PORT LINCOLN
Port Lincoln is sited on the hills overlooking Boston Harbour, one of the world’s largest natural harbours. A beautiful city of 13,500 people, Port Lincoln is the commercial centre of the lower Eyre Peninsula with extensive shopping and recreational facilities.
It is home to one of Australia’s largest commercial fishing fleets. Lincoln Cove Marina, home to the fishing fleet, combines luxury living and a safe boat haven.
The mild climate, superb fishing, beautiful white sandy beaches and rugged coastal scenery, make Port Lincoln a popular holiday destination.
Winters Hill Lookout, offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city. Boston Island, 5 kms off the coast, protects a vast expanse of sheltered water renowned for boat fishing and sailing. Divers enjoy the clear waters around the islands.
Port Lincoln is well known for the harvest of the sea and its huge tuna export market. Enticing dishes at local eateries of rock lobster, prawns, oysters and King George whiting, are not to be missed. Tunarama celebrates with four days of festivities on Australia Day Weekend each year.
The superb deep water port and grain handling facilities have established Port Lincoln as a focal point for Eyre Peninsula’s huge annual wheat harvest. Today’s 100,000 tonne bulk carriers have replaced the tiny coastal ketches and majestic tall ships of yesteryear.
Port Lincoln was named by Captain Matthew Flinders while charting the Australian coastline.in 1802. The country reminded him of his home in Lincolnshire and the town of Boston. The Aboriginal name Kallinyalla means “beautiful water”. Flinders took on fresh water here. Eight seamen were lost at sea when their boat capsized and so Memory Cove and Cape Catastrophe were named.
The site of Port Lincoln was suggested for consideration for the state’s capital. The first settlers arrived in 1839 aboard the Abeona, the Dorset and the Porter at the site known as the First Landing. Captain Bishop of the Dorset lived at Mill Cottage, now beautifully preserved and open to the public.
In 1839, young explorer Edward John Eyre crossed overland from Adelaide to Port Lincoln and visited again in 1840.
Lincoln National Park with ocean views, forests, sheltered inlets and the rugged spectacular Whalers Way are among the many scenic drives and delightful picnic spots around Port Lincoln.
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