Starting from the car park off Jagger Road, Encounter Bay, this walk takes you on a circuit around The Bluff via The Bluff Summit Walk. The Bluff, also known as Rosetta Head, is an iconic geological formation on the southern edge of Victor Harbor, offering stunning views of this picturesque coastal region. The headland is part of the Dreamtime stories of the Ngarrindjeri people. During the 1800s, it was used for whaling and mining. Between May and November, southern right whales can be spotted in the surrounding waters, which are popular for recreational diving, while the wharf is used for fishing. There are many large granite boulders at the summit, as well as a plaque commemorating the encounter between Matthew Flinders and Nicolas Baudin in 1802. This short walk winds along the coastline, ascending to the summit before looping back down, providing panoramic views of Victor Harbor, Granite Island, West Island, Wright Island, Seal Rock and the rugged cliffs to the west. This loop consists of gravel paths and walking trails, with some short steep hills and uneven natural surfaces, suitable for average fitness levels. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Torrens Street and drive for another 550 m
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Victoria Street and drive for another 870 m
At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Bay Road and drive for another 1.8 km
Turn right onto Tabernacle Road and drive for another 70 m
Keep left onto Tabernacle Road and drive for another 60 m
Keep left onto Tabernacle Road and drive for another 45 m
Turn slight left onto Waitpinga Road and drive for another 760 m
Turn left onto Whalers Road and drive for another 1.4 km
Turn right onto Franklin Parade and drive for another 160 m
At roundabout, take exit 1 onto Franklin Parade and drive for another 480 m
Turn right onto Solway Crescent and drive for another 75 m
Turn left onto Investigator Crescent and drive for another 260 m
Turn left onto Jagger Road and drive for another 20 m
Turn sharp right and drive for another 740 m
Turn left and drive for another 20 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the car park off Jagger Road, Encounter Bay, head up the steps towards the sheltered 'The Bluff (Rosetta Head)' informative sign. From there, head along the walking trail to your left and continue The Bluff Summit Walk (clockwise).....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
Find the car park at the start.
Veer left.
After another 65 m continue straight.
After another 6 m continue straight.
After another 125 m continue straight.
After another 6 m continue straight.
After another 335 m come to the viewpoint (on your right).
Continue straight.
After another 15 m pass the summit (25 m on your right).
After another 115 m pass a seat (5 m on your left).
Veer right.
After another 85 m pass a seat (5 m on your left).
After another 155 m veer left.
After another 15 m come to the end.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
The Bluff Summit Walk
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
920 m
Time
30 min to 45 min
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather
Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
Some facilities on route
Seat: There are 2 on route, on average they are 305 m apart with the largest gap of 680 m.