Hallett Cove

With the sun finally peeking out from behind the clouds, we decided to go exploring. Just 22km south of Adelaide (it's accessible by public transport) is Hallett Cove Conservation Park. The park is pretty significant geologically speaking, as it still bears the record of its formation by an ice age 280 million years ago, and culturally, due to the Aboriginal artefacts discovered here. Basically we thought it sounded cool.

We packed our bags with water, snacks and sun cream and jumped on the bus that followed the curve of the ocean as it swept against the shore. 

Doesn't that water just cry out for someone to jump in it?

We started at the Southern end of the park where you can find a huge grassy picnic area and a little cafe - perfect if you're making a day of it!

Looking out over the already pretty amazing view we had a tim tam each before joining the walking trail.

We started at The Sugar Loaf - aptly named as it looks like a big lump of sugar.

You see the layers of red and white rock? Well that was what was on the bottom of the great glacial meltwater lake which covered this area millions of years ago. Pretty cool, hey?

After a moment or two marvelling at the rocks (I know, we're nerds) we continued on into the Amphitheatre...

...to take Ice Age selfies. Of course. Duh.

Coming up from the Amphitheatre we continued the trail along the cliff tops.

The ocean was so calm and incredibly clear. It would be the perfect spot for a snorkel!

Just look at that and tell me you don't want to take a dip.

Before long we came to the end of the Hallet Cove trail. We'd planned just to spend the day there but with such amazing views and snacks for days we thought we'd see how far we could walk along the edge of the land. So we joined the Kaurna Coastal trail. FYI: Kaurna are the Indigenous peoples of Adelaide and maintain strong cultural links with this area in particular. All along the way are signs indicating the flora and fauna that can be spotted and their aboriginal names and meanings.

Not long into this part of the trail, we noticed some extremely steep steps down to the 'beach'. We looked at the stairs with hesitation but the thought of having to walk back up them again didn't put us off and we headed down for a spot of rock pooling. 

After a little paddle, spotting some teeny tiny fish and nearly dropping all my worldly possessions into the incoming tide, we huffed and puffed to the top of the stairs only to be greeted by one of the best things I have ever seen.

Game time: Spot the sea lions.

Right at the bottom just before the rocks, you might be able to make out two little black shapes. It's a terrible picture, I know, but those little black shapes that could be mistaken for snorkelers are two sea lions splashing about, playing with each other in the mid day sun. You absolutely cannot beat seeing wildlife having a bit of down time in their natural habitat. Absolutely magical.

Once we'd finally dragged ourselves from that beautiful moment we soldiered on noticing the sandy beach of Brighton getting closer and closer. 

Several hours after we'd intended to stop, we kicked off our shoes and commemorated Jess's trip in the sand and with an ice cream, obviously. 

We couldn't bring ourselves to stop just there though and we continued the walk along the beach to Glenelg with ice cream dripping down our chins.

5kms later and we were ordering a feast to celebrate our efforts.

A wonderful way to spend a Friday!

P.S. that little gold phone on the table has finally died after about 6 years meaning I've upgraded and finally entered the world of instagram. So if you fancy keeping up to date with life as a travelling dreamer, give me a follow on beci_td!