City Of Port Augusta
Port Augusta is situated near
the head of Spencer's Gulf in South Australia. The gulf was named by Captain
Mathew Flinders in 1802 as a compliment to the President of the Admiralty
Board in England.
The rapid spread of pastoralists throughout the southern Flinders Ranges and
well into the northern Flinders Ranges by 1852 made it desirable to
establish a port as near to the head of the gulf as possible. The actual
selection of the harbour of Port Augusta is attributed to Messrs A.L. Elder
and J. Grainger who were Directors of the Mount Remarkable Mining Company.
Port Augusta was named after Lady Augusta Young, wife of Sir Henry Fox
Young, who was at the time the Deputy Governor of South Australia.
The northern waters of Spencer's Gulf are ideal for recreational fisherman
as well as yachting and skiing enthusiasts. Recreational fisherman will find
many species of table fish readily available. King George Whiting are
particularly plentiful from autumn through to late spring. In recent years
Yellow Tail King Fish have been keenly sought as part of a local fishing
competition.
In recent years there has been a significant change to the beach shacks in
the Blanche Harbour to the south of Port Augusta. This area on the western
side of the Gulf and 15kms south of the City now has over 300 beach shacks
and provides exceptional recreation and holiday enjoyment for the residents
of the city and visitors.
Stage One of the Foreshore Redevelopment is now completed. Residents and
tourists alike have enbraced the completed works with enthusiasm .
The shared pedestrian/bikeway connecting the old bridge to the CBD is a
feature of the project. Photo-electric controlled lighting along the path
and solar powered lights across the old bridge will be a great benefit to
night time users.
All new lawned areas and planting beds have been installed in specially
prepared top soil incorporating an automatically controlled sub-surface
irrigation network. This equipment will reduce the maintenance of the garden
and precisely control the distribution of water as and when necessary.
The Swimmers Memorial Gardens, one of the few remaining features of the old
Foreshore site has been restored to represent its early glory, one important
link between Port Augusta's past and present.
Port Augusta has long been known as the "Crossroads of Australia" and the
"Gateway to the Outback". It is also a gateway to the northern and central
Flinders Ranges. The Flinders Ranges are a range of mountains stretching
some 400 kilometers in length. They commence 200 kilometers north of
Adelaide at Crystal Brook. They can be easily accessed from all states of
Australia. From the Eastern states via Adelaide, Mildura or Broken Hill.
From the Northern Territory and Western Australia via Port Augusta and also
from the Birdsville & Strzelecki Tracks will lead through the Flinders
Ranges.
The Grand Prix Series is launched at the successful Outback Surf Boat Carnival held in Port Augusta in early November each year. The carnival venue is situated approx 3 hours drive north of Adelaide at the top of SA’s Spencer Gulf, gateway to the state’s outback region.
With over 300 competitors and supporters taking part, the event has become an icon celebration for the community each year with numerous sporting clubs and businesses forming crews to take part in novelty rowing events.
Local rowing clubs, particularly from the regional city of Port Pirie, have been long standing supporters of the event and are keen to demonstrate their river rowing skills in a surfboat.
Clubs from around the state contest the CITY OF PORT AUGUSTA SURF BOAT GRAND PRIX SERIES including the Open Men’s and Women’s, Reserves, Under 23 Men’s and Women’s as well as Under 19 events.
PORT AUGUSTA - SHAPING THE FUTURE
Corporation of the City of Port Augusta
http://www.portaugusta.sa.gov.au/
4 Mackay Street (PO Box 1704)
Telephone: (08) 86 419100 Fax: (08) 86 410357
E-Mail admin@portaugusta.sa.gov.au