Port MacDonnell is located on the Southern Ocean south of Mount Gambier on Alt.
Highway (1)between Mount Gambier and Nelson in the South East of the state It
is one of the 'Southern Ports'. 480km. from Adelaide
The most southerly port in South Australia, and a base for a large lobster
fleet, Port MacDonnell was first sighted by Lieutenant Grant in 1800. At nearby
Cape Northumberland, the lighthouse (1882) is South Australia's most southerly light.
Port MacDonnell was once the home of poet Adam Lindsay Gordon and his cottage 'Dingley Dell' is restored and now an historic museum run by the National Trust. It is open for inspection and contains works and memorabilia of this outstanding poet and horseman. On the foreshore the imposing Customs House (1860) still dominates the skyline and opposite, along the shore, are maritime artefacts, some from the 50 or so ships wrecked on reefs in the vicinity. Just north is Allendale East, which has a sink-hole in the middle of the road. Mount Schank, just north again, is the youngest intact volcano crater in Australia (last eruption 2,000 years ago) and the Little Blue Lake, 3km. west of the Mount Gambier Road is well worth a visit and a photograph. PLACES OF INTEREST: Once home of poet Adam Lindsay Gordon Sink holes between Port MacDonnell and Nelson On the Nelson Road. Has fresh fish and yabbies. Mini version of the Blue Lake. Near Mount Schank. Artefacts from shipwrecks sunk off Port MacDonnell between 1844 and 1947. In the former District Council Offices. A park on the foreshore opposite has many anchors and artefacts as well. On the Mount Gambier Rd Mount Schank summit provides excellent views ACCOMMODATION & SERVICES: |
© Copyright Peter W. Wilkins |