A wise tip: not even for a second think a drive through the desert is a walk in the park. What I mean by that is if you feel the urge to drive off to a side road into the unknowing hoping for the best, well be prepared for anything (maybe that’s when people go missing). Stay on the route you had planned out before, have plenty of water, food and other resourceful items that may come in handy in the time of need. As well, keep on reading about where to stay, what to eat, travel tips, Port Augusta, South Australia.
Once you step outside the heat punches you in the gut, it’s a bit of a surprise and yet to be anticipated, it’s the desert for crying out loud.
Travel Tips, Port Augusta, South Australia:
Where to stop for the night in Port Augusta:
Stop at the Pampas Motel and Guesthouse, it’s absolutely superb. The owners provided splendid services, maintain a clean establishment and an enclosed parking space. The rooms are all equipped with an AC unit, a mini fridge, a tea pod and even a microwave to warm up the leftovers (plates and utensils, are provided as well). Honestly, I wouldn’t even call it a motel, in my book its a solid four-star hotel.
Art Display, Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens, Port Augusta, SA
Where to grab a bite to eat in Port Augusta:
Indian Indulgences. This particular Indian restaurant, can cook up a storm, pick from the many tasty fish, meat or vegetarian dishes (veggie dishes are hard to find in the outback, where meat and beer rule the region). Excellent and inexpensive food, with the option to eat in or to take away. Located at 54 Victoria Parade (Augusta Highway) Port Augusta SA 5700.
I’m telling you flies are everywhere, Art Display, Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens, Port Augusta, SA
A good grocery store:
If you rented a home or an apartment, and wish to cook a nice meal, then you have two options here Woolworths or Coles. The difference, one is more expensive than the other. Woolworths has the same content as Coles, but it’s a bit more pricey (mangos are the best at Coles).
Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens
What to do in Port Augusta:
If you have time to spare, visit the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens. Here you can get a real taste of what nature is like in the outback. Some might say “it’s lifeless and dull,” but in fact, the opposite is true. To find out more about nature in this part of Australia or to enjoy fabulous views of the Upper Spencer Gulf to the old Flinders Range plan a visit here.
Arid Lands, Port Augusta, SA
Enjoy one of the scenic Garden Walks:
-Highlights Walk: is 800 meters long, meant for folks that don’t have much time, yet want to experience all that the desert has to offer. This walk is your best option, don’t forget a water bottle and that fly repellant.
-Children’s Walk: is intended for kids, its easy, fast and safe.
-Regional Walk: is 45 minutes and 1.4 km long and has some spectacular and unique floral display. As well along this walk, you have excellent views of the ancient Flinders Range.
-Red Cliff Walk: is the longest out the four walks 2 hours and 4.5 km. Personal I didn’t complete this walk, due to heat and the very annoying flies. However, I hear it’s the best one. It gives you the real arid lands.
Red Cliff Walk, Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens, Port Augusta, SA
