Places in Adelaide: The Whispering Wall

The Whispering Wall, Adelaide.

The Whispering wall is the retaining wall of the Barossa Reservoir. There are bushes, a wall and a lot of water.

Why the hell would I want to visit a dam Jeffrey?

Well before you write it off, the Whispering wall is actually a big attraction in Adelaide that a lot of people don’t know about. Why is it so appealing?

Let’s say you got really drunk one weekend and accidently hooked up with your best friends ex, ex-boyfriend, and you want to tell her but you’re too nervous. What if she punches you? Well dear friend, take her to the whispering wall, get her to stand on one side of the dam and you stand on the other side, a whole 100meters away. Because of the dam’s unique acoustic effects, words whispered at one end can be clearly heard at the other. Problem solved. You can tell her what you did, and she won’t be able to push you into the dam because you’re 100meters away!

And really she can’t be angry; you drove her all the way out here, took her on a lovely picnic in the hills, enjoyed the beautiful Australian landscape, saw a kangaroo or two and spoke to each other through a wall. You’re forgiven.

Ok so maybe you could have just called her, but this way is much more fun. The Whispering wall is a great place to visit because it makes you feel like a kid again. Running up and down the dam, whispering things into the wall, having a full on conversation with whoevers at the other end, giggling, “haha helloooo, I can hear you, I’m talking through a brick wall.”

It’s a good laugh, and good place to take kids or adults who still act like kids.

So next time you’re in the Barossa Valley region, head to Williamstown where on the outskirts you’ll find the Whispering Wall.


-Giselle

Marion Coastal Trail

Hallett Cove Trail: Photo by Giselle Bueti

 

If you live in Adelaide there is no doubt you’ve either attempted Mt Lofty or heard about its relentless trail. Mt Lofty is just one of many scenic trails in Adelaide that will test your fitness and make you feel like you’re about to die.

 

If you’re looking for something different and just as challenging (or just as painful), then give the Marion Coastal Walking trail a go. Its a 7.2km trail that stretches between Hallett Cove beach and Marion Rocks.

Its slightly easier then Mt Lofty because it’s not as steep, however it runs along cliffs faces and sporadically goes from up to down to flat. And the stairs are a bitch.

The landscape is absolutely worth the pain though. It kinda feels like you’re running along side the edge of the world, because if you look to your side there’s nothing but open sea that stretches off into the never ending distance. And if you’re lucky you might even see a whale, seal or a shark as you’re gasping for air.

So if you’re looking for a tough work out or even just a ‘nice’ stroll along the South Coast of Adelaide, then give the Marion Coastal Walking trail a go.

Tips:

• Bring a water bottle
• Give yourself time- it might take a while depending on your fitness
• If you’re afraid of heights it does get a bit scary in certain sections but then again that could just be me being a pussy.
• Challenge yourself and run up the stairs- your calves will hurt for days.
• Start from Hallett Cove Beach, just because it’s really pretty there.

-Giselle