Pictured: Minister for Trade & Investment, and for Local Government Hon. Joe Szakacs, Lower Eyre Council Chief Executive Officer Delfina Lanzilli, Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Lucy Hood MP, and The Fresh Fish Place Manager Craig McCathie with the new vending machine at the Port Lincoln Airport.
While Port Lincoln is already known for its world-class seafood, tourists making their way through the region this summer now have another exciting reason to arrive early. The Port Lincoln Airport has welcomed a premium seafood vending machine, giving those passing through 24-hour access to some of the Eyre Peninsula’s most celebrated produce before they even leave the terminal.
Installed by local providore The Fresh Fish Place, the vending machine is stocked with a selection of regionally sourced seafood, like chilled Coffin Bay oysters, local Southern Bluefin Tuna and jarred Spencer Gulf Kingfish, pickled local octopus, Port Lincoln squid, and a range of smoked seafood products. The machine gives travellers a snapshot of the region’s top-notch seafood, perfectly packaged for those keen to take a taste of Port Lincoln home with them.
The project comes after more than a year of planning and collaboration and is a partnership between the Lower Eyre Council and The Fresh Fish Place. The idea is to connect travellers directly with the region’s world-class seafood in a way that’s convenient, innovative, and true to the region.
The Fresh Fish Place Manager Craig McCathie said that the early response has been great. “Early customer feedback has been very positive, with convenience emerging as a key driver of interest,” shared Craig. “This initiative provides a unique opportunity to showcase Port Lincoln seafood to travellers, 24 hours a day, and reinforce the connection between the airport experience and locally sourced seafood purchased directly from fishermen at The Fresh Fish Place. We expect the machine will appeal to travellers seeking last-minute gifts or wanting to take home authentic Port Lincoln seafood.”
While seafood vending machines will definitely be a fresh concept for many travellers, this isn’t the first time Eyre Peninsula has embraced this style of seafood. The idea was pioneered by Ben Catterall of Oyster HQ at Coffin Bay, who opened a vending machine back in 2021. Ben wanted a simple way for people to get oysters 24/7, and after researching another vending machine-type setup in France, he thought it was a great idea.
Port Lincoln Airport Management Authority Board Chairperson Jodi Glass said that the new addition in Port Lincoln is thanks to the great ideas of locals, just like Ben. “I am thrilled that the Port Lincoln Airport is celebrating Eyre Peninsula’s world-class seafood by making it readily available for locals and visitors who pass daily through our facility,” she added.
Lower Eyre Mayor Jo-Anne Quigley agreed, saying, “We are very proud of our region, and what it produces, so it is a pleasure to be able to offer prime seafood to travellers to and from Eyre Peninsula.”
With Port Lincoln shining as a global seafood destination, the arrival of premium local produce at the airport feels like a natural evolution. So whether you’re a local or find yourself passing through the region during the summer, this is one vending machine you won’t regret lining up for.
Port Lincoln Oyster Vending Machine
Where: North Shields SA 5607
When: 24/7
For more information, click here.
To read more about the first oyster vending machine in Coffin Bay, click here.
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