Port Augusta, SA 5700

Port Augusta has had a turbulent time over the last five years or so. It's economy was once driven by a (now shut down) Coal power station. And for a time, it seemed like the town ran the risk of dying alongside this plant's operational death.

But some interesting things started happening about two years ago; and the town is really enjoying the beginnings of a turnaround or recovery. The Thermal Solar plant nearby (about a 15 minute drive out of town) is really the way of the future for energy production and will have a big role to play. Whilst it won't leave many 'permanent' jobs once construction is fully done, as the biggest Thermal Solar tower in the world (and tallest building in the state!) it will attract tourists and those passing through the town (Port Augusta gets a lot of drivers as it is the stop-off point for people driving/touring Darwin-Adelaide, and Sydney-Perth).

The overland trains should stop for more than just 10 minutes in the town! It would be a tourism boom to the town if these tourist trains did a half-day or full-day in Port Augusta to allow people to explore the Arid Lands Gardens, or the Thermal Solar installation.

Also, the Flinders Ranges is a site to be seen and can be done in a big day-trip (about a 2hr 10 minute drive from Port Augusta). If you are ever in town, pack a nice picnic lunch, lots of water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes, and walk some of the trails of this stunning area!

Also, Sundrop Farms is a big employer now (and rumors are that this operation will only grow), just 12km south of the town. For good or for bad; the Prison also creates a lot of jobs (South Australia have decentralised the state's prison system somewhat; sending inmates from Adelaide to regional prisons such as Port Augusta).

In terms of living in Port Augusta, as others have said, the climate can get quite hot. A/C is a must, and look for a house with good shaded outdoor areas - you'll need it as the sun burns fiercely in Port Augusta. The town has all of the basic amenities one could need, and the riverside is a nice spot to do exercise and relax/cook bbq's on weekends.

It is not right to call this place 'a hole'. It is recovering and the cost of living is super-affordable which helps with this. Yes, there have been a lot of shops empty and high unemployment due to the Coal closure, but as time goes on, this is proving to turnaround as new jobs are created to replace lost ones.

All Port Augusta needs now is another big project or two (hello, Olympic Dam). Ideally another solar-type energy system or a big smart-agriculture farming facility like Sundrop. Also, I think tourism will pick up. Some folks drive straight through when on their way to Port Lincoln for shark-diving etc., but increasingly people are stopping in PA for lunch and stuff on their way, and hanging around. Sometimes all I think this town needs is a giant billboard on the motorway approaching it, that lists all the things you can do in a day in Port Augusta. People honestly simply don't know what is in and around this town! If they knew, they'd be more inclined to stop and do activities (and spend a little money in town while they are at it!).

Drunks and fighting all through the main shopping area, screaming and shouting abuse outside the supermarket and taxi area, same abuse and violence outside the caravan park. We had rocks thrown at our car and abused and threatened by a group of teens.

Port Augusta police are incredibly rude, 110% were not interested in hearing our complaint. They didn’t want to know, and became abrasive and angry when we didn’t get the hint.

The Detective we spoke too was an unnecessarily hostile man who was angry that we questioned the process of reporting a crime. If looks could kill we’d be dead. He genuinely seemed unhinged.
No wonder the crime is so bad with police that bad. Why would anyone try and seek justice.

There are some nice bakeries and the Indian restaurant on the Stuart highway was nice. A cafe across Coles has amazing coffee.

I wouldn’t recommend even stopping to fill up for petrol in Port Augusta.
The risk of an assault is too high and as Police won’t treat you with the slightest bit of respect or manners, trying to report a crime is impossible.

Affordable houses to buy with very decent rent returns.
Township has many amenities, tourist attractions and multiple points for food, fuel and play areas.
Plenty of schools in the area and decent sized high schools.

Lucy Read - Sales Associate - SA Homes and Acreage

This is a unique town that has reinvented itself in the last 5 years. From the post-GFC recession, this area of SA has begun rebuilding with primary production projects, town clean-ups and a community focus on what is good for the area. It shows!
Lovely homes, great views - NO powerplant!....and a rare opportunity for everyone in the street to say hi if you initiate the greeting.
I am an out of towner who has been impressed in the last 6-months by this town may quickly dismiss.

Two sides to Port Augusta. It isn't know for its beauty or 5 Star lifestyle but you can make a pretty penny here if you are a good saver with plenty of job opportunities and government investments. HOWEVER there are social problems in this town and in reality not the best environment to bring up a family. Port Augusta can be a bogan almost feral type of town at times, probably most of the time in my opinion.

I have worked around Australia, which also includes Pt Augusta. The place is a hole, someone on here tried to compare Pt Augusta with Pt Lincoln...Lincoln craps all over "Porta Gutter". Pt Augusta has many social issues with the usual suspects. I would rate it as bad as elizabeth in Adelaide as a comparison for those that have never been out to Pt Augusta. If you like the outback its a handy town to pop into, thats it.

Bought an investment here towards to end of last year and was attracted to the rental yields. With the Olympic Dam mine expansion looking like it should go ahead; Port Augusta would definitely feel some rollover effects from all that money flowing in. Hopefully the capital growth will follow soon after.
Heard that the place was rough but when my wife and I were there the locals were actually pretty friendly, some nice infrastructure like the Arid Lands Botanic Gardens, the boardwalk by the Spencer Gulf was very good for morning walks. Not the mention some of the views! Absolutely stunning. Also has the Royal Flying Doctors Base here and BHP keeps pumping money into them. Wonder why?
I think its a much affordable option than Roxby Downs with the rental yields helping you hold the investment if you are after such an option. There are double maisonettes for sale which gives you 2 rental incomes; not easy to find as an investor. Drove from Adelaide City in 3 hours no problems so I was happy with the distance of this 'regional' town as well.

Port Augusta has seen many changes over the last 10 years and with the iminent Mining Boom, Port Augusta will reep the rewards of such a Venture. Port Augusta known as the Crossroads is a very attractive town. new infrastructure is now taking place and new homes abound the town and surrounding suburbs. The views are truly spectacular and nothing in my opionion can beat driving across the bridge on a crsip morning with mirror images of the flinders rangers reflected in the water of the Gulf. Stunning new appartments adorn the Gulf with more to be built and built in such a way as to blend into the natural surroundings.
Residents of Port Augusta are friendly and accomodating and water sports are very poplular in the gulf.
A town with a big future, but expanding population will not take away the special qualities of this magical town.

Port Augusta is located nearly 350 kilometres from Adelaide. It is a common stopover point for those passing across Australia, as it is the on the main transport links from Adelaide to Darwin and also from Sydney to Perth.

The town is well-equipped with many shops, services and schools. The population is relatively large for a remote town, reaching over 13,000. However the town itself seems to lack soul. With reasonably high unemployment, the town does not have the best reputation.

On the edge of the desert, the climate is hot and unforgiving, often reaching over 40 degrees in summer.