Adelaide welcomes Witton Bluff Base Trail, a brand-new accessible track that follows the coast between two popular beaches.
A new 1.1-kilometre coastal walk has just opened along Adelaide’s shoreline, hugging the base of Witton Bluff. Witton Bluff Base Trail is a three-metre-wide track that is fully accessible, with level surfaces, fencing and solar lighting. The trail connects Christies Beach to Port Noarlunga, just one part of the state’s plan for a 70-kilometre shared-use coastal path that will stretch from North Haven to Sellicks Beach.
Witton Bluff Base Trail is a 1.1km accessible walk that takes in sweeping sea views. (Image: City of Onkaparinga)
The $9.3 million project also included major coastal protection works, with more than 20,000 tonnes of rock installed to strengthen the seawall. These measures are designed to safeguard the cliffs against climate change, erosion and sea-level rise for decades to come.
The coastal trail connects two popular beaches in Adelaide. (Image: City of Onkaparinga)
“This [path] has been a desire for decades," said Chris Picton, Minister for Health and Wellbeing of South Australia. “The path is a shared-use trail that locals and visitors alike will be able to enjoy our coastline on."
The more accessible trails for use, the better. We can’t wait to check this one out firsthand.
Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
Once a service town for gold miners, Healesville has evolved into a destination brimming with character.
If you trace your finger to the heart of the Yarra Valley on a map, you’ll land on Healesville – a charming little town framed by towering gums and rolling hills. Its main street is lined with cosy cafes, a bookshop, silversmiths, boutiques and a providore stacked with artisan breads and cured meats. In other words, all the essentials for a leisurely weekend. Just beyond the shops, parklands invite picnics, bush trails suggest a wander, along with an old tourist railway, distilleries and award-winning vineyards. Originally a service centre for the goldfields, the railway soon brought visitors seeking fresh mountain air. Today, it’s the kind of place that rewards a slow stroll.
Staying in Healesville
Inside one of the cosy villas.
If sweeping mountain views are part of your accommodation prerequisite, Healesvillas are two architecturally designed villas sleeping six guests, complete with landscaped al fresco areas and a fire pit. Wander into town to visit Cheesemonger Sophie to help craft the perfect platter, and Barrique Wine Store for a local red, before returning to soak up the views.
Dining out in Healesville
No.7 offers small plates and tasting menus centred on seasonal produce. (Image: Ben Frazer)
For breakfast, head to My Little Kitchen Cafe , a cheerful spot on the main street known for its strong coffee and warm hospitality. Herd is a low-lit spot with serious style, serving up modern comfort food, or to sit beside wine barrels and underneath chandeliers head to No. 7 Healesville , a wine bar and restaurant in a converted warehouse.
Drinking in Healesville
Enjoy a cocktail at renowned Four Pillars Gin Distillery. (Image: LVDI)
Take a tour or sip your way through a tasting paddle at one of Australia’s most famous gin distilleries, Four Pillars Gin . If visiting a boutique winery is on the list, Boat O’Craigo wines has sweeping views over the vineyards to the hills beyond. The newest addition to the local drinking scene, Zoncello Yarra Valley serves a must-try Limoncello Spritz.
Boutique winery Boat O’Craigo. (Image: Rob Blackburn)
Healesville highlights
If you’re after a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery, Silvermist Studio designs beautifully unique pieces. Lifestyle store Morris et al is filled with women’s fashion and homewares, and because everyone deserves a good book, Verso Books is a cosy independent bookshop with carefully chosen titles.
Head to Healesville Sanctuary to get up close to some of Australia’s wildlife. If the weather is on your side, pack a picnic and head to Maroondah Reservoir Park to climb the steep dam wall, where kids and adults alike can’t resist testing out the booming echo. And if you feel like stepping back in time, board a vintage train at the Yarra Valley Railway .
Step back in time at the Puffing Billy Railway. (Image: Visit Victoria)
