The perfect time of year to visit Port Elliot in my opinion is Autumn.  You can still get days in the high twenties, but if the cooler weather does come in you can still enjoy a stroll on the beach.  Better yet, take the Harbourmasters walk around the cliff top from Horseshoe Bay to Knights Beach.  This spectacular walk takes in Lady Bay and Green Bay and is good for the soul! There’s no better way to see the waves crashing on to the rocks and the odd storm out at sea.  Keep your eyes peeled for pods of dolphins and a resident seal around the breakwater area of Horseshoe Bay.

Make sure to splash some cash in town while you’re visiting.  There are two great pubs offering different experiences.  The Hotel Elliot is on “The Strand” and is a great place to stop in for a drink or two, while people watching and waiting for the “Steamranger” train to chug by.  The Royal Family Hotel is on the main road and has a welcoming outdoor dining area and enclosed verandah for the not so warm days.  It’s a great pub for family lunches with an area for kids to play outdoors.

“The Strand” is made for strolling with interesting and quirky shops to browse and buy in.  A must do is to have an alfresco breakfast / brunch or lunch at Cockles on the corner of the Strand and the main road.  The food is always fresh and hearty.  There is a bakery that you have to try (don’t let the line up winding out the door stop you!) and a well stocked IGA supermarket.  A takeaway and an Indian Restaurant are in town for when it’s all too hard to cook but you must pick up some gourmet meats from the butcher, ‘Indulgent Meats’ which stocks good food ready for the BBQ. Right next door you’ll find the Jetty Food Store for all your organic fruit and veg and other interesting groceries.

To read more on this serene part of the world keep an eye out for an upcoming article.  I will keep you posted!