Major city · Australia
Port Hughes
Two nights if you fish, dive or play the Dunes course; one night or a day trip from Moonta if you just want the jetty and a pub meal.
Port Hughes is a small Copper Coast town of about 600 people on the western side of Yorke Peninsula, roughly two hours' drive from Adelaide. Its pull is the jetty — fishing, snorkelling and scuba — plus the Greg Norman-designed Dunes course and a cluster of holiday rentals. There is no real town centre and no public transport, so a car is the whole plan. Most travellers pair it with Moonta and Kadina rather than staying long.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Oct–Apr
- avoid Jun–Aug (cold, wet, wind off the sea); school holidays and long weekends for rental prices
- Airport
- ADL
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Port Hughes000 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
- Copper Coast Visitor Information Centre, Kadina+61 8 8825 1891
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Port Hughes, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyVery safe for a small coastal town; the real risks are water (cold, currents, diving alone), wildlife on the road at dusk, and heat in summer.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From a mobile · +61 8 8825 1891 Copper Coast Visitor Information Centre, Kadina
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportADL Adelaide Airport (About 2 h 15 min drive via the A1 and Moonta; hire car at the airport is the usual move.).
- Getting aroundDrive.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$4.50–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- Beerschooner / takeaway six-packA$7–10 (≈ US$5–7)A$18–24 (≈ US$12–16)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$15–35 (≈ US$10–25)
- Budget bedHoliday house (up to 6), a night, per roomA$250 (≈ US$170)
- Mid-range bedMotel or holiday-unit double, a night, per roomA$200 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedMotel or holiday-unit double, a night, per roomA$350 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$90 (≈ US$60) · Mid A$160 (≈ US$110) · High A$280 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ADL Adelaide Airport (About 2 h 15 min drive via the A1 and Moonta; hire car at the airport is the usual move.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Feb
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Mar
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Apr
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
May
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jul
Avoid
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Aug
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Sep
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Nov
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Dec
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Best: Oct–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jul (7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C) low), wettest Jul (13 rain days), driest Feb (3). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Port Hughes: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4 rd
Feb
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3 rd
Mar
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
4 rd
Apr
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
10 rd
Jun
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
12 rd
Jul
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Aug
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
9 rd
Oct
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
7 rd
Nov
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5 rd
Dec
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Drive. There is no public transport between Port Hughes, Moonta and Kadina, and no taxi rank worth relying on. Distances are short — Port Hughes to Moonta is about 10 min, to Kadina about 30 min — but you need your own car for all of them.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Moonta and Moonta Bay
goDoor to door: Under 30 min
Drive south on the coast road, about 10 min
Mining heritage, cafés and the Moonta tourist office at the old railway station.
Wallaroo
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Drive north via Moonta and Kadina, about 35 min
Working port, pub meals and a beach; easy half-day.
Door to door: About 1 h 45 min
Drive south down the peninsula, about 1 h 30 min
Doable as a long day; better as an overnight if you want the jetty and dive sites.
Ardrossan
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Drive east across the peninsula, about 1 h 15 min
Cliffs and a grain port; pair it with a loop back through Maitland.
Clare Valley
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h 15 min
Drive east via Maitland and the B84, about 2 h
Wine country; too far for a comfortable return day from Port Hughes.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Port Hughes foreshore and jetty streets
Walk to the jetty, boat ramp and tavern; mostly holiday houses, book early for summer weekends.
Moonta Bay and Moonta
10–15 min drive; more cafés, shops and a wider choice of motels and caravan parks.
Kadina
About 30 min inland; services, supermarkets and the Copper Coast visitor centre, useful for a first or last night.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–150 (≈ US$60–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$150–250 (≈ US$100–170) excl. bed
- High
- A$250 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or holiday-unit double1 × 2 nights × A$200 | A$400 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × A$160 | A$640 |
| Hire car from Adelaide, per day1 × A$85 · check | A$85 |
| Fuel, Adelaide return, about 400 km1 × A$60 · check | A$60 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$20 | A$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$123 |
| Trip total≈ A$337 per person per day, bed included | A$1,348≈ US$900 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4.50–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Pub main (tavern) | A$22–35 (≈ US$15–25) |
| Beer, schooner / takeaway six-pack | A$7–10 (≈ US$5–7) / A$18–24 (≈ US$12–16) |
| Bait and tackle, basic kit | A$20–60 (≈ US$14–40) |
| Green fees, The Dunes (18 holes)check | A$60–120 (≈ US$40–80) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$15–35 (≈ US$10–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No public transport: without a car you are stuck.
- Mobile coverage is patchy away from towns on the peninsula; Telstra and Optus are the better bets.
- Summer school holidays and long weekends fill the holiday rentals months ahead and lift prices.
- Swimming and diving off the jetty: check local conditions, and never dive or snorkel alone.
- Fuel and supermarkets are in Moonta and Kadina, not Port Hughes.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
- Copper Coast Visitor Information Centre, Kadina
- +61 8 8825 1891
Pocket card
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Port HughesPort Hughes
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
- Copper Coast Visitor Information Centre, Kadina+61 8 8825 1891
Embassy
No consulates on Yorke Peninsula; embassies and consulates-general are in Adelaide or Canberra (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Adelaide Airport → Port Hughes, hire car: about 2 h 15 min, 200 km (124 mi) (check)about 2 h 15 min, 124 mi (200 km) (check)
- Port Hughes → Moonta: about 10 min by car
- Port Hughes → Kadina: about 30 min by car
Say or show
- G'day — G'day (guh-DAY)
- Thanks / Ta — Thank you (thanks)
- No worries — No worries (no WOR-eez)
- Where's the jetty? — Where's the jetty? (wairz thuh JET-ee)
- Card OK? — Can I pay by card? (kahd oh-KAY)
- Cheers — Cheers (cheerz)
Tipping is not expected in Australia.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Port Hughes. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Apr · avoid Jun–Aug (cold, wet, wind off the sea); school holidays and long weekends for rental prices · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for ADL: hire-car pickup times, the A1 route, and a Kadina or Moonta fallback if you arrive late.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: jetty and boat ramp, the Dunes clubhouse, Moonta Bay foreshore, Kadina services.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (jetty, Dunes course, Moonta tourist office) and eat pages with last orders at the tavern.
- Summer holiday and long-weekend fixtures so rental prices and closures can go green.