29th – 31st March

An overnight in Port Lincoln once again provided opportunity to restock everything we needed, plus a trip to the Information Centre to book The Whalers Way to pick up the key for the gate ready for an early entry tomorrow. ($30 entry + o/n camp; $5 each additional night).

Whalers Way is a 14km scenic route that follows a spectacular, cliff-edged coastline around the most southerly point of the Eyre Peninsula. It was named for the Whalers who hunted the southern right whales off this coast from 1837 – 1841, not very successfully apparently.

106 metre cliffs meet the ocean at Cape Wiles. See the fur seals, enlarged in the inset.

The photographs I’ve linked to show you the views we enjoyed. The ocean along this coast leaves one in awe of its power and dominance over the land. Our campsite at Redbanks was among the best we’ve had so far on this journey.

We camped at the base of a sand dune which is protecting us from the prevailing wind. Idyllic location, once again. Redbanks campsite.

Just a personal soapbox opportunity here though … the unsuccessful and cruel whaling industry was here for 4 years in the early 1800s. It’s not a part of our history that I feel needs commemorating! I’d much rather the drive were related to the indigenous people who cared for this southerly point for thousands of years.

For more photos from the stunning Whalers Way CLICK HERE.

Friday 31st

We viewed a few more fantastic parts of the coastline this morning before leaving the Whalers Way, heading for Mikkira Station, a camping ground on a sheep station on the way back towards Port Lincoln. ($25/n)

This property, or ‘sheep run’ as it was originally called, was first settled in 1839. The original homestead as well as stone fences and the huge chimney from the shearer quarters remain. But of great delight to us are all the magnificent old manna gums around the camping area that are chockas with koalas. In just a short walk we spotted more than 20. Such beautiful animals – so relaxing.

For more photos from Mikkira Station, and the koalas, CLICK HERE.