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'Crossroads of Australia'
Named after Lady Augusta Young, wife of Sir Henry Fox Young, then Deputy Governor of SA, Port Augusta is the convergence of major highways to NT and WA and a stop off for the Ghan, Indian Pacific and Pichi Richi Railways.
Located at the northern tip of Spencer Gulf, Port Augusta is a major tourist, shopping, government and commercial centre. It's the home of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and School of the Air, it has a number of scenic lookouts and has good views of Flinders and Bluff Ranges.
The area was an important meeting place for many Aboriginal groups who gathered to trade and exchange knowledge and skills.
I didn't like the town at all. Not sure why; nice location, interesting history and attractions, good shopping, caravan parks ok, just didn't want to go anywhere or do anything while I was there. Too busy, too much traffic. Most towns have directional signs to the nearest towns, Port Augusta has signs to the next state/territory! Advertises itself as the 'Crossroads of Australia' - why would anyone want to visit a crossroad?
Postcode: 5700
Population: 13,658 (2011 Census)
Elevation: 14 metres
Latitude: -32.4916 | Longitude: 137.762