150 Years of Proud History
History
The Town Today
Many know the town as a seaside holiday destination, which sees the population boom over Summer months.
In 2003, a large marina was constructed in Port Vincent, operated by the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia.
Port Vincent is a hub for schools on camp with various water activities. VAC swim operates here in the summer holidays.
The town has grown in size over the last few years with the release of land for housing. Current permanent population of 494 (2021 Census)
Recognition
Port Vincent was named Australia's Tidiest Town in 2004, having won the South Australian award in 2000 and 2003. 2011 saw Port Vincent win the State's Cleanest Beach Award and went on to the National Judging.
Community
Port Vincent has active volunteer organisations including the CFS, Coast Guard and Tidy Towns.
150th Anniversary
2027
We will come together to celebrate 150 years of history and community spirit, marking a historic milestone for Port Vincent and its people.
~ We acknowledge the Narungga people who inhabited the area prior to white settlement ~
The town was laid out by Adelaide solicitor L.M. Cullen in 1877, originally known as Surveyor's Point.
In its early days it was a port exporting wheat, barley, wool and mallee stumps (firewood).
From the first settlement in 1852 until 1877, coastal trading ketches would beach at high tide, and unload directly to farm wagons at low tide.
A jetty was built into the bay in 1877, construction of a wharf began in 1901, and the original jetty was removed in 1918.
Port Vincent was the main entry point for people and goods to and from the Yorke Peninsula until a good road was built from Port Wakefield in around 1949.
Three major fuel companies had storage and distribution depots in the town, supplied by boat or barge from Port Adelaide.
