Port Noarlunga is where the Onkaparinga River meets the sea. The town was established in 1859 as a sea port for the market town of Noarlunga (now Old Noarlunga) a few kilometres upstream. It’s also home to a 1.6km reef which can be seen at low tide off the town’s historic jetty. Port Noarlunga is a coastal arts hub, supported by a thriving arts community and two galleries. The popular seaside destination is much loved by beach goers, divers, kayakers and surfers.

FAST FACTS!

• The jetty, reef and river mouth are part of the protected waters forming the Encounter Marine Park, stretching from Port Noarlunga to the start of the Coorong

• The reef is home to 200 species of marine plants and fish, including blue devil fish, seven species of nudibranch and wobbegong sharks

• If you’re on the 300m jetty, keep an eye out for dolphins and even southern right whales (from May to October)

• Sauerbier House is an art and exhibition space housed in a stunning 1897 villa on the bank of the Onkaparinga River

• The Kaurna place name for Port Noarlunga is ‘Tainbarang’, which relates to a natural spring