Hallett Cove Conservation Park

 
This 51 hectare Park is an environmental refuge within suburban Adelaide, where visitors can marvel at the evidence of millions of years of sedimentation in the eroded landscape, while taking in dramatic coastal vistas.

This is one of Australia’s most outstanding geological sites, recording an ice age that occurred some 280 million years ago, and its importance as a geological monument is internationally recognised. It is frequently used as a field study destination for geology, geography and environmental studies students.

The Park conserves remnant native flora and has been successfully revegetated. It is a refuge for native birds, reptiles and the occasional koala, and is used for scientific research. To protect this natural environment and its inhabitants pets are prohibited.

Why are dogs and cats not allowed in conservation parks? It is instinctive for them to chase and catch lizards, which then die from their injuries. Those lizards are vital to the balance of nature in the park. They eat the feral white snails that ringbark and kill native saltbush.

Ground-nesting birds, like quails and plovers, will not nest where dogs have left their scent. Also, sea birds need to de-salt along the coast where there is a fresh water source without being harassed.

Coastal indigenous plants have evolved in low-nutrient soils, and so dog and cat faeces and urine are detrimental to native plant growth. It also inhibits the plants by promoting the growth of invasive weeds.

Before European colonisation, the Park area was inhabited by Aboriginal groups for thousands of years and archaeological research has yielded more than 1,700 Aboriginal artefacts, now housed in the SA Museum.

Since colonisation in 1836, and until 1976, the land had been used for farming and grazing. Now it is popular with walkers, nature-lovers and tourists. The rocky beach is suitable for swimming and diving. Spear-fishing is prohibited.

The Park is easily accessed by train, and car parking is available at the northern and southern entrances. Walking trails are shown on the interpretive panels at each entrance.

Further information on the Park is available from the South Australian Department of Environment and Natural Resources Adelaide and Central Hills District Office, tel.(61 8) 8130 9051 and by reading the books mentioned throughout the website.
 
Printable brochure (click here)
 
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