The unofficial capital of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, Port Lincoln nestles near the peninsula’s southern tip. Across the way from oyster hub Coffin Bay, it’s home to the largest commercial fishing fleet in the southern hemisphere, and eating seafood tops the list of things to do in Port Lincoln. But there’s more than food to the Eyre Peninsula. White sand beaches, rolling dunes, and granite headlands make for mesmerizing photos, while wildlife adventures span the gamut from koala encounters to swimming with sea lions to cage diving with great white sharks.
Oyster connoisseurs should plan visits to Port Lincoln for months when the waters are cooler and the bivalves are at their tastiest: April through November is a good bet, although you’ll also find oysters in December and March. January and February are the peak months for great white sightings, with March and April also offering favorable conditions. Sea lion season runs from September through June. The SALT Festival, in the second half of April, sees performances, workshops, feasts, and talks.
Port Lincoln has taxis but no rideshares, while bus services are strictly tailored to local needs and schedules. As the city is reasonably spread out and most attractions are natural, not urban, you’ll find it easiest to explore if you have your own wheels. But it’s also possible to travel from Adelaide by bus or (if your carbon footprint is not a concern) plane and see the sights on tours.
Besides a visit to a Coffin Bay oyster farm—complete with a tasting of freshly harvested bivalves—a seafood feast is a must when in Port Lincoln. Seafood center Fresh Fish Place serves up factory-fresh fish to cook at home. It’s an affordable, unfussy eatery that offers everything from sashimi platters, Coffin Bay oysters, and abalone to an all-star selection of fish and chips.
