The Marion Coastal Walkway will take you all the way from Marino Rocks through to Hallett Cove, a total of 7.2 kms and with the newly opened multi-million dollar dual suspension bridges, the walk is now even more spectacular. The views are incredible and you can stop and head down the stairs to the beach to explore the small sea creatures and ancient rock faces when you need a break.
The trail is open to the elements and there are beautiful, sweeping views so you will need to stop now and then to have a look around. This trail has some winding and uneven stairs and is more suitable to older kids, probably 8+, unless you have a small child you can take in a child carrier. It’s great exercise and we often go just half way for some peaceful exercise with great views.
Now, with our three little children aged 4, 2 and 4 months, we often park at the top of Dutchman Drive then walk down the easy path towards the slow flowing creek in Hallett Cove Conservation Park.
It’s an easy walk (downhill), but not really suitable for a pram so make sure you take the baby carrier. We then walk up some stairs and back around towards Hallett Cove, finishing off with coffee or a meal at the Boatshed Cafe! This takes a leisurely 45-60 minutes. But it’s not strenuous and could probably take 20 minutes if you didn’t stop for snacks, stumbles, views, flowers, looking at flora etc etc etc! Once we’ve demolished our food, one of us (usually my husband!) then runs/walks up the shortcut (about 500m) back to the car and comes and picks us up from the foreshore or playground. It’s a really nice way to spend the morning!
Things to know:
Toilets are at the start and end of the trail and at the small reserve at the end of Fryer St.
If you are really only keen to see the new bridges, park at the Fryer St Reserve then walk a short distance heading north.
Take a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water as there’s limited shade or water taps along the trail.
Remember to stop before looking at the view to avoid falling!
There are lots of spots to sit, relax and also read about the geographical history of the coast.
While you’re in the area.
Let the kids have a play on Heron Way Reserve Playground, with five way swings, nature play and a very fast slide!
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Where is Hallet Cove Conservation Park? Hallet Cove Conservation Park is located 22 km south of Adelaide and there is public transport from the city to this park! When is the best time to visit? Hallet Cove Conservation Park is stunning all year round. In Summer the coastline nature goes into "survival mode" with many plants exposed to a hot summer. Autumn will see the plants regaining their vigour with many bird species on show. Winter will showcase the storms and the changing the scenery from pure pebbles to sand almost overnight and followed by Spring with the wildflowers in full bloom. What can I do at Hallet Cove Conservation Park? Bushwalking - The Coast Park Path boardwalk is the main trail which follows the coastal cliffs through the park. The Glacial Hike takes visitors inland to the geological points of interest, such as the Sugarloaf and Amphitheatre, and offers some beautiful photo opportunities within the park. Interpretive signs along the Glacial Hike tell the Geological, Aboriginal and European story of the area. Spot Marine Creatures - Dont forget your snorkle or googles to spot some marine life like biscuit stars at the base of black cliff. Discover - Walk…
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Find it at: Heron Way, Hallett Cove This is a great playground with amazing views over the ocean. The reserve includes a 5-way swing, tunnel slide, water and sand play, nature play, fitness equipment, shade sales, toilet, seating, shelter and BBQ facilities. The playground is unfenced, and there is a drop down to the rocky beach that parents with fast moving smaller children will need to be mindful of. There is parking close to the playground, and plenty of other awesome features in this area. For example, the Marino-Hallet Cove Coastal Trail, which goes all the way to Marino, before joining the path to Kingston Park, Brighton and further along The Esplanade. There is also the Hallett Cove Conservation Park right next door to explore and enjoy. The tunnel slide that has a slight curve to it. My kids wanted to climb up it before attempting to go down as it's a little steep. But once they went down the first time, they loved it! Be aware that if you are having a private conversation at the top of the tunnel slide then the people at the bottom will be able to hear it VERY clearly. My kids loved using…
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Find it at: Central Avenue, Hallett Cove A fabulous new addition to the City of Marion's range of playspaces opened up in March 2021, with the brand spanking new playground at Central Avenue Reserve. Using the site's slope to the fullest advantage, the highlight here is a super quick flying fox which takes kids (and parents!) from the rock-climb inspired slide playground and basketball court, right down to the sand play and shelter area at the bottom. The climbing playground is a really unique set up here too, with a variety of climbing challenges for the older kids (but it isn't too high to rule out the younger ninja's either. Make it to the top and the kids will travel to the bottom in a nice little tube slide. Great stuff! There is plenty of lawn surrounded by trees and you will find balance beams and wooden log steppers throughout he reserve too, as well as a swing set including baby swing. Chuck in some shaded areas and a brand new BBQ and this is a fantastic facility for the locals. No toilets at this one sadly.
