Lincoln National Park is a huge area of 17 226 ha on the southern most tip of the Eyre Peninsula which was dedicated in 1941. It is located 25 km south of Port Lincoln. A walk to the Flinders Monument vantage point on Stamford Hill, commands magnificent views over the rugged coast, surrounding bays, off-shore islands, and across the water to Port Lincoln.

Many geographical features about the peninsula bear names given to them by Matthew Flinders in 1802 when, in the Investigator, he explored and charted the southern coastline of Australia. Cape Catastrophe, Memory Cove and eight of the nearby islands bear names of special significance as here eight crewmen of the Investigator died when their cutter went down in heavy seas while they were closely inspecting the coast. The islands, all located off the southern and eastern coasts of the park, are named Thistle, Taylor, Grindle, Little, Lewis, Hopkin, Smith and Williams - sad reminders of the disaster.

Where is it?: Eyre Peninsula. Lincoln National Park is near the City of Port Lincoln. Located on the eastern shores of Eyre Peninsula, Port Lincoln is 806 km by road (246 km by air) west of Adelaide.




Jussieu Peninsula is a peninsula located at the south east end of Eyre Peninsula. While parts of its surface have been cleared and used for agricultural purposes in the past, it is currently occupied by two protected areas: the Lincoln National Park and the Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area. It is bounded by Proper Bay and Spalding Cove within the natural harbour known as Port Lincoln to the north, Spencer Gulf to the east and the Great Australian Bight to the south. While it was first explored and mapped by Matthew Flinders during February 1802, Flinders did not name it. In 1913, the name proposed by Fran��ois Peron and Louis de Freycinet from Baudin���s expedition when it visited later in 1802 was declared as the peninsula's official name by the Government of South Australia. Jussieu refers to the French botanist, Antoine Laurent de Jussieu.

Curta Rocks, Jussieu Peninsula, Lincoln National Park

Although much of the park is accessible by conventional vehicle there are a number of 4WD roads including a superb drive out to Memory Cove which passes through land once cleared in a forlorn and unsuccessful attempt to farm the peninsula. This road also passes the limestone cliffs on the southern edge of the park. This is a wilderness area and entry is by key and permit from the Visitor Information Centre. Entry is restricted to 15 vehicles per day and there are 5 campsites which must be booked at the Visitor Centre.

Memory Cove, Lincoln National Park

Memory Cove, which was named by Flinders as a reminder of the tragic accident which took the lives of his eight crewmen, has a replica of a copper plate which Flinders left on a post. The original plate, which is now housed in the Adelaide Public Library, had the following inscription: 'Memory Cove. H.M.S. Investigator, M. Flinders Comr. anchored here on 22nd February 1802. Mr John Thistle, the Master, Mr William Taylor, Midn and six of the crew were most unfortunately drowned near this place from being upset in a boat. The wreck of the boat was found, but their bodies were not recovered. Nautici Cavete!' The Latin at the end means 'Sailor Beware!'

Sleaford Lookout, Lincoln National Park

The Investigator Trail
The Investigator Trail is a long-distance walking trail within Lincoln National Park. The trail takes its name from HMS Investigator, the ship commanded by Matthew Flinders while surveying the rugged coastline of Eyre Peninsula in 1802. The Investigator Trail is made up of sections which can be individually walked or hiked - or trekked as a whole. The Investigator Trail and other trails within the park are clearly defined and marked with checkpoints at strategic locations to orientate yourself.

There are over 100 kilometres of walking trail in Lincoln National Park for you to explore. The trail continues to the north outside the park for another 31 kilometres via Tulka and Port Lincoln to North Shields. The section through Port Lincoln is called the Parnkalla Trail. Trails at Cape Donington and Stamford Hill provide pleasant loop walks returning you to your vehicle. Maps and guides of the trails are available from the Port Lincoln Visitor Centre or from the Department for Environment and Heritage, Port Lincoln.