Cormorant Drive Reserve, Hallett Cove

Following a naming competition, our Diprotodon-themed climbing structure, aka 'Giant Wombat' has been named by our community Wartu (Kaurna word for wombat).

Listen to the sound bite below to see how you correctly pronounce, Wartu.

A new local level playground and reserve upgrade has been installed at Cormorant Drive, Hallett Cove. The upgrade was opened in July 2023.

This reserve has an interesting history with a Diprotodon (Giant Wombat) fossil remains found here in 1992. This Australian megafauna was the world’s largest marsupial and lived between 150,000-10,000 years ago.

The upgraded reserve now includes:

• Diprotodon sculpture climb
• Diprotodon sandpit and fossil dig
• Hill slide
• Swings
• Megafauna interactive search and find game
• Nature play rocks and logs
• Extension of asphalt path with footprint art
• New picnic table and bench seat
• Drinking fountain
• New trees and shrubs have been added
• New wayfinding signage

The design was informed by community engagement which occurred during November / December 2021.

There is no toilet at this reserve, the closest one is at the Hallett Cove foreshore.

The southern side of Cormorant Drive Reserve is an idyllic river setting with large established trees and remnant indigenous vegetation.

From the entrance on Cormorant Drive, walk along the eastern side through two imposing gate-way gum trees, and you will find a plaque that marks the site where Diprotodon fossils were found in 1992.

Further along, across the bridge, a large River Red Gum greets you and, to the left, the clearing is an ideal place to enjoy a quiet picnic. The sound of the river gurgles and there is abundant bird life.

At the end of the reserve is a plaque to the Green Corps crew who helped restore the area and there are two mosaics.

Find out more about the history and environment of the Field River on our website: Field River.

A community landcare group was established in 2006 to protect and care for the lower portion of the Field River and its environs. You can find out more on their website: Friends of the Lower Field River.

The nouthern side of Cormorant Drive Reserve is the mouth of the Field River as it flows out to sea.

A hard-surfaced path takes you to the beach where you can take a moment on the seats overlooking the view and smell the ocean.

Although there are no toilets at Cormorant Drive Reserve it's a lovely walk from the mouth of the river, along the beach to Heron Way Reserve (250 metres, 5 minutes).