HISTORY

Area history.

Originally settled as a sheep grazing property along the banks and flood plain of the River Murray, the station took its name from the French verb PORTEE (to carry) caused by the need to unload and carry vessels and freight over the Moorunde sand bar at times of low river flow.

Portee is also a place of great human interest. Once the spiritual home of the Ngaiawang aboriginals; site of Moorunde, a station granted to the explorer Edward John Eyre in 1841 as protector of the aboriginal people; and site of the wreck of the 'Waterwitch', the government cutter used by Captain Charles Sturt and Edward John Eyre as supply ship during their journeys of exploration.

(House of Edward John Eyre, Moorunde. 1855. Sketch by Eugene Von Guerard)

Portee provides a unique experience embedded in the natural and cultural history of the Australian nation.

The Homestead

The original homestead ruins on the western bank remain, though the building was destroyed in the big flood of 1870. The replacement homestead built in 1873, and rebuilt in 1995, used lime rock from local sources and was designed in keeping with traditional pastoral property homesteads. Wide verandahs, high ceilings and a magnificent central hallway contribute to the atmosphere which enables guests to reminisce of early Australian living.

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PORTEE STATION
P.O. Box 320, BLANCHETOWN, South Australia  5357
International
Phone: +61 8 8540 5211  Facsimile: +61 8 8540 5016
National
Phone: (08) 8540 5211  Facsimile: (08) 8540 5016
E-mail: portee@portee.com.au   Website: www.portee.com.au