A Brief Coastal Climb to Panoramic Views of Rivoli Bay and the Southern Ocean
| Activity | Walking (Intermediate) |
| Distance | 0.42 kilometres |
| Duration | Approximately 6 to 10 minutes |
| Region | Limestone Coast |
| Accommodation | Camping, mid-range and premium options — See accommodation options |
| Start Point | 37 Cape Buffon Dr, Southend SA 5280 |
| End Point | 39 Cape Buffon Dr, Southend SA 5280 |
| Park Entry | Vehicle entry fees apply |
| Dogs Allowed | No |
Overview
Some of the best views in South Australia come at the end of the shortest walks, and the Willichum Lookout Hike is a perfect example. This brief climb of just 420 metres leads to an elevated viewing platform in the north-western corner of Canunda National Park, where the reward is a sweeping 360-degree panorama that takes in Rivoli Bay, the rugged limestone cliffs of the Limestone Coast, and the vast blue expanse of the Southern Ocean stretching to the horizon.
Canunda National Park is the second-largest coastal park in the south-east of South Australia, stretching 40 kilometres from Southend to Carpenter Rocks. It is a landscape of dramatic contrasts — towering limestone cliffs and sea stacks in the north give way to mobile sand dunes and long surf beaches in the south. The Willichum Lookout sits at the park’s northern end, near the small township of Southend, and offers one of the finest vantage points from which to take in the scale and beauty of this coastline.
The Walk
The trail begins off Cape Buffon Drive, near the Rainbow Rocks car park. A well-formed path leads uphill through low, dense coastal scrub — tea-tree, native grasses, and salt-tolerant shrubs that have been sculpted into low, windswept forms by the relentless onshore winds. The climb is short but steady, and within minutes the scrub falls away and the viewing platform comes into sight.
From the platform, the view is extraordinary. To the west, the Southern Ocean rolls in great white-capped swells against the base of the limestone cliffs. To the north, Rivoli Bay curves gently towards the township of Beachport, its calm waters a vivid contrast to the wild surf beyond the headland. Inland, the view extends across Lake Frome Conservation Park and the flat, green farmland that backs the coastline. On a clear day, the sense of space is immense — sky, ocean, and land stretching in every direction.
Canunda’s Coastal Heritage
Canunda National Park carries a deep cultural history. Evidence of the Boandik people, the traditional custodians of this stretch of coastline, can be seen throughout the park. The Boandik camped regularly along the coast, using its resources for food, shelter, and trade. Shell middens and other archaeological evidence speak to a long and sustained relationship between the people and this landscape.
The park’s ecological diversity is equally impressive. The northern section, where the Willichum Lookout sits, is characterised by dramatic limestone cliffs, offshore reefs, and sea stacks that provide nesting habitat for seabirds. Ospreys, white-bellied sea eagles, and Pacific gulls are commonly seen along the clifftops. The southern section of the park is dominated by mobile sand dunes and expansive surf beaches that attract surfers, anglers, and four-wheel drivers.
Extending Your Visit
The Willichum Lookout Hike is short enough to combine with other walks in the park. The nearby Seaview Hike follows the cliff edge south from Rainbow Rocks, offering dramatic views of the coastline from a different angle. The Cape Buffon Walk is a longer option that explores the most rugged section of the northern cliffs. For a completely different experience, the 40-kilometre beach drive along Geltwood Beach (4WD only) traverses the full length of the park through dunes and along the surf line.
Planning Your Visit
Canunda National Park is located approximately 18 kilometres north-west of Millicent, or around 428 kilometres south-east of Adelaide. The northern and central sections of the park are accessible by 2WD. Facilities are basic — there are no toilets or water at the Willichum Lookout trailhead, so come prepared. The park is closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger. Stay on the marked trail at all times, as the limestone cliffs may be undercut and could collapse near the edges.
The Willichum Lookout Hike proves that a memorable walk doesn’t need to be long. In less than ten minutes, it lifts you above the coastal scrub to a viewpoint that captures the full drama of the Limestone Coast — crashing waves, ancient cliffs, and a horizon that seems to stretch forever.
Where to Stay
Planning an overnight trip? See our Limestone Coast Accommodation Guide for the best places to stay near this trail.