Wadlata Outback Centre

The Wadlata Outback Centre, located in Port Augusta, South Australia, serves as the gateway to the Australian Outback and the magnificent Flinders Ranges. Situated approximately 300 km north of Adelaide at the head of Spencer Gulf, this interpretive centre offers visitors an immersive introduction to the region's rich geological, indigenous, and European history.

The name "Wadlata" comes from the local Aboriginal language and means "wind place", reflecting the area's characteristic weather patterns. The centre is housed in a modern building that was once Port Augusta's original railway station, a fitting tribute to the town's historical importance as a transport hub connecting coastal South Australia with the vast interior.

Inside the Wadlata Outback Centre, visitors can embark on the renowned "Tunnel of Time" journey, which provides a fascinating chronological exploration of the region's development. The exhibition continues through the evolution of Aboriginal culture, which has thrived in the region for over 40,000 years, highlighting the deep connection of indigenous peoples like the Adnyamathanha to the land. The journey then progresses through European exploration and settlement, including the challenges faced by early pioneers in this harsh environment, the establishment of the transcontinental railway, and the development of pastoral industries that shaped the region's economy and culture.