Witton Bluff Base trail construction beginning ‘late February’, council confirms

A date has been set for work to start on a $6.7m coastal walkway around some of Adelaide’s most stunning beach landscapes.

Artist impression of the new Witton Bluff Base Trail that will begin construction at the end of the month. Picture: Supplied.

A start date has been revealed for work on one of the most anticipated developments in Adelaide south, a coastal path around the Witton Bluff Base Trail

Work will start later this month, with construction of a $6.7m coastal boardwalk - joint funded by council and the state government - soon connecting Christies Beach to Port Noarlunga by mid-2025.

The project is estimated to generate $3.8m through construction in addition to $4.66m per annum through visitor spend.

An artist impression of the new Witton Bluff Base Trail, which was approved to begin construction in early 2024. Picture: Supplied.

The council said that while there was already an informal path around the base of Witton Bluff from Christies Beach, the new trail would “seal and improve disability access to the path”.

“It will also extend it via a new elevated 3m-wide boardwalk above the existing wave cut shelf, which will continue around the base of the bluff through to Port Noarlunga,” a spokesperson said.

Witton Bluff, Port Noarlunga. Picture: Supplied.

The upgraded trail will become part of the state government’s ‘Coast Park’ vision, a project birthed in 2003 aimed at constructing a 70km shared-used path linking North Haven to Sellicks Beach.

“City of Onkaparinga’s 31km coastline makes up almost half of this vision,” the spokesperson said. “To date, more than half (17.8km) has been delivered.”

An artist impression of the Witton Bluff Base Trail. Picture: Onkaparinga Council

The boat ramp will be closed during construction, however emergency services will still have access. Picture: Supplied

The council said the trail would provide access to quality public space for both residents and visitors, among other things.

“(We want to) showcase the remarkable scenery, geology, heritage, and natural beauty of the Christies Beach and Port Noarlunga coastlines,” the spokesperson said.

Construction will be undertaken during the hours of 7am and 5:30pm Monday to Saturday, resulting in full closure of the boat ramp with exception to emergency services.