Page 372 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

370  SOUTH A USTR ALIA

Stunning coastline of Whalers Way at the southern end of the Eyre Peninsula near Port Lincoln
0Port Lincoln The Port Lincoln area has several This land is private and entry
buildings of note. South of Port is via a permit available from
* 14,500. ~ @ n 3 Adelaide Pl
1300 788 378. Lincoln, Mikkira Station, the visitors’ centre.
established in 1842, is one of the
At the southern end of the Eyre country’s oldest sheep stations. P Mikkira Station
Peninsula, Port Lincoln sits on Today it is ideal for picnics or 621 Mikkira Lane. Tel (08) 8685 6020.
the shore of Boston Bay, one camping, with a restored pioneer Closed when over 30°C (86°F). &
Permit from Port Lincoln info centre.
of the world’s largest natural cottage and a koala colony.
harbours. A fishing and seafood The Koppio Smithy Museum, E Koppio Smithy Museum
processing centre, it is home to located in the Koppio Hills 40 km RSD 1951 Koppio Rd. Tel (08) 8684
Australia’s largest tuna fleet. (25 miles) north of Port Lincoln, 4243. Open 10am–5pm Tue–Sun.
Locals celebrate the start of is an agricultural museum with a Closed 25 Dec. & 7
the tuna season every January furnished 1890 log cottage and a
with the Tunarama Festival 1903 smithy that gives a glimpse
(see p45). This raucous event into the lives of the pioneers.
includes processions, concerts Just 20 km (12 km) south of
and a tuna-tossing competition. Port Lincoln is Lincoln National
Fishing and sailing are Park with its rocky hills, sheltered
popular activities. Visitors can coves, sandy beaches and
take a boat trip to Dangerous high cliffs. The park is also rich
Reef, 31 km (20 miles) offshore, in birdlife. Emus and parrots are
to view great white sharks from common and ospreys and sea
the relative safety of the boat or eagles frequent the coast. Just
submerged cage. In the middle west of the park, Whalers Way
of the bay lies Boston Island, a has some of Australia’s most
working sheep station. dramatic coastal scenery.
The prime surfing spot of Almonta Beach
Wildlife of the Eyre Peninsula in Coffin Bay National Park
An enormous variety of wildlife inhabits the Eyre
Peninsula. Emus and kangaroos are common, qCoffin Bay
and the hairy-nosed wombat is found in large
numbers on the west coast. Wedge-tailed eagles National Park
soar over the Gawler Ranges, while sea eagles, @ Port Lincoln. n (08) 8688 3111.
ospreys, albatrosses and petrels are all seen over Open daily. Closed 25 Dec. & per
the coast. In the water, dolphins, sea lions and vehicle. 7 limited. ∑ environment.
occasional great white sharks feast on an sa.gov.au
Wedge-tailed eagle abundance of marine life. The most spectacular
sight, however, are the southern right whales
which breed at the head of the Great Australian Bight every June To the west of the southern tip of
the Eyre Peninsula is Coffin Bay
to October. They can be seen from the cliffs at Head of the Bight,
just east of the Nullarbor National Park. Peninsula, which is part of the
Coffin Bay National Park. This
unspoilt area of coastal
For hotels and restaurants in this area see pp491–2 and pp522–5