Where is Port Lincoln?
Port Lincoln sits on the southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula, around 650 kilometres from Adelaide. The drive takes about seven hours, so it’s not a short haul, but for campervan travellers, that’s part of the appeal. You’ll wind your way through quiet country towns, rolling farmland and coastal viewpoints, with plenty of places to stop and spend the night.
The most direct route is along the National Highway via Port Augusta, but if you’ve got a few days up your sleeve, the scenic route along the coastline offers a more relaxed drive with more to see and do along the way. The Eyre Peninsula is dotted with fishing villages, beachside campsites and seafood shacks, so you can take your time and make the drive part of the experience.
READ MORE: Looking for more road trip inspiration? Take a look at our guide to the best day trips from Adelaide.
What makes Port Lincoln a foodie paradise
Port Lincoln has earned its seafood reputation the honest way — by being home to one of the most important fishing industries in the country. The town’s connection to the ocean runs deep, with generations of local families working in commercial fishing, including the prized southern bluefin tuna industry.
You’ll find this ocean-to-plate approach everywhere, from casual fish and chip shops to more refined spots where the catch of the day really means what it says. Menus tend to lean local, with tuna, mussels, abalone and oysters all making regular appearances. It’s not just about flavour, either — many of the region’s fisheries focus on sustainable practices, so you can feel good about what’s on your plate while you’re tucking in.
Must-try seafood experiences
Here are a few local experiences that put seafood front and centre, and give you a real taste of what Port Lincoln is all about.
Seafood tasting tours
One of the best ways to get a feel for Port Lincoln’s seafood scene is by letting a local guide show you the ropes. With Experience Coffin Bay or Adventure Bay Charters, you can hop on a small group tour that puts fresh seafood front and centre. We’re talking tuna, abalone, mussels, and oysters served just metres from where they’re harvested. These tours are more than just a tasting plate, they offer a behind-the-scenes look at how the seafood industry works, from ocean to kitchen. It’s a great way to eat well, learn a bit, and enjoy the coastal setting.
Oyster farm tours
A visit to Port Lincoln isn’t complete without a trip to Coffin Bay, just 30 minutes down the road, where oyster farming is a way of life. The floating oyster farm tours here let you wade out into the water, shuck oysters straight from the rack, and enjoy them with a splash of local wine. It’s casual, it’s salty, and it’s exactly what you’d hope for from a town that’s known for some of the best oysters in the country. If you’re travelling in a motorhome, there’s easy parking nearby, so it’s a simple detour worth making.
Seafood cooking classes
For travellers who like to get hands-on in the kitchen, a seafood cooking class can be a fun way to sharpen your skills and pick up some tips for cooking on the road. Home Fresh Cooking School offers classes that focus on local produce, including seafood. The classes are relaxed and practical, with recipes you can easily recreate back at your campervan with a portable cooktop or barbecue. It’s a good option if you’ve picked up some fresh ingredients at the local market and want to do them justice.
Fishing charters
If you’d rather catch your own dinner, there are plenty of options in town to get out on the water with a rod and reel. Port Lincoln Fishing Charters runs guided trips where you can chase local species like snapper, King George whiting and salmon. It’s a laid-back way to spend a day, and there’s something satisfying about cooking up your own catch later that evening. Most charters include gear and bait, so all you need to bring is a hat, a camera and a bit of patience.
Best eateries in Port Lincoln for food lovers
You don’t have to look far to find a good meal in Port Lincoln. Whether you’re after freshly grilled fish, a seafood platter with a view, or a casual bite between stops, the town’s got plenty to offer.
The Fresh Fish Place
Part seafood market, part café, The Fresh Fish Place is a go-to for locals and travellers alike. You can grab something to take back to your campervan fridge or pull up a chair for tastings, fish and chips, or a rotating menu of daily specials. The focus here is on freshly caught, sustainably sourced seafood – simple, unfussy, and full of flavour.
Del Giorno’s Café Restaurant
Del Giorno’s sits right on the waterfront and blends a casual café feel with restaurant-quality dishes. It’s known for generous seafood platters, local wines, and views that go well with a long lunch. If you’re looking for somewhere to slow down after a morning exploring, this is an easy pick.
1802 Oyster Bar & Bistro (Coffin Bay)
A short drive from Port Lincoln, 1802 Oyster Bar is worth the detour. The menu leans heavily into oysters – fresh, grilled, Kilpatrick, you name it – but also features local seafood and seasonal dishes. With ocean views and an easygoing feel, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to linger.
Port Lincoln Hotel’s Sarin’s Restaurant
For something a bit more refined, Sarin’s at the Port Lincoln Hotel offers a slightly more upscale take on regional dining. Expect local seafood, quality produce, and well-crafted mains, all served in a modern dining room with ocean views. It’s a good option if you’re after a relaxed dinner with a bit of polish.
Local bakeries
If seafood’s not your thing (or you just need a break between bites), The Beach Bakery is a popular stop for coffee, fresh bread, and pastries. It’s a handy spot to grab a quick breakfast or stock up on supplies before hitting the road again.
Eat like a local
One of the best ways to eat in Port Lincoln is also the simplest. Head down to the marina and grab the catch of the day straight from the source. There are fishmongers selling whatever’s come in fresh, and plenty of spots nearby where you can cook it yourself back at camp. It's low-key, fresh, and exactly how the locals like it.
Farmers markets & local produce
If you’re in town at the right time, the Port Lincoln Farmers Market is well worth a visit. Held monthly, it brings together local growers, small-batch producers and artisan makers, with everything from fresh veges and free-range eggs to homemade relishes, baked goods and locally roasted coffee.
It’s a great way to pick up a few extras for the road, especially if you’re planning to cook in your campervan. With a fridge on board and a portable cooktop or barbecue, you’ll have no trouble turning those market finds into a simple, fresh dinner or a leisurely breakfast the next day.
Staying in Port Lincoln
There’s no shortage of campervan-friendly places to stay in and around Port Lincoln. From beachfront tourist parks to quiet national park campsites, you’ll find a spot that suits how you like to travel.
Port Lincoln Tourist Park is a popular choice, especially for first-time visitors. Set right on the waterfront, it offers powered sites, clean facilities and easy access to town – handy if you’re planning to eat out or stock up on supplies. It’s also a great base if you want to mix a bit of comfort with those seafood experiences nearby.
If you’re after more of an off-the-grid feel, head out to Lincoln National Park, where there are several campgrounds close to beaches, walking trails and quiet bays. September Beach, Fisherman Point and Surfleet Cove are a few favourites, and most sites are just a short walk from the water.
Other options include the North Shields Caravan Park, about ten minutes from town, and the Coffin Bay Caravan Park, which puts you close to oyster tours and coastal walks.
With a mix of scenic places to stay, easy access to top food spots, and plenty of space to park up, Port Lincoln is one of those places that just works for campervan travel, especially if eating well is high on your holiday list.
Tips for camping in South Australia
If you’re planning a campervan trip to Port Lincoln, timing can make a big difference. The best months to visit are from March to May or September to November, when the weather is mild and dry, and the summer crowds have eased off. You’ll still get plenty of sunshine, but with fewer people competing for powered sites and restaurant bookings.
It’s a good idea to plan ahead, especially during school holidays or long weekends. The thl Roadtrip app makes it easy to book campsites and check availability while you’re on the move. Keep in mind that some roads on the Eyre Peninsula are winding, and local wildlife is more active around dawn and dusk, so take it slow and stay alert.
Travelling by campervan also means you’ve got the chance to camp more responsibly. That might mean choosing eco-friendly power sources, cutting down on single-use plastics, or simply being mindful of your footprint. For more tips on how to tread lightly while you travel, take a look at our responsible travel guide.
With its mix of fresh seafood, friendly locals and easy-to-reach campsites, Port Lincoln is a great fit for campervan travellers who like their holidays a little more flavour-focused. You can settle in by the coast, follow the food trail from town to town, and enjoy the kind of trip that doesn’t need much planning – just an appetite and a set of wheels.
Book your Maui motorhome today and start planning your Port Lincoln getaway.
FAQs
How far is Port Lincoln from Adelaide?
It’s roughly an eight-hour drive from Adelaide to Port Lincoln, or you can fly there in just over an hour.
Is Port Lincoln the seafood capital of Australia?
Yes, Port Lincoln is widely known as the seafood capital thanks to its thriving fishing industry and access to some of the country’s best oysters, tuna, mussels and more.
What is Port Lincoln famous for food?
Port Lincoln is best known for southern bluefin tuna, Coffin Bay oysters, and a strong ocean-to-plate dining culture.
How many days should I spend in Port Lincoln?
Three to four days gives you enough time to explore the town, enjoy a seafood tour or two, and take a relaxed drive out to Coffin Bay.
What is the foodie capital of Australia?
Australia has plenty of foodie hotspots, but for seafood lovers, Port Lincoln easily holds its own.