The laid-back neighbourhood of Hallett Cove is a gateway to one of the most fascinating geological parks in Australia. Discover a unique landscape of sandy beaches, rolling dunes, granite boulders and rugged cliffs formed during the Ice Age. Thousands of Aboriginal artefacts have been excavated from Hallett Cove, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts.
Things to do in Hallett Cove
Hallett Cove Conservation Park is one of the best places in Australia to view glacier-carved landscapes. The two-kilometre Glacial Hike circuit takes you past some of the most dramatic rock formations, with the chance to see enormous “scratches” formed by glacier action more than 280 million years ago. Look out for honeyeaters, wrens and other local birdlife perched in the Christmas bushes and tea tree plants.
Hallett Cove Boardwalk stretches along the coast and connects the park with the nearby town of Marino. It takes around two hours to complete the one-way section and offers stunning coastal views along the way.
Heron Way Reserve is popular with families and features a grassy foreshore, pebble beach and playgrounds for the kids. Relax in the sunshine, enjoy a picnic lunch and read the interpretive signs about indigenous culture. Paddleboard rentals are a fun way to cool off and admire the coastline from a different perspective.
On calm days, the submerged rocks around the base of Black Cliff are teeming with marine life, including colourful fish and sea urchins. If you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins and sea lions splashing offshore. Further down the coast is a family-friendly café with beautiful ocean views.
Getting around Hallett Cove
Hallett Cove is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The neighbourhood is a 30-minute drive from Adelaide’s city centre, while trains run between Hallett Cove Beach Station and the Adelaide CBD in around 45 minutes. Adelaide Airport is a 30-minute drive away.