Local Tourist Information

Originally a Sea Port for the Murray River trade, Port Elliot was named after Sir Charles Elliot. With the Murray Mouth being generally un-navigable, Horseshoe Bay became a busy seaport with Ships from Port Adelaide and Overseas. It's first ship arrived in 1851 but 7 shipwrecks saw the Port closed in 1864. Port Elliot was also home to the first train in the Commonwealth. This Horse Drawn train ran on rails linked from Goolwa to the terminus at the Jetty. More detailed information and a historical display can be viewed at the Historical Old Railway Station Building. Port Elliot has become a popular tourist spot offering a wide variety of activities and places of interest for all including historical buildings, beautiful beaches & parks and lovely walking trails to name a few.

SWIMMING

SURFING

WALKS

1. Take a leisurely stroll for fantastic coastal views along the cliff path, adjacent to the Surf Life Saving Club, passing Ladies Bay and the breakwater, Christmas Rock arriving to overlook Rocky Bay. Take a small respite and enjoy the view before setting forth again passing the magnificent rock formations to arrive at Green Bay.

2. To step back in time take a conducted History Walk from the Railway Station or do-it-yourself following the marked trails around the township with your historic buildings map (available from the office).

3. An easy walking trail is now complete taking you from Commodore point to Basham Beach giving some lovely views towards Middleton, Goolwa and the Coorong.

4. From the Lions Park in Currency Creek a 3km easy walk (great for kids) takes you under the railway viaduct, past an aboriginal canoe tree, into a miners cave and onto the Currency Creek waterfall. Come back the same way but follow the steps up to the cemetery and visit the sites of original settlers and river-boat Captains. A real must!

PLACES TO SEE & THINGS TO DO

Ride the historic 'Steam Ranger' or 'Cockle Train' which runs from Goolwa through Port Elliot to Victor Harbor throughout school holidays and most weekends over peak season. Timetables are available at the Railway Station and the Caravan Park Office.

Urimbirra Wildlife Park is an open-range park where you can see close at hand an impressive collection of Australian wildlife including a Nocturnal House. Open Daily 10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

For those interested in whale watching, a visit to the Whale Watch Centre, in Victor Harbor is a must. They have the most up to date information as to where the whales can be found and a terrific display of these great mammals and their history in the area.

For those looking for a bit of adventure why not spend the day at Greenhills Adventure Park. Take a picnic, have a BBQ or visit the Tea House and then choose an activity to suit your mood canoeing, mini golf, go-karts, paddle bikes, 3 par gold or maze (8552 1222).

Signal Point at Goolwa offers an informative and education look at the history of the Port of Goolwa and local surrounds.

A trip to Granite Island is a must take a walk across the causeway or catch the horse drawn tram. Whether you view the fairy penguins on their nightly pilgrimage or enjoy the walking trail circumnavigating the island, it offers magnificent views of Encounter Bay and the Bluff. The island is a sanctuary and native marsupials are commonly seen.

The Victor Theatre offers films on weekends throughout most of the year at very reasonable prices.

WINERIES

FISHING

Local jetty, rock, and surf fishing spots provide enjoyment for those wishing to try their hand at reeling in that elusive big one. Bait is available at the Caravan Park Kiosk.

BEST KEPT SECRETS

1. Mistely Lavender Farm. Open each weekends 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. October - May each year. Take a farm tour and potter through their little shop full of goodies. Myrtle Grove Road, Currency Creek.

2. Port Elliot Memorial Gardens. A network of 'secret' trails, turnstiles and ponds make these gardens magical for children. On 3 different levels and offering a magnificent view across Horseshoe Bay towards Goolwa. Located just above the Horseshoe Bay kiosk.

3. Dog Dragon. Fantastic range of accessories and great quality teak furniture imported direct from Indonesia. New shipments arriving regularly make this place and must for people looking for that 'perfect' piece. Located on North Tce, Port Elliot.

4. Whistle Stop Cafe. Creative food served within a Goolwa antique shop. Eat inside or out and shop in between courses.

5. Crows Nest Lookout. Drive up Tottenham Court Road (Pt. Elliot Fish & Chip shop corner) and head straight up the hill. Stop at the Look Out or 'P' sign for the best scenic coastal views in South Australia.

6. Rose Garden Miniature Village. Terrific afternoon out with the kids. Lots of pathways and superbly detailed reproductions. A must!!!

RESTAURANTS / HOTELS / TAKE AWAY

See the Office for a list of most local eateries.

SCENIC DRIVES

Take a day trip to Cape Jervis passing through Victor Harbor, Inman Valley, Yankalilla, Normanville, Second Valley, Rapid Bay arriving at your destination for some magnificent views of the Southern Ocean and Kangaroo Island. For those interested in nature Deep Creek Conservation Park, only a few km's away, has walking trails to suit the beginner and the most experienced bushwalker. Alternatively, take the Sealink to Kangaroo Island, known to be an unspoilt natural paradise.

Alternatively historic Strathalbyn with it's pretty parks on the river and home to some wonderful old buildings and churches continuing on to the old town of Milang on Lake Alexandrina. From there you could continue onto Langhorne Creek, home to some delightful wineries or take a short drive around the lake to Clayton, a lovely small town with parks, boating, swimming, and views of the backwaters and Hindmarsh Island

For a short local journey a visit to Goolwa offers the visitor a cruise on a Paddle Steamer, either upstream to view the river and lakes or downstream to the Murray Mouth and views of the Coorong. Ride the ferry to Hindmarsh Island, try horse riding at Narnu Pioneer Holiday Farm, visit the Murray Mouth or have an educational experience at Signal Point Interpretive & Visitors Centre.

For an enjoyable day wine tasting and dining why not travel to McLaren Vale. Willunga and their surrounding towns to the home of some of the best wineries in the South. This area also houses some great specialty shops and tourist attractions.

Information on any of the above activities can be obtained from the Caravan Park or the Tourist Information Offices at Victor Harbor & Goolwa.

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