Port Lincoln is preparing for a surge of visitors as the Tunarama Festival returns this weekend, with organisers expecting around 20,000 people to descend on the coastal city between 16 and 18 January.
Now a fixture on South Australia’s regional events calendar, the Bendigo Bank Tunarama Festival brings together long-standing traditions and newer attractions that reflect the character of Port Lincoln and the southern Eyre Peninsula. The three-day program includes the much-loved Tuna Toss and street parade, alongside seafood tastings, cooking demonstrations, live music, local wine and produce, and activities designed to appeal to families and visitors of all ages.
The festival leans heavily into Port Lincoln’s reputation as the Seafood Capital of Australia, with opportunities for visitors to sample local catch and hear directly from producers and chefs. Multicultural experiences and community-led events also feature across the weekend, highlighting the mix of people and industries that shape the region.
A new feature of the 2026 return is Rock The Bay, an outdoor music event on Saturday night. The line-up includes The Living End and Hot Dub Time Machine, with final release tickets now on sale. Organisers say the concert is expected to add to already strong crowd numbers.
First held in 1962, Tunarama has grown from a local celebration into one of the State’s best-known regional festivals, attracting visitors from across South Australia and interstate. That interest is being felt across the local tourism sector, with the Port Lincoln Visitor Centre reporting very limited accommodation availability for the weekend.
Tourism Research Australia data shows the Eyre Peninsula tourism sector contributes $455 million to the State’s economy each year, and events of this scale are seen as an important driver of that activity. The festival is supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission through the Regional Event Fund, which focuses on building and sustaining events in regional areas.
Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said the festival’s return highlights the ongoing appeal of Port Lincoln as a visitor destination. She said events such as Tunarama bring both economic and cultural benefits, drawing visitors while reinforcing local pride. With accommodation in strong demand, she described the weekend as a positive sign for a region where tourism plays a major role in the economy.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven said the festival provides a chance to support the Port Lincoln community and the local seafood industry. She pointed to the hands-on nature of the program, where visitors can meet producers, watch chefs prepare local species and learn more about sustainable fishing practices.
Naomi Blacker, chair of the Tunarama Reference Group, said the return of the festival has been a source of pride for the local community. She described Tunarama as closely tied to Port Lincoln’s fishing heritage and community identity, bringing together locals, industry and visitors to share the stories that have shaped the city. She said seeing the event return refreshed in 2026 reflects the collaboration and effort behind the scenes.
As crowds arrive and the waterfront comes to life, the weekend is shaping up as a busy one for Port Lincoln, with organisers and businesses alike hopeful the festival will set a strong tone for the rest of the summer season.
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