however, were granted in 1851, north of Port Augusta, to James Paterson and Messers White and Pollhill.
1850s
The land-use and land clearing of the pastoralists clashed with the Aboriginals' use of the land, which involved hunting, fishing, gathering, ceremonial activities and travelling across the land.
A system of distributing rations was instigated from designated depots. Though by the 1840s, many Aboriginal people had become part of t
he colonial economy as farm labourers and shepherds.
South Australian pastoral leases (1851) had extensive clauses protecting Aboriginal rights. For example, giving Aboriginal people unimpeded access to
pastoral lands, including "springs and surface waters" and the "unobstructed right" to "use occupy dwell on and obtain food and water".
In 1852, while aboard the Government schooner
Yatala, Alexander Elder and John Grainger found the port area of Port Augusta and made plans to survey the harbour and layout a township. They also
recommended that the town be named after Governor Young’s wife, Lady Sophia Augusta Young.
 |
| Watercolour painting of HMCS 'Yatala', with the signature and date 'E. Magraith 1904, SLSA |
According to a newspaper report, a man from a southern sheep station made a visit to Port Augusta in the early 1850s. He said:
"Mr Minchin, who was the Government Protector of Aborigines, kindly accompanied me thence on to Port Augusta, which place I found to consist of two tents, a temporary dwelling of palings about large enough to accommodate three persons, and the skeleton of a store in course of erection" (2).
A road was made down Hornocks Pass in 1854, and soon afterwards,
land parcels at Port Augusta were being sold in Adelaide.
By 1854, the pastoral runs in the region were bringing wool to be shipped to England, and Elder and Co.'s woolstore was in business. However, Port Augusta's first jetty consisted of but a few planks of wood, though, in the
following years, great improvements were made.
 |
| Charles Hacket's shipping agency, Port Augusta, South Australian Weekly Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1858 - 1867), Saturday 8 October 1859 |
In 1855 a police hut was assembled at Port Augusta, and by 1857, three police were stationed there. Around this time, there was also a store, public house, blacksmith's shop and a few private dwellings.
In 1856, Thomas Burgoyne erected the first permanent building at Port Augusta. He also designed St Augustine's Church. Church services had at first been held in the Customs House.
Port Augusta had a resident Magistrate as early as 1856.
Robert "Pegleg’" Blinman discovered copper in December 1859, in the Flinders Ranges north of Port Augusta, at an area that would later be called Blinman. Ore
was transported to Port Augusta by bullock cart from the Blinman copper mines and shipped overseas.
1860s
 |
| Dover Castle Hotel, Port Augusta existed from 1856-1863 and the first proprietor was E Roberts. The photograph shows a timber building with shingles on the roof, a verandah and hitching rails for horses. Adjacent buildings are constructed from horizontal wooden planks. 1860, SLSA |
The Blinman mining company constructed a wharf at Port Augusta in 1863.
The first "Afghan" (Pathan) cameleers were brought to South Australia by Elder & Co. Thirty-one Afghans arrived at Port Augusta on New Year’s Eve 1865. A crowd of amazed onlookers saw 124 camels lifted from the ship, the
Blackwell.
 |
| PORT AUGUSTA: The Port Augusta Hotel, licensee: A. Mackay. Approximately 1865, SLSA |
Drought, however,
caused great hardship to the region in the 1860s, and a reliable source of water was a pressing problem. A gaol was built at Greenbush, to the south-east of Port Augusta during this period. And an Auxiliary Destitute Poor Board was set up to provide rations.
1870s
 |
| Port Augusta Harbour looking down the Gulf. Sailing ships can be seen in the background and two men in a rowing boat appear in the foreground in shallow water. Approximately 1870, SLSA |
 |
Drug and Book Store, Commercial Road, Port Augusta. The undertaker's premises are to the left of this store. The occupants who live above the Drug and Book Store can be seen upstairs on the verandah of the building and a group of men and children are standing on the footpath below. Approximately 1870, SLSA
|
 |
Premises of Bignell and Young, Tassie Street, Port Augusta, circa 1870, SLSA
|
 |
The two storied premises of the Bank of Adelaide in Commercial Road, Port Augusta in the 1870s, SLSA
|
 |
Western Hotel, Port Augusta West. During the period of 1872-1877 the hotel was converted to a two-storey building. James Western Fitts was the proprietor at the time of this photograph. The hotel existed since 1867. Approximately 1870, SLSA
|
 |
| Wool store, Port Augusta, SAcirca 1871, SLSA |
Overland Telegraph Line
In 1872 the Australian Overland Telegraph Line linking Port Augusta to Darwin in the Northern Territory was completed enabling better communication.
An older Customs House had been built around 1873, to replace an earlier wooden structure built in 1859.
 |
Laying foundation stone of the town hall., Port Augusta, Circa 1872
|
The first Port Augusta hospital opened in 1875, with Dr Willaim Markham as medical superintendent. Dr Markham, who was of an Irish background, was born in the USA. He served in the Federal Army during the civil war and graduated from Harvard University.
In 1877 a company was formed to produce a local newspaper,
The Port Augusta Dispatch.
 |
Gooch and Hayward, Port Augusta, Port Augusta Dispatch (SA : 1877 - 1880), Saturday 23 February 1878
|
 |
Premises of Wilcox & Co., drapers and E. Baker's saddler shop in Port Augusta. People standing outside the shops appear to be the stores owners and workers. Approximately 1878, SLSA
|
 |
Royal Hotel, Port Augusta. First records show the hotel existed from 18? until 1899. The first proprietor was Fred Briggs in 1881. Approximately 1878, SLSA
|
 |
| View down Gibson Street from the Customs House at the intersection of Gibson and Mildred Streets. Original Bible Christian Chapel on the left and the small Anglican Church on the right. Circa 1879, SLSA |
The Great Northern Railway was built from Port Augusta to Quorn in 1879.
 |
First railway train in Tassie Street, Port. Augusta in 1879. Note on the back says that the driver is J McCallum and the fireman is A Harrison. The railway line between Port Augusta and Quorn was opened on 15 December 1879 to facilitate the transport of ore. This line travelled through the Pichi Richi Pass. Circa 1879. SLSA
|
1880s
 |
| R.B. Randall Bakehouse at Port Augusta, the baker and two other men stand outside with a delivery horse and cart.Approximately 1880, SLSA |
 |
| Post Office at Port Augusta. Sign on the front says "Beer's Board and Lodgings and Post Office". Notes on the back of the photograph say "Taken in the early 1880's at Port Augusta West. Mr E Beer was killed in an accident at the new Standpipe Hotel as a result of a fall from a horse, shortly after he had given up this business to take the licence of the Western Hotel in 1883. Advertisements similar to the wording on the signpost appeared in "Port Augusta Dispatch" in 1881". AS Beer is listed as the proprietor of the Western Hotel from 1884-1885. SLSA |
A census taken by the Water Works on October 31st 1880, at Port Augusta West, determined that the town had a population of 210 persons.
In the 1880s, Port Augusta expanded and grew and many important buildings were constructed. The Bank of Adelaide's new building was constructed in 1881, and the Bank of South Australia opened a
new building in 1882.
 |
| Commercial Road at Port Augusta with the Post Office on the extreme right and the Flinders Family Hotel on the left. Approximately 1883, SLSA |
 |
| View of the Port Augusta, with the caption 'Port Augusta from the West, 27 September 1884. Numbers across the top of the image identify building on the shore and ships in the harbour - they are: 1. Thunderbolt. 2. Peri. 3. J. Dunn & Co Mill. 4. Durisdein(?). 5. Jacobus Johannes. 6. Roman Catholic Church. 7. Oatlands. 8. Bank of South Australia. 9. Messrs Perrers & Barker's Brewery. 10. Capella. 11. Gooch & Haywards. 12. Prospero. 13. A.D. Tassie & Co. 14. Taylor's Hotel. 15. Great Northern Hotel. 16. SS Investigator. 17. Phillis. 18. Post Boy. 19. Young & Gordon. 20. Beltana. 21. Royal Hotel. 222. Custom House. 23. Joliba. 24. City of Adelaide. 25. SS Bengal. 26. Auckland. NOTE: the attached image shows the left hand side of the original - see B 6290/2 for the right hand side. This photograph taken in 1884 is in two parts and shows the ships at anchor in the port and the rail and jetty reaching out into the port. Wool bales, barrels and a horse and cart are on the water's edge amongst the mangroves. |
A new courthouse was completed in 1884 and a new Customs House was erected in 1885 (demolished).
A post office and telegraph office were built in 1885, and the National Bank built a new two-storey
stone building in 1886.
In 1885, John W.H. Hullett, hydraulic engineer and
the superintendent of the Water Works at Port Augusta, built what is probably the first hydro-electric plant in South Australia. He also installed a hydraulic motor at his own home that operated a sewing machine and powered the lights. Port Augusta would go on to play a central role in South Australia's electricity story.
The farming of ostriches was introduced into South Australia in the 1880s, and then again in the 1970s. The enterprise failed due to infertility problems with the eggs. The ostriches were set free and some still roam the outback today.
 |
| Ostrich farm, north of Port. Augusta. A number of ostriches are confined in a pen where men are engaged in the task of plucking tail feathers from one of the birds. This project was begun in 1883 by Frank Bignell and W. Campbell with government backing. Drought in the early 1900s and the uncertain fortunes of the industry forced the enterprise to close and the birds to be removed to south, possibly to Priors Court Ostrich Farm at Noarlunga, Approximately 1888 |
 |
Port Augusta, South Australia, n.d.
|
 |
| Commercial Road, Port Augusta. Horse drawn drays pulled by teams of horses and waiting outside the premises of Thomas Young and Company in the main street. They are heavily laden with sacks of wheat. Approximately 1888. SLSA |
1890s
 |
Town Hall is located on Commercial Road, Port Augusta. Dated 31 December 1897
|
 |
| Commercial Road, Port Augusta, SA, circa 1897, SLSA |
1900s
 |
| Reaping with stripper machines, Port Augusta. Approximately 1900. SLSA |
 |
Great Northern Hotel, Port Augusta, S.A. - very early 1900s, PD.
|
 |
| Australian Aboriginal workers - very early 1900s, building of the Trans Australian Railway from Port Augusta in South Australia to Kalgoorlie in Western Australia. PD. |
 |
| Port Augusta Races, SA, Observer (Adelaide, SA : 1905 - 1931), Saturday 28 July 1906 |
 |
| The new government steam motor travelling between Quorn and Port Augusta, Observer (Adelaide, SA : 1905 - 1931), Saturday 4 August 1906 |
 |
| A portrait of '' Yudnapinnie Tommy," well known north-west of Port Augusta as an expert dingo destroyer. Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Saturday 16 February 1907 |
 |
| A camel train leaves Port Augusta, SA, for Western Australia, Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Saturday 9 November 1907 |
 |
| Camel team at Port Augusta West, S.A. - very early 1900s. PD |
 |
Sailing ship "Clenard" beached on dry land at Port Augusta. Circa 1908. SLSA
|
 |
| BEAUTIFUL VALLEY HOTEL. These premises were originally utilized as an eating house in the old coaching days between Adelaide and Port Augusta. The hotel is situated at the junction of the Beautiful Valley and Port Augusta roads, on ground formerly part of the Mt. Browne Station. Observer (Adelaide, SA : 1905 - 1931), Saturday 23 May 1908 |
 |
| CAMEL TRAIN LEAVING PORTAUGUSTA WITH SHEARERS. Observer (Adelaide, SA : 1905 - 1931), Saturday 14 September 1912 |
 |
| Port Augusta, SA, police force, Observer (Adelaide, SA : 1905 - 1931), Saturday 14 September 1912 |
Port Augusta Becomes the Rail HeadquartersThe Commonwealth acquired the narrow-gauge Port Augusta–Oodnadatta line in 1911 (operated by South Australian Railways until 1926). The Trans-Australian Railway running between Port Augusta and Kalgoorlie, was built by Commonwealth Railways in 1917. The Port Augusta–Alice Springs line was completed by Commonwealth Railways in 1929. In 1937, The Port Pirie–Port Augusta standard gauge line was completed linking Port Augusta to Adelaide. In 1955 the Port Pirie–Port Augusta (Stirling North) standard gauge line is extended to Marree.
By the early 1900s, wheat farming was not doing well in the region, and the importance of the port also lessened. However, the busy railway kept the Port Augusta economy going during difficult times.
8 Hour Hour Day!
 |
| A horse drawn wagon advertising West End brewery products, during an Eight Hours Day celebration. Port Augusta, SA. Circa 1914, SLSA |
WWI
 |
| Number 645 BRYANT, Charles Ledden, 10th Battalion Place of birth: Port Augusta West Residence: Port Augusta West SRSA ref: GRG26/5/4/645 State Records of SA |
 |
| Transcontinental (Port Augusta, SA : 1914 - 1954), Saturday 2 October 1915 |
LATE PTE. FRANK WILLIAMS.
PORT AUGUSTA, September 2.— The
death is announced of Pte. Frank Williams,
who was killed in action, in France
on July 23. A brother. Mr. Robert
Williams, is at present emptied on the East
West railway. Another brother was killed
at Gallipoli. Yet another is held prisoner
by the Turks. A fourth brother is still
serving with the forces.
Register (Adelaide, SA : 1901 - 1929), Tuesday 5 September 1916
 |
| A Peace demonstration at Port Augusta, November 12th 1918, SLSA |
1920s
 |
| Transcontinental (Port Augusta, SA : 1914 - 1954), Friday 26 November 1926 |
 |
| This Aboriginal woman north of Port Augusta walks miles everyday with a bucket of water on her head, Mail (Adelaide, SA : 1912 - 1954), Saturday 15 September 1928 |
 |
Aboriginal race-goers at Port Augusta, Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1931), Tuesday 10 July 1928
|
1930s |
Machineshop, Port Augusta Railway Workshops, S.A. - circa 1930, PD.
|
 |
| PORT AUGUSTA: AT THE HEAD OF SPENCER GULF. Krischock, photos.1. Panorama taken from the west. 2. Grand stand on racecourse. 3. Three local aboriginal identities— Dick Alien, and Mr. and Mrs. Phil Rankin. 4. The Post Office and Town Hall. 5, 6, 7, and 8. Snapshots taken at therecent racing carnival. 9. The Railway Station. 10. Ketch Hawk loading wheat for Port Pirie. Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Thursday 21 July 1932 |
 |
| Racecourse Grandstand of Port Augusta. The previous grandstand of the Port Augusta Racecourse was replaced in 1915 by Mr W Kleeman of Jamestown. The railings were erected in 1917. The photograph shows a large two storey building with a hipped roof form. Circa 1932 |
 |
| Port Augusta, SA, Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Thursday 17 November 1932 |
 |
| A novel type of dwelling at Port Augusta. South Australia. This 5-roomed home of 4ft. concrete pipes, is one of the "Thousand Homes Scheme" for unemployed men. The bridge linking Eyre's Peninsula with the mainland is in the distance. Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), Saturday 30 December 1933 |
 |
| "....sporting Aboriginals, who made a colourful contribution to the scene at the Port Augusta races on Tuesday. They were keen followers of the events." Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1931 - 1954), Thursday 5 July 1934 |
 |
| THIS JETTY at Port Augusta encountered the full force of the gale, which left it a mass of tangled wreckage. The jetty was severely battered, and many of the planks swept into the sea. Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Thursday 23 August 1934 |
 |
| Port Augusta Centenary of State, SA, Mail (Adelaide, SA : 1912 - 1954), Saturday 11 July 1936, |
 |
| Recorder (Port Pirie, SA : 1919 - 1954), Thursday 29 October 1936 |
 |
| SCHOOL FOR ABORIGINES. At Port Augusta there is a school at which only aborigines receive instruction. Miss Carter, and her assistant, Miss Brown, are the teachers. Eleven children attend, but three hid rather thanhave their photographs taken. Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Thursday 12 August 1937 |
 |
| IMPROVISED HOMES. A lot has been written recently about the housing shortage at Port Augusta, but these men solved the problem by utilising some discarded large concrete pipes as dwellings. Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Thursday 21 July 1938 |
 |
| A Port Augusta Aboriginal man demonstrating the correct way to throw the boomerang, Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Thursday 21 July 1938 |
 |
| A group of nurses from the Port Augusta Hospital with Matron Simons and the Governor and Lady Dugan. circa 1938, SLSA |
 |
| Aboriginal people at The Port Augusta Races, SA, Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Thursday 14 July 1938, |
 |
| Port Augusta station on the Trans-Australia Railway [picture] : Fred McKay Cape York Peninsula and West Queensland Patrol, circa 1939, McKay, Fred, 1907-2000 |
1940s and WWII
 |
| Transcontinental (Port Augusta, SA : 1914 - 1954), Friday 23 August 1940 |
 |
| M.V. 'Moonta' at Wharf in Port Augusta, South Australia - 1940s. Australian built in 1931 and served in World War II (Aussie Mobs) |
 |
| HOUSING CONDITIONS AT PT. AUGUSTA Families Forced To Live in Slum Sheds and Shacks Mail (Adelaide, SA : 1912 - 1954), Saturday 10 July 1943 |
 |
| Northern race Carnival: Port Augusta, SA, Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Thursday 15 July 1948 |
1950s |
| Port Augusta's Centenary, SA, Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Thursday 29 May 1952 |
In 1957, the Thomas Playford Power Station (A) was completed, and in 1963, Playford (B) Power Station was built, followed by the Northern Power Station in 1985. All three power stations were demolished in 2018. Today Port Augusta is working toward a green energy future.
 |
The Governor (Sir Robert George) standing near the new Port Augusta power station, which he officially opened yesterday. With the Governor are (left) the chairman of the Electricity Trust of SA (Mr. F. C. Drew) and the general manager of the trust (Mr. R. H. M. Lea). Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1931 - 1954), Saturday 24 July 1954 |
Port Augusta Races, SA, Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Thursday 15 July 1954
 |
| Aboriginal people at the Port Augusta, Races, SA, Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Thursday 15 July 1954 |
Pichi Richi Railway
The historic Pichi Richi Railway still operates today, so, you can enjoy a trip aboard a restored steam or heritage diesel train on the original Ghan route between Port Augusta and Quorn.
 |
| The Pichi Richi Railway is a heritage steam railway, based at Quorn in South Australia's Flinders Ranges. Trains operate from Quorn and Port Augusta |
Around Port Augusta
 |
| The Port Augusta Town Hall, SA, was built to house the municipality in 1886-87. It was severely damaged by fire in 1944, rebuilt in 1946, but was vacated by the City in 1983 after the completion of the new Port Augusta Civic Centre |
 |
| The new station at Port Augusta SA, was built in 1914 in preparation of the new link to Kalgoorlie. It served as the operational headquarters of the Commonwealth Railways and continued to do so until1978 |
 |
| The original stone railway station, at Port Augusta, SA, was built around 1878 when the first railway line to Quorn was completed. Closed 1914 when the new station opened. denisbin |
 |
| The two storey Commonwealth bank was built in 1929, at Port August, SA |
.jpg) |
| Salvation Army Citadel, 18 Jervois Street, Port Augusta, SA, opened in 1919 |
 |
| The Northern Gateway Shopping Centre, Port Augusta, SA. A small stone brewery was on the site from the late 1860. later a cordial factory of which only the chimney and archway remains. Then Northern Gateway Inn until 1989 |
 |
| Another view of The Northern Gateway Shopping Centre, Port Augusta, SA. A small stone brewery was on the site from the late 1860. later a cordial factory of which only the chimney and archway remains. Then Northern Gateway Inn until 1989 |
 |
| The Rotunda at Port Augusta, SA. was built in 1890. In 1923 it was dedicated as a Soldiers’ Memorial. Gladstone square was was named after the Prime Minister of England in 1883 |
.jpg) |
| Exterior view of the Wadlata Outback Centre, Port Augusta, South Australia. formerly St Joseph’s Roman Catholic School, opened 1927 (Bahnfrend) |
 |
| View of the Port Augusta Institute building which was originally a theatre which opened in 1876, Commercial Road, Port Augusta, South Australia |
.jpg) |
| View of the Pastoral Hotel Motel, Port Augusta, South Australia at 17 Stirling Road was was first licenced in 1882 (Bahnfrend) |
.jpg) |
| View of the Hotel Commonwealth, Port Augusta, South Australia. Originally Mackay’s Hotel, built in 1878 (Bahnfrend) |
 |
| Hotel Augusta, Loudon Road, Port Augusta, SA. Built in 1912 |
 |
| Heritage buildings in Loudon Road, Port Augusta, SA |
 |
| Standpipe Hotel was originally established in 1883 as a hotel for passing horse drawn coaches |
 |
| This oringal grand ironstone state primary school was built 1878. Now a campus of the University of Adelaide. Port Augusta, SA, denisbin |
 |
| Wharfland Esplanade in Port Augusta was once the rail yard and the train tracks are still visible |
 |
| The first Court House was a weatherboard building on Flagstaff Reserve, Port Augusta, SA. 1867 a new Court House, with Police Residence, was erected on the corner of the present Jervois Street and Commercial Roads |
.jpg) |
| Presbyterian Church, Jervois Street, Port Augusta, SA, opened 1885 |
.jpg) |
| In March 1880 a licence was granted for the Commonwealth Hotel at Port Augusta, SA. Robert Luke (formerly of the Globe Hotel) who retained the licence until 1883. In 1884 the name of the hotel was changed to the Railway Hotel. In 1888 the hotel became known as the Terminus Hotel, but on 13 December 1926 the name was changed to the Commonwealth Hotel |
 |
| The former Fire Station, Commercial Road, Port Augusta, South Australia, was built in 1880 to house the offices of the Board of Main Roads and was later home to the fire brigade until the new fire station was built in the 1970s |
 |
| Troopers’ Barracks from 1860 to 1882, Port Augusta, SA. Converted to waterworks in 1882 |
 |
| The local Police Station and lockup, at Port Augusta, SA, was built in local red iron stonein 1879 for 950 pounds. denisbin |
 |
| The Target store, at Port Augusta, SA, was an old importers general store built in 1867, by Bignell and Young. Classical Greek style with pediment balustrade on roof line denisbin |
Things To Do and Places To Go
Heritage Walk of Port Augusta
Wadlata Outback Centre
Military Museum, Port Augusta
Pichi Richi Railway
Barngarla Alphabet & Picture Book
Wilmington Toy Museum, 42 km from Port Augusta, 35 HORROCKS HIGHWAY, Wilmington, SA
Port Augusta Races, SA, Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Thursday 15 July 1954
