Wadlata Outback Centre

Wadlata Outback Centre Information:
Website: http://www.wadlata.sa.gov.au
Contact: Pauline Hedger
Email: info@wadlata.sa.gov.au
Phone: +61 8 8642 4511
Address: 41 Flinders Tce Port Augusta 5700 SA

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As a result of the then, South Australian Department of Tourism's, "Tourism in the Iron Triangle Report of 1981", it was identified there was a desperate need for a major tourist attraction and a comprehensive Visitor Information Centre in Port Augusta and the north of the State.

Due to Port Augusta geographical position, being at the cross roads of Australia, it was considered to be the ideal location for a Visitor Centre. In 1984, The Corporation of the City of Port Augusta resolved to own and operate the Wadlata Outback Centre.

The State and Federal Governments, through the Australian Bi-Centennial Authority, contributed $2 million dollars, with the Corporation of the City of Port Augusta supporting the project with $1 million plus inkind support. The then South Australian Department of Tourism provided $180,000 and the final $420,000 was raised through major corporate and in-house sponsorship.

The Establishment Committee was formed in 1985 with representation from the Australian Bi-Centennial Authority, the then Department of Tourism, with Mr Les Penley as Chairman, the History Trust of South Australia, the Department for the Arts, Port Augusta City Council and a respresentative from the Aboriginal community and the local business industry.

The Wadlata Outback Centre was officially opened on the 20 November 1988 by the Hon John Bannon BA., LL.B.M.P. Premier of South Australia.

Wadlata is acknowledged by the South Australian Tourism Commission, as being one of the 10 most visited attractions in South Australia with an average of 100,000 visitors per year.

The local and regional attraction boasts at being the winner of six State Tourism Awards from the submission of seven nominations, which are as follows;

1989 Winner (Joint with Coober Pedys Desert Cave)
1990 Winner - Tourism Services
1990 National Awards - Award of Distinction
1991 Judges Commendation
1992 Winner - Regional Attraction
1993 Winner - Regional Attraction
1994 Winner - Regional Attraction
1998 Winner - Regional Attraction

Exciting times are ahead. After nearly 20 years of operating, the South Australian Tourism Commission, the State Government and the City of Port Augusta are undertaking a joint, million dollar upgrade of the multi award winning Wadlata Outback Centre.

 

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Wadlata Outback Centre	Commercial gallery

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Last modified: June 7, 2008 9:51 AM