‘I’ll meet you at the crossroads of Australia’

Peter ‘Spida’ Everitt and his wife Sheree (who you might know from The Great Australian Doorstep TV show) run fully escorted motorhome convoy tours in Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and Alaska. Here, Spida takes us to Port Augusta, South Australia.

Port Augusta is a small city in South Australia. It is well known for being built at the crossroads of Australia — from here you can head to any part of Australia. If you go west, you’ll be heading towards Western Australia; head north for the Northern Territory and Queensland; or move east if you want to get to Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales of the Australian Capital Territory.

Many people think of Port August as just a place to stay, put down for a night while you and your ‘better half’ discuss (not argue) on what road to take next. Few travellers actually stop and stay for long periods, but little do they that in doing so, they are missing out on a true hidden treasure of the Australian outback and ocean.

Port Augusta, located 4 hours north of Adelaide, South Australia, has grown in all the right areas to ensure the town matches its ‘Where the Outback meets the Ocean’ beauty. It boasts a population of nearly 15,000 people, and sits at the tip of the Spencer Gulf.  With that, the ultimate and only way to look over this ever-growing working man’s town, is out on the Gulf itself.

Along the newly planted, council-renovated waterfront foreshore lies children’s play parks, barbecues, walking paths, a few boat jetties, a jumping platform for the more adventures locals, andthe main wharf, which is the pick up point for Gulf Cruises — a family fun business operating in the area for more than 11 years. Port Augusta is a destination that will have you cruising the Gulf and fishing in the morning and head into the outback chasing camels in the afternoon.

Onboard the 53-foot cruiser Champagne, our skipper Don Wyatt highlights stunning encounters moments after leaving the jetty. We are joined by playful dolphins, riding and jumping the waves as our skipper gives us insight into the history of the town. However, you can also learn more at one of the best Aboriginal interactive centres I’ve experienced, the Wadlatta Outback Centre. It’s an award-winning attraction that allows visitors to ‘step back in time’ to when dinosaurs roamed, be introduced to those people who first owned, explored and settled the land, and those who still live there today. Put it on your ‘must do’ list if you want to learn more about the importance of outback Australia.

The Upper Spencer Gulf contains some of the largest mangrove forests and salt marshes in Australia. It’s one of only two inverse estuaries in South Australia.  Salt is greater at the top of the Gulf than at its mouth largely due to low freshwater inflows and above average surface temps and evaporation rates. Perfect for buoyancy while swimming, however it makes diving all that more difficult.

Water temperatures in summer, autumn and spring are hotter than the waters in the southern parts of the Gulf and in winter the waters are colder than the southern waters. Making this a very unique waterway.  If you like fishing, you’ll be surprised by just how many different varieties of fish can be caught, depending on the time of year. A seafood lover’s dream!

It is low tide during our cruise and while tucking into our chicken and champagne lunch, with singalong music playing, I am discover there is so much more on offer aboard the Champagne.  Bundled into a little tinny with dive booties and gloves in hand, I head out diving for razor fish. The Spencer Gulf is one of only a handful of places you will find these fish in the world! They are similar to oysters in that they are members of the bivalve family, only they can get much larger in size. With the water buoyancy in our favour while we search, it’s a sure negative while attempting to dive to the bottom, even on low tide. There is plenty for every one, with razor fish being so plentiful and easy to find. I recommend eating them straight from the shell or slightly barbecued with lemon and pepper.

If razor fish doesn’t sound appealing and crabs are more your thing, check the crab posts that have been laid by boaties on your behalf earlier in the day — just be sure to watch those claws! I discovered just how sharp they can be while bringing in one of the pots.

I feel the best way to experience the beauty and awe of Port August is from the water. Don says that one of the biggest hydroplants in Australia is located just ouf of the town and it looks particularly stunning from the water and at night. It’s an impressive sight and a reminder of the employment here.

With a beer in hand or a glass of champagned, I’ve been able to experience one of those placed not many could rate. If you get the opportunity, Port August is a spot worth stopping for.

Fast facts:

• Port August is known as the ‘crossroads of Australia’, where roads from Adelaid, the Flinders Ranges, Alice Springs, Perth and Whyalla all intersect.
• It’s a great base for easy access to the attractions of the Flinders Ranges, the Eyre Peninsula and the outback of Australia.

Travel tips:

• Be sure to stock up in Port Augusta, because regardless of the direction you choose to travel in next, it’s likely to be some time before you will get your favourite items again.
• Check out the Wadlatta Outback Centre before you go.

The Great Australian Doorstep is on Channel 7Two on Saturday afternoons, or tune in to the radio show every weekend across the TripleM and FlowFM networks – 68 stations, Australia-wide.