Port Lincoln, one of the largest towns on the Eyre Peninsula -with a population of 11,350 -as well as one of its busiest ports, is situated 653 km west of Adelaide, on Boston Bay, which covers over three times the area of Sydney Harbour. The bay was named by Matthew Flinders in 1802 and was used by whalers and sealers before a permanent settlement was established. In 1839 it was mooted as the site for the capital of the new colony of South Australia, but Colonel William Light was concerned about the lack of fresh water and therefore chose the site of Adelaide instead.

The Lincoln Hotel, built in 1840, still stands on the waterfront. The first jetty was built in 1875 to handle the ever-increasing load of wheat and wool being shipped from the port. As the 1900s progressed, a web of railway lines brought even more primary products to the harbour, and in 1980 Port Lincoln became the second port in Australia to handle bulk grain export. A cannery was opened in the 1950s, mainly processing tuna, and today the calm waters around Boston Island are dotted with the circular enclosures of great fish traps that house and fatten the tuna. The harbour is also a base for the crayfishing and abalone industries, both of which abound in these waters.

For travellers the city makes a fine base from which to explore the surrounding area and to take in the many delights the region has to offer. The town itself has a number of attractions, including the Mill Cottage Museum, which is operated by the National Trust, the Settler's Cottage Museum, and the nearby Rose-Wal Memorial Shell Museum. The Apex Wheelhouse commemorates the commercial fishing industry, and the Alex Stenross Maritime Museum features an extensive collection of sailing ship memorabilia. Just out of town is the fully restored Mikkira Station, the oldest sheep station on the Peninsula. The station has picnic and camping areas but visits must be booked in advance. Several local art galleries display work of the Constantia Designer Craftsmen, who have been internationally recognised for their fine work; the Mayne Gallery and the Arteyrea Gallery display a wide selection of local arts and crafts.

To the south is a magnificent coastline of white sandy beaches and rugged headlands, much of it protected in the Lincoln National Park. This park offers excellent bush camping, fishing, diving and surfing. To the west of the town and readily accessible are the town and waters of Coffin Bay. Whaler's Way, to the south of the town, is a privately owned scenic drive that takes in some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Australia. You have to pay to obtain the key to open the gates to the drive. The key, and details on camping on Whaler's Way, are obtainable from the tourist offices in the city.

Offshore there are a host of islands to attract the traveller, including Boston Island and the Spilsby Island group to the north. Dangerous Reef, one of the best known great white shark locations in the world, is offshore and charter boats and cruises include this area on their tours. The reef is also home to one of the largest sea lion colonies in Australia -an underwater viewing platform lets visitors see these magnificent animals in their own environment.

With this protected waterway and all the islands nearby, it is no surprise that Port Lincoln is also a great yachting destination; there are a number of charter boats for hire from here. The fishing is varied and excellent. Offshore there are shark, whiting, snapper and kingfish, while from the jetty and beach there are tommy ruff, whiting and garfish. There are a number of walking trails in the nearby national park, and in town the Parnkalla Walking Trail winds around the delightful harbour. Annual events include the Adelaide to Port Lincoln Yacht Race and the Tunarama Festival, both in January.