Whaler’s Way Sanctuary — Attraction in Sleaford

Absolutely unbelievable scenery. You need to purchase a pass at the Port Lincoln Visitor Centre prior to your visit which will cost you $40. You can either get a Key which must be returned or a gate code to access a key box behind the gate post if you are not heading back to Port Lincoln. You get a map - which is not great, and some of the signs are a bit weather beaten. It is still fairly easy to navigate if you follow the road and visit each attraction as you go. It is basically one road in and out.

This trek requires some walking and requires a 4WD on some of the turnoffs. The scenery is absolutely worth the trek.

We spent 8 hours. Make sure you take water, sunscreen and deet insect repellent to get the best out of your day.

Pros: You can follow a loop and see most of the attractions in one day. Spectacular scenery.

Cons: The signs and the map are not great. Do not expect to see the seals without binoculars as they are on rocks in the middle of very rough waters. Some of the paths are very rough and no warning signs or barriers to keep people out of some very dangerous areas. USE YOUR COMMON SENSE - LIMESTONE CLIFFS...

Scenery of this area is truly amazing. Well worth seeing. However all the infrastucture in this area leaves a lot to be desired. The roads are at times barely impassable for a sedan car - a 4x4 is probably required as in places there was water over the road including gutters caused by washouts. Some viewing areas were closed to vehicles and this meant walking across very rocky ground to get to viewing areas. There was a huge lack of appropriate walking tracks and viewing platforms. Guard rails were lacking, and what are in place are rusting and falling apart. The toilet facilities were dirty, putrid and disgusting and lacked regular cleaning and upkeep. AND there was no toilet paper. Signage could be a lot better and include metres to viewing areas. The trust has let themselves down by not providing wheelchair and disabled access as they are also tourists. What is the $40.00 entrance fee used for, if not for the improvement and upkeep of infrastructure. The trust could consider applying for government grants for tourism infrastructure as there are many grants available for...

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...