The Sturt Desert Pea is an iconic Australian wildflower – the first Australian plant described by an English botanist, as well as being South Australia’s floral emblem, and also a protected plant in SA – and this November, the flowers are being given their chance to shine at the inaugural Desert Pea Festival.
The event is being held in Port Augusta and originated from an idea posed to the Friends of the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden (FAALBG) by members of the local Lions Club, two years ago. Finally bringing the dream to fruition, the FAALBG decided to run the event later this year, and if successful at attracting the masses, they plan to make this an annual event.
“With Port Augusta being the home of the Australian Arid Land Botanic Garden celebrating its 30th year this year, we thought it was the perfect location to host such a festival, with the pea growing wild in many areas of the state,” says FAALBG committee member, Myles McClure, who explains that November was chosen as the ideal month, to give the peas a chance to be in full flower, coming out of the cooler months.
“We are hoping that the weather gods will be kind to us and provide good weather,” he says.
With council approval, the group plans to plant 20-30 desert pea plants around Port Augusta, in honour of the festival, surely to be an eye-catching wonder for both visitors and locals alike. The festival itself will feature plenty of entertainment, as well as optimal plant-viewing, and includes three 30-minute volunteer-led guided tours to different areas of the gardens, enabling first time visitors to learn more about the location’s botanical masterpieces.
The Arid Explorers Garden is also set to be a crowd favourite amongst the younger attendees, and students from local schools will be encouraged to take part in colouring-in competitions. There will also be face-painting available, with plenty of food and drinks to purchase from the Blue Bush Cafe. And, it wouldn’t be a true country event without a BBQ from the Lions Club, so come hungry and prepare to leave satisfied!
Raffles and prizes are also on the cards for the day, with musical entertainment from the Port Augusta Music Club and the Desert Voices Choir, and guest speakers will include media personality Sophie Thomson and Desert Pea expert Dr Greg Kirby. Stall holders are still being finalised, but the current list includes Landcare SA, Bugs n Slugs, and local bird-watching enthusiasts Peter Langdon and Brian Reichelt.
Prepare for a full day of fun and entertainment for the whole family, and maybe, you just might learn something.
Inaugural Desert Pea Festival
When: Saturday 7 November, 2026 from 9am – 5pm
Where: Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden, at 144 Stuart Hwy, Port Augusta West, SA 5700
Cost: FREE to attend the festival, but the fee for one or all of the guided tours is a flat $10 per person.
For more information, click here.
