Witton Bluff Base Trail coastal boardwalk at Port Noarlunga now open to public

A stunning coastal boardwalk along some of Adelaide’s most remarkable seacliffs is now open to the public – see the video.

A $6.7m coastal boardwalk is now officially open in Adelaide’s south, offering breathtaking views of SA’s coastline.

The 1.1km Witton Bluff Base Trail is a 3m wide cycling and walking bridge from Port Noarlunga to the tip of the bluff.

Part of the 70km coastal path from North Haven to Sellicks Beach, stage one has now opened to the public allowing a walk along the foreshores of Port Noarlunga and Christies Beach. Work started in February.

Repairs have also kicked off on the existing sea wall to the north of the new boardwalk to help protect the cliff’s infrastructure from erosion and rising sea levels.

An upgrade of the existing path at the Christies Beach end of the bluff will complete the project.

The 1.1km Witton Bluff Base Trail coastal walk, which connects Port Noarlunga and Christies Beach, is now officially open.

The 1.1km Witton Bluff Base Trail coastal walk, which connects Port Noarlunga and Christies Beach, is now officially open.

The fully completed Witton Bluff Base Trail is expected to open to the public by mid-2025, providing access for people of all abilities.

It will include First Nations public art to recognise the cultural significance of the Onkaparinga coast to the Kaurna people and the Tjilbruke songline, thanks to a $250,000 state government grant

Onkaparinga’s 31km coastline forms almost half of the 70km Coast Park vision, with more than half of Onkaparinga’s Coast Park finished.

Onkaparinga mayor Moira Were said it was a major milestone for the residents, community groups and businesses who had called for an accessible shared-use path linking the beaches for years.

“This boardwalk will be a jewel in South Australia’s Coast Park trail, attracting locals and visitors alike, but equally important are the project’s focuses on minimising cultural heritage impacts, and future-proofing the bluff from climate change impacts,” she said.

Artist impression of the new Witton Bluff Base Trail. Picture: Supplied.

The 1.1km Witton Bluff Base Trail coastal walk, which connects Port Noarlunga and Christies Beach, is now officially open

The push for the trail began eight years ago, Reynella MP Katrine Hildyard said.

“The many people who attended community meetings, signed petitions and spoke to council can be so proud of their efforts to finally see our beautiful Christies and Port Noarlunga beaches connected,” she said.

Kaurna MP Chris Picton said: “I’ve been extremely passionate about this project from the beginning as I see the enormous benefits it will bring to the local community.”`

Federal Kingston MP Amanda Rishworth said the walking and cycling trail would attract tourists and create jobs in southern Adelaide.

“Restoring the sea wall will go a long way to improving safe access to the Witton Bluff Coastal Trail which is so important to bringing tourism and investment to Christies Beach and Port Noarlunga,” she said.