Elliston Coastal Trail / Elliston District Council

Stretching 13.6 kilometres along one of the Eyre Peninsula’s most dramatic stretches of coastline, the Elliston Coastal Trail connects people not only with the landscape, but with the stories that have shaped it. Running between Little Bay Surf Break and Cape Finnis, the trail takes visitors through rugged clifftops, coastal ecosystems and places of historical significance, with opportunities to experience the route on foot, by car or through a series of shorter trails.

Martins was engaged to create an integrated identity and interpretation system that could sit naturally within this raw and exposed environment. The project brought together environmental design, corporate identity, graphic design, wayfinding, signage and web-based geo-mapping, creating a consistent experience from the physical trail through to its digital touchpoints.

The design language was deliberately grounded in the character of the coast. Weathered hardwoods and substantial laser-cut steel were selected for their ability to withstand the region’s wind, salt and exposure, while also developing a patina that feels appropriate to the landscape. Rather than compete with the surroundings, the materials were designed to become part of them.

Interpretive signage transforms the journey into a layered story of place. Content explores the region’s native flora and fauna, limestone cliffs and ecosystems, fossils, marine conservation, early exploration, settlement, shipping, fishing and the relationship between the community and its often unforgiving coastline.

Wayfinding was treated as more than a functional exercise. The signage helps visitors confidently navigate the trail while encouraging them to stop, look and understand what surrounds them. The result is an experience where interpretation and orientation work together, allowing the landscape itself to remain the hero.

A complementary geo-mapping platform extended the experience digitally, helping visitors understand the trail, its different sections and points of interest before and during their journey. This combination of physical and digital design created a cohesive system rather than a collection of isolated signs.

Today, the Elliston Coastal Trail provides an accessible way for visitors of varying experience levels to engage with the coastline and learn about the ecological and historical character of the region. Its durable material palette was designed for longevity, ensuring that the stories embedded along the route can continue to inform and enrich the experience for years to come.