Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden in Port Augusta

On day 36 of our journey, we had to pause at Port Augusta because the Flinders Ranges National Park had been closed for a ‘pest control program’ until the evening of the following day. By the way, it is always a good idea to check the national parks’ official website for planning your travel. This will get you latest information on any closures or important notices.

In Port Augusta, which we experienced as a perfect melange of a sleepy old-days harbor town and decent commercial and industrial city, we had time to take care about basic things like refilling our supplies, laundry, etc.

We also took the opportunity to visit the Australian Arid Lands Botanical Garden. The gardens are well worth a visit as they provide a good introduction to arid flora. They even have a section on bush tucker – and yes, of course I tried one of the desert fruits. I’d better take another lesson on bush food. The fruit was sour to the extent that it left my mouth dry and with a ‘tanned’ feeling. My suspicion is – that one wasn’t ripe enough for eating yet.

There was no other way of getting the taste cleared out than to have lunch at visitor center, where they also sell some of the plants in case you want to create your own arid garden. When you have lunch there, try one of the “Arid Whirls”.

After a hot day in the botanical garden, we spent the afternoon at the pool and made final arrangements for our drive to Wilpena Pound in the Flinders Ranges.