The self-proclaimed “City of Friendly People”, Port Pirie is situated in the Southern Flinders Ranges with a beautiful mountainous backdrop that meets the pristine Spencer Gulf. You’ll discover a wealth of swimming, fishing and kayaking opportunities in Port Pirie, along with rich maritime history and miniature railway village.

Things to do

Port Pirie is an ideal family holiday destination, thanks to its range of outdoor experiences, including kayaking on Port Pirie Creek and swimming at Solomontown Beach. On the first and third Sundays of each month, you can take the kids on a miniature engine train ride at the Pirie Rail Express, which boasts the adjoining Pirie Model Railway, a fascinating miniature railway village.

Interested in local history? Check out the Port Pirie National Trust Museum, housed in a Victorian Pavilion-style building constructed in 1902. Inside, you can explore a collection of historical artefacts, such as 19th-century watercolour paintings, traditional clothing and the Dollond Telescope camera. Don’t miss the Port Pirie RSL Military Museum, where you can see old military garments and vehicles, including a Vietnam War Huey helicopter.

See a replication of one of Port Pirie’s most-famous residents, Shakka the Shark, at the Regional Tourism and Arts Centre. Shakka, a 5.5-metre-long white pointer shark, was entangled in a fisherman’s line at the nearby Germein Bay. More local culture can be seen at the Northern Festival Centre, which hosts live theatre and music concerts.

If you need a break, head to Memorial Park, where you can find ample grassy space, street performers and tranquil walking paths. It’s close to the Port Pirie Community Swimming Pool, which is perfect for cooling off or getting in a few laps.

Getting around

Port Pirie is about 3.5 hours’ drive from Adelaide along the National Highway. You can walk around the centre of town, but you’ll need a car to venture further afield.