Port Lincoln - Hub of the Eyre Peninsula

The abundant wonders of the Eyre Peninsula are wellNational Park. It begins right on the tip of the Eyre
documented, and make for an exciting and intriguingPeninsula, about 15 kilometres south of town, and has
tour in a campervan. One of the largest towns, whicha stunning hinterland to match its coastline. Extensive
is something of an informal capital for the peninsula, ismallee woodland forests, limestone hills and granite
Port Lincoln- an important economic base for theoutcrops can be explored in your campervan, and
grain and fishing industries in the region. With its nearbushwalkers will love the numerous designated trails
perfect Mediterranean climate, its sophisticatedfor them. At the entry to the park is an information
harbour and its wealth of attractions lying nearby,station where you can get entry permits, and
Port Lincoln is also a great place to base yourself incamping permits if you are spending more than one
your motor home while you explore the region. Withday in the park. There is a cottage, Donington
a population of 11 350 it is big enough to have all theCottage, which is available for hire if you do not feel
amenities of a modern city, yet small enough tolike camping.
retain that 'country' feel.The town of Coffin Bay, set on the bay of the
Set on the shores of Boston Bay (which is threesame name, is also an easily driven 45 kilometres to
times the size of Sydney Harbour), Matthew Flindersthe west. The population of 600 people swells to
first stumbled across this region in 1802. Since thenover 3000 in the summertime, so if travelling there in
Port Lincoln's long history has been a prosperous one,the summer months be sure to book your caravan
first being a base for whalers and sealers, and thenspot in advance. Once there simply enjoy the
when it became more permanently established itbeautiful coastline of Coffin Bay, which is
became a large fishing port. Todays its economy ischaracterised by natural inlets, bays and pristine
largely driven by the massive grain handling facilitieswaterways. In contrast are the jagged cliffs and wild
built on the foreshore, and it is an important storageseas of the Coffin Bay Peninsula, which adds to the
and distribution point for grain grown here. The fishingdiversity of the scenery you will see on your tour.
industry is just as prevalent, with many tunaIf you want to head offshore from Port Lincoln
fishermen having become millionaires from the highthere are a few exciting activities you can partake in.
demand for certain types of tuna. One of the talkingBoston Island and the Spilsby Island Group are
points of the city are the large mansions they havebeautiful islands to visit, but it is Dangerous Reef that
built for themselves. Ostentatious and vulgar, itreally attracts the thrill seekers. This is one of the
seems money cant buy taste!most well known Great White Shark locations in the
The history and heritage of the town is evident inworld, and charters to see or dive with these
the old style architecture of many of the originalamazing creatures are available. The reef also has
buildings, and numerous museums pay homage to theone of the largest sea lion colonies in Australia, and
towns rich past. The Mills Cottage Museum is an oldthere is an underwater viewing platform to let
limestone cottage built in 1866, and houses a bunchvisitors view them in their natural environment.
of memorabilia from the early days that includesAnytime of year to visit Port Lincoln is a good one,
English furniture brought over in 1839. Anotherbut youd do well to combine it with one of the series
interesting museum is the Rose-Wal Memorial Shellof annual festivals that celebrate its fishing and sailing
Museum, which houses a private gleaned collection ofheritage. Tunarama is a big one, and is spread out
shells and marine creatures compiled over a lifetimeover the Australia Day long weekend in January.
of collecting and trading. The Alex Stenross MaritimeThen in February there is the Lincoln Quin's Blue
Museum is also worth a look- it has numerousWater classic Yacht Race, the Lincoln Week Regatta
artifacts relating to local maritime history, includingin March and the Port Lincoln Game Fishing Club
dinghies, tools and photographs.tournament in April. With so much on you really are
If you want to get out of town and go for a tour inspoiled for choice! Port Lincoln is easily accessible too,
your camper, then head south to the gorgeousbeing just a short flight or a pleasant 635 kilometre
beaches and magnificent headlands of the Lincolndrive in your campervan away from Adelaide.