5 things to do in Port Lincoln
Australia’s seafood capital, Port Lincoln, on the Eyre Peninsula, is teeming with natural beauty and things to taste, see and do.
After mapping the location in 1802, English explorer Matthew Flinders named the city after his home county of Lincolnshire.
Port Lincoln’s beautiful natural harbour meant it was once considered for South Australia’s capital city. However, Colonel William Light eventually overlooked the town, partly due to a lack of fresh water supply and difficult access for ships.
Modern Port Lincoln is jam packed with things to see and do so you’ll be spoilt for choice, but we’ve picked five ways to have a trip you’ll never forget.
1. See food… and eat it
If you’re partial to a prawn or two, welcome to paradise. With locally caught tuna, oysters, prawns, mussels, abalone and more, you’d have to be the world’s pickiest eater not to find a seafood dish to tempt you.
Make your first stop The Fresh Fish Place – a buzzing seafood factory outlet and eatery that should win an ‘accuracy in business name’ prize. Grab some pan-grilled, battered or crumbed flathead, whiting, or garfish, with chips. Feast on salt and pepper squid, marinated octopus, tempura prawns, steamed mussels and panko crumbed scallops. You can also take home a selection of fresh and frozen fish fillets, smoked and pickled seafood, and much more.
2. Make a splash
Port Lincoln is the place to be if you fancy going nose to nose with a legendary great white shark. Home to two charter companies, a shark cage diving expedition will have your adrenaline surging as you dip under the water and from the safety of a metal cage stare into the black eyes of a fearsome shark.
For something less deadly than a fish with razor-sharp teeth, why not swim and snorkel with some friendly sealions? These puppies of the sea love showing off and interacting with the humans who enter their watery backyard. Swim with them, sit back and watch, or take the perfect photo.
3. Wild memories
In Port Lincoln, you’re only ever a short drive away from a stunning beach. Put the four-wheel-drive accessible surf beach of Fishery Bay on your must-visit list or prepare to spy a few dolphins from atop a lumpy sand dune at Sleaford Beach. Cool off at Eyre Peninsula’s most famous swimming spot, Greenly Rockpool, where you might even spot a shy starfish.
Whatever you do, don’t miss the incredible Golden Island beach at the tip of Coffin Bay National Park. Admire the view from the lookout or wander down to enjoy the rocky reefs, white sand and breaking waves up close.
4. Bon appétit
The award-winning L’Anse Café – a delightful piece of France in the heart of Port Lincoln – is known for its buttery, flaky croissants, fruit tarts, exceptional coffee and other delicious French fare. Book a table and try the croissant madame, with bechamel sauce, mustard, ham and a fried egg or the Asian-style chilli scrambled eggs.
You can even watch the skilled French chefs making their mouth-watering pastries at the on-site kitchen. If you’re keen to explore Port Lincoln and its surrounds, grab a takeaway flat white and an almond croissant or something else from its daily selection of sweet treats. Vive la France!
5. A farm with a difference
You won’t find any tractors or working dogs at this farm. Instead, you’ll find rows and rows of underwater baskets full of plump Coffin Bay oysters. Choose from a range of tour operators, including Untamed Escapes and Experience Coffin Bay, and enjoy a cruise out to the pristine, clear waters where these world-famous oysters grow. Don a pair of waders for a closer look and learn why these waters and growing conditions make Coffin Bay oysters sought after worldwide. Best of all, you can enjoy a dozen freshly shucked, salty oysters onboard before you head back to shore.
Is Port Lincoln calling?
The experts at RAA Travel can help you plan the perfect trip.