Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Port Lincoln, Australia

When navigator Matthew Flinders visited in 1802, he named this location in South Australia after the city of Lincoln, near his birthplace in England.

Port Lincoln provides access to Boston Bay, the largest natural harbor in Australia, which is three times the size of Sydney Harbour.

Abundant marine life flourishes in the expansive recess of the Spencer Gulf, and the city proudly holds the title of “Seafood Capital of Australia.” Offshore, great white sharks inhabit the waters, and adventurous individuals can engage in cage diving to observe these creatures closely.

The striking coastline near Port Lincoln is protected by two national parks, offering tranquil bays, cliffs, granite headlands, and vast dune-backed beaches.

1. Lincoln National Park

The Jussieu Peninsula, which forms the southern boundary of Boston Bay, is safeguarded by the lush Lincoln National Park.

This ensures a remarkable variety of coastal landscapes is accessible within moments from the city.

The peninsula features robust granite headlands, tranquil bays, and views of a complete system of islands in the gulf.

The inner sections invite exploration via kayaking or snorkelling at locations such as Donington Beach.

Memory Cove, a secluded beach with pristine white sands, is protected by mallee and granite rock formations, allowing only 15 vehicles per day.

Conversely, the ocean side experiences intense surf, and the vast dunes of the Sleaford-Wanna system are shaped by fierce winds.

Concerning wildlife, Lincoln National Park is incredibly diverse, hosting large populations of emus, kangaroos, and wallabies.

During summer, migratory birds such as sandpipers and stints can be observed, while Rosenberg’s goannas have made a resurgence in the park during the last decade.

2. Seafood

Port Lincoln’s designation as “Seafood Capital of Australia” arises from the natural bounty of the Spencer Gulf and the western side of the Eyre Peninsula, where Coffin Bay’s calm waters are ideal for oyster cultivation.

The port houses Australia’s largest fishing fleet, complemented by a growing aquaculture sector featuring farms for oysters, mussels, abalone, yellowtail kingfish, and southern bluefin tuna.

Notably abundant species caught nearby include southern rock lobster, squid, and prawns (all seasonal), along with snapper and King George whiting (available year-round). Therefore, this may represent one of the premier locations globally to order delectable seafood.

A recommended destination is the Fresh Fish Place on Proper Bay Road, which merges wholesale operations with a consumer market and an ocean-to-plate café offering a frequently updated menu of locally sourced dishes.

3. Great White Shark Cage Tours

There is nothing quite as exhilarating as encountering one of the world’s most formidable predators up close to instill excitement.

If you can muster the courage, Port Lincoln offers a gateway to an unforgettable experience.

A one-day diving expedition can be arranged through the tour website GetYourGuide.com.

This Advance Eco Certified tour transports participants to the Neptune Islands off the Eyre Peninsula’s tip.

Following a comprehensive safety briefing, guests can enter a cage to observe the great whites in their natural environment once they are spotted.

The sharks will approach closely as the operator, Calypso Star Charters, employs natural fish berley to attract them.

After exiting the water, you are welcome to capture photographs of the sharks from the safety of the vessel, and before returning to Port Lincoln, hot showers are available for your convenience.

4. Fishing

Port Lincoln is renowned as one of the premier destinations in South Australia for fishing enthusiasts.

With the exception of a state-wide closure from November to mid-December, a diverse array of species can be caught year-round.

Target species include salmon, trevally, whiting, garfish, snook, Australian herring, and snapper, while late summer and autumn see an abundance of kingfish and tuna.

For simplicity, fishing can be done from a jetty or a beach within a national park (entry permit required), though a robust fishing charter industry (Port Lincoln fishing charters, Triple Bay, Tackle World) offers convenience and local guidance.

It is advisable to consult local regulations regarding bag and size limits, and obtaining a fishing guide from the Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre is recommended.

5. Glen-Forest Tourist Park & Vineyard

A short trip into the countryside surrounding Port Lincoln leads to a family-friendly rural attraction.

The estate spans 400 acres of pastoral landscape, with over a quarter dedicated to an animal park featuring kangaroos, koalas, sheep, dingoes, goats, ostriches, and various bird species.

Daily koala feedings occur at 1 PM, and depending on the season, there are opportunities for children to meet and interact with baby animals.

Furthermore, the park features an 18-hole mini-golf course, alongside provisions for refreshments at the kiosk or a free shaded BBQ area.

Additionally, around 80 acres of the property are allocated to a vineyard producing Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay.

Thanks to a Mediterranean climate influenced by the sea air, wines produced under the Lincoln Estate label are available for purchase on-site.

6. Whalers Way

Some of the most captivating and accessible coastlines in South Australia are located not far from Port Lincoln at the southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula.

Whalers Way, being private property, requires obtaining a permit from the Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre prior to your visit.

With the permit, you may explore an ancient coastline characterized by towering cliffs, headlands, caves, ravines, blowholes, and stunning beaches with golden sands.

The Swimming Hole is a natural, crystal-clear pool encased by a reef, while Cape Carnot is a national geological monument, recognized as South Australia’s oldest rock, dating back approximately 2.6 billion years.

7. Winter Hill Lookout

With grazing sheep adorning its slopes, the rounded structure of Winter Hill commands the skyline northwest of Port Lincoln.

From its summit, one can enjoy arguably the best panoramic view of the city.

Situated within a five-minute drive of the central business district, visitors can gaze over Port Lincoln and Boston Island, alongside numerous smaller islands of the Spencer Gulf on clear days.

Looking southward also allows one to trace the rugged coastline along Whalers Way, with Coffin Bay visible across the southern tip of the peninsula.

8. Axel Stenross Maritime Museum

To immerse yourself in the maritime heritage of Port Lincoln, consider visiting the exceptional maritime museum located along the waterfront off the Lincoln Highway.

Here, you can discover the tale of Axel Stenross, a Finnish ship carpenter who arrived in Port Lincoln in 1927 and decided to make it his permanent home.

The museum showcases Stenross’s preserved living quarters, as well as the boatbuilding workshops and slipway that remain operational.

Moreover, a fine collection of historical vessels in various states of restoration, along with maritime artifacts, illustrates the historical fishing and cargo industries that were crucial to Port Lincoln’s development.

9. Mikkira Station

For an authentic glimpse into rural life on the southern Eyre Peninsula, visit a restored historic stone homestead located not far from Port Lincoln.

This beautifully secluded retreat is enveloped by mature manna gum trees, home to koalas, emus, and kangaroos, while rare orchids and various unusual native flora flourish here.

Year-round guided tours are available through the Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre.

During the period from May to October, when the station is most vibrant, visitors can also enjoy camping and picnicking opportunities, with permits obtainable from the visitor centre’s accommodation desk.

10. Koppio Smithy Museum

Travel north into the Koppio Hills to explore this excellent outdoor museum showcasing a charming townscape of colonial-era buildings.

The Koppio Smithy Museum, managed by the National Trust of South Australia, features a blacksmith’s cottage alongside a two-bedroom house built in 1905. Visitors can also explore various old structures relocated from across the Eyre Peninsula, including a one-teacher schoolhouse, the “Glenleigh” cottage (established in 1890), the Port Lincoln tailor shop, the tiny White Flat Post Office, and a Bank of Adelaide building.

The museum is replete with original artifacts that reveal daily life on the peninsula over a century ago, alongside display sheds featuring tractors and other agricultural machinery, from shears to stationary engines.

One unexpected highlight is a replica WWI tank, salvaged from a film set for the 1987 movie, The Lighthorsemen, filmed in the dunes at Coffin Bay.

11. The Old Mill Lookout

The oldest remaining structure in Port Lincoln is a flour windmill, completed in 1846 but never utilized for its original purpose.

This tower, situated in a picturesque elevated position at Dorset Place, is surrounded by a lawn and features a front rose garden.

The mill has been transformed into a lookout, accessible via a steep metallic staircase spiraling up the exterior.

From its vantage point, visitors can survey Port Lincoln, Boston Bay, and the islands scattered around the Spencer Gulf.

12. Coffin Bay National Park

If you crave more remote and breathtaking coastal vistas, head west to Coffin Bay National Park.

This area features high cliffs, immense sand dunes, and stunning beaches—some battered by ocean waves and others nestled within peaceful bays.

The more protected southern segment of the park at Yangie Bay is ideal for activities such as kayaking and canoeing, while visitors can also enjoy picnicking opportunities in the bush.

For picturesque views on the south side, Golden Island Lookout is accessed via a sealed road offering nearly constant ocean vistas.

The northernmost beaches within the park are extraordinary yet infrequently visited, and access requires a high-clearance 4WD as you navigate through breathtaking dune landscapes.

13. Parnkalla Walking Trail

To truly appreciate the stunning beauty of Boston Harbour, consider walking a section of this trail that traverses Port Lincoln and follows the harbour’s shoreline for 35 kilometers.

Being a coastal walk, it is always inviting and suitable for families, with the central portion along the Port Lincoln waterfront paved with bitumen.

Throughout the trail, you’ll have numerous opportunities to observe marine traffic passing by and take detours to nearby beaches to enjoy the sand or take a quick dip.

The Parnkalla Walking Trail is fully signposted, featuring occasional maps and interpretative boards to enhance your experience.

14. Port Lincoln Visitor Information

The local visitor information centre has been mentioned multiple times throughout this guide.

It serves as a vital resource, providing insights into the Eyre Peninsula and its vast array of attractions and national parks.

Additionally, staff support is available to assist you in locating ideal accommodations should you face difficulties in your search online.

The centre also offers free Wi-Fi and features a wide selection of souvenirs and postcards for visitors.

15. Tunarama

Each year, for a three-day celebration over the long weekend in January, Port Lincoln engages in a vibrant event that has been a tradition for six decades.

Rooted deeply in the city’s fishing heritage, Tunarama is an event that tantalizes the taste buds with incredibly fresh seafood.

In addition to market stalls, cultural displays, and live musical performances, the event features a variety of competitive activities both in and out of the water.

The highlight is the fiercely contested Tuna Toss, a unique spin on athletic competitions reminiscent of a hammer throw but involving a whole tuna.

Moreover, a designated children’s area ensures plenty of complimentary activities to keep the younger attendees entertained.