Wild South Coast Way
Cape Jervis to Victor Harbour South Australia, 5 days, 75k
Detailed info about the Wild South Coast Way
review
camp ground names, distances & condition
getting to the start
gallery
1. Review of the Wild South Coast Way
Wild South Coast Way. Wild, yes, we had some of the windiest weather we've ever encountered with a few locals also amazed at the ferociousness of the wind.
While the weather was cloudy, the temperature was pleasant during our trip. However, we faced strong winds on some days, which made it challenging for us to hike up the very steep hills. Unfortunately, we didn't have any breaks from the wind, which left us feeling exhausted, but that was a good reminder to wear our waterproof jackets, amazing the difference it made!. Despite this, the walk along the beach was amazing. The terrain was hilly, yet stunning, and we enjoyed walking through paddocks where we encountered kangaroos, sheep, cows, and even a few blue tongue lizards. As for the campsites, they were outstanding. We would give it a five-star rating as it was the best we have ever stayed at.
2. Camp ground names, distances & condition
The hike along Cape Jervis to Victor Harbour trail is a scenic point-to-point route that allows hikers to choose their preferred starting and finishing locations. Although both Cape Jervis and Victor Harbour can serve as starting points, Cape Jervis is commonly regarded as the official start of this trail, but either way adventurers can look forward to an unforgettable journey through stunning landscapes and captivating vistas. Additionally, Cape Jervis marks the beginning of the renowned Heysen Trail, which spans an impressive distance of 1200 kilometers.
Cape Jervis (trailhead is 100m from the ferry terminal) to Wuldi Krikin Ngawanthi (Eagle Waterhole) - 14k, about 6 hours
Wuldi Krikin Ngawanthi (Eagle Waterhole) to Yapari Ngawanthi (Cliffs campground) - 13k, about 6 hours
Yapari Ngawanthi (Cliffs campground) to Kurri Ngawanthi (Creek Campground) - 18k, about 7 hours
Kurri Ngawanthi (Creek Campground) to Natunyuru Ngawanthi (Sand Dunes campground) - 13.5k, about 5 hours
Natunyuru Ngawanthi (Sand Dunes campground) to Encounter Bay, Bluff car park - 13k, about 5 hours
The hiking path is clearly marked with signs, so as long as you follow them, you will be on the right track. However, without sounding like we are contracting ourselves here, one issue we encountered was that we were unsure which walk-in campsite we were heading to each day. For instance, on day 2, the signs all pointed towards Tappanacka, the area our map showed we needed to head towards, which is also a drive-in campsite, but we were actually booked to stay at the walk-in campsite, Yapari Ngawanthi (Cliffs campground). There were no signs indicating the correct direction, except for a small one when we about 500 meters out from. Additionally, the names of these campsites were not mentioned on the map we were sold, which we later found out was a little out dated, (our fault). While you won't get lost, just have in mind what area you are heading to, and realised the camp site is near by.
so overall- 71.5 k's
5 days (4 nights)
date of hike - late December 2023
a beautiful welcome start to the trail
keep a look out for gorilla rock
sometimes pictures don't make sense
3. Travelling from interstate & getting to the start!
We were able to drive from Melbourne (Victoria) to our hotel reservation in Victor Harbour. The 730 kilometer drive takes about 8 hours, this we comfortably did in a day. On getting to Victor Harbour we had ample time to have a look around, grab some dinner and get our backpacks ready for the hike the next day.
The next morning, we drove our car to the Encounter Bay Bluff car park. This was our car's home for the next 5 days as we would hike back to it. We prearranged for a taxi to pick us from here and drive us to Jervis Bay to the trailhead. The cost was just over $100 which we thought was really good, and the drive taking under 1 hour. Obviously if you hike with friends you can do the shuffle dance. We were on the trail at 11.30am.
The trailhead at Cape Jervis.
