Photo: Ghoongta / CC BY-SA 3.0
Perched on the southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula, Port Lincoln is a seafood lover's paradise and a gateway to wild coastal adventures. With its deep natural harbour, shimmering waters, and a laid-back vibe, this is where you come to swim with sea lions, dive with sharks, and feast on some of the freshest tuna and oysters in Australia. The town's working wharves and fishing fleet give it a salty, authentic character, while the surrounding national parks and dramatic cliffs offer epic ocean views.
Highlights & What to See
- Swim with Sea Lions & Tuna – Join a tour to Baird Bay or Hopkins Island to snorkel with playful Australian sea lions and giant southern bluefin tuna in their natural habitat.
- Coffin Bay National Park – Explore pristine beaches, rugged limestone cliffs, and the famous Coffin Bay oyster farms. Don't miss the lookout at Point Avoid.
- Port Lincoln Jetty & Foreshore – Stroll the long jetty, fish for squid, and admire the views across Boston Bay. The nearby foreshore has picnic spots and a playground.
- Lincoln National Park – Drive to Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area for stunning coastal walks, secluded beaches, and the historic Memory Cove monument.
- Shark Cage Diving – For adrenaline seekers, boat trips to the Neptune Islands offer the chance to see great white sharks up close from a secure cage.
Suggested Time to Spend
Plan at least two full days to experience Port Lincoln's top attractions. Day one can focus on the town and a sea lion swim tour, while day two is perfect for exploring Coffin Bay National Park and sampling local seafood. If you have a third day, consider a shark cage diving trip or a hike in Lincoln National Park. The town is compact, so you can easily base yourself here and do day trips.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Whyalla – A two-hour drive north, known for the giant cuttlefish aggregation in winter and the historic steelworks.
- Streaky Bay – About 1.5 hours west, offering more stunning coastal scenery, fishing, and the Baird Bay sea lion tours.
- Port Augusta – Three hours north, the gateway to the Flinders Ranges and the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden.
- Kangaroo Island – While not directly connected by road, you can take a ferry from Cape Jervis or fly from Adelaide; combine with a longer South Australian road trip.
- Eyre Peninsula's Gawler Ranges – A few hours north, this rugged wilderness area offers volcanic landscapes, wildlife, and 4WD tracks.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Coffin Bay — Jack Stradling / CC BY 3.0
- Lincoln National Park — en:User:Ghoongta / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Whyalla — Bahnfrend / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Streaky Bay — Bahnfrend / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Port Augusta — GeorgieSharp / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Kangaroo Island — Bernard Gagnon / CC BY-SA 4.0