Tennyson Dunes Discovery Trail at Tennyson โ Review
Youโll feel further away than the western suburbs when meandering through these ancient dunes … taking you direct to the beach!
by Carla Caruso
Iโve been wanting to check out Tennyson Beach for a while. So, when I was at a loose end one weekend, I found time to tick it off my bucket-list with the family.
Tennyson is one of Adelaideโs most expensive suburbs; tennis star Lleyton Hewittโs former mansion in West Lakes is nearby.
But on our agenda was a coastal hike, where we could breathe in lung-fulls of salty air and revel in the wonders of nature. So, off we went to check out the Tennyson Dunes Discovery Trail. It weaves through the Wara Wayingga-Tennyson Dunes Conservation Reserve โ a significant area for the Kaurna people.
The 1.5km walk gives sand-dwellers access to ancient dunes, which are the last of their kind along Adelaide’s coast. The dunes are vital in protecting the inland from storm-caused sea intrusions, and naturally erode and replenish over the seasons. (Elsewhere, we mimic this by physically replenishing our beaches to maintain the coastal lifestyle.)
The reserveโs situated 12km north-west of the CBD, near the historic Estcourt House. (The 1883 mansion was built for the Bucknall family, with a generous 17 rooms to accommodate 11 kids and eight servants. Itโs even listed on paranormal sites.)
The trail bypasses this mansion, along with other flashy beach pads, making it Adelaideโs answer to Mornington Peninsulaโs Millionairesโ Walk.
Before hitting the sand, revel in the abundant flora and fauna along the trail. Or, for more info while you stroll, download the Tennyson Dunes Discovery Trail audio app.
A volunteer conservation mob, the Tennyson Dunes Group, help to maintain the sanctuary.
There couldn’t be a better way to wind your way down to the beach!
What we like about Tennyson:
- The dunes are said to be the last true remnant of our metropolitan coastal plains, comprising 22ha of natural grass and shrub land. So, it offers something different from your average Adelaide beach.
- The 1.5km walking trail gives you more to do than just hitting the water, making for a fab outing.
- The beach is also popular for kayaking and fishing.
Things to consider:
- Wear beach-appropriate clothes and shoes, or bring spare clothing. The kids may get a little mucky and damp afterwards at the beach…
- Dogs are welcome at the reserve, but only on leads.
Coffee and food options nearby
Nearby West Lakes has a plethora of eateries including Cafรฉ Lago and Salted, or find other options at Westfield West Lakes.
Location:
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See our Top Parks & Playgrounds Around Adelaide here.
For more information, please visit the National Parks and Wildlife Service SAโs website.
What: Tennyson Dunes Discovery Trail
When: All day, every day
Where: Tennyson Dunes | Military Road, Tennyson
Who: Everyone
All photos by Carla Caruso & James Elsby for Play & Go Adelaide
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
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