Lincoln National Park

Lincoln National Park occupies the rugged and remote southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula, guarding the entrance to Boston Bay near Port Lincoln. This coastal park is renowned for its spectacular beaches and massive sand dunes, as well as granite headlands and offshore islands dotted along the Investigator Strait. The landscape is at once dramatic and tranquil – you’ll find towering dunes like those backing the crystal-clear shallows of September Beach, and calm secluded coves such as the postcard-perfect Memory Cove, where turquoise water meets powdery white sand (accessible by limited permit). In contrast, the ocean-exposed coast at Cape Catastrophe and Williams Island features sheer cliffs and wild surf, with history etched in the place names (Matthew Flinders named Cape Catastrophe after losing crewmen to a shipwreck in 1802).

Nature lovers will relish the wildlife encounters in Lincoln National Park. Emus are commonly seen trotting along sandy tracks, often with a line of chicks in tow. Western grey kangaroos graze in open bushland clearings, particularly around dawn and dusk near campsites. The coastal heathlands teem with birds – listen for the singing honeyeaters, Port Lincoln parrots (with their distinctive call), and seabirds like osprey and white-bellied sea eagles patrolling the shores. In spring, the park is brightened by wildflowers including native orchids and coast daisies. Offshore, pods of dolphins play in Surfleet Cove, and between June and October you might even spot migrating whales out to sea.

Activities and facilities: The park offers a variety of campgrounds and day-visit areas. Near the park entrance (20 km from Port Lincoln) lies Stamford Hill, where a walking trail leads to a historic memorial to explorer Matthew Flinders atop a hill with panoramic views over the bay. This trail, like several others, is equipped with interpretive signs. Stamford Hill picnic area provides shelter, picnic tables and BBQs. Many visitors drive further in to camp or fish – Surfleet Cove campground (2WD accessible) has drop toilets, picnic tables and sits by a calm bay great for kayaking. Fisherman Point, Spalding Cove and September Beach camp areas also have basic facilities (toilets, water tank, picnic table), with September Beach being popular for its lovely swimming beach and BBQ shelter. Note that there are no shops or kiosk in the park – Port Lincoln is the last spot for supplies. For 4WD adventurers, tracks lead to more isolated spots like Sleaford Bay and Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area (Memory Cove is within the park but gated – limited vehicles per day via permit to protect its pristine environment). No playgrounds here, and pets are not permitted (except on a leash in the adjacent Wanna sand dune area outside the national park). A vehicle entry fee applies for Lincoln NP, payable online or at the self-registration station at the entrance.

Fishing and boating are favorite pastimes – the waters around the park are part of a marine park, but recreational line fishing is allowed in certain zones. Popular spots include Septembers Beach (squid and whiting) and Fisherman Point. Boaters can launch small vessels from Surfleet Cove or Carcase Rock to explore or fish around the bay and islands (mind marine sanctuary zones). Hikers have options from short walks to longer treks like the Investigator Trail which traverses the park’s coastline over 100 km (usually done in sections).

With its mix of stunning coastal scenery, serene campsites, and abundant fauna, Lincoln National Park offers a true Australian outdoor escape on the Eyre Peninsula. By day you can snorkel in sheltered bays or conquer a sand dune, and by night enjoy dark skies and the sound of waves, perhaps with kangaroos feeding quietly near your camp – a quintessential Eyre Peninsula experience.