Hey, what's that bizarre glowing tower just off the highway 10km south of Port Augusta? It's part of a giant greenhouse tomato-growing facility: hundreds of mirrors reflect sunlight (of which Port Augusta has a boundless supply) onto the tower, which heats and desalinates water whilst producing 1.5 megawatts of electricity. Don't ask us to explain the technology any further – just enjoy the spectacle of this unexpected object!


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Wadlata Outback Centre

6.08 MILES

The highlight at this combined museum/visitor centre is the Tunnel of Time, which traces local Aboriginal and European histories using audio-visual…

2. Water Tower Lookout

6.95 MILES

Not for the weak-kneed (see-through metal steps!), this 1882 water tower across the gulf in Port Augusta West affords a great view across the water and…

3. Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden

8.41 MILES

Just north of town, the excellent (and free!) botanic garden has 250 hectares of sandhills, clay flats and desert fauna and flora (ever seen a Sturt's…

4. Mt Remarkable National Park

24.44 MILES

Bush boffins rave about the steep, jagged Mt Remarkable National Park, which straddles the Southern Flinders and rises above little Melrose like a…

5. Melrose Heritage Museum

27.56 MILES

Occupying an old courthouse (1862) and Melrose's former police HQ – from where the local cops once patrolled as far as the Northern Territory (!) – this…

6. Jacka's Brewery

27.61 MILES

In Melrose, don't miss the amazing, decaying multistorey stone ruins of Jacka's Brewery (1878), which once employed 40 staff, in the backstreets. Bring…