Sleaford to Wanna 4WD Track and Memory Cove – Sand’sational!

Be quick – plan this 4WD and camping adventure soon to see plenty of emus and other wildlife. Image: Mark, Jayden, and Mariska Threadgold

From an off-road adventure to chill-axing in one of Australia’s most spectacular bays

Grab your favourite outdoor buddies, pack the tent, and shift the fourby into 4 high (and low). The Sleaford to Wanna Track is calling. Then, after you’ve explored this spectacular coastal jewel, prepare for an unforgettable stay at Memory Cove.

You won’t want to stop the 4WD action, but it’s hard not to for this view. Image: Mark, Jayden, and Mariska Threadgold

Now – if you want to visit Memory Cove during peak times, you may need to plan and pre-book. Camping and day visitor access is restricted at Memory Cove. It’s so good that this little beauty is under lock and key to protect its stunning, natural wonder.

Read on to discover why you should add these South Australian treats to your 4WD and camping bucket list.

Ready for some sand action – don’t forget your sand flag and recovery boards. Image: Mark, Jayden, and Mariska Threadgold

Sleaford to Wanna 4WD Track: Epic Adventure and Iconic Vistas

This 4WD track features wind-swept coastal views, blindingly white beaches, and blue-grey heathland. Oh, and wildlife abounds, especially the marine varieties from the clifftop vantage points.

The track is under 20 kilometres, and yes, you could speed along and drive it in 2 to 3 hours. However, I suggest making a day of the track to fully immerse yourself. Plus, a day gives you ample time for extra 4WD dune driving to enjoy shifting into four-low. When you’ve wandered pristine beaches, stopped for photos (again!), munched some lunch, and enjoyed the lookouts – the day will be over.

Great lookout along the Sleaford to Wanna Track. Image: Mark, Jayden, and Mariska Threadgold

You can start the track at, you guessed it, Wanna or Sleaford. You could even try both directions on separate days, as the different views and driving orientation will give a completely different experience.

Yes, the views are amazing – but what also makes this 4X4 track so fun is the terrain variety. You’ll traverse sand dunes one moment, then need to pick a suitable line over rocky challenges the next. Dropping your tyre pressures is crucial for both the sandy and rocky obstacles.

Now that sure is blue! Image: Mark, Jayden, and Mariska Threadgold

The track is constantly changing due to the sand movement. Red-topped marker posts provide directional guidance. But stay alert when following the posts, as dune movement can cause surprising challenges like drop-offs and soft sand blows. There are sections where you can choose to head inland or drop down to the beach.

Several areas present complete sand bowls, and you may find yourself looking for a camel or mirage. These areas are great for photos, and a hike up the dunes is a breathtaking challenge.  

The track changes regularly from sandy to rocky. Image: Mark, Jayden, and Mariska Threadgold

Keep a lookout for the dedicated sandboarding areas on the track map.

While the divine azure seas are captivating too, spend some time looking a little closer to shore from the many raised vantage points. At one limestone cliff, we jumped out to get a snap of the coastline – then spent the next half hour watching 5 sharks (yes, 5) casually cruising the coast.

Cue the ‘Jaws’ soundtrack – and this ‘Noah’s Ark’ brought 4 friends. Image: Mark, Jayden, and Mariska Threadgold

Memory Cove – a Magical Place You Won’t Want to Leave

Retina-burning white sand, patchwork blue waters, wildlife, and green space. Get ready to lose your breath and find yourself.

Memory Cove lives up to its name. My first camp here was 18 years ago. And Memory Cove is one of my top 10 campgrounds. Having travelled around Australia, that’s saying something!

Is this camping heaven? Memory Cove will leave its mark. Image: Mark, Jayden, and Mariska Threadgold

There are 5 numbered campsites for single vehicles, with a couple of pit toilets. Caravans and fires are not allowed. Book online for camping or day entry (allowing a maximum of 15 4WDs a day). You collect and return a key to the Port Lincoln Visitor Centre, so be aware of their open hours.

Memory Cove would have to be one of the prettiest bays I’ve ever seen. Dense bush curtains both headlands, with grey and red boulders on each side. Then there’s that beach and blue, blue, blue water.

Only 5 campsites and 15 day visitor cars are allowed per day. Book early! Image: Mark, Jayden, and Mariska Threadgold

On our recent trip, two sea kayakers enjoyed a well-earned rest day off the water at the campground. We saw dolphins every day, and occasionally they playfully arced out of the water. Stingrays, sea eagles, and pelicans were regular visitors too.

Be sure to walk along the rocky trail to the point. Sit on one of the massive boulders and hopefully watch a resident sea lion frolicking in the crystal-clear water.

In a word – bliss. Image: Mark, Jayden, and Mariska Threadgold

Activities

• Wildlife watching – Emus, kangaroos, many birds and scores of marine life
• Whale watching (May to October)
• Sandboarding (see the park map)
• Fishing and boating. Be aware of Marine Sanctuary Zones and check state fishing regulations.
• Off-road touring
• Bushwalking
• Mountain biking on vehicle tracks but not on walking trails
• Stargazing
• Photography
• Swimming
• Snorkelling

You never know what you’ll find beachcombing. Image: Mark, Jayden, and Mariska Threadgold

Alternative Campgrounds

If you cannot secure a campsite at Memory Cove, don’t despair. Lincoln National Park features 14 different camp areas, and there’s bound to be one (or two, or three, or four) that you like. You must book all campsites on the Parks SA Book & Pay website.

Rocky coastline on the drive into Memory Cove. 4WD only, and no caravans. Image: Mark, Jayden, and Mariska Threadgold

Top Tips

• Book early for Memory Cove camping and day entry, especially during peak time.
• Check the Parks SA website for park-specific closures or warnings.
• Grab a sand flag for your lead vehicle.
• Carry recovery gear, especially recovery boards and suitable straps.
• Download the free Avenza Maps app (Android and Apple). Avenza uses your phone’s GPS and drops a marker to show where you are on the map. Search the Avenza Map store for these free maps:
  1. Lincoln National Park & Memory Cove Wildnerness Protection Area
  2. Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area
  3. Lincoln National Park – Sleaford to Wanna
• Allow plenty of time when driving into Memory Cove. The track is not technically challenging, it’s just really… really… slow. The surface changes often; sand one moment, rock the next.
• Let your tyres down. There will be plenty of sand driving and gnarly, rocky sections. We usually drop ours down to 18 PSI and keep assessing track conditions.

Not all visitors come by road (well, 4WD track*)! Image: Mark, Jayden, and Mariska Threadgold

Where, When, and How Much?

Location and Distance

Port Lincoln is 7 hours from Adelaide.

• Sleaford and Wanna are half an hour from Port Lincoln
• Allow at least 2 hours to travel from Port Lincoln to Memory Cove.

When to Visit

Summer offers the best beach experience. Late winter to spring is best for wildlife and native flora, while autumn is quieter and can bring stunning days.

Vehicle Entry Cost

$12.50 per vehicle (day visitors + once off for campers)

Camping Cost

$29.50 per vehicle per night

Explore the Memory Cove headlands; the journey back sure is pretty. Image: Mark, Jayden, and Mariska Threadgold

Contacts:

National Parks and Wildlife Service | Port Lincoln Office

Phone: (+618) 86883111

Email: DEWEPOnlineBookings@​sa.​gov.​au

Website bookings: parks.sa.gov.au/book-and-pay

Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre

3 Adelaide Place, Port Lincoln

Phone: 1300788378

Email: info@visitportlincoln.net.au

Website: portlincoln.com.au/

Gnarly rocky coastline on the way to Memory Cove. Image: Mark, Jayden, and Mariska Threadgold

So… “Wanna Sleaford” yourself?

Epic sand driving, coastal exploring, and pristine camping

Now’s the time to start planning that family getaway, boys’ trip, or SHE4WDers adventure. Get some sand between your toes (and muddies), and truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty and adventure of the Sleaford to Wanna Track and Memory Cove.

Out of this world blues along the Sleaford to Wanna Track. Image: Mark, Jayden, and Mariska Threadgold

Over to you – have you created memories at Memory Cove? Do you have a tale to tell about the Sleaford to Wanna Track? Let us know in the comments.