Welcome to Port Lincoln & Coffin Bay

Axel Stenross Maritime Museum

Port Lincoln & Coffin Bay

Prior to European settlement, the region was home to Traditional Owners from the Nauo tribe. These hunter gatherers roamed widely along the coastal scrub lands living on seafood and native fauna, which included kangaroos and lizards as well as a variety of tubers and plants. Neighbouring tribes comprised of the Kokata and the Parnkalla people.

Although little is known of the pre-European history of the local groups, the Kokata were known to the other tribes as the ‘Nganitjini’ people, a term which means “those that sneak and kill by night” according to early anthropologists.

In 1802, Matthew Flinders named the region after an English district called Lincoln where he grew up. After European settlement, which occured in 1839, many people from the Parnkalla tribe moved from the surrounding region into Port Lincoln itself.

For more information on Port Lincoln, go to portlincoln.com.au

Around 16,500 people live in Port Lincoln today, and locals and visitors alike can enjoy many fantastic attractions such as the Lincoln National Park, amazing beaches and whale watching during certain times of the year. With access to some of the most unspoilt waters in the world, the region is renowned for its fresh, delicious seafood. Make sure you indulge yourself at the local seafood market or at one of the many eateries while you’re here. The city that was once considered a potential ‘capital city’ for South Australia is a great place to stock up before heading out to a nearby campsite.

Coffin Bay, situated just 30 minutes from Port Lincoln, is a gorgeous little town that offers plenty of recreational activities based on the water. Swim, snorkel, surf, sail, fish, and more, to your heart’s content. Don’t forget to try the plump, juicy oysters pulled straight from the pristine waters of Coffin Bay.

Known as the Seafood Capital of Australia, Port Lincoln is nestled by the beautiful waters of Boston Bay on the Eyre Peninsula. North west of Port Lincoln lies the lovely township of Coffin Bay which is famous for its oysters.

Port Lincoln, Credit: John White

Things to See & Do

MIKKIRA STATION AND KOALA PARK

Mikkira Station, situated on Mikkira Lane, is a secluded, natural bushland area where koalas live freely in the Manna Gums. For this reason, no dogs are permitted. Abundant and varied birdlife can also be observed throughout this tranquil area. Several guided tour options are available.

EYRE PENINSULA

Port Lincoln resides on the stunning Eyre Peninsula which affords the township many natural attractions and gastronomical adventures. Explore Port Lincoln on a day tour to unearth everything its has to offer. For more information, call Xplore Eyre on 1800 816 858.

PARNKALLA TRAIL

Enjoy a walk along a section of the 35km Parnkalla Trail following the coastline of beautiful Boston Bay. Breathe in fresh air, listen for the birdlife and look out to the bay for dolphins.

AXEL STENROSS MARITIME MUSEUM

Located along the Lincoln Highway, the Axel Stenross Maritime Museum boasts a wonderful array of maritime artefacts, relics and displays. One for maritime enthusiasts, the museum is open Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday 9.30am–4.30pm, and Saturday and public holidays 1pm–4.30pm.

SEAFOOD FRONTIER TOURING ROUTE

The Seafood Frontier Touring Route is an extraordinary culinary experience not to be missed. Extending from Whyalla to Ceduna, local delicacies include southern blue fin tuna, rock lobster, abalone, oysters and prawns, to name a few. Visitors have the option of stopping in at a range of eateries or purchasing a fresh ocean catch along the way.

WINERIES

There’s nothing quite like pairing fresh seafood with a delicious bottle of wine. Try Boston Bay Wines, Peter Teakle Wines and Lincoln Estate for a tasting as well as beautiful views.

GALLERIES

Make sure you check out Nautilus Arts Centre on Tasman Terrace to discover local arts and crafts. The Quirky Owl located on Flinders Highway showcases an array of bespoke jewellery, artwork and homewares. Kuju Aboriginal Arts takes group bookings by appointment only. For more information, call 8682 6677.

GUNYAH BEACH SAND DUNES

Gunyah Beach and sand dunes are located in 15 kilometres from Coffin Bay. The Gunyah Beach track is accessible only to 4WDs. Hire a stand up or sit down board and go for a sand boarding ride.

SHARK CAGE DIVING

For thrill seekers, you can get up close and personal with the Great White Sharks at Neptune Island on one of the cage diving experiences available.

Oyster Farm Tours, Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission

Adventure Bay Charters, Credit: Kane Overall

Greenly Beach, Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission/Elise Cook

Mikkira Station, Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission

OPEN:

Mon - Fri 9.30am - 5.00pm Sat 9.30am - 12pm

Sunday and Public Holidays - Closed

• Prescriptions

• Natural Health

• NDSS

• Webster Packing

• Vitamins

• Cosmetics

• Sunscreen

• Blood Pressure Checks

2 Flinders Ave, Coffin Bay P: 8685 4080 coffinbaypharmacy@outlook.com

• Toys

• Homewares

• Accessories

Parks & Recreation

GLEN-FOREST TOURIST PARK

On any day, it’s possible to spot koalas, camels, dingoes and emus here, and the park includes a walk-through bird aviary. There are also public barbecues, a mini-golf course and a kiosk to buy supplies from. The park is open from 10am–5pm daily except for Christmas Day, and is only 15 minutes from Port Lincoln. Entry costs: $15 for adults and $13 for children.

LINCOLN NATIONAL PARK

Only 9kms from Port Lincoln, the Lincoln National Park is easy to get to. It lies at the tip of the Eyre Peninsula and comprises 29,000 hectares. It is easily explored with 2x2 vehicles, although you will need a 4x4 vehicle to access some areas. The park’s secluded northern coastline is a great place to throw a fishing line in or go swimming. A wonderful place to see the animals of the Australian coat of arms, the kangaroo and emu, the Lincoln National Park also offers the opportunity to sight the brush-tailed bettong. The bettong is a threatened species about the size of a rabbit, and resembles a small wallaby. It costs $12 per vehicle for entry to the park.

COFFIN BAY NATIONAL PARK

The 30,380 hectare Coffin Bay National Park is just one hour’s drive from Port Lincoln, perched alongside the jagged cliffs along the Great Australian Bight. There is a sealed road running through the park making it easily accessible for 2x2 vehicles. There are more secluded areas where it is necessary to have a 4x4 vehicle but, for those who take the time to explore, it is well worth it.

The fishing in Coffin Bay National Park is excellent in the sheltered beaches and accessible headlands, as evidenced by the Aboriginal fish traps that can still be found within the park. Fish varieties commonly caught include flathead, snapper, whiting, salmon and trevally. It costs $11 per vehicle for entry to the park.

PICNIC AND BARBECUE AREAS

BILLY LIGHTS POINT At the beach around from the Lincoln Cove Marina. Free barbecue under shade and toilets.

BRINKWORTH RESERVE Electric and wood barbecues, toilets, playground & walking trails.

FLINDERS PARK Free barbecues, toilets & playground.

HIGHVIEW RESERVE Free barbecue, playground & exercise stations.

LION'S PICNIC RESERVE Wood barbecues & toilets.

PORT LINCOLN FORESHORE Free barbecues, toilets & playground.

PUCKRIDGE PARK Free barbecues, toilets & playground.

THE PINES RESERVE Wood barbecues & toilets.

TOD RESERVOIR Coin operated barbecues & toilets.

WELLINGTON SQUARE Free barbecue, toilet & playground.

WHALER'S WAY Wood or gas barbecue & toilets. Permit required.

NATIONAL PARK PASSES AND PERMITS

Entry fees are payable prior to entering national parks. Payment can be made at the Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre or online at: www.parks.sa.gov.au/booking

Camping overnight costs $22 per night in the in the Memory Cove Wilderness protected area. A Memory Cove gate key must be collected from the Port Lincoln Visitor Centre to gain access. Check fire regulations during fire season November to April.

Memory Cove, Port Lincoln National Park, Credit: Brad Griffin Photography

Sandboarding, Gunyah Beach Sand Dunes Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission

Glen-Forest Tourist Park, Credit: Tourism Australia

Coffin Bay National Park, Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission /Elise Cook

EYRE PENINSULA’S BIGGEST FRESH SEAFOOD MARKET

Open Monday - Friday 8.30 - 6.00, Saturday 8.30 - 4.30pm

T: 8683 5366 M: 0488 096 431 E: admin@asseafood.com.au W: capitalseafood.com.au

FUMO 28 - OYSTER BAR & SEAFOOD

we strive to showcase the best of the

and beyond through our tailored menus.

OPEN: TUESDAY - SUNDAY

Breakfast : 7.00 am -11.30 am

Lunch : 11.30 am - 2.30 pm

D inner : 5.00 pm - 8.30 pm

28 Tasman Tce. Port Lincoln, SA 5606

P: 08 7609 1111 M: 0481 203 257

fumooysterbar.com.au

Fresh local fish received daily. Crayfish, crabs, king prawns, whiting, snapper, garfish, flathead and much more!

Port Lincoln

50 St Andrews Terrace, Port Lincoln

Fumo 28 Oyster Bar and Seafood is a boutique restaurant located on the stunning Port Lincoln foreshore. Sourcing the finest local seafood and fresh produce,

Eyre

Coastal Towns

TUMBY BAY

Not too far from Port Lincoln along the Lincoln Highway lies the coastal town of Tumby Bay. Set against rolling farmlands and the Koppio Hills, the township features a 10km long sandy beach and manicured, pine tree lined foreshore area with playgrounds, ideal for all beach and picnic activities. A popular fishing hub, try your luck at the jetty, the beach or around the rocks. Alternatively, take a fishing charter out to the Sir Joseph Banks Group of Islands for an unforgettable experience.

PORT NEILL

Further north east of Tumby Bay you’ll encounter the tranquil township of Port Neill. Port Neill is a beautiful location where visitors can escape the grind of everyday life and indulge in the region’s laidback lifestyle. Take in the natural surrounds with a languid walk along the beach or check out the Hincks Wilderness Protection Area. Otherwise you can spend a lazy day on the beach frolicking in the waters and enjoying a picnic. The township also offers angling for those keen to throw a line in. The Port Neill Town Lookout just 2kms out of town boasts beautiful views of the region.

Port Neill, Credit: Tourism Australia

Paddle Boarding, Tumby Bay, Credit: Robert Lang

ALL THINGS SEAFOOD

INTERESTING Facts

• Eyre Peninsula comprises 2,500kms of stunning coastline, national parks, hinterland and townships.

• At Sleaford Mere near Lincoln National Park, sedimentary rock formations known as stromatolites lie at the lake’s edge. This is one of just a few locations across Australia that have these formations.

• The Far West Coast Marine Park is an iconic whale calving region where between 30 and 60 southern right whales are born each year.

• Native to Japan, the pacific oyster found its way to Eyre Peninsula from Japan via Tasmania.

• Few locations in the world offer cage diving with great white sharks and Port Lincoln is one of them!

• Southern bluefin tuna can live up to 40 years of age and dive to 400 metres in depth.

• The Parnkalla Trail commemorates the Aborginal tribe whose Dreaming canvassed the beauty of Port Lincoln. The trail showcases many ecological and historical sites.

OPEN: MON - FRI 8.30AM - 7.30PM | SAT 8.30AM - 2.00PM

Port Lincoln's premier seafood centre, a modern factory direct seafood outlet store along with a fish & chip eatery, offering all-local seafood and wine to eat-in or take-out.

Taste regional cold-water species of Eyre Peninsula's seafood frontier and feast on the ocean to table cuisine.

Book a behind the scenes factory tour with oyster and seafood tasting, or just browse through the eclectic selection of nautical giftware, oceanic art & sculptures.

P: (08) 8682 2166 | www.freshfishplace.com.au

20 Proper Bay Road, Port Lincoln

FROM PORT LINCOLN TO

ROAD SAFETY

You are permitted to drive on a current out of state or overseas licence for a period of one year. If you hold an out of state or overseas driver’s licence it must be carried with you when you are driving and produced on demand to a police officer if requested.

Vehicles travel on the left-hand side of the road and the wearing of seatbelts is compulsory for all passengers. It is illegal to talk on your mobile phone while driving.

Coffin Bay

Nestled on the western tip of lower Eyre Peninsula, Coffin Bay is renowned for its oysters. But that’s not all this lovely township and region have to offer.

Surrounded by pristine waters, it’s no surprise that aquatic activities are abundant here. Visitors can enjoy everything from swimming to snorkelling to sailing.

There’s also a number of great walks available that enable visitors to enjoy the local flora and fauna. Try Yangie Bay Walks, Oyster Walk, Black Springs Well Hike and one of the beach walks.

The region provides plenty of opportunity to fish so grab your tackle and line and head to one of the many great fishing spots.

COFFIN BAY OYSTERS

The Eyre Peninsula is South Australia’s oyster growing region, with growers stretching from Ceduna to Cowell. The most famous of the regions is Coffin Bay due to its pristine waters rich in nutrients and gentle tidal waters.

The most common Coffin Bay oyster is the pacific oyster which was introduced in the area in 1969. Oyster operations have grown steadily since then and the area currently has in excess of 50 independent growers sending oysters to all parts of the globe.

Almonta Beach, Coffin Bay National Park, Credit: Sarah Byden & Vinnie Preston

Experience Coffin, Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission

Almonta Beach, Coffin Bay National Park, Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission/Elise Cook

Fishing & Boating

The modern fishing fleet of Port Lincoln is said to date back to the Haldane brothers who, in 1956, were given money from the South Australian government to finish building their Victorian ship on the condition they go deep-sea fishing off the SA coastline.

It did not take long before the clean sea began to show promise, and Port Lincoln became one of the premier fishing ports in Australia. Local fisherman now regularly catch prawns, abalone and crayfish. But it is the southern bluefin tuna that has put Port Lincoln on the map and at one stage given the city the highest number of millionaires per head of population in Australia.

The famous bluefin tuna of Port Lincoln are usually towed gently into the port in purse seine nets as juveniles, where they are housed in tuna farms and allowed to fatten up. They are destined for the Japanese sashimi market, which pays hundreds, often thousands, of dollars per fish.

It is not just the famed bluefin tuna that inspires the passions of seafood lovers when Port Lincoln is mentioned. The oysters from nearby Coffin Bay are claimed by locals to be Australia’s best, while the Spencer Gulf, just west of the Yorke Peninsula, is known for its superb prawns.

There’s a number of boat charters in Port Lincoln to indulge your penchant for fishing, diving and sightseeing. For more information, visit the Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre.

SEASONAL FISHING CALENDAR

JANUARY - MARCH AVAILABLE: Blue/sand crabs, bream, flathead, garfish, mullet, mulloway, salmon, salmon trout, snapper, snook, southern rock lobster, sweep, squid, Tommy ruffs, trevally and whiting (King George and yellowfin).

APRIL - JUNE AVAILABLE: Bream, flathead, garfish, mackeral, mullet, mulloway, salmon, salmon trout, snapper, snook, sweep, squid, Tommy ruffs, trevally and whiting (King George).

JULY - SEPTEMBER AVAILABLE: Bream, flathead, mackeral, mullet, salmon, salmon trout, snapper, snook, squid, Tommy ruffs, trevally and whiting (King George and yellowfin).

OCTOBER - DECEMBER AVAILABLE: Blue/sand crabs, bream, flathead, garfish, mackeral, mullet, salmon, salmon trout, snapper, snook, squid, Tommy ruffs, trevally and whiting (King George & yellowfin).

PLEASE NOTE: Size limits and bag limits vary for different species, so make sure you carry the latest fishing guide around with you. The guide is free and you can pick a copy up at any fishing or boating outlet in the region.

Fishing On Deserted Coastline, Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission/Bronte O'Brien

Port Lincoln, Credit: Josh Geelen

Lincoln Cove Marina, Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission

Fishing, Port Lincoln, Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission

Calendar of Events

JANUARY

• Port Lincoln Community Bank Tunarama Festival, Port Lincoln Foreshore Precinct

• Sunday Sesh On The Lawns, Ravendale Racecourse

• Friday Twilight Meet, Ravendale Racecourse

FEBRUARY

• Get Out – Music & Wellbeing Festival

• Teakle Classic Adelaide To Port Lincoln Yacht Race & Regatta

• Friday Twilight Meet, Ravendale Racecourse

• Thomas Foods Port Lincoln Cup Prelude

MARCH

• Tumby Market At The Bay

• Rivieara Port Lincoln Tuna Classic

• @ The Bay and Colour Tumby Street Art Festivals

• MGA Insurance Group Port Lincoln Cup, Port Lincoln

• Kimba Cup, Port Lincoln

APRIL

• Teakle Auto Sprint, Port Lincoln (biennial)

• Salt Festival, Southern Eyre Peninsula

• Easter Celebrations, Port Lincoln

MAY

• Port Lincoln Long Lunch, Port Lincoln

JULY

• Tumby Bay – Adelaide Guitar Festival On The Road

AUGUST

• Port Lincoln Show, Port Lincoln

SEPTEMBER

• Kimba Show, Kimba

OCTOBER

• Ceduna Oysterfest, Ceduna

• Yallunda Flat Show, Yallunda Flat

• Cummins Show, Cummins Showground

• Opening Season Meet, Ravendale Racecourse

• Port Lincoln Cup, Port Lincoln Racing Club

NOVEMBER

• Melbourne Cup Recovery Day, Ravendale Racecourse

• Friday Twilight Meet, Ravendale Racecourse

DECEMBER

• Coffin Bay Christmas Pageant

• Jingle Bells Twilight Meet, Port Lincoln Racing Club

• Carols on the Foreshore, Coffin Bay

• New Year’s Eve Twilight Meet, Port Lincoln Racing Club

• New Year’s Eve Fireworks, Streaky Bay

Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission

Shopping & Pampering

Relax and unwind with a shopping spree or some much deserved pampering.

In terms of shopping, Port Lincoln has all of your needs covered. Whether you’re after ladies and maternity fashion, menswear, jewellery or fresh food, it’s all here. Your holiday wouldn’t be complete without indulging in a rejuvenating body treatment. Sharmaine Day located on Liverpool Street offers massages, facials, anti-ageing treatments, LED Therapy, manicures and more. Pamper yourself today!

LOCAL Markets

PORT LINCOLN FAMILY & COMMUNITY MARKET

Nautilus Arts Centre

Every 3rd Sunday of the month 10.00am – 3.00pm

COFFIN BAY MARKET

Community Hall Esplanade, Coffin Bay

Every 2nd Sunday of the month 10.00am – 2.30pm

Credit: Greg Snell