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Port Lincoln bumper summer

22 January 2009

Port Lincoln is back on track and set to continue its bumper summer visitor season, following the recent bushfires that posed a temporary threat to the seaside town.

Eyre Peninsula Regional Tourism Manager, Emily White, says that, thanks to the quick response of firefighters, the impact of the bushfire was limited to the southwest and western approaches to Port Lincoln, and did not affect the town's tourism attractions.

"The region has bounced back quickly from last week's bushfires, with the Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre reporting that most accommodation is booked out for the Australia Day long weekend, when the whole town comes alive as it celebrates the Tunarama Festival," Ms White says.

"However, there are still accommodation options available for South Australians who want to take a holiday on Eyre Peninsula and help local communities at the same time.

"Last week's bushfires presented difficult times for Port Lincoln businesses and the community, and we encourage all South Australians to support them by taking a trip to the area.

"Tourism dollars are vital to the economy of Port Lincoln and Eyre Peninsula, and the region offers everything you could want for a perfect summer holiday, with great beaches, and opportunities to swim with sea lions, dolphins, tuna or even sharks (safely, of course).

"The region is famous for its delicious fresh seafood, and is also an emerging wine region, with its latest cellar door, Delacolline Estate Wines, now open in Port Lincoln.

"The $55 million Port Lincoln Hotel - South Australia's largest regional accommodation development - has now been open for one year - and in that time has already won four prestigious awards and enjoyed strong occupancy rates.

"For those who want to explore the incredible flora and fauna of Eyre Peninsula's interior, Tanonga Luxury Eco Lodges have just opened in a wildlife paradise near Port Lincoln.

"And in other good news, the Eyre Peninsula will welcome two arrivals by the Athena cruise ship when it docks in Port Lincoln on 5th and 10th February.

To book your Eyre Peninsula holiday, visit the South Australian Visitor and Travel Centre at 18 King William Street Adelaide, or log on to www.southaustralia.com