Hike through Hallett Cove Conservation Park

Located 22km south of Adelaide, the Hallett Cove Conservation Park is accessible via your own vehicle, or by public transport.  If you're driving, park along Heron Way, at the southern end of the park for easy access to the Glacier Hike and Coastal Walkway trails (there are public bathrooms, and a cafe here as well). 

The Glacier Hike Loop is an easy 3km trail across boardwalk and natural surfaces.  You'll walk throughout the amphitheatre of the conservation park, past the many geological features of the park with interpretive signs along the way that explain the geological significance of the region. 

Marvel at the colourful sedimentary layers, and the unique Sugarloaf formation as you stroll through what was once a large glacial lake.

As you reach the coastal trail, you have two options.

1. Continue south on the Glacier Hike Loop, which will lead you back towards Hallett Cove beach, and your vehicle.  Along the way, you'll pass by Black Cliff lookout, where there are glacial pavements along the cliff tops that are recognised as the best record of Permian glaciation in Australia.
2. If you're interested in extending your hike, then I'd recommend continuing north along the Coastal Walkway which leads towards Marino.  This is a 7.2km one way trail which extends between Hallett Cove and Marino.  The walkway travels across the rugged cliff tops, and drops down into small coves along the rocky coast, perfect locations for exploring tide pools along the way.  Walk as far as you're comfortable, before turning around, and walking south along the walkway back to your vehicle (stopping at Black Cliff lookout on the way).

This is a great year round location for a relaxed stroll around the Glacier Hike trail, or an extended walk along the Coastal Walkway.  If you time your visit towards sunset, I'd recommend to relax on the beach after your walk and enjoy some great views of the cliffs and ocean as they change colour with the setting sun.