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Okay Read MoreWhere to stay in Port Pirie
13th October 2022
Are you heading to the Mid North for a weekend getaway? Perhaps visiting family or looking to book a hotel in Port Pirie? In this article, we help you understand a little more about this South Australian town. Read on to discover where to stay in Port Pirie for the best possible weekend getaway experience.
Where is Port Pirie?
Port Pirie is located on the eastern shore of Spencer Gulf. Only 224 km north of Adelaide, the drive from the city to your destination will take you around 2 hours and 45 minutes. For a two (or even a one night) stay, a weekend getaway to Port Pirie is therefore pretty ideal!
Located on the water of the Spencer Gulf, visitors have plenty of opportunity to explore the coast. Meanwhile, to the east and north, rolling hills and even stunning national parks can be reached in no time. The wineries of the gorgeous Clare Valley can be found only an hour away in a south easterly direction, whilst Port Augusta and the gateway to the phenomenal Flinders Ranges is located one hour north.
There’s a lot to discover in the Mid North, and Port Pirie is a great place to base yourself for the weekend.
Pic credit: SATC/Port Pirie Regional Council
How big is Port Pirie?
Port Pirie is South Australia’s seventh largest city and is home to 15,000 people. It’s the next largest city after; Adelaide, Mount Gambier, Victor Harbor, Whyalla, Murray Bridge and Port Lincoln.
Fortunately for visitors, its fairly small size means that it’s easy to navigate. Within half an hour, you’ll be able to reach just about anywhere on foot, including the supermarkets, to Solomon Beach, various restaurants, cafes and and wetlands.
Where to stay in Port Pirie
When considering where to stay in Port Pirie, it is good to understand the town a little and ‘what is where’.
As a visitor or tourist, it is most likely that you will spend most of your time around the waterfront area. A major redevelopment of port Pirie’s foreshore area in 2014 – including the construction of the Solomontown Beach Plaza – has created a great space for views and waterfront relaxation.
Parallel to this, Main Road is the place where you’ll find shops, restaurants, cafes and amenities. Grassy areas where picnic facilities are also available, are found between Main Road and the beach.
When searching for where to stay in Port Pirie, it is therefore encouraged to stay in this north eastern corner of the town, since much of the rest of the town can be considered residential.
John Pirie Motor Inn
Rated #1 by TripAdvisor and located conveniently – only ten minutes from Solomon Beach – John Pirie Motor Inn is an ideal spot for a getaway. The property offers guests not only comfortable rooms at affordable prices, but an outdoor swimming pool and a fantastic onsite restaurant. Off street car parking is also available.
Recent Google reviews:
Here’s what recent customers had to say about their stays at John Pirie Motor Inn:
“Lovely spacious room with very comfortable king size bed. Friendly helpful staff. Always our go to accommodation when visiting Pirie.”
“Great sized rooms, pool is very clean and is great. Grounds are clean, food is amazing. Shower is great and not a bad size. No vacancies today, its a full house. Staff are very friendly and polite. Dog’s allowed so that is perfect. It should be more than a 3-1/2 star rating. I give it a 5.”
“Nice surrounding and quiet eating area. Friendly staff and quick meal when ordered. Good quality food and did not have to wait.”
The Angus Pure steak sandwich
The on-site Angus & Co. Bar and Grill
John Pirie Motor Inn is the proud home of Angus & Co. Bar and Grill. One of the town’s best restaurants, Angus & Co. offers steakhouse vibes with a modern twist. You’ll find your favourites are including mac’n’cheese, ribs, burgers, schnitzels, steak and salads.
Angus beef is consistently one of the finest, high quality beef products available. Angus & Co. is proud to share its name with a product that highlights its commitment to superior quality.
To book your table, click here.
More things to do in Port Pirie
Looking for more than a great hotel and some tasty food?
With its favourable Mid North location and access to lots of different sites, national parks and regions, there’s lots to do in this South Australian town. In our Ultimate Guide to Port Pirie, we outline the best things to do, see and eat here.