Port Lincoln's Tunarama Festival Draws 20,000 After Revival

When Port Lincoln's quirky Tunarama Festival was canceled two years ago, the community refused to let their 60-year tradition die. This weekend, 20,000 people proved them right by packing the South Australian coastal town for four days of fishy fun.

The festival's cancellation hit hard in 2024 when sponsorship dried up and organizers burned out. But locals rallied, filling public meetings and workshops until the city council agreed to resurrect the event.

The star attraction remains the "tuna toss," where competitors spin and hurl 10-kilogram rubber fish as far as possible. The current record stands at 37.23 meters, set in 1998 by two-time Commonwealth gold medallist Sean Carlin.

Olympic swimming champion and Port Lincoln native Kyle Chalmers served as festival ambassador and emceed the tuna toss. "Coming down and watching as a kid, I think at that stage it was still the real tuna, as well, it wasn't actually the rubber tuna," he said.

The festival switched to rubber replicas years ago after concerns about wasting real southern bluefin tuna. Kids now get their own seafood-themed events too, with a "kingfish toss" for teens and "prawn toss" for children under 10.

Chalmers wanted to compete but couldn't risk injury before the 2028 Olympics. "My shoulders are stuffed. I tried practicing but there is no chance I could throw a tuna at all," he laughed, adding that he'll compete "in as many activities at Tunarama as possible" once his swimming career ends.

The festival also honored the region's fishing heritage with a blessing of the fleet ceremony. Mayor Diana Mislov spoke about losing her fiancé at sea, whose name appears on a memorial alongside many other fishermen.

The Ripple Effect

Festival coordinator Naomi Blacker reported that accommodation across Port Lincoln sold out completely. The economic boost matters for a town built on fishing and tourism, but the revival means something deeper.

Port Lincoln Multicultural Council president Diana Smith emphasized the festival's recognition of immigrant families who built the fishing industry. "People have come from many different nations, and they have contributed to the prosperity of our communities," she said.

The return proves what communities can accomplish when they refuse to let cherished traditions fade away.