Reset search
Port Lincoln Road Trip 2025Port Lincoln Road Trip 2025
Edit route

Port Lincoln Road Trip 2025

December 2024 - January 2025
  • McDermotts Travel Oz
A 23-day adventure by McDermotts Travel Oz Read more
  • McDermotts Travel Oz

List of countries

  • Australia Australia
Categories
Family, Friendship
  • 3.9kkilometers traveled
Means of transport
  • Flight-kilometers
  • Walking-kilometers
  • Hiking-kilometers
  • Bicycle-kilometers
  • Motorbike-kilometers
  • Tuk Tuk-kilometers
  • Car-kilometers
  • Train-kilometers
  • Bus-kilometers
  • Camper-kilometers
  • Caravan-kilometers
  • 4x4-kilometers
  • Swimming-kilometers
  • Paddling/Rowing-kilometers
  • Motorboat-kilometers
  • Sailing-kilometers
  • Houseboat-kilometers
  • Ferry-kilometers
  • Cruise ship-kilometers
  • Horse-kilometers
  • Skiing-kilometers
  • Hitchhiking-kilometers
  • Cable car-kilometers
  • Helicopter-kilometers
  • Barefoot-kilometers
  • 26footprints
  • 23days
  • 441photos
  • 74likes
FollowCalendarShareBucket list
Newest first
  • McDermotts Travel OzTravelerPort Lincoln Road Trip 2025

    Port Lincoln SA

    January 5 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Technically it’s only 288 km to Port Lincoln yet we’ll cover more than 630 km by road today to get up and around the Spencer Gulf.

    A slow travel morning zig-zagging our way cross country through the pretty Clare Valley towards Port Augusta, enduring yet another Test Match radio broadcast 🤦🏽‍♀️ At least the Aussies secured the series win to take back the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade. Poor Steve Smith though, falling one agonising run short of 10,000 test runs! LOL I sound like a cricket fan 🤓

    Beyond Port Augusta our interest picked up as we covered new ground on the Lincoln Highway heading down the east coast of the Eyre Peninsula. We stopped at Whyalla for lunch and fuel and to check out the impressive circular jetty - the only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Apparently the unique design was chosen by the community to attract fishers, walkers and sightseers. It worked - we duly wandered out to the end and back 😊

    As we roll into Port Lincoln and find our way to the Port Lincoln tourist Park this evening the sky has clouded over and a light shower is falling. Hopefully it will be short lived. We’re channeling “positive vibes” for tomorrow’s highly anticipated shark dive 🤞🏼    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzTravelerPort Lincoln Road Trip 2025
    The only shark sighted this trip 😢1

    Neptune Islands SA

    January 6 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    Shark cage dive day! I still can’t believe I agreed to this ridiculous experience.

    A very early start had us at the Marina by 6:30 am ready to board Calypso Star Charters for the three hour journey out to North Neptune Island, a known loitering ground for Great White Sharks 🦈

    After an adrenaline pumping ride out to the island we squeezed into full body 7mm wetsuits and braved the Southern Ocean in anticipation of encountering the predators of the deep. It was a unique experience, being fully immersed in a cage face-to-face with hundreds of giant trevally and kingfish just a few metres below the surface. The addition of burley caused quite the spectacle, though sadly not even a 500m tuna oil slick could lure the sharks on this occasion 🥺

    We consoled ourselves with the excitement of the wild ride and the fine sunny weather we were blessed with for the day. The estimated 2.5m swell, heightened by onshore southerly winds, sent waves crashing over the top deck of the boat as it lurched between the crest of each wave. The kids held prime position at the bridge with a very tolerant skipper 😆

    The return trip running with the swell was much calmer, yet equally exciting with a couple of cheeky dolphins porpoising alongside the boat. Pretty cool to watch.

    Although for now the Great White Sharks remain illusive, happily none of us were affected by seasickness (unlike many others on board) and we were genuinely able to enjoy the day for what it was. “Positive vibes” for the win!

    We celebrated/commiserated our shark dive day with dinner at the Grand Tasman Hotel, followed by a warming glass of peanut butter whiskey back at the vans - it's beanie wearing cold in Port Lincoln tonight!    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzTravelerPort Lincoln Road Trip 2025
    1Coffin BayPort Lincoln Tourist Park

    Coffin Bay SA

    January 7 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    This morning we made the half hour drive west of Port Lincoln to the isolated yet beautifully scenic town of Coffin Bay, which is internationally famous for its ‘Coffin Bay Oysters’. In actual fact, we learnt they are Pacific Oysters originally imported from Japan and Tasmania. Who knew?

    After finding our way to Oysters HQ we redefined fashion by dressing in waders and walking out to a small pontoon set amongst the oyster leases where we learnt about oyster farming and growing, and crucially how to shuck and enjoy eating oysters. Turns out Josh is a bit of a pro!

    It was a fun experience, sitting with our legs in the water, sipping sparkling wine and sucking back some of the creamiest fresh oysters we’ve ever tasted. However, the highlight of the experience was without a doubt the impressive fresh seafood platter that followed the shucking experience back in the restaurant. It was unlike any other we’ve had with a huge variety of fresh (nothing fried) seafood and superb presentation. It was delicious 😋 South Australia and the Eyre Peninsula is definitely living up to its reputation as the seafood capital of Australia.

    Back at the caravan park we enjoyed an afternoon at the beach before relaxing into a lazy cook ourselves dinner.

    Fun fact: Coffin Bay was named by Matthew Flinders after his friend the naval officer, Sir Isaac Coffin, who helped him when he was preparing to sail to Australia. His cat's name was Trim.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzTravelerPort Lincoln Road Trip 2025
    Fishery Bay1

    Lincoln National Park SA

    January 8 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    We enjoyed a lazy start today, exploring the main street of town before indulging in brunch at L'Anse French Cafe and Croissantarie. They claimed to serve the best croissants in the State and they weren’t wrong! 😋

    With full bellies we headed off to explore the Lincoln National Park and the local “favourite beach” - Fishery Bay. Again the reality lived up to the hype. It was spectacular and to top it off we were joined by a small but inquisitive pod of dolphins swimming just a few feet away from us in the crystal clear water. A truly special experience.

    The boys were disappointed we didn’t drive onto the beach like many others, but after watching a few more experienced looking vehicles get bogged in the soft sand exiting the beach ‘we’ made the call to stay parked on the hard ground. Nevertheless, we enjoyed happy hour on the beach at the southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula.

    Back in town, Dan and Anthony stopped for a tasting paddle at Jump Ship Brewery while the kids completed a competitive game of Ticket to Ride. Helen and I enjoyed the other kind of board game - the one where you put meat and cheese on a board with some fruit and crackers too. We’re good at that one. 😊    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzTravelerPort Lincoln Road Trip 2025
    1
    Lucky Bay General StoreSpencer Gulf Searoad Ferry

    Spencer Gulf SA

    January 9 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Farewell Port Lincoln, it’s been amazing.

    We said in 2023 when we visited Streaky Bay on our return from WA that we would one day love to return to the Eyre Peninsula to explore its full glory. You can’t say we don’t keep our word…

    Sadly our star attraction, the Great White Sharks, were a no show. However, the lovely towns, beautiful scenery and crystal clear beaches (not to mention the amazing seafood) ensured the journey was still worthwhile. We’re even seriously contemplating how and when we might get back here again for a second attempt at diving WITH the sharks 🦈🤷🏻‍♀️

    We started our return trip east this morning, heading back up the Lincoln Highway as far as Lucky Bay where we fronted the queue to board the Spencer Gulf Searoad Ferry to Wallaroo. While not a timesaving detour we were all grateful to halve the drive time for today’s trip to Hahndorf and avoid a further repeat of Port Augusta. A very relaxing way to travel 😊

    After negotiating our way through Adelaide’s peak hour traffic (akin to Sydney on a Sunday morning), we found our way up the hills to the fabulous Discovery Park Hahndorf. We have a picturesque drive through slab site where Dan, Helen, Anthony and I enjoyed happy hour while the boys played a round of putt-putt, followed by an after dinner swim.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzTravelerPort Lincoln Road Trip 2025

    Hahndorf SA

    January 10 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Today we relived a fond memory from our 2017 road trip, indulging in not one but two German platters at the Hahndorf Inn. The huge pork knuckles, schnitzels, kranskies, ribs, meatballs, sauerkraut, potato salad, pretzels, mash and pickles were no match for hungry McDermotts! We conquered effortlessly 😋

    We also perused the main street with its eclectic offerings of German fare. It was as pretty as we remembered with its beautiful established trees and historic buildings.

    Fun Fact: As Australia's oldest German town, Hahndorf experienced intense anti-German feelings during World War I and the name was changed to Ambleside by a 1917 Act of Parliament. It wasn’t until the 1935 Nomenclature Act that the town was allowed to return to Hahndorf.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzTravelerPort Lincoln Road Trip 2025

    McLaren Vale SA

    January 10 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    This afternoon Dan, Helen, Anthony and I ventured into the beautiful McLaren Vale Region, while the kids stayed back and enjoyed the pool, putt-putt and other on-site activities at the caravan park.

    After finding our way to the highly recommended Samuel’s Gorge Winery we settled in around an old wine barrel under the shade of a big outdoor umbrella to enjoy the tastings. The Piñata chilled white was a good way to start but the heroes were of course the reds and we came away again with a standout Grenache and Shiraz. We love discovering little known gems.

    Next door we also checked out Chapel Hill Wines. It was fancy but felt more commercial and didn’t appeal to us as much.

    Back at the vans we enjoyed a lazy dinner of cheese, crackers, kranskies and an amazing cherry pie (thanks Helen) followed by a ridiculous game of ‘Dumb Questions’ where we all learnt way too much about each other 😆    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzTravelerPort Lincoln Road Trip 2025
    Valley Lake, Mount GambierBlue Lake, Mt Gambier

    Limestone Coast SA

    January 11 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    On the move again today exploring along the Limestone Coast towards Mt Gambier. A pretty drive with Lake Alexandrina on one side, where the mighty Murray River filters out to sea, and pink salt lakes on the other.

    We stopped for lunch in Kingston SE, home of Larry the giant lobster 🦞 At over 17m tall, 15m long and 13m wide, it did make an impressive entry statement. Of course, we posed for a 'shellfie' with the crust-see attraction before moving on. #dadjoke 🤦🏽‍♀️

    At the seafood co-op in town the real deal did look impressive, but at $185 each we settled for the local fish and chips instead. Afterwards we walked along the jetty for as far as our senses could bare before retreating to the relative fresh air of the car, which says a lot after 16 days of travel with three teenage boys 🥴

    By mid afternoon we rolled into Mt Gambier, which we learnt is South Australia’s second largest city. Who would have guessed? Happily, we’re 6,000 years too late for the last volcanic eruption - although it’s not really that long ago in the scheme of things and they tell us it is only dormant 😳

    After settling in at Pine Country Tourist Park, we headed into town for some essential supplies. The town is beautiful boasting many elegant historic homes and buildings. Disappointingly we discovered you can’t actually swim in either of the lakes in town. Although very picturesque and clearly enjoyed by boaters, the signage advised that swimming was not recommended. We therefore spent the afternoon exploring around the recreation precinct before returning for dinner at the vans.

    Did I mention it’s cold tonight 🥶    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzTravelerPort Lincoln Road Trip 2025
    Umpherston Sinkhole, Mt Gambier
    Cave GardenFound the PenguinsBrowne BayLittle Blue Lake

    Mt Gambier SA

    January 12 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Today we explored the geological wonders of Mount Gambier, including the underground garden of Eden at Umpherston Sinkhole, Cave Garden, and dazzling sapphire waters of the famed Blue Lake. Apparently, it only turns blue in November each year and by summer’s end returns to an uninspiring grey colour. We feel fortunate to have seen it at its best!

    It's quite bizarre how the town has evolved around the various sinkholes, lakes and caves, which are quite literally in the middle of the main street.

    As the day warmed up we headed south to Port McDonnell to explore the highlights of this part of the Limestone Coast. We started at Cape Northumberland, the southernmost point of South Australia, before heading east to find the locally recommended swimming spot at Browne Bay. It was a lovely unspoilt beach with beautiful clear turquoise water. To the boys’ delight we joined the parade of 4WDs on the beach. Whilst still not my comfort zone, I have to admit it did save us carrying a lot of gear and made a good wind break for when we returned from the surf 😁

    On the way back to Mt Gambier we detoured via Ewens Ponds, a series of three water-filled limestone sinkholes. From the viewing platform they were a bit underwhelming. Turns out you need a permit to swim/dive the reed-lined ponds.

    Finally we made it to the highlight of the day - Little Blue Lake, a fabulously unique experience, jumping off the 4m high cliff surrounds into the ‘bottomless’ crystal clear fresh water of the sinkhole. The signs said the water was a constant 12 degrees so we were prepared for chill-shock, but happily it was much warmer and we enjoyed a good hour or so in the refreshing water.

    As we sit out at the vans tonight wrapped in our blankets and beanies, red wine in hand, we’re graced with the sweet sounds of Mt Gambier from the paddock next door - “Moo” 🐮😁    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzTravelerPort Lincoln Road Trip 2025
    Favourite Son... 🤔😊

    Coonawarra SA

    January 13 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    They say a good day starts with good coffee and ends with good wine… Today was a good day 😊

    After a (not) quick coffee stop at the Metro Bakery in Mt Gambier (credit though to their sourdough loaf) we headed north towards the wine growing region of Coonawarra, famed for its age-worthy reds and strip of terra rossa ('red soil') – one of the most valuable patches of earth in Australian wine🍷

    Our first stop was at Parker Estate, a relative newcomer to the region but a strong contender nonetheless. The kids entertained themselves playing poker on the lawn out front, much to the amusement of staff 😆

    Next up we tasted the offerings at Hollick Estate, a boutique winery renowned for its high-quality wines from both Coonawarra and nearby Wrattonbully. This was a definite winner and our favourite of the day, so much so that we’re now a ‘Friend of Hollick’ and a case of their finest heavier after signing up for their member's deal!

    For lunch we chanced Brand’s Laira cellar door. It had been recommended for their lunch platters, which were good, but after two cracking starts we were uninspired by their wines.

    We promptly moved on to Majella Wines, another excellent recommendation from Dan’s sommelier friend. The friendly and informative service adding to the experience.

    Back at the van the boys enjoyed a good old fashioned water fight before heading to dinner at Mac’s Hotel, where I enjoyed a Majella rosé while Anthony and Dan tried a dessert beer 🤪🍻    Read more

  • 2025© FindPenguins
  • Home
  • About us
  • Group Tracking
  • Press
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy & Cookies
  • Help Center
  • Legal notice