Animal Encounter Port Lincoln

OVERVIEW
Pure oceans brimming with diverse marine life and framed by immense, rugged coastline. Untouched beaches, pockets of bushland teeming with wildlife and seafood sought-after the world over. Welcome to the Eyre Peninsula, a land where you can awaken your senses and tame your soul immersed in the wilderness. After a night in luxury at the Sofitel Adelaide, spend three days on an Eyre Peninsula exploration that will unearth the region's thriving food culture, breathtaking natural wonders and abundant wildlife. Chug out to a working oyster farm and taste world-famous Pacific oysters in situ among the turquoise waters of Coffin Bay. Then sprawl out on a secluded beach without another soul in sight. Meander along the coast on the iconic Whalers Way drive, get up close to iconic Australian animals, sample local wines and produce, and meet the locals who live and work in this diverse landscape. And that's just the start.

UNTAMED MOMENTS Immersive oyster lease tour and tasting with Experience Coffin Bay Wander in the wilderness on the Wild Yarnbala conservation experience Relax on an electric boat cruise around the Port Lincoln marina Roam pristine beaches in Coffin Bay National Park Get the heart pumping during a four-wheel driving adventure through the dunes Encounter koalas and iconic Australian wildlife in the wild Sample local wines, seafood and produce Unearth the real Eyre Peninsula with your expert local guide

INCLUSIONS Flights – Adelaide to Port Lincoln return Accommodation – 2 nights at Sofitel Adelaide & 2 nights at the Port Lincoln Hotel Meals as indicated (3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners) and some beverages All entry fees, national park fees and activities Airport transfers Transport – Luxury Sahara 4WD

ITINERARY

Day 1: Adelaide
Arrive by own arrangement to Adelaide and receive an airport transfer from Adelaide Airport to the Sofitel, where you can relax and settle in to enjoy their world-class hospitality. There is much to unearth in this boutique metropolis, where you'll find laneways lined with bars and heritage architecture framed by contemporary street art. Spend the day as you please and enjoy a restful night's sleep before your early flight to Australia's Seafood Frontier tomorrow.

Day 2: Adelaide to Port Lincoln
A transfer will whisk you away from your Adelaide accommodation to the airport for your short 45-minute flight to Port Lincoln. Your expert local guide awaits your arrival, coffee at the ready. The best Port Lincoln tours are fuelled by seafood, and today is no exception. Lunch is courtesy of local favourite, the iconic Fresh Fish Place, where you can sample the Eyre Peninsula's seafood bounty, including oysters, scallops, crayfish, crab and fish, as you watch the day's harvest hauled to shore. Join a local legend out on the water aboard the 'Tesla', a unique electric canal cruiser. Cruise Port Lincoln's marina and learn about the Eyre Peninsula's enviable seafood industry surrounded by Australia's largest commercial fishing fleet.
Winding further along the coast, we'll make our way to Lincoln National Park. Kick-off your shoes and wander into the wild while your guide lets down the tyres in preparation for a 4WD adventure through the dunes. Ascending Stamford Hill, soak in panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness and the Southern Ocean swells beyond. Set to the soundtrack of the bush and waves lapping on the shores below, take a moment of repose immersed in nature. Back in town, unpack and refresh at the Port Lincoln Hotel, perched on Boston Bay, before making your way to the waterfront Marina Hotel for dinner featuring the region's best produce.

Day 3: Coffin Bay
This morning, head down the coast to taste world-famous Coffin Bay oysters. On this three-hour meet-the-grower experience, glide through crystal-clear waters to a working oyster farm and sample plump Pacific oysters straight from the source. Once you have tasted them, you will understand why Coffin Bay oysters are recognised as some of the world's best. On the way back to shore, keep your eyes peeled for the local pod of dolphins who call these waters home. Back on land, your main course is served at 1802 Oyster Bar & Restaurant. Chef Andy has been busy plating up a selection of his favourite dishes utilising local produce from the sea and land.
Next, arrive at Yarnbala for a grounding and immersive experience in nature with the property owner, Kane. On this 1.5-hour guided tour through South Australia's last grassy she-oak woodlands, Kane will share his wisdom and passion for the native fauna and flora of the area. Taste native bush foods and learn about the ancient art of water divining. Feel a deep connection to Country during a mesmerising didgeridoo performance and soak up the serenity of the Australian bush.
Visit Coffin Bay National Park, home to a swathe of the Eyre Peninsula's best beaches, including Almonta Beach and back in Port Lincoln, the remains of the day are yours to enjoy while dinner is courtesy of the award-winning restaurant Del Giorno's.

Day 4: Port Lincoln and surrounds
Your final day on the Eyre Peninsula kicks off at Sleaford Bay, where undulating dunes give way to crystal clear waters frequented by dolphins and whales. A scenic drive along Whalers Way brings you to Mikkira Station and the chance to get up close with some 150 wild koalas residing among the mana gum mallee. Home to the only wild koala population on the peninsula, as well as kangaroos and emus, this sanctuary is a must for wildlife lovers. The on-site historic homestead offers a glimpse back in time to the lives of the region's pioneers.
Come lunchtime, arrive at our final destination, Boston Bay Wines. Meet Chef Tony Ford for the "Feed Me Fordie" experience and learn about his second-generation vineyard. Graze on fresh local produce and taste a range of premium wines over a long lunch. Nourished by local produce and rejuvenated by nature, your guide will drop you back at the airport for your return flight to Adelaide. An airport transfer back to Sofitel Adelaide is taken care of, and you will arrive around 7 pm.

Day 5: Adelaide
Enjoy a sleep-in this morning, followed by a delicious breakfast buffet spread at the gorgeous hotel restaurant Level 9. You can store your luggage with the concierge if you would like to do some more sightseeing around Adelaide, and your airport transfer back to the airport is included and will be arranged for you based on your flight time.


KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK Rex operates the flights which depart Adelaide at 8:20 am – arriving at 9:10 am and return from Port Lincoln on day three at 5.20 pm, arriving at Adelaide at 6.10 pm. Flights are subject to change and will be confirmed a month before your departure. Dietary requirements can be catered for. Please advise at the time of booking. Rates are based on Twin/Double Share. The ideal maximum number of people for this tour is four passengers plus the guide. Our Luxury Toyota Sahara 4WD does have two extra seats in the rear, but these are better suited to children. So while we can accommodate up to 6 people in larger family groups, four is recommended for passengers' comfort. A substitute vehicle may be used for comfort and convenience. If this is the case, the itinerary might need to adjust to suit the vehicle. We recommend storing some luggage at your return accommodation in Adelaide as Rex has a 15kg luggage restriction per person plus one 7kg carry-on. For more details on Rex Baggage Allowance, please visit their website. As part of our COVID-Safe protocols, all passengers must complete online check-in, including a 'Fit for Travel' self-declaration to confirm they are free from illness. Two days before your scheduled departure, you will be emailed a link to complete the online check-in for your tour. This is mandatory and needs to be completed at least 24 hours before departure. Please read our full Booking Terms & Conditions before booking your tour.