A birthday party for a Jetty? Yep you read right. This is no ordinary Jetty though, and for the folks at Edithburgh, their 170m fisherman’s delight is worth celebrating.
Now in its 150th year the Edithburgh Jetty played a huge part in South Australia’s maritime history and in its heyday was the third busiest Port in South Australia. These days, Edithburgh Jetty is not only a fisher’s delight being a reliable spot to snag squid and King George Whiting, but it’s also a diver’s paradise.
Renowned for its easy access, ocean lovers can snorkel and dive with a diversity of sealife and corals and is home to the rare Leafy Sea Dragon and Big-Bellied Seahorses.
For those of us who would rather have our feet on Terra Firma, an underwater camera rig captures a unique, real-time glimpse of the reef and marine life that have made Edithburgh Jetty their home. Not a place to skinny dip perhaps?
The weekend’s celebrations will kick off on Saturday, October 7, with a breathtaking life-sized metal sculpture, featuring a Clydesdale Horse and Jetty Truck being revealed. This commissioned artwork serves as a poignant tribute to the countless workhorses that played a pivotal role in the town’s prosperity from the late 18th to the early 20th century. These workhorses tirelessly transported essential goods like salt, gypsum, and wheat to the Edithburgh Port for export.
The formal unveiling ceremony will mark the commencement of the weekend-long celebration.
To make this celebratory weekend truly unforgettable, a stack of activities have been organised by the little seaside town’s dedicated community, which will come alive with a host of family-friendly entertainment and unique experiences.
For ocean adventurers, this is the perfect opportunity to step aboard an iconic Maxi-Yacht and explore the stunning South Australian coastline and waters of Southern Yorke Peninsula. Sydney to Hobart winner, Brindabella will join the the celebrations, offering a four-hour cruise with a selection of local oysters, delectable grazing platters served on the deck and drinks supplied by local SA favourites such as Flinders Gin, Howards Winery & Sidewood Ciders.
The less adventurous can enjoy plunging into the maritime past with diving demonstrations using the deep-sea diving gear of yesteryear or be witness to a thrilling mock sea rescue. For sailing enthusiasts, the Port Vincent Sailing Club Regatta promises an exciting competition on the water. And don’t miss out on the wheelbarrow salt race, adding a dash of local flavour.
With historical photo exhibitions, shared stories of the past, activities and events, food stalls, markets, and even tunes from the Navy Band, take a trip to the heel of the YP and celebrate Edithburgh and her iconic Jetty in all its glory.
Edithburgh Jetty 150th Celebrations
Saturday October 7
To find out more click here
Bookings for Brindabella can be made here.
