A Guide to Port Pirie, Adelaide’s History Time Capsule
- Time Zone
- Best Time to Go
- Things to Know
- How to Get Around
- Where to Stay in Port Pirie
- Ellen Hotel
- Comfort Inn Flinders on Main
- John Pirie Motor Inn
- Where to Eat in Port Pirie
- Safavi
- Black Pig Bar and Grill
- Risdon Hotel
- Spirou Seafood and Salad
- Sporties Tavern
- What to Do in Port Pirie
- Watch the dawn at Port Pirie’s harbor
- Know more about the town’s history in the Port Pirie Railway Station Museum
- Take a dip at the Solomontown Beach
- Follow the Port Pirie Mural Trail
- Watch a show at the Northern Festival Center
- Where to Shop in Port Pirie
- Pirie Plaza Shopping Center
- What to Expect from Port Pirie’s Weather
- Apps to Download for a Trip to Port Pirie
Port Pirie is the tranquil and idyllic hidden gem that’s perfect for a stopover before heading to the Flinders Range and the Outback. The town has an industrial heritage, friendly locals, and beautiful coastal scenery!
Here, take a look at the best places to stay, eat, and have fun while you’re in town. Whether you’re searching for a relaxing stay by the sea or an exploration of Port Pirie’s history, this guide has got you covered!
Time Zone
Australian Central Standard Time (GMT+9:30)
Best Time to Go
I highly suggest visiting Port Pirie during spring or summer. You can explore culinary delights and cultural landmarks while the sun is sunny!
Spring in Port Pirie is from September to November, while summer is from December to February. If you’re coming from the other side of the globe, it’s a great way to have sun during the Christmas season.
Things to Know
Currency: Australian dollar (Check the current exchange rate)
Language: English
Calling Code: +61
How to Get Around
Bus: Riding a bus is the most convenient way to get around Port Pirie. Schedules are from Monday to Friday and midday on Saturdays
You can also book a bus for hire if you want to get around the town as a big group.
Car: You can bring a car on your Port Pirie trip. Roads here are wide and have low to moderate traffic, so getting around is a breeze.
Where to Stay in Port Pirie
Ellen Hotel
Address: 99 Ellen St, Port Pirie SA 5540, Australia
Phone: +61 8 8633 3138
Pricing: $$
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Ellen Hotel is a stylish and comfortable accommodation that offers an amazing view of the Spencer Gulf. From the lobbies to the rooms, their taste in interior decoration is impeccable.
What made my stay here very special was the fantastic hospitality of their staff! With the delicious breakfast meals they serve in their cafe, I just felt at home here!
Comfort Inn Flinders on Main
Address: 151 Main Rd, Port Pirie SA 5540, Australia
Phone: +61 8 8632 3555
Pricing: $$
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Comfort Inn Flinders is simply unbeatable when it comes to space! From the lobby to the rooms themselves, there’s plenty of space to lounge around.
They have a well-maintained pool, which was amazing to take a dip in during the peak of summer. I also enjoyed their meals because they came at a reasonable price.
John Pirie Motor Inn
Address: 166-172 Warnertown Rd, Port Pirie SA 5540, Australia
Phone: +61 8 8632 4200
Pricing: $$
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John Pirie Motor Inn is a great choice if you’re on a budget. It’s conveniently located close to the town center, making it easy to explore Port Pirie’s restaurants and tourist spots!
I got a fantastic deal here, as the room came with access to their spa, pool, and more. The staff was friendly and even gave me sightseeing recommendations!
Where to Eat in Port Pirie
Safavi
Address: 99 Florence St, Port Pirie SA 5540, Australia
Phone: +61 8 8633 3222
Pricing: $$
Website
You can’t miss Safavi thanks to its iconic exterior. It’s housed inside a Presbyterian church, which adds a timeless charm to the place.
Let me tell you, they don’t hold back on serving sizes! With their generous portions of eggs Benedict and their mouthwatering Persian delight, I left with a full tummy.
Black Pig Bar and Grill
Address: 134 Ellen St, Port Pirie SA 5540, Australia
Phone: +61 8 7081 5254
Pricing: $$
Website
If you want to sip local beer and indulge in mouthwatering, slow-cooked meats, head straight to the Black Pig Bar and Grill. They take their time to cook their barbecue and imbue it with hearty flavors.
Another meal I highly recommend is the double beef burger that has big and juicy patties!
Risdon Hotel
Address: 22 Moppett Rd, Port Pirie West SA 5540, Australia
Phone: +61 8 8632 2663
Pricing: $
Website
In the Risdon Hotel, I had the chance to dine alongside many locals. It’s a fantastic spot to unwind after those long hours on the road!
Their menu is packed with a wide variety of Aussie pub staples, including steak, fish, and salads. My favorite was the Riverine scotch filet steak because it had an incredible meaty flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Spirou Seafood and Salad
Address: 116 Florence St, Port Pirie SA 5540, Australia
Phone:+61 8 8632 5000
Pricing: $$
Website
Spirou Seafood and Salad proudly declares itself the “Church of Seafood and Salad,” and let me tell you, they absolutely live up to that title! Their fish and chips are seriously some of the crunchiest I’ve ever tasted.
I also fell in love with their sweet honey prawns. They’re perfectly cooked and not overly greasy, plus, the bite-sized portions make them a convenient option for take-out as well.
Sporties Tavern
Address: 150 Warnertown Rd, Solomontown SA 5540, Australia
Phone:+61 8 8632 2119
Pricing: $$
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Sporties Tavern is the place to go if you don’t want to miss out on a game! Here, sports fanatics feast on tasty grub as they cheer on their favorite teams.
I happened to catch a rugby game here, and boy, it was an exhilarating experience to join the Bulldogs fans in cheering on the team. Just be prepared for the rowdy crowd!
What to Do in Port Pirie
Watch the dawn at Port Pirie’s harbor
The harbor of Port Pirie serves as the town’s main source of livelihood. At dawn, you can witness the boats departing from the docks with fishermen going on their daily catch or porters transporting goods.
I took a moment to stop by the harbor and observed the sky painted with beautiful shades of blue, orange, and red. If you look into the distance, you’ll also catch a glimpse of the towering Flinders Range.
Know more about the town’s history in the Port Pirie Railway Station Museum
Address: 73/77 Ellen St, Port Pirie SA 5540, Australia
Phone: 61 8 8632 3435
Website
My favorite part of Port Pirie is the Railway Station Museum because of its elegant Victorian architecture. This was once the town’s station for steam trains.
Inside, I took pictures of the old train equipment in all its Industrial-age glory. Other displays of the museum include the preserved police station from the past, the town’s regalia, and the town’s old customs house.
Take a dip at the Solomontown Beach
Address: 20 Beach Rd, Solomontown SA 5540, Australia
Solomontown Beach is a man-made gem designed for everyone to enjoy! It’s a lively spot that families frequently visit, especially because it offers a playground and plenty of BBQ spots.
There’s also a scenic jetty that provides a gorgeous view of the sunset. With ice cream in hand, some music playing, and plenty of sunscreen, my visit to this beach was an absolute blast!
Follow the Port Pirie Mural Trail
Address: 3 Mary Elie Street, Port Pirie, Flinders Ranges and Outback, South Australia, 5540
Check out the impressive murals of Port Pirie to witness the creativity of the locals firsthand! These towering artworks showcase various art styles, from hyperrealism to abstract art.
If you need help navigating the mural trail, you can grab a trail map at the Visitor Information Center. However, the path is quite intuitive, so you may not need it at all.
Watch a show at the Northern Festival Center
Address:106 Gertrude St, Port Pirie SA 5540, Australia
Phone: +61 8 8633 8500
Website
The culture and the arts are very much alive in Port Pirie’s Northern Festival Center.
It has showcased a wide range of shows, from small trivia nights to grand musical productions of Priscilla: The Queen of the Desert.
Where to Shop in Port Pirie
Pirie Plaza Shopping Center
Address: Grey Terrace, Port Pirie South SA 5540, Australia
Port Pirie’s shopping center features both international retailers and local shops. From clothes to fresh produce, the center has got you covered.
It’s not usually crowded, and I saw many great deals here, so you won’t leave the place with a big dent in your pocket.
What to Expect from Port Pirie’s Weather
Spring (September-November): Spring in Port Pirie is mild, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 22°C. Flora in Port Pirie blooms colorfully during this season.
Summer (December-February): Summer in the town is hot and bright with minimal rain throughout the months. Temperatures range from 19°C to 30 °C.
Fall (March-May): Fall in Port Pirie is quite pleasant, as the sun isn’t too bright and there’s minimal rainfall. Temperatures range from 13°C to 22°C.
Winter (June-August): Winters in Port Pirie have heavy rainfall, which is why it’s not advisable to visit the town around this time. Temperatures range from 8°C to 16 °C.
Apps to Download for a Trip to Port Pirie
Google Maps: for getting around town
