21 Reasons Why Port Lincoln Is Australia’s Best Kept Secret

This coastal gem is your ultimate seaside destination – you just don't know it yet.

1. You can pretend to be the Little Mermaid at Whalers Way.

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Port Lincoln is packed with stunning natural rockpools, and Whalers Way is one of its best. These gorgeous turquoise pools get super warm during the summer, plus, they keep the sharks out.

2. The fishing spots are unreal.

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Fancy a fish? Look no further than Lincoln's shores. Whether it's from the sand, on the rocks, or in a boat, you're bound to catch a beauty if you sink a line off the Eyre Peninsula's west coast.

3. It boasts some of the world's best seafood.

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Think meaty lobsters, delectable oysters, and some of the biggest scallops you've ever laid eyes on. Port Lincoln's seafood is certainly on the pricier side, but with good reason – it's so delicious, it's shipped all around the world.

4. And you can eat it with waterfront views at the Port Lincoln Hotel.

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The Port Lincoln Hotel is a must-visit for any tourist. Offering gorgeous rooms to stay in, seaside views, and some of the region's best dishes, it truly sums up why the city is so special. If you're in dire need of a dance, the hotel even boasts infamous nightclub Sharkies, if you're that way inclined.

5. Coffin Bay is only a short drive away.

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Coffin Bay is one of Australia's most untouched seaside destinations, and it's only a half-hour drive from Lincoln. Surrounded by pristine national parks, local wildlife roams the town's streets whilst the 600-strong population lead one of the most idyllic lifestyles you will ever come across. Don't forget to try an oyster (or twelve).

6. You can get your smashed avo fix at the Rogue and Rascal.

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Rogue and Rascal boasts all the best qualities of a hip capital city cafe, with the perk of being right by the ocean. Known for its friendly staff, tasty coffee, and colourful breakfast menu, it's a must-visit for any foodie.

7. It's where the bush meets the beach.

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Don't be overly surprised if you come across a kanga whilst soaking up some rays on the sand. Many of Port Lincoln's beaches are bordered by extensive bushland, and the wildlife is just as enticed by the sparkling blue ocean as you are.

8. It hosts an annual tuna-throwing competition (no, really).

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Running for more than half a century, Tunarama is an extremely bizarre but widely celebrated event. Each January Port Lincoln's massive tuna industry is honoured, the main spectacle involving punters chucking the giant fish as far as they can throw. Anyone can enter, and the winner has a chance at competing in the world tuna-throwing championship. I'm serious.

9. It's a super peaceful city, with only 16,000 residents.

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You don't have to stress about living life in the fast lane when you're in Lincoln. The mere 16,000 residents are dedicated to maintaining the vibrancy of their city, but still like to keep things low-key.

10. The region holds a captivating Indigenous history.

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Australia hosts a fascinating and extremely vast Indigenous history – and Port Lincoln is no exception. As the traditional custodians of the land, they have plentiful stories of the spectacular southern landscape and hold a deep connection to the region's sweeping plains.

11. You can scoff down local produce at Del Giorno's.

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Once you get a taste of Port Lincoln's seafood, you won't want to stop shovelling it down, and Del Giorno's restaurant is the perfect eatery to do exactly that. Pair your feast with a glass of crisp South Australian wine... bellissimo!

12. There are pods of dolphins who want to play.

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From sea to shore, the wildlife in Port Lincoln is some of the friendliest in the country. You don't need to stray far from land to find pods of cheeky dolphins eager to put on an underwater show.

13. And you can get up close to a koala at Glen Forest Tourist Park.

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What's an Australian city without a koala meet-and-greet? Glen Forest Tourist Park offers up a variety of native and foreign animals. From dingos, to wombats, to water buffalos; there's a creature for everyone.

14. The region is famous for its salty, slimy oysters.

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Port Lincoln is quite clearly known for its delectable seafood, but the oysters are truly the star of the show. These babies are exported all around the world and sold for an arm and a leg, but they don't get any better than being eaten within hours of their harvest. If you're a real lover of the slimy critters, you can even go on an oyster tour.

15. You can go swimming with sharks...

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Port Lincoln is the only place you can cage dive with great white sharks in Australia. Getting up-close-and-personal with the five-metre beasts isn't for the faint hearted, but you'll soon witness their beauty and grace as you swim with them just off the city's shores.

16. ...and sea lions, too.

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These curious creatures are everywhere on South Australia's south-eastern coastline, and they're certainly not camera shy. If you're lucky, you'll spot a pup, too.

17. There's a statue paying homage to explorer Matthew Flinders and his cat.

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In early 2017, a statue of British explorer Matthew Flinders and his cat, Trim, was unveiled along the city's main strip. It was Flinders who gave Port Lincoln its Anglicised name, after his home country Lincolnshire. Furry feline Trim accompanied the explorer throughout his southern expedition and is, of course, the highlight of the bronze monument.

18. The crystal-clear waters at Coles Point are second to none.

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All year round, locals flock to Coles Point for its tempting waters, rocky terrain, and welcoming surf. It's only a short drive across the peninsula from Lincoln, is great for fishing, and a prime spot for camping, too. What's not to love?

19. The four-wheel driving tracks are totally gnarly.

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If it's thrill seeking you're after, strap on your seat belt and look no further than revving a four-wheel drive along the rolling sand dunes of the southern Eyre Peninsula. The region is famous for its winding tracks which offer up some of the best 4WD experiences in the country.

20. It's ideal for camping.

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With such a vast, beautiful natural landscape, it would be a crime not to sleep under the stars and experience the calming serenity of Port Lincoln's coastline. Whether it's with family, friends, or even on your own, a seaside camping experience is not to be missed.

21. And you can catch some seriously ripper waves.

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Surfers, ahoy! The waves along the coastline are nothing short of gnarly. Whether you're nearby the city or at a beach off the beaten track, you won't be disappointed by Port Lincoln's shores.