Port Lincoln's Tunarama swings back into action

It’s time to head west to Australia’s seafood capital.

Festival organisers are promising that this Lower Eyre event will be bigger and better than ever, featuring music, culture, food, fireworks and family fun over three days from 16 to 18 January 2026.

Arrive on the Friday afternoon, when proceedings get underway at the Marina for the time-honoured tradition, the Blessing of the Fleet. The ceremony recognises the local fishing industry and asks for their safe passage.

It’s also an opportunity to commemorate the dozens of local fishers who lost their lives at sea over the years at the Fisherman’s Memorial.

In 2026, the City of Port Lincoln will update the sculpture and pay tribute to the four additional people who sadly died at sea in recent years – including a family of three.

From there, get ready to party as the festival shifts up a gear at Eyre Square or the Tunarama parade on the foreshore. There’ll also be market stalls, fishing competitions, a sideshow alley and, for the first time, an outdoor music concert called Rock the Bay - featuring The Living End and Hot Dub Time Machine.

Of course, there are plenty of seafood experiences, cooking demonstrations and look out for the free tastings by renowned local chefs.

Olympic gold medallist and festival ambassador Kyle Chalmers (pictured above) will also return to his hometown for all the fun and take to the water for a 1 km swim.

You can’t miss the biggest drawcard of the festival for locals and visitors alike - the world-famous Tuna Toss competition – or, for the younger participants, the prawn toss or the sandcastle competition.

Whatever floats your boat, there’s something for everyone at this iconic event.

Festival HighlightsEmpty heading

Friday 16th January 2026Empty heading

• Blessing of the Fleet at the Lincoln Cove Marina
• Taste of Eyre Gala Dinner
• Seafood Industry South Australia (SISA) Friday night Fireworks display on the Foreshore from 9.30 pm

Saturday 17th January 2026Empty heading

• Bendigo Bank Tunarama Street Parade 12.00 pm
• The Spencer Gulf and West Coast Prawn Toss Heat
• The Spencer Gulf Kingfish Toss
• The Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Association Tuna Toss Heat
• Rock the Bay Music Concert at Centenary Oval

Sunday 18th January 2026Empty heading

• Finals of the Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Association Tuna Toss
• Bunnings boat Building Competition
• SA Water Sand Sculpture Competition
• RecFish fishing clinic

For more information visit the City of Port Lincoln website.

Image credit: City of Port Lincoln