Blog - A SHORT HISTORY OF THE LOCAL AREA
A SHORT HISTORY OF THE LOCAL AREA
Port Augusta is a major transport hub with road and rail taking over from sailing ships and camel trains. Major industries include the coal fired power station which closed in March 2016 with the loss of over 400 jobs. The Railways were rationalised in the 80s and these days Port Augusta is a major regional service centre for outback SA.
With a population of about 14,000, it is also the Crossroads of Australia and people traveling to and from the major urban centres of Perth, Darwin, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane have to pass through Port Augusta. Port Augusta may not be a tourist destination but like most places, it has an interesting history and great places to visit, if you know where.