If Port Lincoln is known for one thing, it’s being the seafood capital of Australia. Sitting on the largest natural harbour in Australia, it’s a small coastal town you won’t want to miss.
Port Lincoln was named nostalgically by Matthew Flinders in 1802 after his home county in England. But the area only saw its first settlers in 1839. The pleasant land surrounding the large sheltered cove named Boston Bay was even shortlisted as a site for the fledgling colony’s capital. A fair contender at three times the size of Sydney Harbour.
Sealing, whaling and agriculture kicked off the economy well before fishing gained prominence. Tuna fishing started in the 1950s and since the ’90s, modern tuna ranching (and processing) techniques has enabled Port Lincoln to cash in on the lucrative Japanese market, reeling in more than $100 million annually. One assessment ranks Port Lincoln as the city with the highest number of millionaires per capita in the country.
With the fishing industry stabilised now, with quotas enforced, Port Lincoln has started pursue other means of generating income. The local tourism industry now outstrips the lucrative trade in tuna. So why make the trip to Port Lincoln – what is there to see and do?
Port Lincoln Museum Trail
Port Lincoln’s rich history can be explored through its many museums. These include the Axel Stenross Maritime Museum, home to historic vessels and marine relics, as well as the Mill Cottage Museum, an old pioneer home built in 1866 for Joseph K. Bishop and his family. Also on this trail is the Port Lincoln Railway Museum, which is home to a large collection of photographs of railways on the Eyre Peninsula and even uniforms of rail workers. Finally, step into the Port Lincoln RSL Museum, which hosts artifacts and photos of servicemen and female veterans of WWI, WWII, The Vietnam War, and The Boer War.
Meeting great white sharks in Port Lincoln
Port Lincoln is also the place to visit for close encounters with some of the ocean’s most impressive apex predators: great white sharks. Great whites are are often misunderstood, and a up-close and personal experience with them will no doubt change your mind about these beauties. Just getting out there on the ocean to ‘meet’ them is an experience in itself. A 2018 survey completed as a part of the Census for Marine Life, found that there are only about 3,500 great whites left in the world, so they also need more positive attention and support.
Swimming with sea lions at Seal Cove
Closer to shore, you can also swim with sea lions on a half-day tour to Seal Cove. Splash around with these delightful and intelligent critters who just love to show-off for you. Underwater, search the sea grass for one of the ocean’s most beautiful creatures, the leafy seadragon. They’re only found here in Australia’s southern waters.
Restaurants and cafes in Port Lincoln
It’s not all about seafood here. There’s local pork and bacon, Eyre Peninsula grain-fed beef and lamb; locally grown fruits and vegetables and a range of products including olive oil, honey, chocolates and nuts. Not to mention the delicious bakery products made from locally grown and milled grain.
Head to the Rogue & Rascal Cafe for the best coffee in town. Del Giorno will satisfy your seafood cravings with an Italian twist. For a pub feed, try the Marina Hotel. If you fancy Chinese or Thai, Peacock Gardens will hit the spot. And wash it all down with a local craft beer or wine at Sarins Bar & Restaurant.
But, if there’s one seafood shop you can’t miss while visiting Port Lincoln, it’s the Fresh Fish Place. Indulge in fresh fish and chips, salt and pepper squid, and panko crumbed scallops, all caught locally. Be sure to check out their online selection too, which includes salmon in a jar, seafood batter, and Port Lincoln caper berries.
Wineries near Port Lincoln
Port Lincoln is located at the southernmost tip of Eyre Peninsula. This giant, fertile promontory grows a surprising array of produce, including grapes.
South Australia’s premium wines need no introduction, but the Eyre Peninsula region is still new to the scene. According to renown wine critic, James Halliday; “The strong maritime influence of the Spencer Gulf, combined with patches of terra rossa over limestone soils similar to Coonawarra, make the area particularly suited to full-bodied red wine production from shiraz, merlot and cabernet sauvignon, while Riesling and chardonnay have also performed quite well.”
If you’re looking for beautiful ocean views paired with world-class wine, then Boston Bay Wines is the place for you. It’s grapes are grown right in Port Lincoln, making for award-winning red and white wines. Stop by for a wine tasting accompanied by local seafood and to overlook the stunning Boston Bay. Some of the wines offered include cabernet, merlot, and sauvignon blanc.
Plus, stop by Peter Teakle Wines for a guided wine tasting experience accompanied by Eyre Peninsula charcuterie boards and cheese platters. Or, dine in at their award winning restaurant, Line & Label, for a fine dining experience that showcases Port Lincoln’s delicious local seafood and wines.
Travelling to Port Lincoln
Rex operates direct flights from Adelaide to Port Lincoln. Find more details on schedules and pricing here.
Want to dig deeper into the South Australian experience? Read more about the Eyre Peninsula’s offerings here.
