Sitting on the largest natural harbour in Australia, Port Lincoln is an iconic coastal destination often referred to as the seafood capital of the country.
A great way to learn more about the seafood industry is by joining a tour and getting out on the water. Oyster Farm HQ takes guests into the heart of a commercial oyster farm in Coffin Bay. Pull on some waders and head out with an oyster farmer to learn more about this booming industry while getting a hands-on shucking lesson and tasting the freshest oysters ever.
For those after a more thrilling experience, Calypso Star Charters offer shark cage diving just off the coast of Port Lincoln. The team here are permitted to use natural fish berley to attract the apex predator of the ocean: Great White Sharks. Protected by a cage, visitors can get up close to these magnificent animals, with fantastic opportunities for photos and memorable encounters.
If you want to get up close and personal with some adorable marine animals, join a half day tour to swim with sea lions. Moving between four islands, tours offers guests the chance to splash around with the ‘puppies of the sea.’ Make sure to keep an eye out for the rare leafy seadragon, found only in the sea grass of Australia’s southern waters.
Of course, tucking into a delicious plate of fish and chips is a must when visiting Port Lincoln. Head to The Fresh Fish Place for the best morning catches, then take your spoils down to the Port Lincoln foreshore to look out over the water while you eat.
While there, make sure to check out the Parnkalla Trail, which winds around the foreshore and coastline to give visitors the chance to see a number of Port Lincoln’s biggest attractions. On the walk, you will pass the Moreton Bay fig trees, first planted in the 1860s, and the statue precinct showcasing two amazing works from world-renowned artist Ken Martin. Finally, the gentle trail will take you to Billy Lights Point, an area busy with birdlife and known for its stunning lookout over the harbour.
Don’t miss out on Coffin Bay and Lincoln National Park, both only a short drive from Port Lincoln. Both parks are home to an abundance of wildlife, panoramic views, and unique campgrounds, and Lincoln National Park has some of the best sand duning for 4WDrivers in the country. There are several designated campgrounds in the park, with activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, hiking and bird watching always on offer.
While visiting Lincoln National Park, make sure to check out Memory Cove, a secluded bay boasting white sandy beaches and densely covered headlands. The cove is home to exclusive camping and wilderness experiences to satisfy any intrepid explorer.
Alternatively, Coffin Bay National Park is known for its coastal scenery. Here, you can enjoy boating, fishing, sailing, windsurfing and scuba diving to your heart’s content. Take the sealed roads out to Point Avoid and Golden Island lookout for amazing views over the surrounding landscape, or explore Yangie Bay for canoeing, picnicking and bushwalking opportunities.
Loving hearing about the seafood capital of the country? To read about the must see attractions and history of Port Lincoln, click here.
