Whalers Way
Whalers Way
4
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- helencmartinMelbourne, Australia7 contributionsWonderful views of a spectacular coastlineThe Whalers Way is an unsealed road on private land, giving access to some amazing coastline on the southern shore of the Eyre Peninsula. There is a charge for entrance, payable at the Port Lincoln visitor centre. This provides a key code for the locked entrance gate. The road is mostly fine for two-wheel drive vehicles (providing they have good ground clearance), but the north-western section to Red Banks is probably better left to 4WDs. There are no facilities other than parking, a rather bare picnic area, and some walking tracks / access steps. The nearest toilets are in a public picnic area just before the gate. It takes about 2-3 hours to travel the full length and return, given all the points of interest along the way.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 October 2023
- John5 contributionsAmazing views a short drive from Port LincolnThe road is fairly good only questionable in a handful of places. As long as your not driving a Prius you shouldn't have any troubles. However we didn't enter Redbank due to it looking quite sandy and wouldn't trust our vans traction for that. Definitely would recommend this place even considering the high price. Watching the seals was a major highlight! And we basically had the place to ourselves :) I'd Be careful at Cape Carnot, 6 people have unfortunately lost there lives at that spot and no fencing or updated signage to be seen.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 January 2024
- Ron RWollongong, Australia5 contributionsUnderwhelmedThere are virtually no coastal views from the dirt road once you pass through the gate. The sights are all a walk from pull offs. The pull offs are too often very rough or very sandy without a turning circle. So it is all difficult in a 2WD. Views from the National Parks are better with easier access and far better maps.Visited February 2024Travelled soloWritten 8 March 2024
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4.0
196 reviews
Excellent
97
Very good
64
Average
20
Poor
6
Terrible
9
DebB123123
Lismore, Australia249 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
Took the hire car, a 2 wd SUV, and although it was fine, some spots had a lot of sand after several very windy days, cost $30 for the key at the tourist information centre. They also marked on the map which spots we couldn’t access without a 4wd. You also had to pay a deposit for the key which we got back when we handed the key back. We kept running into a tour company taking 2 people around in his 4wd, he had so much local knowledge and even let me borrow his binoculars. I wished I had just booked the tour and not had to worry about the road conditions which were bad in places
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sam
South Australia, Australia54 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
It’s important to note that the ticket and key need to be bought beforehand from Visitors information centre. You pay $30 for the ticket and $20 cash deposits for the key. The views are magnifique! Tried to cover most of the areas highlighted in the map, stunning sceneries. Whole drive is on gravel and mud road, recommend 4wd. We struggled as we were driving a normal sedan. No toilet facility. We didn’t see any wildlife except lizards. They should repaint the signages, pretty faded.
Written 9 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul S
Adelaide, Australia3,672 contributions
Oct 2020
We start the day at the information Centre getting a permit and key to drive Whalers Way. This is a private property about 30 km south of the city, and is said to have remarkable cliff scenery. Sealed road, and then good graded unsealed road until we arrive at the gate with a large padlock! There is then about 20 km of rougher unsealed road which follows around the southern coast, with signposted sights to drive or walk to. We drive slowly, and our little Suzuki has no problems. The scenery is quite amazing. If you were in Port Lincoln with time for one day-excursion, then this would have to be it. Our favourites are the Swimmin’ Hole (a long way down, but a large rocky pool filled with clear blue water); Cape Wiles with two enormous rock formations 106 m high; the 32 year old Osprey Nest on a rugged rock pinnacle - with osprey!; and Theakestone’s Crevasse: a long deep split where the rock has split, and invaded by the sea. We also see a black snake and four stumpy tail lizards on the road. Allow four or five hours. Don’t miss this!
Written 27 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul
Tea Tree Gully, Australia6 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
My partner and I planned to spend our afternoon exploring Whalers Way. The views and scenery were great which is all it has going, the roads and signage were close to non existent in some areas. A few areas we thought we would see on the way back out we found quite difficult as the signs only faced one way. The price of $30 entry for the use of the so called non 4WD friendly roads, I found a bit rude. No maps were supplied at the gate which would have helped with navigating and planning our way through.
If this was a free facility I wouldn’t have had the expectations of roads, signage etc.
However being private land and a hefty $30 entry for pretty much views?
Might be better off going to the national parks of Port Lincoln or Coffin Bay.
If this was a free facility I wouldn’t have had the expectations of roads, signage etc.
However being private land and a hefty $30 entry for pretty much views?
Might be better off going to the national parks of Port Lincoln or Coffin Bay.
Written 8 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wally070
Adelaide, Australia136 contributions
Nov 2020
Had to visit Whalers way, the history, rugged beauty of stark and spectacular coastline including the most prevalent Australian species, flies.. The drive is rugged and bumpy with just kept roads and fading signs. Toilets and rest areas are not the most modern nor equipped. Do not take your beloved family car, it will be ruined. You may not need a 4 wheel drive but you will need a vehicle with high clearance, good suspension and rugged tires.
Written 3 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glenn H
Mount Gambier, Australia164 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Paid a small fee for entry to this private land and were thrilled with the rugged cliffs and huge seas smashing into the rocks. We spent about 3 hours but could easily stay longer.
Saw whales. No need for 4WD.
Saw whales. No need for 4WD.
Written 17 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lockey M
Alice Springs, Australia90 contributions
Jan 2022 • Solo
If it wasn't for the great views this place would have shut years ago.
If there is ever a case for compulsory acquisition this place really need SA parks and wildlife to take over.
Went once before 8 years ago think and nothing changed.
For $40 per car the owner has been making money and done nothing.
No toilets, no decent signage, no defined pathways. Really it's just disappointing to see nothing done with something that could be sooo much better.
Oh and SA parks would charge less than $40 and have facilities.
I still enjoy the nature but that has nothing to do with the owner
If there is ever a case for compulsory acquisition this place really need SA parks and wildlife to take over.
Went once before 8 years ago think and nothing changed.
For $40 per car the owner has been making money and done nothing.
No toilets, no decent signage, no defined pathways. Really it's just disappointing to see nothing done with something that could be sooo much better.
Oh and SA parks would charge less than $40 and have facilities.
I still enjoy the nature but that has nothing to do with the owner
Written 25 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judysim
Brisbane, Australia223 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
We enjoyed this day trip even though the wind was pretty rugged and we dodged showers. Some people may baulk at the $40 entry (includes 1 night camping if you are staying). 4x4 useful but you may be OK in a 2WD at least most of the way. Got right out to Red Banks. Different people may have different opinions about the suitability of this as a camp-site. No facilities so if you like remote and can find a protected location it may be what you want. Whilst we didn't, we would consider staying there in the future towing our 19ft semi-offroad van there, but it's probably not everyone's cup of tea. Nice to climb down to the beach at Red Banks (look for the ladder).
Written 9 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GwendaJohn A
Kununurra, Australia15 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
So disappointed. Went on the first day of opening after being closed for 2 weeks and the bins were overflowing some signage was barely readable and the toilets ugh and yuck. Definitely not worth $30 Similar scenery further west is free and just as stunning.
Written 2 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Two Wells
Adelaide, Australia108 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Roads are a little rough and signage needs updating, but this is not a national park, it is private property and we are privileged to even be allowed to visit. Without the generosity of owners we would never be able to appreciate this stunning piece of SA.
Went for 2hrs stayed 5hrs
Went for 2hrs stayed 5hrs
Written 7 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are dogs allowed in Whalers Way? We are keen to do the walk with our dog. Happy to keep her on a leash. Thanks
Written 8 May 2022
Hi Jane,
Yes, we took our two dogs out with us to Whalers way. They must stay on lead at all times as requested by the owners, but once you see the coastline you'll understand why...
Thanks,
J
Written 10 May 2022
Where can I get a pass and key as the information centre don't have any. Thank you
Written 8 July 2015
You can get the pass key at the little kiosk thing at the gate. However, th permit needs to be collected from the tourist info centre. If they don't have any, they will be able to advise where to get them from.
Written 9 July 2015
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