Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the Hallett Cove Conservation Park's 2km circular hike - a journey through Australia's unique geological past. Only 1.25 hours from the nearest town, this grade 3 moderate trail offers scenic clifftop views and interpretive signs highlighting the area's glacial history. The hike starts conveniently at Hallett Cove Beach carpark, making it a must-visit for all outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs.

Length:

2km

Duration:

1.25 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 49m

Min elevation: 11m

Total Ascent: 73m

Start: Heron Way Carpark

End: Heron Way Carpark

Hallett Cove Conservation Park

South Australia

Nearby town: Hallett Cove

From state capital: 24.9km

Latitude: -35.078850127838685

Longitude: 138.49655717611316

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Hike overview

The Hallett Cove Conservation Park offers a captivating 2km loop hike that delves into the park's remarkable geological past. Interpretive signs positioned along the trail provide insightful explanations of the various geological features you'll encounter.

The hike traverses the park's clifftops, which were once the base of a vast glacial lake that melted a staggering 270 million years ago. Evidence of this ancient event is visible in the form of scattered boulders and sedimentary deposits. Notably, the exposed glacial pavement on the clifftops bears the distinct scrape marks left by glaciers as they moved across the landscape. This exceptional geological feature is recognised as the most significant record of Permian glaciation in Australia, holding international importance.

The convenient starting point for this insightful hike is the carpark and cafe located at Hallett Cove Beach, accessible by following Heron Way to its southern end.

For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA

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Walk map and GPX file

Glacial Circuit Walk (2km)

Total distance: 2106 m
Max elevation: 49 m
Min elevation: 11 m
Total climbing: 73 m
Total descent: -72 m

Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Brighton, Hallett Cove, Marino, Seacombe Gardens, Trott Park

Getting to the trailhead in Hallett Cove Conservation Park.

Situated 22km south of Adelaide, Hallett Cove Conservation Park is readily accessible. Public transport options are available from Adelaide city center, but many visitors choose to drive. For those arriving by car, navigate to the southern entrance of the park and follow signs for the Boatshed Cafe and Coastal Walking Trail. This will lead you to the carpark where the interpretive walking trail commences.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

Hallett Cove Conservation Park offers a unique blend of geological wonders, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. An interpretive walking trail guides visitors through the park's fascinating history, showcasing evidence of an ancient Australian ice age that occurred a staggering 280 million years ago. The park's northern clifftops boast exceptional glacial pavements, recognised as the most significant record of Permian glaciation in Australia and holding international importance.

Beyond its geological significance, Hallett Cove is a haven for both leisure and exploration. The park's pristine beach beckons swimmers year-round. Each season presents a captivating display of the park's resilience. Spring awakens the landscape with vibrant wildflowers, while summer reveals the contrasting beauty of the rugged Adelaide coastline. Autumn sees a resurgence of plant life, accompanied by a vibrant display of birdlife. Winter transforms the beach with dramatic storms, sculpting the coastline with ever-changing landscapes.

The park holds deep cultural significance, evidenced by the discovery of over 1,700 Aboriginal stone implements dating back to 1934. These artifacts are now part of the South Australian Museum collection, offering a glimpse into the area's rich human history.

Conservation efforts are ongoing, with the Friends Group actively planting local native species to restore the park's natural vegetation. The coastal zone thrives with salt-tolerant plants like ruby saltbush, common boobialla, and native grasses. The diverse Amphitheatre slopes boast coastal heath, while areas beyond gradually give way to open scrubland with melaleucas, eucalypts, and pittosporums.

Wildlife flourishes within the park's diverse ecosystems. Waterfall Creek provides a habitat for various frog species. Throughout the park, visitors may encounter lizards, skinks, and even the eastern brown snake. The skies come alive with colorful birdsong, from the vibrant superb fairy-wrens and honeyeaters to kestrels, shorebirds, and seabirds.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Hallett Cove Conservation Park 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

Reviews

Glacial Circuit Walk (2km)

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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.

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file

Glacial Circuit Walk (2km)