Witton Bluff Base Trail complete!
Published on 23 August 2025
It’s open! The much-anticipated Witton Bluff Base Trail – linking 2 of Adelaide’s most iconic beaches – is now complete, with visitors and locals flocking to the dramatic coastal path today to experience it for the first time.
Stage 1 of the project – a 420-metre boardwalk from Port Noarlunga to the tip of the bluff – was completed in December 2024. Today’s official stage 2 opening celebrated the upgrade of the bluff’s ageing seawall and the final 660-metre stretch of asphalt path connecting the end of the boardwalk with Christies Beach.
City of Onkaparinga CEO Phu Nguyen said the project provides a stunning and accessible new place for the community to stay active.
“It also boosts a thriving local economy and tourism by linking and supporting businesses in two of our city’s premier coastal destinations, and it helps future-proof the coastline and its assets from the impacts of climate change,” he said.
The 1.1km trail’s completion adds another breathtaking section to the state government’s broader Coast Park vision for a 70km shared-use coastal path from North Haven to Sellicks Beach.
About 19 kilometres of this shared-use path has now been completed in Onkaparinga (along the council region’s 31-kilometre coastline), including an uninterrupted length of trail from O’Sullivan Beach to Moana.
Stage 2’s asphalt path upgrade includes fencing and solar lighting, while the raised and reshaped seawall – which involved the installation of more than 20,000 tonnes of rock – was completed to ensure the cliffs and their infrastructure are protected from climate change, erosion and sea-level rise impacts for many years to come.
The $9.3 million project was completed thanks to funding from the City of Onkaparinga ($3.8m), the state government’s Department for Housing and Urban Development (DHUD, $3.47m), the Australian Government’s Disaster Ready Fund ($1.2m), the state government’s Coast Protection Board ($600,000) and a state government election commitment for a First Nations public art project championed by local members, Chris Picton and Katrine Hildyard ($250,000).
State Member for Kaurna, Chris Picton MP, said the trail's completion was "wonderfully exciting".
"This has been a desire for decades and I want to thank all the community who joined us together in calling for this upgrade," he said.
"This is a testament to what we have been able to achieve together. The path is a three-metre wide accessible shared-use path that locals and visitors alike will be able to enjoy our coastline on and promotes physical activity and local businesses.
"All three levels of government have worked together on this project, and I want to thank my colleagues Katrine Hilldyard, Amanda Rishworth and Mayor Moira Were."
State Member for Reynell, Katrine Hildyard MP, said the trail would "bring more people to our stunning area’s local businesses and makes our Coast Park vision a reality".
"The path’s completion along our magnificent coast exemplifies strong vision and collaboration and is the culmination of years of advocacy by our community, really strongly supported by myself, Chris Picton and Amanda Rishworth," she said.
"I thank every community member who came to community meetings, signed petitions and tirelessly spoke up for this accessible way for everyone to enjoy our stunning coast. I thank Kaurna leaders for their guidance and wisdom and the artists who teach us and share stories through their creativity along the path."
Federal Member for Kingston, Amanda Rishworth, said the $1.2 million seawall upgrade would ensure the bluff stands the test of time.
"As the local federal member, I’ve been fighting alongside local residents, businesses and the broader community, collecting over a thousand signatures on petitions and community meetings to make sure the Witton Bluff coastal trail linking Christies Beach and Port Noarlunga, is built," she said.
"Linking the south’s stunning coastline with a walking and cycling trail will attract more people to southern Adelaide bringing tourism and investment to Christies Beach and Port Noarlunga."
Christies Beach business owner, Alex Fores from The Macaron Bar, spruiked the benefits the trail would have on the region.
“We are so excited for the new trail to open – it’s the perfect addition to showcase everything our vibrant Christies Beach community has to offer and will encourage more people to explore and enjoy the local area,” she said.
Matt Roy, Director of nearby wood oven pizza and sports lounge Portal 58, also celebrated the impacts the Witton Bluff Base Trail would have on Christies Beach and Port Noarlunga.
"We have such a beautiful coast, with the trail to showcase and complement the two suburbs, lifting the experience for residents, businesses and tourists," he said.
"With the extensive options for people to eat, drink and play, the trail displays the investment to bring the area closer to its full potential. The community has been looking forward to this being completed as we are set to enjoy the summer very shortly."
The City of Onkaparinga is keen to hear what you think of the trail after your visit! Head to the council’s Your Say page – or scan the QR code on the trail signage – to answer 2 questions about the trail and share your best photos. The council will share the top shots with the community on social media.
First Nations artwork
Two Tjilbruke Dreaming Track Message Sticks will be installed along the trail in October as living cultural markers, honouring the deep cultural significance of the Onkaparinga coast and the Tjilbruke songline.
These state government-funded works have been created by Karl Winda Telfer, Senior Kaurna Man and lead designer, who now carries the Tjilbruke story with strength and integrity.
This cultural obligation was handed down to Karl by his late mother, Georgina Yambo Williams, who laid cultural markers (cairns) over the country in the early 1980s.
Through his guidance, the message sticks embody the dreaming and the cultural authority of the Tjilbruke songline over land, sea and sky Country.