Port
Elliot has a wonderful
relaxing atmosphere and is best experienced, on foot (or car), using the
information in a small brochure which details nearly 60 attractions, includes
a map of the area and is available
at the Port Elliot Historical Centre in the Railway Station between The Strand
and Young Street. The Coastal Walks
have 13 sites including Aboriginal middens, the local blowhole and Watsons Gap
at the end of Boomers Beach. It lists 28 buildings in the heart of the town
(the Port Elliot Red walk) including the Hotel Elliot (built 1868), the
Council Chambers (1879) in The Strand, the Library (1880) and Institute (1882)
in Young Street, Young's General Store (original built in 1853) in The Strand,
the Court House (1866) and Police Station including old court room (1853).
Plus a further 24 places of interest surrounding the central town area (the
Port Elliot Blue walk) and this includes a number
of interesting sites at the
seaside end of The Strand.
Another attraction, and reminder of the origins of the town and region, is the Cockle Train which operates every Sunday, and most school and public holidays, from Goolwa to Victor Harbour stopping at Port Elliot.
The
Obelisk, made of limestone,
was cement rendered in the 1930s and painted white. It was first constructed
in January 1852 and used to have a blue flag which could be seen 15 nautical
miles out to sea to help guide ships into the harbour. Near the Obelisk
there is an impressive set of steps which were built in 1936 'In
memory of our pioneers'. There
is a very pleasant walk from a set of stairs which run from the Obelisk to a
path which leads around the rocks to the south.
Along
Boomers Beach
the huge waves, which caused such problems for the early sailing ships, are
ideal for experienced surfers and is one of the best locations on the South
Australian coast.
