Tunarama Festival set to reel in thousands to Port Lincoln

One of Australia’s most iconic regional festivals is making its comeback this weekend, reeling in an expected 20,000 visitors to the city of Port Lincoln.

From 16–18 January, the Bendigo Bank Tunarama Festival will showcase the best of Port Lincoln and southern Eyre Peninsula.

Over three days, it will feature everything locals and visitors to the region love – including the legendary Tuna Toss, and vibrant street parade, alongside a feast of new experiences celebrating Port Lincoln’s reputation as the Seafood Capital of Australia.

Expect fresh seafood tastings and cooking demonstrations, live music, local wine and produce showcases, multicultural experiences, live entertainment and a wide range of family-friendly activities – all designed to spotlight the people, industries, and culture that make Port Lincoln unique.

A new addition to the 2026 festival return is Rock The Bay, an outdoor music event on Saturday featuring The Living End, Hot Dub Time Machine, and more. Final release tickets to the music event as part of Tunarama are now on sale and are expected to bolster crowds even further.

First held in 1962, the Tunarama Festival has grown into a major regional event, drawing visitors from across the State and beyond to the Eyre Peninsula.

Accommodation providers in Port Lincoln are enjoying an influx of bookings thanks to the festival return, with the Port Lincoln Visitor Centre reporting very limited room availability this weekend.

Latest data from Tourism Research Australia shows tourism in the Eyre Peninsula is worth $455 million to South Australia’s economy.