Trail summary
Hike overview
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.
Tips
- 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.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 31 m
Min elevation: 24 m
Total climbing: 10 m
Total descent: -10 m
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Aldinga Beach, Port Noarlunga, Maslin Beach, Willunga, McLaren Vale
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.
Photo gallery
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Track grade
Grade 2 (Easy) -Â 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.
About the region
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.
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Let someone know
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
Acknowledgement of Country
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.