Lincoln National Park

Lincoln National Park fringes the southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula, a wild and windswept sanctuary of dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and pristine beaches. This is South Australia’s best-kept coastal secret, where you can hike through mallee scrub to lookouts that stretch across the Great Australian Bight, spot kangaroos at sunrise, and kayak in tranquil bays. It’s a place that rewards self-reliant travellers – bring your own supplies, a good map, and a sense of adventure.

Highlights & What to See

• Stamford Hill – Climb the short but steep track to the summit for panoramic views over the park, Port Lincoln, and the offshore islands. It’s especially magical at sunset.
• Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area – A pristine, vehicle-free zone accessible only on foot or by boat. The crystal-clear waters and white sands are pure paradise – book a permit in advance.
• Surfleet Cove & September Beach – Two of the park’s most idyllic swimming and picnicking spots, with calm turquoise waters sheltered by headlands.
• Whalers Way – A scenic drive (4WD recommended) along the rugged southern coast, passing blowholes, sea caves, and colonies of New Zealand fur seals.
• Boat Ramp & Fishing Spots – Launch a kayak or tinny from the boat ramp at Taylor’s Landing, or cast a line from the rocks at Sleaford Bay for whiting and salmon.
• Wildlife Encounters – Look for western grey kangaroos, emus, and the rare yellow-footed rock-wallaby. Offshore, southern right whales visit during winter (June–October).

Suggested Time to Spend

Dedicate at least a full day to explore the park’s main highlights – drive the scenic loops, do a couple of short walks, and have a beachside picnic. For a deeper experience, camp overnight (book ahead) to catch sunrise over Memory Cove and sunset from Stamford Hill. Two days is ideal if you want to hike the longer trails or kayak the coves.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Lincoln – The seafood capital of Australia, just 15 minutes north. Visit the marina for fresh tuna and oysters, or take a shark-cage diving tour.
• Coffin Bay National Park – About an hour west, this park offers equally stunning coastal scenery, with towering sand dunes and the famous Coffin Bay oyster farms.
• Baird Bay – A 90-minute drive north-west, where you can swim with sea lions and dolphins in a sheltered bay.
• Eyre Peninsula’s Seafood Trail – String together visits to local fish co-ops and oyster shacks in towns like Tumby Bay, Arno Bay, and Whyalla.

Please check official sources for current details.