Port Lincoln is a natural harbour on the Eyre Peninsula. The surrounding coastal areas are amongst the most spectacular and impressive in the State. The offshore island, Boston Island was where Matthew Flinders stopped over in 1802. It was he who named Port Lincoln after Lincolnshire in England from where he came.

At one time it was considered for the site of the State's capital, but this notion was rejected by Colonel Light in the 1830s, with the lack of fresh water being one of the principal reasons for his decision. The vessels the Abeona, the Porter and the Dorset brought the first and earliest settlers to this area towards the end of the 1830s.

Museums

The Tod Resevoir Museum recounts the story of the Port Lincoln's water supply going back to the resevoir project in 1918. The museum itself is actually located in one of the houses which was constructed in 1922 at the resevoir. As well as the collections of artefacts on display, there is an audio - visual display.

Those interested in shells will not be disappointed in Port Lincoln where there are two displays of shells. At the Rose-Wall Memorial Shell Museum and North Shields you will be greatly impressed by the beauty and number of shells. It is located in the grounds of the Eyre Peninsula Old Folk's Home and is open to the public from 2 pm until 4.30 pm every day.

The Karlinda Collection at North Shields has an incredible 10,000 shells, as well as rocks, fossils and a special display of deepwater trawl fish. Groups can also enjoy a guided tour and slide show by booking.

For those interested in mechanics and engines, a visit to the M. B. Kotz Collection of Stationary Engines will be a treat. It has many engines from the past which would have played a major role in the development and growth of this country. It is possible to visit the collection any day inthe hours between 9 am and 9 pm.

The renowned craftsman Axel Stenross worked on his boats in a workshop in Port Lincoln earlier this century. This workshop is where you will now find many fascinating items relating to his work and life. It is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and on the weekend and Public Holidays from 1 pm until 5 pm.

Anyone who enjoys learning about obscure and unusual things will take pleasure in the rather novel Barbed Wire and Fencing Equipment Museum. If you thought that there was nothing to barbed wire, think again. The display at this museum has over three hundred examples from around the world.

Historical Attractions

The island just off the mainland is Boston Island. It is a sheep station and trips over to the island are possible. You will get to see the old slab cottage dating back to 1840 and the shearing sheds. Some years after this, in 1846, the Old Mill was constructed as a flour mill which never actually operated. Today it is one of the best places to come and admire the fabulous views of the town and surrounding bay.

Galleries

The Mayne Gallery has an array of arts and crafts on display and for sale - pottery, jewellery, knitwear, paintings and lots more. It is located at 14 King Street. Opening hours are fom 12.30 pm until 4.30 pm every day of the week.

At the Arteyrea Gallery you encounter works of art and crafts which have been created at the hands of local artists. There are regular workshops held, including one which is held every Sunday from 10 am until 4 pm. Various touring exhibitions also pass through this gallery. The gallery is found at 28 Washington Street. It is open from Sunday to Friday from 10 am until 5 pm.

Natural Attractions

Port Lincoln is home to Australia's largest commercial tuna fleet. One way of getting to learn about these fish is to take a cruise to a tuna farm and actually see them close up from an underwater viewing platform. You can also go and see Dangerous Reef where the country's largest sealion colony is to be found.

For a farm experience, Greenpatch Farm in the Koppio Hills is the place to visit. You will see sheep shearing, the milking of cows, sheep dog trials and lots more. Whilst out there you will also be able to take in a visit to the nearby reserve where many native animals can be seen. The farm is open from Wednesday until Sunday from 10 am until 6 pm.

Winter's Hill Lookout is some 5 kilometres from Port Lincoln and you will be rewarded for your trip there by the most stunning views of the surrounding coastal scenery.

Just south of Port Lincoln is Whalers Way, right on the very tip of the Eyre Peninsula. The natural features of the area include caves, beaches and cliffs plus the scenery from here is absolutely breathtaking. The area is also home to wildlife like kangaroos and emus. If you are visiting it at the right time of the year, you will be treated to a spectacular display of wildflowers. Cape Carnot, in the vicinity is in fact believed to be one of the oldest rocks in the State. It is estimated to be an impressive 200 million years old.

The perfect place for day trip is Lincoln National Park which is only 20 kilometres away. Not only can you enjoy exhilarating coastal walks, you are also likely to come across plenty of wildlife - emus and kangaroos, as well as a whole host of birdlife from osprey to parrots. Some parts of the park are only accessible by 4WD. Cape Catastrophe and Memory Cove are two such places. This is where Matthew Flinders had the misfortune of losing 8 of his men when he was in the area in 1802.

Other Attractions

The Tunarama Festival is a well established annual event with fun for all of the family. There's plenty of entertainment, concerts, processions and a tuna-tossing competition. It's usually held at the beginning of the year.

Continuing the theme of tuna, the interpretive centre known as the Apex Wheelhouse has all of the details you could ever want to access on the commercial fishing of tuna. The centre is based in an original wheelhouse from a tuna boat - hence the name. You will also be able to enjoy magnificent views of Boston Island and Lincoln National Park from the Wheelhouse's lookout. It is open every day of the week from 9 am until 5 pm.

To escape this world and travel to the land of fairytales all you need to do is visit the Tiny Tots Gnome Village. Here the miniature world which has been imaginatively created will be a great source of fun for children and adults alike. It is open from 10 am until 5.30 pm every day of the week.

An insight into the gifted and highly skilled world of Constantia's designer craftsmen is made possible with guided tours. The tour will take you through the whole process from when a piece of timber enters the workshop, right through to the wonderful end product.

Port Lincoln has a wide variety of leisure and sports facilities available to visitors. The Leisure Centre has a swimming pool, sauna, spa pool and gymnasium. It is in Lincoln Cove and is open from Monday until Friday from 6 am until 9 pm, and on the weekend and Public Holidays from 9 am until 6 pm.

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