Tour Description

New Year in Port Lincoln

(Combined Departure)
Five Days: 29th December – 2nd January 2024

Twin Share: $2629 per person. Sole Use: $3139 per person.

Day Two – MONDAY 30 DECEMBER 2024

Following a hearty breakfast, we set out across the base of the Eyre Peninsula towards Coffin Bay, renowned for its stunning estuaries and pristine natural beauty.

Our first stop is at a renowned local oyster farm, where we’ll embark on a unique journey with Experience Coffin Bay. We’ll cruise along the bay, learning about the pioneering techniques of oyster farming directly from the experts and sampling freshly shucked oysters right on the water.

As we move north, our journey takes us to the historical Mount Dutton Bay, a scenic area backed by the dramatic Marble Ranges. Here, we explore the heritage-listed Mount Dutton Bay Woolshed, originally built in the 1870s. Now restored, it serves as a museum and gallery, providing insight into the region’s pastoral history. We’ll enjoy a light lunch at the café, taking in the panoramic views and exploring the artifacts that narrate the wool industry’s past.

The day continues with a drive through the diverse environments of Coffin Bay National Park, where we’ll witness the contrast between calm bays and the rugged Southern Ocean. This varied landscape offers a chance to see local wildlife and enjoy the park’s untouched beauty.

We conclude our enriching day with a leisurely return to Port Lincoln, reflecting on a day filled with cultural and natural discoveries.

Day Three – TUESDAY 31 DECEMBER 2024

Today, we explore Port Lincoln where we will unveil the city’s fascinating history, including its early consideration as South Australia’s capital before Adelaide was chosen. Learn about the booming multi-million dollar fishing industry, and admire the statue of Makybe Diva, the celebrated racehorse and three-time Melbourne Cup winner. Our journey also includes sights like the towering grain silos that dominate the skyline, providing insight into the agricultural prowess of the region.

After our enlightening tour, enjoy some leisure time along the bustling main street, followed by a delightful lunch at the Marina Hotel. In the afternoon, we set sail with Calypso Star Charters for a scenic two-hour cruise across Boston Bay. Glide through the canals of Lincoln Cove Marina and Porter Bay, and marvel at the expansive views of Port Lincoln National Park and Boston Island. If the weather is favourable, we may spot the local sea lion colony. The cruise also offers an up-close look at various aquaculture sites, where we’ll have the opportunity to sample fresh seafood, including tuna, prawns, and mussels.

We’ll conclude our day with a return to our accommodation, where we can unwind and prepare for a memorable New Year’s Eve dinner at the Port Lincoln Hotel. After dinner, for those who would like, we will head out to watch the local fireworks, capping off our celebration in spectacular style.

Day Four – WEDNESDAY 1 JANUARY 2025

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Departing Port Lincoln, we head to the charming seaside village of Tumby Bay, celebrated for its annual Colour Tumby Street Art Festival.

Here, artists from around the world create captivating murals, including the prominent silo artwork by Argentinian artist Martin Ron, depicting two local boys leaping from the jetty—a project requiring 400 hours and 430 litres of paint to complete in April 2018.

Our journey continues to Cowell, nestled on Franklin Harbour, where we stop to enjoy lunch and take time to admire more silo art. The Cowell silo, completed in 2019, features local icon Lionel Deer and his camel, beloved participants in the town’s Christmas pageant for over 30 years. Next, we travel to Whyalla, known as the “Steel City” for its rich steelworks and shipbuilding heritage.

From here our route veers east to Point Lowly, where the beautiful coastline is accentuated by the historic lighthouse and cottages dating back to 1883. The lighthouse, initially 15 metres tall, was extended by another 8 metres in 1909, enhancing its commanding presence over the area.

The day concludes as we arrive in Port Augusta, where we’ll check into the Standpipe Golf Motor Inn (Ph: 08 8642 4033). After settling in, we gather for a final dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, reflecting on our memorable journey through South Australia’s captivating coastal towns.

Day Five – THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2025

Today, as we head for home, our journey takes us south along the picturesque Spencer Gulf to Port Pirie, South Australia’s first proclaimed provincial city, where we pause for morning tea.

By late morning, we arrive in Port Broughton, nestled at the northern tip of the Yorke Peninsula. This charming coastal town, beloved for its scenic beauty, becomes a vibrant hub during the summer holidays as visitors flock to enjoy its tranquil shores.

Our travels continue to the ‘Copper Triangle’ towns – Kadina, Wallaroo, and Moonta – known for their rich shared copper mining history. In Kadina, the largest town on the Yorke Peninsula, we’ll stop for lunch and perhaps explore a bit of its heritage.

The final leg of our journey takes us through the Copper Coast Highway, passing Port Wakefield and Two Wells.

As we approach the familiar outskirts of Adelaide, we reflect on the unforgettable experiences of our New Year’s tour on the Eyre Peninsula – celebrated for its rich natural resources, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes.