The Best Things to Do in Port Lincoln
Try the unforgettable tours and tastings that you can only experience in Port Lincoln.
Our picturesque seaside town is an idyllic place for a leisurely long weekend on the Eyre Peninsula, but once you see the list of our favourite things to do in Port Lincoln, you may need to extend your stay! Experience two of Australia’s most amazing wildlife encounters, visit spectacular national parks and taste the range of culinary delights from our local producers.
The only place in Australia where you can dive with Great White Sharks
To see a Great White Shark gliding towards you is a truly awe-inspiring experience. Port Lincoln is the only place in Australia where you can meet these magnificent predators from the safety cage. Each of the below operators holds eco-certification and are passionate about the conservation of Australia’s Great White Sharks. Rest assured, all of these tours are responsible, sustainable, and safe for both humans and sharks.
Rodney Fox Shark Tours and Calypso Star Charters both offer trips from Port Lincoln Marina. Leaving early in the morning, the tours travel by boat to Neptune Islands, the only site in Australia where cage diving is permitted. No previous diving experience is required to swim with the sharks. Tours include food and Marine park fees. Don't miss a once-in-a-lifetime experience of viewing Great White Sharks in their natural habitat will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime!
Calypso Star Charters hold a licence to “berley” the water, which entices the majestic Great Whites to emerge from their pristine island habitat. The berley (fish offal) isn’t enough to feed the sharks, but they do get excited once they detect the scent in the water which can make for some thrilling shark-watching.
For the more experienced divers, Rodney Fox Shark Tours offer multi-day Shark Diving Expeditions. Their signature Ocean Floor Cage can be submerged up to 20 metres, immersing adventurous divers in the mesmerising underwater scenery of the Neptune Islands. See the Great White Sharks up close as they glide around you, stealthy and majestic. Scuba certification is required for the Ocean Floor Cage Dive, though all divers can enjoy the Surface Cage Dive. Rodney Fox Shark Tours is a family business that invests heavily into ongoing research projects and education. Guests are sure to learn plenty of fascinating insights from their experienced, expert hosts.
Swim with Australian sea lions, the adorable “Puppies of the Sea”
South Australia is home to an estimated 75% of the Australian sea lion population. These beautiful native sea lions are gentle and curious by nature, and you will very quickly understand how they earned their nickname, the “Puppies of the Sea”!
Swim, play and interact with the sea lions - no cage required! The sea lions of the Eyre Peninsula are completely wild animals and are not trained, they are just naturally interactive and often completely silly. They have even been known to mimic swimmers, so see if you can kick off a game by doing a few somersaults in the water in front of them.
Calypso Star Charters a variety of tours to swim with the sea lions. Wetsuits, flippers and snorkels are all provided and no diving experience is required.
Check with tour operators for the best time of year to swim with the sea lions. The water off the Eyre Peninsula stays around the same temperature all year round, so there’s no need to wait until summer!
Explore the Eyre Peninsula with a Land-Based Highlights Tour
After all of the marine adventures, you may feel like spending a few days on dry land. Do not miss the opportunity to explore the two incredible national parks on the Eyre Peninsula; the Port Lincoln National Park and Coffin Bay National Park.
Both of these national parks offer expansive views of unspoilt coastal beauty. The rich and biodiverse ecosystems are home to an abundance of native wildlife and birds. Lookout points offer stunning views of limestone cliffs looming over the turbulent southern seas, a contrast to the calm, turquoise waters in the protected bay areas. The dramatic dunes are a blast to conquer on a thrill-seeking 4WD adventure.
Australian Coastal Safaris are another excellent Port Lincoln-based operator offering unforgettable personalised tours of the Eyre Peninsula. From gourmet food to wildlife encounters, or guided tours on electric mountain bikes, Australian Coastal Safaris can provide a unique tour to suit your group.
Tour South are tailored tour experts, offering customisable experiences to ensure your trip suits you best. Create your own itinerary of the Eyre Peninsula, or choose from a variety of tour options which can include 4WD tours of local highlights, and memorable moments such as sunset drinks and nibbles on the stunning dunes.
Untamed Escapes offers Highlights Tours of the Port Lincoln and Coffin Bay areas. Enjoy local secrets including privately owned locations such as Whaler’s Way and Mikkira Station. You won’t be driving, so enjoy an extra tasting or two when you stop by the Boston Bay Winery or the Lincoln Estate. The Glen Forest Animal Park is a great option for all ages, so if you haven’t spotted any koalas in the national parks, you can book an up-close experience with one here.
Taste a Variety of Delicious Local Flavours
Even though Port Lincoln is the Seafood Capital of Australia, we are absolutely spoiled for choice with a range of non-seafood options as well.
Pope’s Honey Farm & Eyre Honey produce award-winning local honey in Port Lincoln. Tours are by appointment only, but all visitors will enjoy the interactive discussion, demonstrations, and the delicious tastings.
We take our coffee seriously in Port Lincoln, with two fantastic local roasters in town. Boston Bean and Eyre Roasted will have you coming back for a caffeine boost every day of your trip. For a coffee stop closer to Coffin Bay, 1802 is a perfect place to stop for a coffee and a sweet treat.
The Eyre Peninsula also pulls its weight in the South Australian winemaking scene, with excellent wine tasting experiences available across Port Lincoln and Coffin Bay. Be sure to visit Boston Bay Winery, Lincoln Estate, The Gardeners and Coomunga Wines for excellent cellar door experiences. Peter Teakle Winery features the Line & Label restaurant as well as the cellar door, its own vineyard, and on-site winemaking and bottling facilities.
Make your own charcuterie board to enjoy in your accommodation or on a perfect spot on the foreshore. Stop by Boston Bay Small Goods or the Port Lincoln Smoke House for locally made and smoked meats and deli items. If you have a bit more time, enjoy the scenic drive to Korinya Farm Gate, less than an hour north of Port Lincoln. This family-owned farm raises Grass Fed Beef and Pasture Raised Pork, which are processed on-site and available for sale in their Farm Boutique Butcher Shop. They also offer sausage-making classes, cheese-making classes, and other fantastic hands-on workshops for visitors to learn traditional homesteading skills.
So, what to do first? Search our operators below.
Share this on Social Media