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175 Years - Year of the Port
The 2015 Port Festival marks the 175th anniversary of the opening
of McLaren Wharf and Port Road. In October 1840, his Excellency
Governor Gawler opened New Port, a landing place at the end of
what is now Commercial Road. This event is considered by many as
the foundation of Port Adelaide. It was the largest public ceremony
the new colony had seen. Over 6,000 people – about 70% of the
European inhabitants of South Australia at the time - made their
way down Port Road for the opening ceremony. This year, in
celebration of this occasion, we are inviting the people of
South Australia and beyond to make their way down to
the Port to celebrate the Port Festival.
Over the years we have seen rapid change and
development in the Port, and the Port Festival is a
wonderful opportunity to explore the transforming Port
environment. Since European settlement, Port Adelaide
had traditionally been the gateway for trade, shipping,
commerce and (until the 1960s) immigration in the
State. The Port’s unique character remains, as you’ll
see as you explore the State’s first State Heritage
Area. The Port Festival takes place amongst colonial
streetscapes, art galleries, cafés, heritage pubs and
the Port waterfront, home to the world’s only
inner-city dolphins.
Let our passion for the Port be felt in 2015;
we invite you to enjoy the Port Festival
during its 175th anniversary year.
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