8 must-cycle bike trails in Adelaide and South Australia

South Australia is a cycling haven in the city, hills, beachside and through wineries.

Adelaide and greater South Australia are a cyclist's haven. Bike trails, cycling paths and two-wheeled-tours are one of our favourite ways to discover South Australia. Soak up the sunshine and explore our coast, city, vineyards, national parks, and reservoirs by pedal power with our pick of Adelaide’s best bike rides! From beginner tracks and relaxing linear trails to mountain biking meccas and downhill destinations – there’s something for all interests and abilities. Discover South Australia by bike with our guide to the must-cycle tracks.

For more details on trails and maps, visit Trails SA for an extensive list of all the cycling trails in South Australia.

1. Riesling Trail, Clare Valley

Part of the 800km Mawson Trail, the Riesling Trail offers a bite-sized portion of one of the most epic trails in Australia. Stretching from Auburn to Barinia, the Riesling Trail takes in farmland, vineyards and wooded areas and the inclines are 1.5% at most - seriously easy! Starting in Auburn, Clare Valley, there are three trail loops for those who want to cover as much ground as they can without backtracking. Signposts along the way point you in the direction of award-winning Clare Valley cellar doors and cafés for that much-needed long lunch break. 

2. Belair National Park, Adelaide Hills

As Adelaide’s oldest national park, pedal by the woodlands, lakes, creeks, and picnic areas of Belair National Park. Get your dose of fresh air with a side of wildlife encounters as kangaroos, koalas, emus, echidnas, and birdlife call this park their home. Several trail options are available from beginner to advanced riders, allowing you to pedal at your leisure along the fire trails or tackle the 13km adventure loop trail. With walking trails and playgrounds also within the National Park, it makes for the perfect school holiday activity to enjoy the great outdoors with the whole family.

3. Coast to Vines Rail Trail, Fleurieu Peninsula

A slow cruise is the perfect way to spend a day in the beautiful McLaren Vale wine region, just south of Adelaide. The Coast to Vines Rail Trail is a great fit for families and beginner cyclists, as the inclines are slight at best. Starting at the coastal suburb of Marino, follow the former rail corridor to the Willunga township, taking in spectacular vineyard vistas and changing landscapes as you ride. Stop in at one of the many cellar doors for a refreshment (or more) before heading on your merry way.

4. Myponga Reservoir Reserve

Myponga Reservoir is best explored by bike or foot, allowing you to take in the sweeping views of the water, open plains, pine forests and native vegetation. Head to the lookout above the Myponga dam wall for a different perspective of the Reservoir and spillway. The south-eastern side of the reserve is a 3.3km loop and suitable for beginners and takes you across the open plains, through forested areas and native vegetation. For the thrill seekers looking for a more adventurous ride, the 3km Western loop provides a few downhill sections on unsealed roads.

5. The Old Freeway, Mount Lofty, Adelaide Hills

The Old Freeway at Mount Lofty is a challenging ride suited to road cyclists. With an average 4.7% gradient and some sections steeper than this, the 9 kilometre ride to the top is a decent climb. It starts with a sealed, off-road bike track at the bottom of the South Eastern Freeway near the Glen Osmond Tollgate. The first half is a sealed-bike track. Once you hit the bottom of Mount Lofty, the track becomes a bike lane. Mount Lofty is popular with road cyclists, due to its difficulty and limited traffic. Many cyclists head on further than the bollards, cycling to the top of Mount Lofty and through the Adelaide Hills along nearby roads.

6. River Torrens Linear Park Trail, Adelaide

Ideal for families and those staying in the metro area, the River Torrens Linear Park Trail runs straight through the city from the Mount Lofty Ranges to the coastal suburb of Henley Beach. Riders can start at any point along the trail, but the most popular section runs along Elder Park, Adelaide. Take a picnic with you for when you finish at the beach or relax at one of the many cafés in Henley Square. Looking for more? Follow Military Road from Henley Beach all the way to Semaphore and then to Outer Harbor. It’s a fast, flat ride – unless there’s a headwind. 

7. Encounter Bikeway, Fleurieu Peninsula

Pedal the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula coast along the 31km trail Encounter Bikeway, taking in iconic townships of Goolwa, Middleton, Port Elliot, and Victor Harbor. This railside trail is sealed with a mixture of relatively quiet ‘on road’ sections and shared use paths, perfect for a relaxed weekend cycling and for kids. Cycle past surf beaches, rocky headlands and calm shores as the trail begins in the River Murray port of Goolwa before arriving at Victor Harbor. Choose the length of your ride, with access points readily available along the trail for you to opt in or out at any point along the trail – or cycle the whole way down and back.

8. Barossa trail and Jack Bobridge Track, Barossa

The Barossa Trail and Jack Bobridge Track is a 40km sealed cycling/walking track between Gawler and Angaston. Following the historic rail easement, the route offers picturesque scenery of the North Para River and historic Barossa vineyards and the opportunity to stop at wineries, restaurants and other attractions. The Jack Bobridge Track has varying degrees of difficulty between Lyndoch and Tanunda while other sections are relatively easy with gentle grades. 

9. Mount Remarkable, Flinders Ranges and Outback

 Journey to the outback for a mountain bike adventure in Melrose with a trail that showcases the unique topography and ecology of the Mount Remarkable Range. With 37.5km of non-stop adventure, the family-friendly trails caters to beginner through to intermediate riders with some progressive elements for those looking to challenge their skills. Riders will climb to the summit of Mount Remarkable before returning to Melrose - offering up fantastic views of the Willochra Plain. Autumn to spring is the best time to visit the park when the weather is mild and vegetation and wildlife thriving with western gray kangaroos and emus roaming freely throughout the park.

BIKE TOURS

Want to join the fun but with a guide? You can easily hire a bike and start cycling your way through South Australia.