Residing on the pristine shores of the Eyre Peninsula, Port Lincoln possesses a captivating blend of fascinating history, incredible natural wonders and a thriving food culture.
A place where azure waters meet rugged terrains, Port Lincoln is the perfect place to come for adventure, gourmet fresh seafood dining and wildlife watching.
If you plan a trip to the region, you’ll be surprised at its range of activities and attractions. Subsequently, this guide will take you on a virtual tour, showcasing everything from how to get there and what to do on arrival to where to eat and where to stay.
So let’s begin!
Where is Port Lincoln
Port Lincoln is a vibrant coastal city located in South Australia. It is situated on the southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula, which is a large triangular peninsula extending into the Great Australian Bight.
The city faces the beautiful waters of Boston Bay, making it a hub for marine activities and ensuring visitors always get stunning ocean views. Situated approximately an 8-hour drive west of Adelaide, Port Lincoln is best known for its picturesque landscapes, and rich maritime history.
It is also a gateway to a variety of outdoor adventures and wildlife encounters such as whale watching.
Best Time to Visit Port Lincoln?
Although Port Lincoln is a destination you can visit all year round, generally speaking, the best time to visit Port Lincoln is considered to be the period from October to April. At this time, the weather is warm and most conducive for partaking in a plethora of outdoor activities.
That said, different times of the year offer different appeals to the visitor, so here is a breakdown of the seasons and what they offer
Spring (October to November): Spring is a delightful time to visit Port Lincoln as the weather starts to warm up, and the landscapes are full of beautiful wildflowers. It is also an excellent season for hiking, fishing and exploring the stunning coastline.
Summer (December to February): Summer is the peak tourist season in Port Lincoln. With warm temperatures and clear skies, it’s perfect for enjoying the beaches, water sports, and boat cruises. This is also the best time for diving, with great underwater visibility.
Autumn (March to April): Autumn brings milder temperatures, making it a pleasant time for exploring without the intense heat of summer. The fishing season is still active, and it’s a great time for wildlife enthusiasts to witness migrating whales and the local seal colonies.
Winter (May to September): Winter is the off-peak season in Port Lincoln due to cooler temperatures. However, if you’re interested in quieter surroundings and want to take advantage of potential accommodation deals, this could be a suitable time for your visit. It’s also the prime time for shark cage diving, as the water temperatures attract larger numbers of these apex predators.
It’s worth noting that irrespective of the season in which you visit Port Lincoln, the weather patterns can vary, so be mindful of that when planning your trip and pack accordingly.
How to get to Port Lincoln?
It doesn’t matter where your starting point is in Australia; getting to Port Lincoln is fairly easy. Overall, a few options are available to travellers to this wonderful part of South Australia.
For most people, flying is the fastest way to reach Port Lincoln. Port Lincoln has its own airport, the Port Lincoln Airport, which is well-connected to Adelaide. Several airlines operate regular flights between Adelaide and Port Lincoln, making it a convenient option for travellers. The flight takes around 50 minutes, providing stunning aerial views of the coastal landscapes before you descend.
If you prefer a road trip and want to enjoy the scenic journey, you can drive to Port Lincoln. The city is located about 650 kilometres west of Adelaide. The journey takes around 7-8 hours on the Eyre Highway and offers opportunities to explore charming towns and natural landmarks along the way.
Bus services also connect Adelaide to Port Lincoln, offering travellers an economical and comfortable option. The bus journey takes longer than driving independently, usually around 10-12 hours, but it can be a convenient choice for those who prefer not to drive.
Arguably the best way to get to Port Lincoln is by taking a ferry from Adelaide. The SeaSA Ferry service operates between Wallaroo on the Yorke Peninsula and Lucky Bay near Port Lincoln. This option showcases terrific coastal views and is also popular with tourists who want to bring their vehicles along with them.
Once you arrive in Port Lincoln, you can easily explore the city and its surrounding attractions by renting a car, using public transportation, or joining guided tours. Keep in mind that transportation options and schedules may vary according to the season, so it’s advisable to check availability and make reservations in advance, especially during peak travel times.
Things To See and Do in Port Lincoln
Boredom is not an option in Port Lincoln, as the city offers a host of attractions and activities catering to a wide spectrum of interests. For those visiting the area for the first time, here are some of the top things to see and do in Port Lincoln:
Shark Cage Diving
Port Lincoln is renowned as the ‘Great White Shark Capital of the World’. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, consider going shark cage diving to get up close and personal with these majestic predators in their natural habitat.
Coffin Bay National Park
Explore the rugged beauty of Coffin Bay National Park, known for its stunning coastal landscapes, sand dunes, and pristine beaches. It’s great for bushwalking, fishing, birdwatching, and enjoying panoramic ocean views.
Swim with Sea Lions
Take a guided tour to Seal Cove, where you can snorkel or swim with playful and curious Australian sea lions. It’s a unique and interactive wildlife experience.
Lincoln National Park
This park offers diverse activities, including bushwalking, camping, and scenic drives. Within the park, Whalers Way is a must-visit for its rugged coastal cliffs and breathtaking views.
Cageless Shark Diving
For a truly immersive experience, you can also try cageless shark diving. This involves diving without a cage, allowing you to observe sharks in their natural habitat while maintaining a safe distance.
Whale Watching
From May to October, witness the annual migration of Southern Right Whales and Humpback Whales. You can go on boat tours for a chance to see these magnificent creatures up close.
Glen Forest Tourist Park
A family-friendly attraction, this park offers animal encounters, a petting zoo, a mini-golf and opportunities to feed kangaroos and emus.
Port Lincoln Marina
Stroll along the marina to enjoy waterfront dining, boutique shopping and a view of the yachts and fishing boats. It’s a perfect place for a leisurely afternoon.
Fresh Seafood Dining
Port Lincoln is famous for its seafood, especially its world-class seafood platters. Indulge in freshly caught seafood at local restaurants and seafood markets.
Axel Stenross Maritime Museum
Learn about Port Lincoln’s maritime history and its importance as a fishing hub at this museum. Explore artefacts, displays and the museum’s collection of historical vessels.
Adventure Sports
Engage in various adventure sports such as kiteboarding, kayaking, jet skiing and more, taking advantage of the region’s coastal waters.
Whalers Way Coastal Drive
Embark on a scenic drive along the Whalers Way Coastal Drive, where you can witness stunning coastal cliffs, rock formations and hidden beaches.
Where to Stay in Port Lincoln?
When choosing where to stay in Port Lincoln, you have several options. They include everything from deluxe hotels and family-friendly resorts to self-contained apartments and Air BnB accommodation.
Below is a selection of some notable places you might want to make a booking during your visit.
Port Lincoln Hotel
This charming hotel offers modern rooms with ocean views. Its waterfront location also offers easy access to the foreshore.
The hotel is also close to the centre of town, making it convenient for exploring local shops, restaurants, and galleries. It has an on-site restaurant, bar, indoor pool, fitness centre and free Wi-Fi for guests to use.
Bay 10 Accommodation
Overlooking Boston Bay, these self-contained apartments offer beautiful water views. They are close to attractions like the Axel Stenross Maritime Museum and the town centre and come with their own kitchenettes, balcony or terrace, laundry facilities and free parking.
Hilton Motel
This centrally located motel is a short walk from the Parnkalla Walking Trail and the Nautilus Arts Centre. Therefore if you stay here, you should find exploring the town’s main attractions relatively easy.
The motel is known for offering comfortable rooms – some with terrific water views -, BBQ facilities and free parking. They also have very friendly staff who can help you book tours if required.
Port Lincoln Cabin Park
The Port Lincoln Cabin Park is situated not far from Porter Bay and the Lincoln Cove Marina. It features cabins with fully equipped kitchens, an outdoor seating area, BBQ facilities, a playground for kids and pet-friendly options. Nearby you’ll find various dining options and water activities.
Adventure Backpackers
This budget-friendly hostel offers dormitory-style rooms for those wanting cheap accommodation. Boasting a communal kitchen and lounge area, this venue has a lively atmosphere and is perfect for meeting other travellers.
It is located close to the town centre and within walking distance of the beach and local eateries. For those who want to go shark cage diving and on other adventures, the hostel staff can help you arrange tours.
These are just a few examples of the accommodation options available in Port Lincoln. When choosing where to stay, consider your budget, preferred amenities, and proximity to the attractions you’re interested in exploring.
Keep in mind that availability and features may change over time, so it’s a good idea to check with the accommodations directly or through online travel platforms for the most up-to-date information before making your reservation.
Where To Eat
When it comes to food options, tourists are spoilt for choice in Port Lincoln. Throughout the city, there are a number of exceptional options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, many of which focus on offering fresh seafood and local produce.
If you are looking for recommendations of where to eat in Port Lincoln, here are some good places to visit.
Del Giorno’s Cafe Restaurant
This venue is close to both the town centre and Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre. It boasts an impressive waterfront location with outdoor seating and offers stunning views of Boston Bay.
In addition to an extensive wine list, their must-try menu items include a range of fresh seafood, Mediterranean-inspired dishes, wood-fired pizzas and pasta. Try the seafood platter and Spencer Gulf prawns. You won’t be disappointed.
Port Lincoln Hotel – Sharkys Bar
Enjoy modern Australian cuisine, including seafood, steaks and cocktails, at the fabulous Sharkys Bar. The restaurant is found within the Port Lincoln Hotel and boasts an oceanfront setting, a relaxed atmosphere and indoor/outdoor seating.
It’s conveniently located near shops and galleries and is known for its superb oysters and seafood chowder. If you have a sweet tooth, they also offer a terrific range of dessert options.
Line & Label Restaurant
Located at a plush winery estate, the Line & Label Restaurant offers a unique culinary experience, merging a contemporary ambience and scenic views over vineyards with a premium wine selection.
Their fine dining menu champions local produce and seafood. Try Coffin Bay oysters and King George Whiting, and prepare to be impressed.
Boston Bay Wines
Located slightly outside the town centre, this restaurant is known for its picturesque setting and modern Australian cuisine. Its seafood platters are top-notch. Enjoy al fresco dining with beautiful views of Boston Bay, while tasting quality varietals of wine from its vineyard.
Delacolline Winery & Café
Offers a unique countryside dining experience not far from town, Delacolline Winery & Café will instantly wow you with its rustic ambience stunning and vineyard views. Their seasonal menu features various regional dishes that are perfectly paired with wines from their vineyard.