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.[9][10]
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.[12] Mr C.T. Hewitt claimed to have been the first to raise the proposition of such a construction.[13] Residents petitioned for a jetty to be constructed there in 1852[14] and government tenders were invited for its construction in March 1853.[15] Difficulties raising money for the construction delayed its completion.[16][17] The jetty was constructed in stages, and was functional in 1853[18] with further works committed to the following year.[19] Tenders for the jetty extension were taken in August 1854.[20] Early exports from Port Willunga included slate, flour, bran and hay.[21]
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.[22]
In 1871 the jetty was placed under the care and management of the Aldinga District Council.[23] Jetty extensions of various cost and configuration were considered in December 1873.[24]
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,[25] 1906[26] and 1910.[27] Fears for its future followed further storm damage in 1914.[28] An assessment in 1915 deemed the jetty damaged beyond repair, and discussions of constructing a new jetty, purely for recreational use began.[29] In 1928, locals were still petitioning government to build a replacement jetty.[30]
The Cowry was grounded on reef south of Port Willunga on 31 December 1887.[31]
The Star of Greece was wrecked off Port Willunga on 12 July 1888,[32] and forms the subject of a book published a century later by Geoffrey Manning.[33]
Ash, A.; (2005), A nice place for a harbour or is it? Investigating a maritime cultural landscape: Port Willunga, South Australia, Maritime Archaeology Monographs and Reports Series No. 4, Department of Archaeology, Flinders University, South Australia ISSN1832-326X, OCLC69676875[1]. Retrieved 27 August 2012.
Manning, Geoffrey H.; (1988), The Tragic Shore; The Wreck of the Star of Greece and a History of the Jetties of Port Willunga, The National Trust of South Australia, Willunga Branch, Willunga. ISBN0909378444OCLC27571965
Sexton, Rae; (1982), Before the wind: tracing the impact on a small community and shipping company by the shipwreck in 1888 of the 'Star of Greece', Australasian Maritime Historical Society, Magill, South Australia. ISBN0959944834OCLC29003868
