Port Augusta is situated in the state of South Australia and is both a seaport and railway junction. It sits on the east coast of the Eyre Peninsula and is 322km north of the capital, Adelaide. Established in 1852, the town was named after the Governor General of South Australia's (Sir Henry Edward Fox Young) wife, Augusta Sophia Lady Young. It has a population of 13, 257.
The state's only coal-powered, electricity generation plants are located in Port Augusta and they produce more than a third of the state's power. They also, however, contribute 50% of the states CO2 emissions. One of the town's main attractions is the Pichi Richi Railway which is run by a not-for-profit organisation of volunteers. The group manages the operation of the historical steam and diesel trains whereby people can hop on for a ride that extends 39km track between the town and Quorn.