Welcome to the Festival!

Kimberly Biles was crowned 2007 Tunarama Ambassador and has had a very eventful year. During the year Kimberly has been invited to attend and speak at the following functions:

• Pt Neil Southern Easton School
• Heartbeat, Probus, Plant Group, Art Group, Be Frienders Club, Pioneers Group, History Group and APEX Club
• SEA SA Regional Tourism Conference

We would like to extend a warm welcome to all visitors planning on travelling to Port Lincoln. You will experience Tunarama which showcases our regions best seafood, wine, art, music, people and surroundings.

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 everyone including the famous John West Tuna Toss Competition.

Pictured above right: Jenna Blayney - Tunarama Highest Fundraiser 2007, Kimberly Biles - Tunarama Ambassador 2007 and Cheryl Thompson - Quest Entrant 2007

Event Highlight: The head of the crowd pleasers would have to be the World Champion John West 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 $7,000 cash in prize money.

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 with two categories: Athletic and Amateur.

Other highlights: Not to forget there are a variety of 50 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 stalls.

The Tunarama Quest is in its 47th 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, Pageant Personality and Ambassador Quest Titles will be announced at the Sarin Group Gala Awards evening.

Our History:

The Tunarama Festival began in 1962 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 47th year.

Structure: The Tunarama Festival is organised by Port Lincoln Tunarama Incorporated overseen by a board of management, 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.