{"id":55795,"date":"2023-06-30T10:09:14","date_gmt":"2023-06-30T00:39:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/?p=55795"},"modified":"2023-06-30T10:09:17","modified_gmt":"2023-06-30T00:39:17","slug":"sleaford-to-wanna-4wd-track-and-memory-cove","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/sleaford-to-wanna-4wd-track-and-memory-cove\/","title":{"rendered":"Sleaford to Wanna 4WD Track and Memory Cove – Sand’sational!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Be quick \u2013 plan this 4WD and camping adventure soon to see plenty of emus and other wildlife. Image: Mark, Jayden, and Mariska Threadgold<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From an off-road adventure to chill-axing in one of Australia\u2019s most spectacular bays<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Grab your favourite outdoor buddies, pack the tent<\/a>, and shift the fourby<\/a> into 4 high (and low). The Sleaford to Wanna Track is calling. Then, after you\u2019ve explored this spectacular coastal jewel, prepare for an unforgettable stay at Memory Cove.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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You won\u2019t want to stop the 4WD action, but it\u2019s hard not to for this view.<\/em> Image: Mark, Jayden, and Mariska Threadgold<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s so good that this little beauty is under lock and key to protect its stunning, natural wonder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read on to discover why you should add these South Australian treats to your 4WD<\/a> and camping<\/a> bucket list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ready for some sand action \u2013 don\u2019t forget your sand flag and recovery boards.<\/em> Image: Mark, Jayden, and Mariska Threadgold<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sleaford to Wanna 4WD Track: Epic Adventure and Iconic Vistas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019ve wandered pristine beaches, stopped for photos (again!), munched some lunch, and enjoyed the lookouts \u2013 the day will be over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Great lookout along the Sleaford to Wanna Track. Image: Mark, Jayden, and Mariska Threadgold<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, the views are amazing \u2013 but what also makes this 4X4 track so fun is the terrain variety. You\u2019ll traverse sand dunes one moment, then need to pick a suitable line over rocky challenges the next. Dropping your tyre pressures<\/a> is crucial for both the sandy and rocky obstacles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Now that sure is blue! Image: Mark, Jayden, and Mariska Threadgold<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The track changes regularly from sandy to rocky. Image: Mark, Jayden, and Mariska Threadgold<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep a lookout for the dedicated sandboarding areas on the track map.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2013 then spent the next half hour watching 5 sharks (yes, 5) casually cruising the coast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Birds'<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cue the \u2018Jaws\u2019 soundtrack \u2013 and this \u2018Noah\u2019s Ark\u2019 brought 4 friends. Image: Mark, Jayden, and Mariska Threadgold<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Memory Cove \u2013 a Magical Place You Won\u2019t Want to Leave<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Retina-burning white sand, patchwork blue waters, wildlife, and green space. Get ready to lose your breath and find yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s saying something!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Is this camping heaven? Memory Cove will leave its mark. Image: Mark, Jayden, and Mariska Threadgold<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Memory Cove would have to be one of the prettiest bays I\u2019ve ever seen. Dense bush curtains both headlands, with grey and red boulders on each side. Then there\u2019s that beach and blue, blue, blue water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Only 5 campsites and 15 day visitor cars are allowed per day. Book early! Image: Mark, Jayden, and Mariska Threadgold<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In a word – bliss. Image: Mark, Jayden, and Mariska Threadgold<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Activities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n