The Coral Lichen Circuit is a short, 1.1km loop trail within Aldinga Conservation Park, South Australia. Suitable for most walkers and taking around 45 minutes to complete, the trail offers a chance to discover the park's unique flora.
Beginning at the Dover Street carpark, the well-marked path winds through diverse vegetation zones. You'll encounter Tall Shrubland, stands of Mallee Box trees, and finally, the dominant Pink Gum eucalypts. A highlight of the circuit is a viewing platform overlooking a colony of the rare Lacy Coral Lichen, a spectacular Australian lichen species. From this platform, you can also enjoy scenic views eastward towards the Willunga Hills.
Starting at the Dover Street carpark, the initial section traverses Tall Shrubland with occasional Mallee Box trees. These soon give way to Pink Gums, the most common eucalypt in this area. The path continues towards a viewing platform, offering a glimpse of the rare Lacy Coral Lichen colony. Following the platform, the trail heads south, roughly parallel to the vegetated coastal dunes. Keep an eye out for markers that help identify prominent local plant species.
At Marker 11, turn east (left) and ascend to a lookout point built on the secondary dune ridge. This vantage point provides scenic views towards the Willunga Hills to the east. After enjoying the panorama, retrace your steps back to Marker 15 and turn north (right) to return to the carpark via the main north-south trail and the dune ridge.
For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA
- There are currently no facilities within the park.
- Trails exist in the former Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park area, but access is limited in the washpool section.
- Visitors are advised to bring sufficient water, food, and supplies for their entire visit.
- Informing a responsible person of your planned route and estimated return time is recommended.
- While the trail is generally flat and short, the loose sand and narrow path make it unsuitable for wheelchairs or prams.
- Bicycles and prams are not permitted on these fragile sand tracks.
- Follow the green markers with cream numerals along the trail. These markers correspond to a walking guide produced by the Friends of Aldinga Scrub, offering additional information about the local flora.
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Total distance: 1078 m
Max elevation: 31 m
Min elevation: 24 m
Total climbing: 10 m
Total descent: -10 m
Getting to the trailhead: Aldinga Conservation Park.
You can reach Aldinga Conservation Park via car. Located 46 kilometres south of Adelaide on the Gulf St Vincent coastline, the park sits between Aldinga Beach and Sellicks Beach townships. Follow Main South Road from Adelaide and turn right onto Aldinga Beach Road. Sealed and gravel roads provide access to the park boundary.
While vehicle access isn’t permitted within the park itself, walkers can enter via designated points like the corner of Wattle Avenue and Acacia Terrace, or other designated access points along the perimeter. The Dover Street carpark, a convenient starting point for some walks, is located on the corner of Fraser and Dover Streets. Public transport users can catch an Adelaide Metro bus to Lower Esplanade, which is approximately 650 metres from the park.
Closest towns to this walk: Aldinga Beach, Maslin Beach, McLaren Vale, Port Noarlunga, Willunga
Aldinga Conservation Park, established in January 2022, safeguards a diverse range of rare plants and animals. It incorporates the former Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park and the adjoining Aldinga Washpool, encompassing roughly 340 hectares of significant habitat.
The Willunga sub-basin landscape provides a dramatic backdrop for the park, featuring sand dunes, mobile dunes, and remnants of coastal vegetation. The Aldinga Washpool area is particularly noteworthy, containing a threatened coastal saltmarsh listed as a nationally vulnerable ecological community.
Lacy coral lichen, nardoo, hairy sedge, and several orchid species are just a few of the park's botanical treasures. Look out for short-beaked echidnas, lizards, bats, and the park's rich birdlife, which includes over 166 species. Spring brings a vibrant display of wildflowers, transforming the landscape into a colourful spectacle.
The Kaurna people have a deep connection to this land. They traditionally used the area during summer months, finding an abundance of food and materials for tools. Shellfish, fish, marsupials, reptiles, birds, and various plant foods were plentiful. Notably, the Aldinga Washpool held particular significance for the Kaurna people as a site for curing and drying possum skins. It remains a culturally significant location as part of the Tjilbruke Dreaming Trail and contains registered Aboriginal heritage sites.
Looking for more walks in or near Aldinga Conservation Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the
AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
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.
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.
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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