Port Elliot Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Port Elliot
Port Elliot
Port Elliot
Port Elliot
Port Elliot

Stay in a popular seaside destination of delightful beaches, historical buildings, a picturesque countryside and shipwrecks from the 19th century.

Port Elliot lies on the shores of Horseshoe Bay on the Fleurieu Peninsula, an attractive historic town of 19th-century buildings fronted by exceptional beaches. Spend happy days at the seaside, discover local history and ride through the countryside on an old steam train.

The local coastline is a huge magnet for visitors. Swim and sunbathe at Horseshoe Bay's sheltered beach, surf the big waves at Boomer Beach and enjoy scenic walks. Cycle on the Encounter Bikeway, an on-road and off-road trail that links four coastal towns, including Port Elliot.

Stroll along the Port Elliot Maritime Heritage Trail, which features interpretive signs that detail 19th-century shipwrecks. The remains of these vessels are often visible from land. Stand by the limestone obelisk, which was historically used as a navigational aid for ships entering the harbor.

Pick up additional insights into local history when you explore the small town. Visit the Port Elliot railway station, which was built in 1853 and houses a historical display of photographs, maps and other items covering the town's early history. Leave the station aboard the Cockle Train, an old steam train that travels between Goolwa and Victor Harbor, crossing plains and climbing to the tops of coastal cliffs.

Continue your journey into the past back in the town. Enjoy a walk through the center, stopping at some of the 19th-century historical buildings, such as Hotel Elliot, the courthouse and police station and the council chambers.

Browse the independent boutiques and arts and craft stores along the Strand, Port Elliot's main street. It also has several restaurants and cafés.

Port Elliot and its beaches, shipwrecks and historical buildings are about 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Adelaide. The town is small enough to walk around, but a rental car is a good option if you want to explore nearby attractions. Consider trips to Newland Head Conservation Park, the historical town of Victor Harbor and Granite Island, where you can see a colony of little penguins.

BIG4 Port Elliot Holiday Park
BIG4 Port Elliot Holiday Park
3.5 out of 5
Victor Harbor-Goolwa Rd, Port Elliot, SA
The price is NZ$130 per night from 30 July to 31 July
NZ$130
30 July - 31 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach cabin in Port Elliot. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Horseshoe Bay and Port Elliot Beach ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (104 reviews)
"Well priced, clean, simple accommodation (budget cabin) fantastic facilities, pleasant staff and management."

Reviewed on 7 Jul. 2025

BIG4 Port Elliot Holiday Park
YHA Port Elliot
YHA Port Elliot
2 out of 5
13 The Strand, Port Elliot, SA
The price is NZ$104 per night from 11 July to 12 July
NZ$104
11 July - 12 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hostel in Port Elliot. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Port Elliot Beach and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (81 reviews)
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Reviewed on 30 Mar. 2025

YHA Port Elliot
Port Elliot Studio Spa Apartment
Port Elliot Studio Spa Apartment
Port Elliot
The price is NZ$274 per night from 16 July to 17 July
NZ$274
16 July - 17 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this apartment in Port Elliot. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Port Elliot Beach and Port Elliot Dog Park are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (140 reviews)
Awesome
"Tanya the manager was brilliant, excellent communication. Great location and a great experience. Looking forward to book again."

Reviewed on 22 Jun. 2025

Port Elliot Studio Spa Apartment
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
BIG4 Port Elliot Holiday Park
BIG4 Port Elliot Holiday Park
3.5 out of 5
Victor Harbor-Goolwa Rd, Port Elliot, SA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach cabin in Port Elliot. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Horseshoe Bay and Port Elliot Beach ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (104 reviews)
"Well priced, clean, simple accommodation (budget cabin) fantastic facilities, pleasant staff and management."

Reviewed on 7 Jul. 2025

BIG4 Port Elliot Holiday Park
Port Elliot Studio Spa Apartment
Port Elliot Studio Spa Apartment
Port Elliot
Stay at this apartment in Port Elliot. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Port Elliot Beach and Port Elliot Dog Park are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (140 reviews)
Awesome
"Tanya the manager was brilliant, excellent communication. Great location and a great experience. Looking forward to book again."

Reviewed on 22 Jun. 2025

Port Elliot Studio Spa Apartment
Beachfront South Seas 2 Port Elliot w/ views of Knights Beach
Beachfront South Seas 2 Port Elliot w/ views of Knights Beach
Port Elliot
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Port Elliot. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Knights Beach and Green Bay are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (237 reviews)
Weekend away
"Views were amazing. Loved the main bedroom with a couple of chairs and a table to enjoy the elevated view. We had a great weekend"

Reviewed on 24 Jun. 2025

Beachfront South Seas 2 Port Elliot w/ views of Knights Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Port Elliot

4.9
Top destination
5 - Excellent
6
5 - Excellent 86%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 14%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Perfect for a quiet beach holiday with great cafes and restaurants within walking distance.

5/5 - Excellent

TJ

Great township in SA. Shopping strip is great.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Pretty stopover on our way to Kangaroo Island

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We're planing another visit in the new year to stay a bit longer. Perfect place to get away from it all and share time with the folks.

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