PORT MACDONNELL Port MacDonnell is the next town encounted when heading along the coast road to Mount Gambier. After Nelson and now in South Australia Port MacDonnell is a great commercial and recreational resort. Clearly popular with people from Mount Gambier for seaside family fun. The first Europeans to see the area were led by explorer Lieutenant James Grant in HMS Lady Nelson on 3 December 1800. In 1860 the area was proclaimed an official port, was given a name, and was surveyed. It is named after Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell who was Governor of South Australia from 1855 to 1862. Port MacDonnell is the southernmost town in South Australia. It is surrounded by interesting coastline and parklands. Nearby is the cottage at Dingley Dell where Adam Lindsay Gordon, one of Australia's most famous 19th century poets, lived. Today Port MacDonnell is famous for its lobsters. It has South Australia's largest lobster fishing fleet. The heritage factors in Port MacDonnell are important and clearly the necessary good practice is in place. The Victoria Hotel gained some fame in the 1860s when it became the stopping point at the end of the coach trip from Adelaide. The Vic has just recently celebrated their centenary. All denominations are represented in Port MacDonnell. The War Memorial is by the coast and old Shire building. There is permanent photographic ‘art’ display at the Info centre. Be sure to check this out. The museum is located in the cbd. Port MacDonnell is a very nice spot and an overnight could or even should be a consideration.