Things to Do in Port Lincoln: Where To Eat, Drink, Stay & Play in SA's Seafood Capital
There’s something for everyone in this charming seaside locale.
If you ever find yourself down Port Lincoln way, be sure to stay a while. There’s a reason why it is known as the seafood capital of Australia.
Perched on Boston Bay, the largest natural harbour in Australia, daily life here revolves around the sea. From the pristine South Australian waters, fishermen haul in world-class seafood. It’s a bounty best enjoyed straight from the source.
Shark cage diving is another popular bucket-list item that draws tourists to the area (more on that in a moment), but if the ocean isn't really your thing, you'll be relieved to know there’s a lot more to see here than oyster farms and Great Whites.
Local cellar doors and artisan producers make it the ultimate gourmet getaway in South Australia. It's also a beacon for nature lovers.
Located on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, around seven hour's drive from Adelaide, Port Lincoln really does have something for everyone, making it one of the most underrated travel destinations along this magical coastline.
Here’s our pick of where to eat, drink, stay and play in South Australia’s seafood capital.
Things to do in Port Lincoln: Food & Wine
1802 Oyster Bar
The drive from Port Lincoln to Coffin Bay will take you about 35 minutes, travelling across the bottom of the Eyre Peninsula. On arrival, it’s hard to miss the area’s pristine, crystal-clear waters where Australia’s most sought-after seafood is sourced.
Stop by 1802 Oyster Bar to enjoy an oyster or two while overlooking the very waters where they were farmed. It doesn’t get any fresher than that. Are oysters not your thing? No matter. Enjoy the restaurant’s modern-Australian cuisine and extensive South Australian wine list with dishes like pesto gnocchi and lamb ribs on the menu.
61 Esplanade, Coffin Bay
Peter Teakle Wines
It would be remiss to visit Port Lincoln without stopping by Peter Teakle Wines for a delicious drop. This state-of-the-art cellar door quickly became a local haunt after opening its doors in 2020. The building itself has been designed to mimic the shape of a wine barrel and overlooks the winery’s picturesque vineyards, as well as boasting breathtaking views of Boston Bay and Port Lincoln.
31 Whillas Road, Port Lincoln
L'Anse French Cafe & Croissanterie
You probably wouldn't expect to find a taste of Paris in Port Lincoln, but that's exactly what L'Anse French Cafe & Croissanterie provides. When you can't possibly squeeze in another oyster or seafood pasta, and find yourself craving something crumbly and sweet, the team of talented chefs here have you covered. Pop in for breakfast, brunch or lunch, with a menu of falafels, smashed avo, eggs on toast and loaded sandwiches, or grab a delicious croissant to go, prepared the traditional French way with 3 days required for the dough to prove to perfection.
60 Liverpool Street, Port Lincoln
Things to do in Port Lincoln: Stay
Tanonga Eco Lodge
Take a 20-minute drive out of Port Lincoln and find paradise in your fully self-contained luxury lodge at Tanonga. Choose from three beautiful and unique options, The Ridge, Tanonga and The Valley. With each villa secluded, surrounded by nature and perched high on a hilltop, the 360° panoramic views are the cherry on top of the cosy and contemporary interiors. You'll feel on top of the world during your stay here, some of the best accommodation Port Lincoln has to offer, with walking trails and wildlife galore.
53 Pope Drive, Charlton Gully, Eyre Peninsula
Port Lincoln Hotel
Do you like to be looked after while on holiday? Well, The Port Lincoln Hotel and its sophisticated style is the option for you. Put your feet up and relax in 4-star sea-view indulgence, before heading down to the restaurant to fill up on fresh seafood and cocktails. Then, head back upstairs and pamper yourself as you enjoy the glorious views (from the spa itself) in one of their indulgent spa-suites. Bliss!
1 Lincoln Highway, Port Lincoln
Eyre.Way Yambara
Perched in a secluded spot just 100 metres from Sandy Point Beach, Eyre.Way Yambara is a private oasis with sweeping views of Sleaford Bay and the Port Lincoln National Park. What this accommodation lacks in size, it makes up for in charm. A “tiny house” by all intents and purposes, Eyre.Way Yambara is fitted with full-size kitchen appliances, a well-appointed bathroom and sleeps up to four adults. Bookings are essential.
Sleaford Bay, South Australia
Port Lincoln Escape
One is for the whole family, Port Lincoln Escape is a beautifully renovated 1940's duckpond stone cottage in the seaside town of Port Lincoln. Just one kilometre outside of Port Lincoln's CBD, it's also super close to Oil Jetty Beach, Brennan's Wharf (where you can try and catch your own dinner), and just 200 metres down the road from the award-winning Beer Garden Brewing and Eyre Roasted Coffee. With 3 bedrooms, modern amenities, open plan living, and a large undercover deck ideal for relaxing at the end of the day with a wine while cooking on the BBQ, it has everything you need for that perfect trip away to Port Lincoln.
From $230 per night
Address available upon request
Things to do in Port Lincoln: Activities
Mikkira Station Koala Sanctuary
Want to spot some cuddly koalas in their natural habitat? Mikkira Station is a picnic and camping ground set amongst natural bushland with a large colony of koalas living on site. You can explore the property on foot to spot koalas, snap a few photos and wander to your heart's content. If you're visiting without a car, Australian Coastal Safaris run day trips and multi day itineraries with transport included. They are frequent visitors to Mikkira and know just where to head for the best koala spotting ops. They can even sort you out for a dusk picnic on site, full of local bites and brews.
Mikkira Lane of Fishery Bay Road, Port Lincoln
Shark Cage Diving
Ever wanted to come face to face with a Great White Shark? In Port Lincoln, you can do exactly that – without putting your life in danger. Join Calypso Star Charters for the ultimate great white shark adventure. Tours depart from Port Lincoln marina, to the beautiful and world famous Neptune Islands.
No diver certification is needed to view these magnificent sharks safely from the surface cages and their qualified crew give full cage and dive briefings and make sure everyone onboard is happy, safe and confident.
While waiting your turn in the dive cage, you can sit back and relax with local South Australian food and wine and enjoy excellent topside viewing of the great white sharks.
Calypso Star Charters, 10 S Quay Blvd, Port Lincoln
Lincoln National Park
Spend a morning off the beaten track at Lincoln National Park. Overlooking Boston Bay, this pristine landscape is vast and varied, encompassing everything from granite headlands to sheltered bays, sand dunes to scenic offshore islands. Locals spend time here swimming, bird watching, beachcombing or traipsing along one of the many walking trails.
Lincoln National Park, Eyre Peninsula
Oyster Farm & Tasting Tours
Learn more about the local oyster industry by joining a 1.5 hour oyster farm and tasting tour with Oyster Farm Tours. First, you’ll don a pair of waterproof waders before walking out into the water and sitting on a semi-submerged deck. Enjoy the salty fresh air and try your hand at shucking your own oysters, as local farmer Ben shares the ins and outs of how the farm is run.
If you're a true oyster lover, up the ante with the 'A Taste of Coffin Bay' tour with Untamed Escapes. This 1 day tour will take you from untouched, sandy beaches to oceans framed by rugged cliffs, on a cruise to a working oyster farm to sample oysters just plucked from the pure waters of Coffin Bay. Back on land, wine and dine as you sample the Eyre Peninsula’s signature seafood and local wines. Along the way, you’ll get to know the local producers and understand the community and landscape through the eyes of those who know it best.
The taste of the ocean on your tongue, vivid waters lapping at your side and a gentle sea breeze on your cheek – this is a gourmet experience to awaken your senses!
Oyster Farm Tours: From $50 per person
'A Taste of Coffin Bay' with Untamed Escapes: From $249.00 per person. See the full itinerary here.
If you’ve made the visit to Port Lincoln and are wanting to discover more of South Australia, why not take a look at our comprehensive guide of things to do in Hahndorf. Or maybe you're planning a more romantic escape? We've got you covered with our edit of the most romantic getaways in SA.
