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Port Lincoln in Profile |
On wooded rolling hills stretching down to one of the world's largest protected natural
harbours, is situated Port Lincoln, a gracious and exciting city of 13,000 people. The jewel in Port Lincoln's crown is sparkling blue Boston Bay, whose encircling arms stretch from the tip of Port Lincoln National Park to Point Boston. The bay covers an area more than 3 1/2 times the size of Sydney Harbour. Cradled between these two arms is Boston Island just 5km off the Port Lincoln coast, creating a vast expanse of sheltered water for small boat fishing and idyllic day sailing. Further a field lies the Sir Joseph Banks group of Islands to the north east and Thorny Passage to the south east, giving offshore fishermen and blue water sailors a large range of unique destinations regardless of prevailing winds. |
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For the land based tourist, Lower Eyre Peninsula offers a kaleidoscope of touring options. Sheltered beaches, spectacular lookouts, booming surf beaches, secluded picnic spots, rugged coastal scenery, picturesque hill country, history and wildlife - Port Lincoln has it all. It is little wonder that this natural affinity to water activities tend to reflect in Port Lincoln's Festivals:- The Adelaide to Lincoln Quins Blue Water Classic Yacht Race and Lincoln Week Regatta held in February each year, Annual Port Lincoln Game Fishing Club Tournament, and the only festival held in the world dedicated to a fish, the famous Tunarama - four days of pageantry and fun taking in Australia Day weekend in January. |
History |
Port Lincoln was discovered by Matthew Flinders under his commission by the British Admiralty to chart Australia'a unexplored coastline. The converted collier Investigator dropped anchor in Boston Bay in February 1802 and Flinders named the spot Port Lincoln after his native Lincolnshire in England. Only several days earlier Flinders lost eight seamen near Memory Cove, including his sailing master, Captain John
Thistle, whilst searching for water. Port Lincoln was initially considered as the alternative sight for the State's Capital, but was subsequently rejected by Colonel
Light in 1836 in favour of Adelaide. Lack of fresh water supplies was a major determining factor. The First Settlers arrived in March 1839 aboard the Abeona, the Dorset and the Porter. There is an historic plaque at the First Landing site to commemorate the event. |
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Climate |
Due to the insulating effect of the surrounding ocean waters, Port Lincoln experiences a delightful Mediterranean climate, which is on average a degree or two warmer than Adelaide in winter and 3o - 5o cooler than Adelaide during the hot summer months. Port Lincoln's average rainfall is 488mm or 19 inches, which falls mainly during the winter months. Warm summers, mild winters and balmy weather during autumn and spring, make Port Lincoln an all year destination for touring, fishing, sailing and other recreational pursuits. Winter temperature - 15.6o C or 61oF (average maximum) Summer temperature - 25.0oC or 80oF (average maximum) |
Facilities |
Being a popular tourist destination and a major commercial centre for the rest or Eyre Peninsula, Port Lincoln can service every imaginable need of the visitor. |
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Dining Out |
Dining out in Port Lincoln is always an adventure whether your taste ranges from traditional hotel fare, a night out at a specialist restaurant or a good old fashioned take-away. Make sure you sample the seafood. Depending on the season, tantalising dishes of Southern Ocean Rock Lobster, Western King Prawns and King George Whiting can normally be found on most menus in the recognised eateries. Port Lincoln has an extensive retail shopping area which services the local population, the visitor and the rural community of southern Eyre Peninsula. Whether it be a kilo of fresh whiting fillets, the latest fashion gear, some fresh bread rolls, parts for the car, or a quick take-away, you can get it all at Port Lincoln. |
Primary Industries |
Port Lincoln is perhaps the
nation's biggest combined agricultural and fishing centre. Port Lincoln's primary industries include the production of lambs, wool and beef, Cereal crops including wheat, oats, barley, canola, lupins etc. Tuna, prawns, lobster, abalone and scale fish are the major fishing and aquaculture industries. |
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Photos on this page supplied by Nigel Cotsell |