A Port Lincoln summer favourite is swimming back into town this January, as, after a two-year hiatus, the Bendigo Bank Tunarama Festival is officially returning from the 16th to the 18th. And it all comes with good news as the first look at the comeback program confirms what locals have been waiting to hear, Tunarama is back and better than ever.
The festival has long been a jewel of the Eyre Peninsula’s summer calendar and will return with live music, culture, incredible food, family fun, and, of course, the quirky maritime traditions that have made it famous across Australia.
Festivities kick off on Friday afternoon with the Blessing of the Fleet. Held out on the water, this centuries-old tradition asks for safe passage for those who make their living from the sea, a fitting tribute to the fishing heritage that continues to shape the region today. From there, the festival gets going as Eyre Square’s food and drink precinct opens for business, Market Lane fills with local makers, and Sideshow Alley comes to life. The Kids Zone opens too, setting up a full weekend of family-friendly entertainment.
Friday evening’s marquee event is the elegant A Taste of Eyre Gala Dinner, taking over the Port Lincoln foreshore. Curated by some of South Australia’s top culinary talents, including Jono Sweet, Jay Fajardo, Marion Trethewey, Chelsea Christian and Marvin Latrez, the dinner will showcase the region’s hero produce, particularly its world-class seafood and standout beverages from local producers. The night finishes with a spectacular fireworks display from the Town Jetty, lighting up Boston Bay in true Tunarama style.
The fun continues on Saturday, as another full day of activities will be in order. Starting with Eyre Square, Market Lane, Sideshow Alley and the Kids Zone open from morning through to evening. The legendary Prawn Toss returns, as does the popular Swim Thru, this year featuring Olympic gold medallist and festival ambassador Kyle Chalmers, who will take to the water in his hometown. A brand-new addition to the program is the RecFish Fishing Simulator, giving children and adults the chance to feel the thrill of a ‘big catch’ without leaving dry land.
At midday, the streets of Port Lincoln will fill with the Bendigo Bank Tunarama Parade, followed by an afternoon of Fish Toss competitions along the foreshore. As the sun sets, all roads lead to Centenary Oval for Rock The Bay, a dedicated music festival headlined by a national act, with the lineup to be revealed soon.
Sunday rounds out the festival with a morning triathlon, the Bunnings Boat Building Competition and the SA Water Sandcastle Competition, before everyone gathers for the grand finale, the iconic Tuna Toss Finals at 2pm on the foreshore.
Naomi Blacker, Manager of Economic Development & Tourism for the City of Port Lincoln, shared, “This year’s program strikes a balance between longstanding traditions and fresh new experiences for the community, celebrating the region’s spirit, coastal culture and world-class seafood. We wanted to give everyone an exciting first look at the program so they could start planning their trips to Port Lincoln – and we can’t wait to share more in the coming weeks.”
With the full Rock The Bay lineup and Eyre Square program still to come, the excitement is only just beginning. Tunarama 2026 is looking to be one of South Australia’s most exciting festivals, so mark your calendars and head down to Port Lincoln this summer!
Bendigo Bank Tunarama Festival
When: January 16th to 18th 2026
Where: Port Lincoln
For more information, click here.
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