Port Willunga beach is one of the most photographed beaches in South Australia and is a popular wedding location featuring the remains of the old Port Willunga Jetty with its golden cliff faces, crystal clear waters and soft white sands.
The name Port Willunga was first introduced in 1850. The first export cargo of wheat was loaded from this location in February 1850, with speculation that a wharf would be built there in the future. Mr C.T. Hewitt claimed to have been the first to raise the proposition of such a construction. Residents petitioned for a jetty to be constructed there in 1852 and government tenders were invited for its construction in March 1853. Difficulties raising money for the construction delayed its completion. The jetty was constructed in stages, and was functional in 1853 with further works committed to the following year. Tenders for the jetty extension were taken in August 1854. Early exports from Port Willunga included slate, flour, bran and hay.
Port Willunga was officially proclaimed a port of export in 1856 and again in 1861, then proclaimed a port of both import and export in 1865.
In 1871 the jetty was placed under the care and management of the Aldinga District Council. Jetty extensions of various cost and configuration were considered in December 1873.
By the early 20th century, commercial shipping at Port Willunga had ceased, but the jetty remained in place and was used by fishermen, residents and holiday-makers visiting the area.
The timber jetty received heavy storm damage on multiple occasions, including in 1896, 1906 and 1910. Fears for its future followed further storm damage in 1914. An assessment in 1915 deemed the jetty damaged beyond repair. All that remains today are wooden piles on the beach.
Just near the old jetty ruins, you can find several caves hewn into the cliff face. These were used by fishermen to store their boats and nets while in Port.
The given coordinates take you to one of the old jetty piles with a great view of the beach, cliffs, caves and the remains of the old jetty.
Logging requirement:
Take a photo or photos of yourself or any personal items at GZ which also includes a creative use of your team name with either the jetty remains or the caves in the background.
Virtual Rewards 3.0 - 2022-2023
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between March 1, 2022 and March 1, 2023. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 3.0 on the Geocaching Blog.