Tunarama takes homes Gold at South Australian Tourism Awards
The City of Port Lincoln is celebrating a proud moment for the community, with the 2026 Tunarama Festival taking home Gold in the Festivals & Events category at the 2026 South Australian Tourism Awards.
The award was announced at the South Australia Tourism Awards Gala Dinner at Morphettville Racecourse on Friday 6 November, with Mayor Diana Mislov and Visitor Information Centre Team Leader Penny Carter accepting the award on behalf of the City and community.
Tunarama returned to the Port Lincoln foreshore in January 2026, continuing a tradition that began in 1962 and celebrating Port Lincoln’s seafood industry, coastal identity and the iconic Tuna Toss.
The reimagined festival brought together the traditions that generations of locals and visitors have come to know and love, including the prestigious Blessing of the Fleet and the parade, alongside the Taste of Eyre Gala Dinner and new entertainment such as Rock the Bay.
Mayor Diana Mislov said, “This award belongs to our community. Tunarama has been part of Port Lincoln’s story for more than 60 years and its return was only possible because our community believed in bringing it back.”
“Tunarama celebrates so much of what makes Port Lincoln special, from our fishing, seafood and aquaculture industries to our community spirit, entertainment and, of course, the iconic Tuna Toss.”
“To see the festival return and then be recognised with Gold at the South Australian Tourism Awards is an incredible achievement, and one that everyone involved should be proud of.”
“A huge thank you to our Elected Members, CEO Eric Brown and the entire team at Council, our partners, the Working Group, SRO Events, sponsors, volunteers, community groups, local businesses, stakeholders, who all played an important part in bringing the festival together and making it such a success.”
“And most importantly, thank you to our community and visitors who embraced the return of Tunarama. This recognition belongs to all of you.”
The Gold award is the latest recognition for Tunarama Festival, which also received the Seafood Experience Award at the Seafood Industry South Australia Awards in April 2026, recognising the festival’s strong connection to Port Lincoln’s seafood industry and identity.
Council also congratulates Boston Bay Diner, Whyalla Visitor Information Centre, Streaky Bay Sounds, Coodlie Park and Spencer Gulf Adventures on their recognition at the awards, adding to a successful night for tourism across the Eyre Peninsula.
The South Australian Tourism Awards recognise business excellence and outstanding achievement across the state’s tourism industry. As a Gold winner, Tunarama will now represent South Australia at the 2026 Qantas Australia Tourism Awards in Geelong, Victoria in February 2027.
Tunarama will return from 15 to 17 January 2027, with Council looking forward to building on the success of this year’s festival and once again welcoming the community and visitors to celebrate one of Port Lincoln’s most iconic events.
For more information to see what’s coming up for Tunarama 2027, visit the Tunarama Festival website www.tunaramafestival.com.au.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
City of Port Lincoln Chief Executive Officer Eric Brown
Ph: 8621 2325 | Email: plcc@plcc.sa.gov.au
