The cliffs near the jetty with the BHP jetty on the horizon at Ardrossan

Ardrossan (including Pine Point)
Interesting port and holiday destination on the Yorke Peninsula.
Located 145 km northwest of Adelaide and 23 m above sea level, Ardrossan is an interesting port on the western side of Gulf St Vincent. It is the largest of the ports on the Yorke Peninsula with a substantial jetty and bulk grain loading facility. While the town is a popular holiday destination with good swimming and fishing it is also a thriving port where wheat and dolomite are exported.

Before European settlement the area was inhabited by the Narungga Aborigines. The early European settlers in the area lived in dugouts. In about 1870 a town was surveyed. It was named by Governor Fergusson after a sea port in Ayrshire, Scotland. The opening of agricultural land on the Yorke Peninsula saw the port develop rapidly. It was against this development that Clarence Smith invented the stumpjump plough which was designed to 'jump' over rocks and the roots of trees embedded in the soil. The town jetty was built in 1877 and used a simple tramway system to load vessels.

The old wheat trolleys on the jetty

The town later became the first port in South Australia with bulk handling wheat facilities. In 1952 the wheat silos, the largest grain receival centre in Australia at the time, came into existence. They now tower over the town.

Ardrossan is subject to great tidal variations so that, when it is low tide, the water can be anything up to 100 metres from the shoreline.

Things to see:  

Ardrossan & District Historical Museum
Located in Fifth Street this Museum is located in the original Stumpjump Plough factory. It has a very good display on the history of the stumpjump plough and the usual collection of folk memorabilia including tractors and farm machinery. Open Sunday from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. as well as school and public holidays or by appointment Tel: (08) 8837 3062.

On the headland at Ardrossan the stump jump with the huge grain silos in the background

The Stump Jump Plough
The stump jump plough, which is located in the park beside East Terrace, is a tribute to Clarence H. Smith who perfected and manufactured stump jump ploughs at Ardrossan. The plough, which was invented by Richard Smith, was patented in 1877 and manufactured by the Smith Brothers. At its peak it produced 14 ploughs per week.

Nearby is the lookout and the jetty which still has the old wheat trolleys and the tram track which was used to take wheat to the end of the jetty to be loaded onto ships.

Mines - Dolomite and Salt
The BHP mine [they changed their name a couple of years ago and are now known as One Steel) located behind the BHP [One Steel] Lookout is a dolomite mine and was opened in the mid-1970s. Dolomite is used as a flux in the steel making process. It is also used in the local area for everything from concreting to road making and fertilising.

BHP [One Steel} Lookout
Situated 2 km south of the town it offers superb views. On one side it has views over the One Steel dolomite mine. Over the other side it offers great views across the Gulf St Vincent.

Zanoni Wreck
Located about 20 km south of Ardrossan the Zanoni shipwreck (it was a sailing ship which sank in 1867) has become a popular scuba diving destination. You need approval to dive. Ask at the Tourist Information Office in town.

Pine Point
Located 15 km south of Ardrossan this tiny township is another holiday destination on the Yorke Peninsula. It has a long sandy beach which is ideal for walking, swimming and relaxing.

	Tourist Information
	Ardrossan BP Roadhouse Main Coast Rd Ardrossan SA 5571 Telephone: (08) 8837 3048
	Hotels
	Ardrossan Hotel/Motel 36 First St Ardrossan SA 5571 Telephone: (08) 8837 3008 Facsimile: (08) 8837 3468 Rating: **
	Royal House Hotel/Motel Fifth St Ardrossan SA 5571 Telephone: (08) 8837 3007 Rating: **
	Caravan Parks
	Ardrossan Caravan Park Park Tce Ardrossan SA 5571 Telephone: (08) 8837 3262 Rating: **
	Highview Holiday Village 73 Highview Rd Ardrossan SA 5571 Telephone: (08) 8837 3399 Facsimile: (08) 8837 3125 Rating: ****
	Restaurants
	Ardrossan Hotel/Motel 36 First St Ardrossan SA 5571 Telephone: (08) 8837 3008 Facsimile: (08) 8837 3468
	Royal House Hotel/Motel Fifth St Ardrossan SA 5571 Telephone: (08) 8837 3007