Welcome to the 49th Tunarama Festival

2009 Event Winners

2008 Event Winners

2007 Event Winners

Each year we extend a warm welcome to all visitors planning on travelling to Port Lincoln. Come and experience the Tunarama Festival, which showcases our regions best seafood, wine, art, music, people and surroundings.

The beautiful Boston Bay provides the backdrop as the picturesque foreshore lawns of Port Lincoln are transformed into a bustling alley of stalls, sideshows and rides, with fun events, activities and competitions for all ages, including the world famous Tuna Toss Competition.

Alicia Shillabeer was crowned 2008 Tunarama Ambassador and had a very eventful year. During the year Alicia was invited to attend and speak at a number of functions.

Now, as 2009 Tunarama Ambassador, it will be Gabby Chesher's year to showcase the cause of her chosen Charity, and represent her Sponsor, at a number of engagements that are planned to keep her busy.

Pictured above right: Desarae Clements - Pageant Personality 2009, Johanna Mislov - Tunarama Highest Fundraiser 2009, Gabby Chesher - Tunarama Ambassador 2009 and Emma Roberts - People's Choice 2009

Event Highlight: The head of the crowd pleasers would have to be the World Champion Lincoln Grove Tuna Toss Competition.

This event attracts competitors travelling from far and wide in an effort to gain the coveted title or to at least "have a go" at winning a slice of the cash prizes.

The world record for this event is 37.23 metres set in 1998 by ex Olympic Hammer Thrower, Sean Carlin.

The weight of the tuna for this event is approx 8 -10 kilos for both Men and Women.

Other highlights: Not to forget there are a variety of 50 or more sites and stalls situated along the foreshore, which offer everything from food to art and craft and entertainment. So head on down to Tasman Tce, Port Lincoln where the foreshore comes alive with sideshows, rides and stage performances.

The Tunarama Quest is now in its 49th year, so to our Quest Entrants we thank you and wish you the best of luck and congratulate you for your fundraising efforts during the year. The Highest Fundraiser, People's Choice, and Ambassador Quest Titles will be announced at the Gala Awards evening.

Our History:

The Tunarama Festival began in 1960 and is primarily aimed at the family market, with free entertainment, competitions and contests being organised for all age groups. Traditionally the Tunarama Festival has been held over the Australia Day long weekend with the original idea to help promote the tuna industry which was just emerging in Port Lincoln. This date also coincided with the fishing fleet putting to sea. Nowadays, with increased technology and the advent of the Aquaculture industry, (which has seen the end of the tuna poling method) the tuna fishing operations in Port Lincoln have changed, but the Festival has remained and is in its 49th year.

Structure: The Tunarama Festival is organised by Port Lincoln Tunarama Incorporated overseen by a hard working committee, funded 100% by sponsorship, grants and donations from businesses, tourism bodies and the local council with dozens of volunteers all assisting to help make the Festival come alive.

So whatever you are doing in January, come and experience Tunarama, and make sure you don’t miss one of South Australia's biggest and most popular events - the Tunarama Festival.