Marion Coastal Walking Trail: With Keith Conlon in the Fleurieu Peninsula region of South Australia

Visit it the southern suburbs where the big houses of Marino and Hallet Cove cling to the cliff tops and you'll no doubt enjoy the fresh air and seascapes on offer. And now there's another way to enjoy it - the Marion Coastal Walking Trail which clings to the cliffs where the Mount Lofty Ranges meet the sea.

The beginning of the trail is marked by a 2006 sculpture called 'Contemplation'. It's quite appropriate really because it's about 'real and imagined' journeys. But as we set out on the boardwalk we soon realise there's nothing imagined about this walk. The twists, turns and thousands of steps are very real!

The trail is on Adelaide's doorstep between two well-known bookends. It begins at Kingston Park and meanders 8 kilometres along the coast to Hallett Cove. We begin at the Kingston Park end where the beach and caravan park are a year round treat. You can look back towards Glenelg and beyond to the white sandy beaches that stretch as far as Semaphore, 20 kilometres away.

But we turn our back on all that, head south and soon become adsorbed in the delights of a wonderfully sculptured edge of the mainland. There are lots of helpful signs telling us about the hardy plants and animals along the way. It wasn't long before we spotted the first of a number of dolphins riding the waves. The locals reckon they put on a show almost daily.

In the shadow of the houses that cling precariously to the cliffs the boardwalk twists and turns, rises and falls as it follows the shoreline contours. Luckily, it's well punctuated with plenty of strategically placed seats and lookouts - just the place for a brief spell. That's part of the trail's appeal - it's suitable for Sunday strollers, regular walkers and even fanatics.

We caught up with one keen jogger who was setting a cracking pace. "I do close to 20-thousand steps on my run," he boasted proudly. I left the running to him, preferring to take in the tangy sea air in more casual gulps!

A zig takes you in and a zag takes out again as the path follows the headlands and valleys of the shoreline. But there are plenty of rewards to be had like the view to die for Marino Rocks Cafe. What began as a fish and chip shop forty years ago is now a very welcome distraction.

"You'd be surprised how many people discover the cafe while walking," explained Jasmin. "They'll pop in for a chat, some have a serve of fish and chips or other meal and not finish the walk. Others have dessert and then they really need to walk."

Time to get back on the trail and not far along a little touch of adventure. A giant wooden stairway detours down the cliff to sea level where you can discover the marine scientist within. A little rock hopping uncovers an entire marine world in miniature. Or if rocks are your thing - the geology down here is truly amazing. Even on a nice day you get a sense of how strong the wave can be as you explore a rocky shelf that was once part of the cliffs above.

After successfully climbing back up to the boardwalk I continue further south with more twists and turns, dips and climbs… and around each bend a new view.

The trail currently ends at Hallett Cove headland but who knows - one day it might go beyond the landmark oil tanks of Port Stanvac.

As we rested at a little creek, complete with a small waterfall to watch the sunset we marvelled at the experience of the Marion Coastal Walking Trail. It covers eight kilometres between Kingston Park and Hallet Cove. It's well signposted and if you need a map call the City of Marion and they'll send one out.

Marion Coastal Walking Trail
Kingston - Hallett Cove
For a guide brochure call City of Marion
Ph 8375 6600