Port Lincoln is often referred to as the ‘Seafood Capital of Australia’ and, once you see its location on magnificent Boston Bay, it is not difficult to see why.
It is reputedly home to the southern hemisphere’s largest commercial fishing fleet and is famed for its southern bluefin tuna, King George whiting, Western King prawns and Southern Rock lobster.
But even grey nomads who don’t travel with a fishing rod and a tackle box won’t be in a hurry to leave this relaxed and welcoming town.
With a population of some 15,000, the biggest settlement on the Eyre Peninsula boasts a full range of services, shops and facilities, making it the perfect base from which to explore this remarkable area.
Port Lincoln is still very very much a fishing town. PIC: South Australia Tourism /Isaac Forman
The local council offers self-contained travellers short-term stays at the Axel Stenross Boat Ramp or the Billy Lights Point Boat Ramp for a budget price, or there is, of course, a range of caravan park options. It’s a spectacular town. Boston Bay is one of the largest protected natural harbours in the world and is actually three times the size of Sydney Harbour.
Indeed, after Port Lincoln was discovered by Matthew Flinders in 1802, it was initially considered a potential site for the State’s Capital, but a lack of fresh water supplies meant it was overlooked in favour of Adelaide. Legend has it that while Port Lincoln is only 280 kilometres from Adelaide as the crow flies, it’s a more daunting 646 kilometres if you’re travelling by road.
The Port Lincoln Marina is stunningly beautiful. PIC: Isaac Forman
While it may now not have the same high profile as the ‘city of churches’, Port Lincoln’s residents aren’t losing any sleep over it. The city is reputed to have the most millionaires per capita in Australia, and it’s basically fish they have to thank for it. The town’s gratitude to the bountiful waters that surround it are most famously celebrated in the annual Tunarama festival which takes place around the Australia Day long weekend in January.
It’s a historic city and there are a number of interesting monuments and memorials around the place, as well as some fascinating museums including the Axel Stenross Maritime Museum, the Koppio Smithy Museum, and the Mill Cottage Museum. The perfect way to put it all in perspective is to take a trip up to the Old Mill Lookout or Winters Hill Lookout, both of which deliver spectacular views of the region. For grey nomads who are keen there are some fantastic fishing opportunities, as well as some great tours and walks to be taken.
If that’s considered too tame for some grey nomads, the bravest might be tempted by a spot of shark cage diving! Nearby are stunning national parks including Port Lincoln National Park and Coffin Bay National Park, and there are superb wineries such as Boston Bay Wines and Delacolline Estate Wines to explore, as well. No wonder so many westward bound grey nomads find themselves tackling the Nullarbor days – or weeks – later than they originally planned.
