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.
Top hotels in Port Elliot
Estimated price for 1 night / 2 adults
Port Elliot Beach House YHA Hostel
3 out of 5
13 The Strand, Port Elliot, SA
Free CancellationReserve now, pay when you stay
NZ$110
per night
Jan 29 - Jan 30
Situated in Port Elliot, this beach hostel is within a 5-minute walk of Horseshoe Bay, Knights Beach and Encounter Bay. Boomer Beach and Port Elliot Dog Park ...…Situated in Port Elliot, this beach hostel is within a 5-minute walk of Horseshoe Bay, Knights Beach and Encounter Bay. Boomer Beach and Port Elliot Dog Park ...WWW…
4.8/5Exceptional! (37 reviews)
"The Staff are extremely friendly and accommodating."…""The Staff are extremely friendly and accommodating."WWW…"
Situated in Port Elliot, this beach cabin is within 1 mile (2 km) of Horseshoe Bay and Encounter Bay. Knights Beach and Boomer Beach are also within 2 miles ...…Situated in Port Elliot, this beach cabin is within 1 mile (2 km) of Horseshoe Bay and Encounter Bay. Knights Beach and Boomer Beach are also within 2 miles ...WWW…
4.5/5Wonderful! (10 reviews)
"Friendly staff, attractive location with great beaches, good accomodation"…""Friendly staff, attractive location with great beaches, good accomodation"WWW…"
Located in the heart of Port Elliot, this bed & breakfast is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Boomer Beach, and within 6 mi (10 km) of McCracken Golf Course and Warland ...…Located in the heart of Port Elliot, this bed & breakfast is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Boomer Beach, and within 6 mi (10 km) of McCracken Golf Course and Warland ...WWW…
4.7/5Exceptional! (38 reviews)
"Great location and each suite was very private and secluded which is lovely. Attention to detail with amenities is fabulous. Would highly recommend to couples."…""Great location and each suite was very private and secluded which is lovely. Attention to detail with amenities is fabulous. Would highly recommend to couples."WWW…"
Glimpse incredible marine life moments from Victor Harbor during a wildlife-watching bonanza that takes you to Seal Rock in beautiful Encounter Bay. Carry your camera along and hope to catch sight of the Long Nosed Fur Seals, Australian sea lions, and countless seabirds during your memorable cruise.
Victor Harbor with McLaren Vale Tour from Adelaide
NZ$121
Discover Victor Harbor, the quaint wine-making region and sleepy coastal town in South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula. Spend a full day exploring the seaside resort and the historic paddle-steamer port of Goolwa, where Australia’s longest river meets the sea.
Coorong National Park & Murray River Cruise with Lunch
NZ$146
Depart the Goolwa Wharf heading downstream passing through a lock in the Goolwa Barrage whilst viewing fur seals which inhabit this area, pass from fresh to salt water and into the Coorong National Park.
A unique opportunity to meet our friendly alpacas on the picturesque Softfoot farm. Upon arrival, your included home made morning tea awaits. Meet and feed our friendly, world class alpacas.
This breathtaking tour departs from the Granite Island causeway past many offshore islands and spectacular cliffs. See seals, sea lions and dolphins along the way. Cruising through the Encounter Marine Park where we also view whales during the winter months when they migrate from Antarctica to the warm waters of Encounter Bay.
Itinerary Adelaide's most stunning coastal skydive. After arriving at Goolwa Airport, you'll be welcomed by the crew and run through some basic safety briefing. You'll have the opportunity to learn more about skydiving from how we fly, to the equipment, to safety, to learning how to enter the sport as a solo skydiver.
