Guide to Port Elliot South Australia Australia

One of the sweetest beach settings in South Australia, Port Elliot is a popular tourist destination.

This is a model seaside village, with cafes, antique and gift shops along The Strand. Feel the sand between your toes at picturesque Horseshoe Bay – its large beach and safe swimming conditions making it a favourite venue for families. The surfing fraternity is well accommodated at Boomer Beach, which lies on the western edge of the town.

Jump aboard the Cockle Train to nearby Goolwa or Victor Harbor – other popular seaside destinations – or try the cliff-top walking path for stunning views of the coast. The Encounter Bikeway weaves its way through Port Elliot’s streets.

Port Elliot was selected by Governor Sir Henry Edward Fox Young in 1850 as the site for the ocean port of the Murray River trade. He named the place after his friend, Sir Charles Elliot. The township was proclaimed in 1854, the same year in which the first railway line in South Australia was opened between Goolwa and Port Elliot, this being constructed to convey the produce to the overseas port. However, the Governor’s choice was unfortunate as the bay was not well enough protected, and following several shipwrecks, the anchorage was transferred to the lee of Granite Island at Victor Harbor in 1864.