Port Lincoln - South Australia

About Port Lincoln
Port Lincoln is a city in the Australian state of South Australia. It is a coastal city situated on Boston Bay at the southern extremity of the Eyre Peninsula. It is the largest city in the West Coast region, and is located approximately 280 kilometres (straight line - 646 km by road) from the capital city Adelaide.

History
The Parnkalla people occupied the area prior to white settlement in 1836.

British naval explorer Matthew Flinders discovered the harbour in February 1802. Because of its particularly good harbour, he named it Port Lincoln rather than just Lincoln, where Flinders came from. It is thought that only the lack of a reliable nearby water supply stopped Port Lincoln becoming the state capital of South Australia.

Demographics
The Port Lincoln local government area had a population of 14,245 in the 2006 census.[2] Aboriginal people made up 5.4% of Port Lincoln's 2006 population.[3]

Geography
Port Lincoln has a contrasting coastal landscape, ranging from sheltered waters and beaches, to surf beaches and rugged oceanic coastline.

Economy
The economy is based on the huge grain-handling facilities (a total capacity of over 337,500 tonnes), the canning and fish processing works, lambs, wool and beef, and tuna farming for the Japanese market.[4] Home of Australia's largest commercial fishing fleet[citation needed], Port Lincoln now has a thriving aquaculture industry that farms the following species: tuna, kingfish, abalone, mussels, oysters, and experimental farming in seahorses and spiny lobsters. Before the advent of aquaculture, the main fishing was for Southern bluefin tuna.[citation needed]

Port Lincoln is the terminus of an isolated 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) narrow gauge railway system to bring the wheat to port.

Iron ore traffic may be added in the future, although this has been the topic of protest and debate in the community.

Tourism
Tourism is becoming increasingly important, thanks to the scenic beauty and coastal locality. Ready access to both Spencer Gulf and the Great Australian Bight mark Port Lincoln out as a blue water playground for yachting, scuba diving, shark cage diving and game fishing. The city also functions as a regional centre for government administration, corporate services and commerce to Eyre Peninsula; however, many State Government functions are gradually being phased out as State Government becomes more centralised in Adelaide. During the past decade, housing demand has led to a boom in property development, both residential and commercial.

Lincoln National Park, Coffin Bay National Park and Kellidie Bay Conservation Park are within easy driving distance.