Bordertown is known for being the birthplace of former Australian Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, but is also a historic town with Heritage-listed buildings and culturally significant museums. Native wildlife abounds around the town centre, which also features international restaurants and welcoming watering holes.
Things to do in Bordertown
Take a look at former Australian Prime Minister, Bob Hawke’s, life in historic photographs around his former family home, located on Farquhar Street. Afterwards, stroll past the Bordertown Railway Station, built in 1914, before driving three kilometres to the Clayton Farm Historic Site and Agricultural Museum. Here you can explore 19th and 20th-century farm buildings and see historic farming machinery.
Do you love immersing yourself in native Australian wildlife? Head to the Bordertown Wildlife Park to see wild kangaroos and a range of indigenous birds. It’s located near Tatiara Creek, which courses around Recreation Lake and is where many locals go fishing, water skiing and kayaking.
Hang around Woolshed and Farquhar streets to explore Bordertown’s thriving dining scene. Visit the Bordertown Bakery to indulge in sweet treats and fresh pastries or dine on authentic Asian cuisine at Bordertown Chinese Restaurant. Hearty Australian dishes, cold beer and locally-sourced wine can be enjoyed at Bordertown Hotel, while Cafe La Vie is perfect for freshly-roasted coffee.
If you’ve got time, drive 1.5 hours to Coorong National Park, a protected wetland area home to windswept sand dunes, saltwater lagoons and the iconic Great Australian Bight. You can also drive about 45 minutes over the border into Victoria to visit Little Desert National Park, where you can enjoy bushwalking trails, birdwatching and off-road four-wheel driving.
Getting around Bordertown
Bordertown is about three hours from Adelaide and just over five hours from Melbourne. It’s connected via regular bus services and the Overland train route. You can walk around the centre of town, but will need a vehicle to explore further afield.