Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the stunning South Australian coastline on the 6km Ratalang Bashams Beach Circuit Walk. Starting at Horseshoe Bay in Port Elliot, this moderate Grade 3 trail offers breathtaking views of sandy bays, rocky headlands, and vibrant heathland. Keep an eye out for unique features like the Seal Rock blowhole and pink granite cliffs, and don't miss the chance to spot whales from conveniently placed viewing platforms. Ideal for bushwalkers of varying fitness levels, this trail promises a memorable hiking experience.

Length:

6km

Duration:

2 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 15m

Min elevation: 2m

Total Ascent: 53m

Start: Horseshoe Bay Carpark

End: Horseshoe Bay Carpark

Ratalang Basham Beach Conservation Reserve

South Australia

Nearby town: Port Elliot

From state capital: 83km

Latitude: -35.53280902025794

Longitude: 138.6851567970968

Overview

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Hike overview

The Ratalang Bashams Beach Circuit Walk is a moderately easy (grade 3) 6km loop located within the Ratalang Basham Beach Conservation Reserve in South Australia. This scenic hike takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

The trail winds through the reserve, following designated walking paths and a shared-use section of the Encounter Bikeway. The journey begins at Horseshoe Bay in Port Elliot and stretches towards Middleton. Along the way, you'll encounter diverse coastal landscapes, including sandy bays, rocky headlands, coastal dunes, and vibrant heathland. Viewing platforms conveniently placed along the route offer prime opportunities for whale watching during migration seasons.

Keep an eye out for interesting geological features like the remains of a quarry site, the fascinating Seal Rock blowhole, and stunning pink granite cliffs. The walk allows for flexible starting points - either the beach at Horseshoe Bay or the carpark at the end of Bashams Beach Road.

This trail caters to walkers of varying fitness levels. As you explore at a leisurely pace, take time to appreciate the beauty of the natural vegetation, the unique rock formations and boulders lining the coast, and the mesmerizing turquoise waters that crash against them. The Ratalang Bashams Beach Circuit Walk promises a delightful exploration experience for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in the coastal environment.

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Walk map and GPX file

Ratalang Bashams Beach Circuit Walk (6km)

Total distance: 6060 m
Max elevation: 15 m
Min elevation: 2 m
Total climbing: 53 m
Total descent: -51 m

Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Currency Creek, Goolwa, Middleton, Port Elliot, Victor Harbor

Getting to the trailhead in Ratalang Basham Beach Conservation Reserve.

The Ratalang Bashams Beach Circuit Walk offers two convenient starting points for hikers. Those arriving from Port Elliot can begin their journey at Horseshoe Bay. Alternatively, if traveling from Middleton, the walk commences at the carpark located at the end of Bashams Beach Road.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

The Ratalang Basham Beach Conservation Reserve, formerly known as Basham Beach Regional Park, is a significant natural area on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia. Stretching along the coast from Horseshoe Bay in Port Elliot to Middleton, Ratalang serves as a scenic buffer between the two towns. The reserve encompasses diverse landscapes, including long sandy beaches, coastal dunes with heathland vegetation, rocky coastlines with headlands and bays, and extends inland to the railway line.

This area holds cultural importance for the Ngarrindjeri people. Their creation stories describe Ratalang as a key point in the journey of Ngurunderi, a figure in their ancestral dreaming lore. According to the story, Ngurunderi chased his wives from the Murray River to Cape Jervis, shaping the land features along the way. One such stop was at Basham Beach, where Ngurunderi is said to have thrown a tree into the sea to create a seaweed bed and hunted a seal whose dying gasps can still be heard in the rocks.

Ratalang also witnessed the arrival of the first European sailing ships, marking the initial contact between the Ngarrindjeri people and European sealers and whalers. Unfortunately, this contact brought with it social disruption and pain as European invasion and colonization unfolded.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Ratalang Basham Beach Conservation Reserve or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

Track grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

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Ratalang Bashams Beach Circuit Walk (6km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Ratalang bashams beach circuit walk (6km)

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file

Ratalang Bashams Beach Circuit Walk (6km)