Whalers Way
Discover the rugged beauty of Whalers Way, a sanctuary of dramatic coastlines, secluded bays, and untouched nature on the Eyre Peninsula.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Maximize daylight for stunning views
Whalers Way
Best Time
Maximize daylight for stunning views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the rugged beauty of Whalers Way, a sanctuary of dramatic coastlines, secluded bays, and untouched nature on the Eyre Peninsula.
"Stunning coastal scenery with plenty of wildlife along the way."
🚗 4WD Not Always Needed
Most of the drive is manageable for 2WD, but be cautious of sand and rocks .
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
Cell service is spotty, and you're far from amenities. Stay hydrated and prepared .
Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 · 267 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dramatic Coastal Scenery
Breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, secluded bays, and crystal-clear waters. A photographer's dream!
Red Banks Beach
An epic, secluded beach at the end of the drive, perfect for exploring and enjoying the wild coast.
Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for whales (seasonal), surfers, emus, and other local fauna along the scenic route.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Fee & the Wild
Vehicle & Road Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 4WD Not Always Needed
Most of the drive is manageable for 2WD, but be cautious of sand and rocks.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
Cell service is spotty, and you're far from amenities. Stay hydrated and prepared.
⚠️ Watch for Degraded Rails
Some cliffside guardrails are rusted and fallen. Exercise caution near edges.+1
💰 Fee for Access & Camping
A $40 per car fee covers day access and overnight camping.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 4WD Not Always Needed
Most of the drive is manageable for 2WD, but be cautious of sand and rocks.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
Cell service is spotty, and you're far from amenities. Stay hydrated and prepared.
⚠️ Watch for Degraded Rails
Some cliffside guardrails are rusted and fallen. Exercise caution near edges.+1
💰 Fee for Access & Camping
A $40 per car fee covers day access and overnight camping.
⏳ Allow a Full Day
To truly appreciate Whalers Way, dedicate most of a day to explore its highlights.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Whalers Way is lauded for its stunning, dramatic coastal scenery and secluded bays, offering a truly wild experience. Visitors appreciate the opportunity for camping and wildlife spotting. However, some reviewers point out the need for infrastructure improvements, particularly regarding safety features like guardrails, and the lack of functioning facilities.
"We were recommended to visit Whalers Way while on a recent stay at Port Lincoln.
The Positives.
-The Coastline is remarkably with many great spots to stop and take in the views along the Journey.
-The roads are in pretty good shape and most spots I’d imagine you could get there in a 2WD vehicle.
-For such an amazing location we only came across one other car during our journey, I’d assume that’s due to the $40 fee per car to enter. Some people have complained about this however this day and age that’s pretty reasonable for a full day family outing plus this allows you to camp on the premises for a night.
The Negatives.
-The place needs some infrastructure TLC.
Many of the guard rails to protect people from plunging over a cliff have all rusted and fallen over.
-Could do with some updated signage. It’s adequate but could be a bit more descriptive.
Overall a great day exploring however I would have liked to know a little more about the history of the property along the way.
A missed opportunity of a Gem of a property."
Corey A
"Although very beautiful, this is not a place you want to travel on your own. I saw one other person (who sped past me) in 24 hours and that was on a Sunday! Running into any kind of trouble could be treacherous. It would be quite easy to fall or twist an ankle and I imagine there's plenty of bush insects and snakes etc. Please take adequate water and supplies in case of a breakdown or accident - and beware that there's many places along the way that could easily pop your tyres or damage tour car. For $40, this place is not well managed and I would not recommend for an old car, any caravan or heavy motor home. Take a lot of care when leaving the vehicle too - the wind, and weather in general is pretty full on."
Amy Rorke
"We toured Whalers Way for the first time 46 years ago, and we've just been back for a second time, and it did not disappoint. Stunning coastal scenery with plenty of wildlife along the way. There are some negatives however. The toilets, which aren't functioning and should be demolished and in several locations infrastructure such as guardrails is degraded and bordering on dangerous which also detracts from the beauty. Otherwise, we had a fantastic day, and to do it, justice allow most of a day otherwise you will need to skip over some of the highlights."
Andy Holmes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Whalers Way is located on the Eyre Peninsula, a scenic drive from Port Lincoln. The roads are generally in good condition, with some parts featuring shallow sand and rocks. Most 2WD vehicles can navigate the route, but caution is advised.+1
No, Whalers Way is best accessed by private vehicle. Public transport options are not available for reaching this remote coastal sanctuary.
The roads within Whalers Way offer a picturesque drive around secluded bays. While many sections are suitable for 2WD, be prepared for some parts with shallow sand and rocks.
It is not recommended to bring caravans or heavy motorhomes to Whalers Way due to the road conditions, which can include sand and rocks.
Cell service is unreliable and often unavailable at Whalers Way, so it's crucial to be prepared and self-sufficient.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a $40 fee per car to enter Whalers Way. This fee allows for a full day of exploration and also permits overnight camping on the premises.
Advance booking is generally not required for Whalers Way. The fee is typically paid upon entry.
Whalers Way is accessible during daylight hours for day visits. Overnight camping is also permitted, allowing for extended stays.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available. The standard fee is per vehicle for day access and camping.
The $40 per car fee grants access to explore the stunning coastal scenery and secluded bays of Whalers Way, and also allows for overnight camping.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attractions include the dramatic coastline, secluded bays with crystal-clear waters, and the epic Red Banks Beach at the end of the drive. Wildlife spotting, including whales seasonally, is also a highlight.+1
Some reviews mention that toilets are not functioning and should be demolished, indicating a lack of updated facilities. It's best to come prepared with your own supplies.
Solo travel at Whalers Way is not recommended due to its remote nature and lack of other visitors. There's a risk of injury, and help may be far away.
Visitors have spotted whales (seasonally), surfers, emus, and other local fauna along the scenic route.
The secluded bays often have crystal-clear waters, making them inviting for swimming, though conditions can vary. Surfers also enjoy the waves here.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire coastline offers stunning photographic opportunities, from dramatic cliffs to secluded bays and Red Banks Beach. Look for unique rock formations and the interplay of light on the water.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, will provide the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh but still offers clear views of the water.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient to capture the beauty of Whalers Way. However, a wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive coastal vistas.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned for photography at Whalers Way. However, always be mindful of safety and avoid venturing into dangerous areas for a shot.
Expect to capture dramatic coastal landscapes, rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and potentially wildlife. The clear waters offer opportunities for underwater shots if conditions permit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit