A handy stopover on coastal South Australia road trips, with access to the South Flinders Ranges.
At the head of South Australia’s Spencer Gulf, the small city of Port Augusta is a road and railway junction that’s a convenient stopping-off point on road trips to or from the state capital, Adelaide, and the Eyre Peninsula. Port August is especially attractive to travellers who love the water, as fishing, kayaking, and boating can be enjoyed from here. It’s also close to some inland parks where you can hike in the South Flinders Ranges. There are well-equipped caravan parks around the town, as well as a large free-camping ground outside town, off the Eyre Highway.
About 30 miles (50 km) south-east of Port Augusta and toward Adelaide, Mount Remarkable National Park contains some spectacular canyons and is a popular hiking destination. Camping is permitted at campsites within the park, and you must book and pay online in advance. Some campsites are walk-in only and only suitable for tents, while others can accommodate camper trailers and caravans too. Limited cabin and lodge accommodation is available, too.
About an hour’s drive north-east of Port Augusta, this conservation park is another attraction for hikers, with many trails that allow you to see the resident flora and fauna. Vehicle camping isn’t permitted in the park but walk-in camping is, west of the Dutchman Range and outside of fire season. There are no campsites or fees so you’ll need to be self-sufficient. A homestead and a rustic old shearers’ quarters also provide accommodation.
Just east of Port Augusta, this park is home to Mount Brown, one of the highest peaks in the South Flinders Ranges. Climb to the lookout along a 10-mile (15-km) walking track and enjoy canyon views along the way. Camping isn’t permitted within the park so stay in nearby Port Augusta and visit on a day trip.
The climate in this park of South Australia can be very hot in summer (December to February) and mild in winter (June-August), and the spring and autumn are somewhere in between. Winter, especially July and August, are the most popular times to visit Port Augusta so book in advance if you want to camp at the more popular holiday parks at this time. One of the attractions around Port August is hiking in the South Flinders Range, this is most comfortable outside of the summer, which is also the fire season.