ON THE MOVE: PORT ELLIOT

THIS PEACEFUL SEASIDE TOWN IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA HAS PLENTY TO OFFER.

The best of this peaceful seaside town.

AUSTRALIAN COASTAL TOWNS are the jewels in our regional crowns. Case in point: Port Elliot, a gentle township set on the historic shipwreck shoreline of Horseshoe Bay in South Australia, that was founded in 1852. “We love that we’re so close to larger and busier towns, but we still get to enjoy a calmness in our lifestyle, with long beach walks, stunning sand dunes and great surf,” says Stephen Schmitz, owner of Jetty Food Store. With its pristine beaches and relaxed feel, Port Elliot has long been a holiday haven for tourists — and there’s plenty to keep the locals interested, too, says Stephen. “There’s an interesting mix of retail, cafes, boutique accommodation. And you’re just a stroll away from the beach.” The true charm of the place is drawn from the laid-back feel that belies a township that ferociously protects its identity, history and sense of community.

1 Flying Fish Cafe 2 Horseshoebay jetty 3 The Strand 4 Port Elliot Bakery 5 Waverley Estate and No. 58 Cellar Door & Gallery (see page 112 )

The jetty on Horseshoe Bay. FACING PAGE, CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT No 58 Cellar Door & Gallery in the grounds of Waverley Estate; fish and chips from Flying Fish Cafe; The Strand; surfboards at the ready at Middleton Beach.