Port Elliot

Travel Guide

Port Elliot which includes a beach and waves
Port Elliot
Port Elliot showing general coastal views, swimming and a sandy beach
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
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (108 reviews)
"We loved the location of our cabin with it being tucked away and beautifully quiet. The rooms were clean and nicely presented and the shower was lovely and hot! The only negative was that we noticed a smell of cigarette smoke in the bedroom with the bunk beds, so we left the window open most of our ..."

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

BIG4 Port Elliot Holiday Park
YHA Port Elliot

YHA Port Elliot

2 out of 5
13 The Strand, Port Elliot, SA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P3,222 per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
P3,222
P3,544 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
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)
"."

Reviewed on Mar 30, 2025

YHA Port Elliot
Discovery Resorts - McCracken Country Club

Discovery Resorts - McCracken Country Club

3.5 out of 5
McCracken Drive, McCracken, SA
The price is P5,155 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
P5,155
P5,671 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star golf hotel in McCracken. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a golf course. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"We had a wonderful stay. The staff and view perfect. My only feedback was something that left me uncomfortable. We mainly chose this venue for the sauna and gym facilities. I was left feeling unwelcome in the sauna by the local members using the sauna during our stay."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025

Discovery Resorts - McCracken Country Club
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (108 reviews)
"We loved the location of our cabin with it being tucked away and beautifully quiet. The rooms were clean and nicely presented and the shower was lovely and hot! The only negative was that we noticed a smell of cigarette smoke in the bedroom with the bunk beds, so we left the window open most of our ..."

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

BIG4 Port Elliot Holiday Park
NRMA Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park

NRMA Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park

4 out of 5
114 Victoria Street, Victor Harbor, SA
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly campground in Victor Harbor. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Kent Reserve and Warland Reserve ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (582 reviews)
"Clean and tidy. It’s a good experience staying there."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

NRMA Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park
Beach Huts Middleton

Beach Huts Middleton

4 out of 5
1 Charles Street, Enter on Port Elliot Road, Middleton, SA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Middleton. Enjoy in-room massages, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Surfers Beach and Middleton Beach ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (257 reviews)
"I had an amazing stay at the cabin! It was exceptionally great — thoughtfully designed with all the features and comforts one could ask for. Everything was clean, cozy, and really well maintained, which made the entire experience feel seamless and relaxing. From the peaceful surroundings to the attention ..."

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2025

Beach Huts Middleton
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