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.[10][11]
The name Port Willunga was first introduced in 1850. The first export cargo ofwheat was loaded from this location in February 1850, with speculation that a wharf would be built there in the future.[13] Mr C.T. Hewitt claimed to have been the first to raise the proposition of such a construction.[14] Residents petitioned for a jetty to be constructed there in 1852[15] and government tenders were invited for its construction in March 1853.[16] Difficulties raising money for the construction delayed its completion.[17][18] The jetty was constructed in stages, and was functional in 1853[19] with further works committed to the following year.[20] Tenders for the jetty extension were taken in August 1854.[21] Early exports from Port Willunga includedslate,flour,bran andhay.[22]
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.[23]
In 1871 the jetty was placed under the care and management of the Aldinga District Council.[24] Jetty extensions of various cost and configuration were considered in December 1873.[25]
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,[26] 1906[27] and 1910.[28] Fears for its future followed further storm damage in 1914.[29] An assessment in 1915 deemed the jetty damaged beyond repair, and discussions of constructing a new jetty, purely for recreational use began.[30] In 1928, locals were still petitioning government to build a replacement jetty.[31]
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 AustraliaISSN1832-326X,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
