Just 23 km south of Adelaide, Hallett Cove Beach combines a stunning rocky shoreline with easy shore-entry snorkeling over shallow rock pools and deeper reef ledges. The site sits within the Encounter Marine Park and adjoins the Hallett Cove Conservation Park, famous for its ice-age geological heritage. Snorkelers float above a mix of sand and weed-covered rock shelves, peering into intertidal pools teeming with colorful reef fish. The calm, protected waters make this a go-to spot for families and beginners, while more experienced snorkelers can explore the deeper edges of the reef. Dolphins and eagle rays are occasional highlights, and the adjoining park offers boardwalks, interpretive signage, and grassy picnic areas.
Hallett Cove Beach
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 3.0 sWind Speed 1.2 knPrecipitation 15 mmTidal Phase ebb
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: Rocky shoreline entry
The shore has scattered rocks and boulders; care needed when entering and exiting the water, especially at lower tides.
Low risk: Variable sea conditions
Wind from the south-west can chop up the surface and reduce visibility; check the forecast before heading out.
Low risk: Outgoing tide current
An outgoing tide can create gentle currents near the reef edges that may drift snorkelers away from their entry point.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
1 photo from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Located 23 km south of Adelaide CBD. Take the Southern Expressway and exit at Hallett Cove / Trott Park, then follow signage to the Hallett Cove Conservation Park beachfront.
Parking & facilities
Council-owned car park at the south end of Hallett Cove Conservation Park with 2 accessible parking bays. Street parking also available nearby.
toiletsparkingpicnic_tablesdrinking_water
Free entry. No parking fees.
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Gallery ┬╖ 1 photos
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports