The City of Port Lincoln has announced the return of Tunarama in January 2026, offering a feast of experiences that showcase the regions rich identity and flourishing seafood industry. Returning with it is the iconic – and a little quirky – Tuna Toss, so buoy are we excited too!
The three-day festival is set to run from January 16 to 18 and will include the all the favourite features, including the vibrant street parade, epic live music and the popular fireworks display. New this year, the organisers have partnered with SRO Events to make it the most entertaining Tunarama to date.
The festival boasts a fascinating history dating back to 1962 where people would cheer on the tuna fleet as they set out on their fishing endeavours – even the Minister of the Faith would attend to bless the departure.
The much loved Tuna Toss actually began as a very serious test of strength.
“They would need to throw these very large fish up onto a truck. You have to be physically fit and strong to do that, so locals would come along and show how far they could throw a tuna to be recruited.”
Now using a rubber fish, the event has become a yearly ritual at the festival. People come from far and wide to defend their Tuna-Toss crown, or even just to observe the quirky fun.
“We’ve had Japanese buyers and film crew come out and have a go and throwing tuna, so it’s quite iconic,” explains Naomi Blacker, Port Lincoln Economic Development & Tourism Manager.
But it isn’t just about testing out your muscles against your mates, it’s also a fabulous showcase of the incredible seafood of the region, and a fun community event for the whole family.
“We have the largest fishing fleet in the Southern Hemisphere, so this year we want to bring it back to the seafood focus,” she says.
Dubbed the Seafood Capital of Australia, the region is home to Southern Bluefin Tuna, Yellowtail Kingfish, Coffin Bay Oysters, Spencer Gulf King Prawns and Abalone, just to name a few.
Tunarama is a feast from the sea, complete with live cooking displays and plates piled high with South Australia’s best seafood. This time, the celebration is set to dive even deeper into the seafood offerings in a new direction that hones in on the thriving industry.
Added entertainment includes live music, the Bunnings Boat Building Competition, carnival rides and the list goes on.
If you haven’t scheduled this iconic community event into your calendar, now is the time. Delicious world-class seafood, endless entertainment, and a chance to throw a rubber fish for a prize.
WHAT: Tunarama
WHEN: January 16 – 18, 2026
For more info, click here.
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