Marino Rocks Boardwalk
A spectacular coastal walk featuring dramatic cliffs, ancient geological wonders, and breathtaking ocean views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Marino Rocks Boardwalk
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A spectacular coastal walk featuring dramatic cliffs, ancient geological wonders, and breathtaking ocean views.
"Adelaide's best walk with dramatic cliffs, ocean views, and changing light making every walk different. "
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The boardwalk has steps and some rocky paths. Good walking shoes are a must!
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera or phone for stunning coastal shots, especially at sunrise/sunset.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grey Gully Bridge
Hallett Cove Conservation Park
An epic suspension bridge soaring over coastal cliffs, offering panoramic ocean views.
Geological Wonders
Hallett Cove Conservation Park
Discover ancient glacial pavements and layered rock formations telling a story millions of years old.
Coastal Cliffs & Ocean Views
Marino Rocks Boardwalk
Dramatic cliffs meet crashing waves, providing spectacular scenery and a chance to spot marine life.
Boatshed Cafe
Hallett Cove
A charming cafe with beachfront views, perfect for a post-walk coffee or meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The boardwalk has steps and some rocky paths. Good walking shoes are a must!
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera or phone for stunning coastal shots, especially at sunrise/sunset.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially on warmer days. There are cafes, but it's good to have your own.
🚗 Plan Your Parking
Parking can be tricky. Arrive early or consider parking at either end of the boardwalk.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The boardwalk has steps and some rocky paths. Good walking shoes are a must!
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera or phone for stunning coastal shots, especially at sunrise/sunset.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially on warmer days. There are cafes, but it's good to have your own.
🚗 Plan Your Parking
Parking can be tricky. Arrive early or consider parking at either end of the boardwalk.
🐬 Look for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for dolphins and seabirds along the coast.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Marino Rocks Boardwalk, calling it one of Adelaide's most stunning coastal walks, even better than Mount Lofty. The dramatic cliffs, ocean views, and unique geological features are consistently praised, making it ideal for photographers and fitness enthusiasts alike. Some note that parking can be limited and the walk involves steps, but the overall experience is highly recommended for its natural beauty and healing atmosphere.
"Excellent board walk along the rugged coastline of the Hallett Cove Conservation Park. There are a few spots along the way where you can venture down towards the water. The views are stunning 😍.
This board walk is also part of the Marion coastal trail, which is about 7 km long.
There is interpretive signage along the route describing the park's cultural and geological heritage, including evidence of an Australian ice-age some 280 million years ago 😳."
Emmy Silvius
"Highly recommend walk for photographers or fitness ,not too busy, not too strenuous but plenty of fantastic natural sites along the way. We looked at Google Maps before we went to find out where to park so that we can start at one end and return back we ended up doing a 5 km loop.
Do not there’s not many places to park ."
john mitchell
"We walk here often—it’s easily one of Adelaide’s most stunning coastal walks. In fact, I’d go so far as to say it’s Adelaide’s best walk (yes, much better than Mount Lofty in my opinion). The dramatic cliffs, ocean views, and changing light make every walk a bit different.
I recommend starting your journey at either The Nest Café or Marino Rocks Café—both offer a great pre-walk coffee and a good vibe to kick things off. From there, follow the well-maintained boardwalk as it winds along the coast. At a moderate pace, it’ll take you about an hour to reach Hallett Cove’s Boatshed Café.
The scenery along the way is spectacular: rugged cliffs, crashing waves, sea birds, and on a clear day, sweeping views of the Gulf. It’s great for photographers, nature lovers, or anyone just needing a bit of headspace.
Once you reach the Boatshed Café, grab a coffee or a smoothie, then take some time to explore the area behind the café. You’ll find some of the region’s most fascinating geological features—ancient glacial pavements, clay formations, and layered rock that tell a story millions of years old.
Perfect for a weekend stroll, a catch-up walk with friends, or even a peaceful solo outing. Just bring water, decent shoes, and maybe a windbreaker if it’s breezy."
Kayne (Kano La La)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Marino Rocks Boardwalk is about a 30-minute drive south of Adelaide. You can also take public transport; look for bus routes that service Hallett Cove or Marino.
Parking can be limited. Popular starting points with parking include near The Nest Cafe or Marino Rocks Cafe at one end, and the Boatshed Cafe at the Hallett Cove end.
Yes, several bus routes service the areas near the boardwalk. Check local Adelaide transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
The boardwalk is part of the Marion Coastal Trail, which is approximately 7-8 km long, stretching between Marino and Hallett Cove. You can do shorter loops as well.
While the boardwalk is primarily for walking, cyclists may use some sections of the broader Marion Coastal Walkway. Check local signage for specific restrictions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Marino Rocks Boardwalk and Hallett Cove Conservation Park is free.
The boardwalk is open 24/7 as it's a public coastal path. However, cafes and facilities will have their own operating hours.
There is no admission fee to enter Hallett Cove Conservation Park or use the boardwalk.
No booking is required to access and walk the Marino Rocks Boardwalk.
The new suspension bridges, part of a significant upgrade, have recently opened to the public. +1
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The boardwalk features well-maintained paths, but also includes steps, stairs, and some rocky sections. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Restroom facilities are available at some of the cafes and designated rest areas along the Marion Coastal Trail.
Yes, it's a great walk for families. However, supervise children closely due to the coastal cliffs and uneven terrain.
Dogs are generally permitted on the coastal trails but must be kept on a leash. Always check local council regulations for specific rules.
You might spot seabirds, and if you're lucky, dolphins or whales offshore. The park also has unique geological features.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several cafes, including the popular Boatshed Cafe at Hallett Cove and Marino Rocks Cafe. +1
Cafes offer coffee, smoothies, light meals, and some have more extensive menus. Marino Rocks Cafe offers Asian Fusion and Modern Australian cuisine.
There are scenic spots along the boardwalk where you can enjoy a picnic. Remember to take all your rubbish with you.
Many visitors enjoy a coffee or meal before or after their walk at one of the nearby cafes.
Marino Rocks Cafe is open for lunch and dinner most days, with extended hours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with stunning sunrises and sunsets.
The Grey Gully Bridge, the rugged coastal cliffs, and the unique geological formations are highly photogenic.
Drone usage is subject to regulations. Always check with local authorities and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) before flying a drone.
Look for the dramatic rock formations, the crashing waves against the cliffs, and panoramic ocean vistas.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views, and a telephoto lens can be useful for spotting wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the coastal cliffs require supervision, the well-maintained paths and the chance to spot seabirds or even dolphins make it engaging for children. Pack snacks and water, and consider a shorter loop if needed. The cafes at either end also offer kid-friendly options.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
Aim for the golden hours of sunrise and sunset for the most dramatic lighting. The Grey Gully Bridge offers a striking architectural element against the natural landscape. Don't forget to look out for marine life and seabirds for dynamic wildlife photography.
🏃 Fitness Enthusiasts
Many visitors use this route for their fitness walks or runs. The stunning scenery provides excellent motivation, and the ability to do loops or out-and-back walks allows for customizable training sessions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Marion Coastal Walkway: An 8km Adventure
The walkway is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, featuring dramatic rock formations, ancient geological sites, and sweeping ocean views. It's a popular route for both locals and tourists looking for an invigorating walk with plenty of photo opportunities. The trail is well-signed, making it easy to navigate, though some sections can be challenging due to steps and uneven terrain.
Whether you're an avid hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, the Marion Coastal Walkway offers a rewarding experience. You can choose to walk the entire length or opt for shorter sections, such as the boardwalk itself, which provides a concentrated dose of coastal splendor.
Geological and Cultural Heritage
Interpretive signage along the boardwalk provides fascinating insights into the park's heritage, explaining the significance of these natural wonders. Visitors can learn about the area's Aboriginal cultural heritage as well, adding another layer of depth to the experience.
This blend of natural beauty and historical significance makes the Marino Rocks Boardwalk more than just a scenic walk; it's an educational journey through time. It's a place where you can connect with the ancient past while enjoying the vibrant present-day coastal environment.
Dining with a View: Cafes and Eateries
Further along, Marino Rocks Cafe provides a different culinary experience, specializing in Asian Fusion and Modern Australian cuisine. With daily sunsets visible from their location, it's an ideal place for a dinner with a view.
Both cafes are frequently mentioned by visitors as great starting or ending points for their coastal adventures. These dining options enhance the overall experience, allowing visitors to combine a refreshing walk with delicious food and drinks, all while soaking in the spectacular coastal vistas.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit