Michelle Daw, Yorke Peninsula Country Times

Port Broughton’s laidback seaside appeal has made it a family holiday favourite for decades and now it has been recognised as South Australia’s best Tiny Tourism Town.

The 2023 Tourism Town Awards were presented by the Tourism Industry Council of SA last week.

Coober Pedy won the Small Town Award while Victor Harbor was named overall Top Tourism Town for 2023.

Barunga West Council mayor Leonie Kerley said the award was an incredible honour and a testament to the tireless efforts of many people to make the town so appealing.

Port Broughton’s recognition follows multimillion dollar upgrades to the Port Broughton Tourist Park, development of an all-abilities playground and other accessible facilities on the foreshore reserve, and a calendar of regular events, including Seafood on Spencer, Easter Seaside Market, Classic and Vintage Show ‘n’ Shine, New Year’s Eve fireworks and Feast on the Foreshore.

“Port Broughton truly offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and family-friendly hospitality,” Mrs Kerley said.

“What sets Port Broughton apart is its warm, welcoming community.

“Just 10 minutes walking along our beautiful foreshore, basking in the sun and the soothing sea breeze, is enough to make anyone feel more relaxed and calmer.”

Mrs Kerley said she was looking forward to showcasing Port Broughton on a national stage at the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards later this year.

TICSA CEO Shaun de Bruyn said the Top Tourism Town Awards celebrate towns which provide incredible visitor experiences while demonstrating a shared commitment to developing tourism in their respective regions.

“Each tourism town adds its own distinct charm to South Australia, providing amazing experiences to visitors from within SA, around Australia, and around the world,” he said.

Port Broughton Tourist Park co-manager Georgina Adams grew up in Port Broughton and said the town used to be very busy only during the summer school holidays and at Easter, but now visitors were flocking to the town throughout the year.

Prue Smith and Rocko Kirby moved to Port Broughton 18 months ago with their young children to manage the local hotel and Bay Street Café.

Ms Smith said all the feedback they had received since the award win was announced was very positive and, as a family, they were loving the easy, seaside lifestyle.

“My kids love that they can throw a crab net off the jetty,” she said.

This article appeared in the Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 6 June 2023.