The District Council of Grant is privileged to be on Boandik Country and acknowledges the contributions of Aboriginal Australians and non-Aboriginal Australians to the development of all peoples in this country we live in and share together - Australia. The name Boandik or Bunganditj comes from Bung-an-ditj or “people of the reeds”, reflecting the nature of the original landscape. Shell middens, rock shelters and burial grounds are scattered throughout the area. The Bunganditj lived near sandy beaches and tidal estuaries, consuming large amounts of shellfish. The wood from sheoaks and other trees was used to produce digging sticks, boomerangs, throwing sticks and other tools. Stone axes and cutting implements were made from Port MacDonnell flint.
Our museums and attractions offer a great source of interesting historic information about local people and places and many options to reflect on the past.
Port MacDonnell and District Maritime Museum
Once South Australia’s second largest trading port, the rugged coastline around Port MacDonnell is a graveyard for over 30 ships, which feature at the Museum. Port MacDonnell and District Maritime Museum
Feast's Classic Car Collection & Memorabilia
Featuring vast collections of all sorts, shapes and sizes from restored Valiant cars and horse drawn wagons, to key-rings and toys and everything in-between! Feast's Classic Car Collection & Memorabilia
Adam Lindsay Gordon's Cottage
Gordon was an Australian poet, horseman, politician and the most colourful of characters. His Cottage is located on the outskirts of Port MacDonnell in the Dingley Dell Conservation Park. Enjoy a guided tour that will reveal original Gordon relics and probably some impromptu poetry recitals! An informative self-guided walking trail meanders through the surrounding pocket of bush land, offering a sheltered picnic spot. Adam Lindsay Gordon's Cottage
Echo Farm
Offering families and visitors a chance to interact with animals while engaging in some local history, the 17 acre pioneer farm features farm and native animals and an assortment of vintage and antique items. The perfect place to spend some precious time with your favourite little people or bring Nanna to reminisce. Echo Farm
Cape Northumberland Lighthouse & Stories of Port MacDonnell
Port MacDonnell Community Hall Mural, Bay Wave & Penguins sculptures
233.2 square metres of mural depicting scenes from local history painted by 416 local residents under the careful eye of regional artist Kathy Mabon in 1999. Watch out for the fishermen in the boat that follow you as you walk by and try to count how many seagulls are featured!
The entrances of Port MacDonnell have been brought to life by Ivo Tadic, a renowned sculptor from Mount Gambier. Both made of limestone, the 'Bay Wave' sculpture weights around 50 tons and contains enough limestone to build an entire medium sized house. The Bay Wave was a community project including the local school children who sculptured the shells that make up part of the finished project. The Penguins are a favourite of children!
Port MacDonnell Customs House
Built in 1863, it was the only one of its type in South Australia to combine Police Station and residence, cells, court room, customs house, post and telegraph stations with residence and school teacher’s residence. Currently a private home with luxurious apartment style bed and breakfast accommodation. Port MacDonnell Customs House
Port MacDonnell Historic Trail and Woolwash Interpretive Centre
Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop; a journey of discovery
Port MacDonnell was the departure point for Australia’s first Saint, Mary Mackillop when she boarded the steamship SS Penola in June 1867 bound for Adelaide, in a bid to share revolutionary Catholic teaching principles further afield. Mary’s journey to sainthood is the focus of a self-drive trail exploring 16 sites of significance in Portland, Hamilton and Penola. Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop; a journey of discovery
Admella Discovery Trail
The wreck of the SS Admella in the early hours of 6 August 1859 was only the beginning of a horrific week for survivors who remained on board, in sight of land, while volunteers struggled to rescue them. 21 maritime themed interpretive markers emotively recount the tale of the wreck on this self-drive touring route. Admella Discovery Trail