Statue of racehorse Makybe Diva

Port Lincoln SA 5606 (Pop 14 740)

Port Lincoln is a pretty Eyre Peninsula fishing town on Boston Bay (three and a half times larger than Sydney Harbour) 646 km west of Adelaide. Originally inhabited by the Parnkalla Aborigines, white settlement began in 1839. Explorer Matthew Flinders discovered the area in 1802 and named it in honour of his English birthplace, Lincolnshire. The ideal Mediterranean climate, Australia’s largest commercial fishing fleet, extensive grain facilities, wool and beef all contribute to the local thriving economy. Tunarama Festival (Jan), Adelaide to Lincoln Yacht Race & Lincoln Week Regatta (Feb/Mar), Mediterraneo Festival (Apr).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Historic Port Lincoln includes Anglican Church (1849) Courthouse (1862) and Mill Cottage (1866).  Port Lincoln's Large Houses (n-e) mostly owned by very wealthy fishermen. Museums – Mill Cottage (Flinders Hwy), Settlers’ Cottage (Flinders Hwy), Rose-wal Memorial Shell (Flinders Hwy), Axel Stenross Maritime (Lincoln Hwy) and Railway (Railway Pde). Parnkalla & Investigator Walking Trails explore the local coastline.

Nearby:
Boston Island (5 km offshore) settled in 1840 with original cottage still standing has interesting two hourly daily tours (Tel 1800 629 911). Winters Hill Lookout, (Winters Hill Rd) superb coastal vistas. Old Mill Lookout (Dorset Pl) (1846) city and bay views. Lincoln NP (25 km south) spectacular 22 000 ha park of beautiful bays, limestone cliffs, offshore islands and peaceful Memory Cove. Whalers Way (32 km south) 14 km coastal drive of blowholes, crevasses, cliffs as well as seals, kangaroos and emus.  Privately owned, so permit required from Visitor Centre. Koppio Smithy Museum (40 km north) interesting historic displays of pioneer houses, vintage vehicles & farm machinery.

Accommodation:
Port Lincoln has 7 motels, 5 hotels, 2 farmstays, 9 B&Bs, a dozen holiday apartments/cottages and 2 caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: 3 Adelaide Pl. Tel (08) 8683 3544 or 1800 629 911.

Airport:
Port Lincoln Airport (PLO), off Lincoln Hwy, North Shields. Tel (08) 8684 3501. (14 km north).

Hospital:
Port Lincoln Hospital, Oxford Terrace. Tel (08) 8683 2200.