The long-awaited bridges spanning deep valleys along the Marion Coastal Walkway north of Hallett Cove are now open, and they provide a spectacular scenic walk.
Review by Claire Davill
The new coastal walkway bridges were officially opened by Premier of South Australia, Hon Peter Malinauskas MP and City of Marion Mayor Kris Hanna on 3 August 2024. The entire Marion Coastal Walk extends from Marino to the Hallett Cove Headland but if you start just north of the new bridges, you can walk south to Hallett Cove Beach and back for a return trip of around 5km, taking you through Hallett Cove Conservation Park.
If you just want to check out the bridges, you can start from the north or south and view both bridges and return in under 2km.
To access the northern bridge (Grey Gully Bridge) park on Grey Road or Kooraweera Street, Hallett Cove, and walk down to the pathway from the end of Grey Road.
To access the southern bridge (Kurnabinna Gully Bridge) park on the Esplanade north of Peera Street, Hallett Cove.
The bridges and linking pathways provide spectacular views from the cliff tops to the ocean. We spotted a couple of distant dolphins when we visited. There are plenty of spots to stop and take photos, and benches along the way if you need a rest.
Things to Consider:
- The bridges have not removed the need for steps entirely – there are still steps at either side of both bridges, and there are elevation changes with steps along the trail. Access to the bridges is not stroller or wheelchair friendly.
- The trail surface includes a mix of sealed pathway, smooth dirt pathway and metal/wooden boardwalks.
- The bridges are very robust, with high guard rails and solid mesh flooring. They are not “swing” bridges.
- That said, if there are a lot of people on the bridges, you might feel a slight swaying motion. People who do not enjoy this sensation might want to give the bridges a miss.
- The fencing along the trail is very good near the bridges, but some sections only contain a few wires. As this is a cliff-top walk, you’ll need to keep a close on eye on little ones at all times.
Trailhead and Parking Options and Distances:
- Grey Road/Kooraweera Street to Kurnabinna Gully Bridge and return – 2km
- The Esplanade north of Peera Street to Grey Gully Bridge and return – 2km
- Grey Road/Kooraweera Street to the Boatshed Cafe, Hallett Cove Beach and return – 5km*
- Boatshed Cafe carpark to Grey Gully Bridge and return – 5km*
*Read our review of the Hallett Cove Conservation Park section of this walk
Take a look at the view from above thanks to Caleb Pierre from Drone and Video Adelaide:
Location:
Access via Grey Road, The Esplanade, or walk from the Boatshed Cafe, Hallett Cove.
Parking:
There is parking available at the Boatshed Cafe and in the side streets around Grey Road and The Esplanade. There is also the Hallett Cove Train station nearby and bus stops along The Cove Road. Please be considerate of the local community when parking on the nearby side streets.
A public toilet is located at Fryer Street Reserve and Heron Way Reserve.
The Heron Way Reserve Playground is on the foreshore, just south of the Boatshed (within walking distance).
For more information and all enquiries please visit the City of Marion website
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.
Image Source: photos by Play & Go Adelaide 2024
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