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Our Top Recreational South Aussie Summer Cycling Routes

From short through to more adventurous rides, Glam Adelaide’s cycling guide gives recreational riders a great choice of cycling routes to explore this summer

With Summer now here, and the Tour Down Under only weeks away, it’s a perfect time of the year to jump on the bike and explore Adelaide. For those of you who aren’t inclined to wear lycra and devote hours in the bike saddle, here’s an assorted mix of leisurely rides from short and simple trips in and around the city, to the more adventurous out of town rides, taking in some the State’s most scenic locations. You don’t have to be super fit, as many these bike trails and paths are ideal for the recreational rider.

Mike Turtur Bikeway

Glenelg is always a popular summer destination with so much to see and do, and the Mike Turtur pathway is a safe and easy way to get there. This 8km ride from Goodwood runs alongside the city to Glenelg tramline, and is almost completely flat. It’s a great way to enjoy a leisurely ride while taking in the landscape, community art and historic homes along the way. If you feel the need to go fast and give your legs a workout, take advantage of the long flat stretch that passes by the Morphetville race course. There are some major road crossings along the way, but these have pedestrian lights, making it a safe journey.

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Clare Valley Riesling Trail

For those of you wanting to escape Adelaide, this 35km bike trail in the Clare Valley is a great excuse to get away. The trail meanders through farmyards, vineyards and natural bush land, and will give you the chance to make stops along the way to enjoy award winning cellar doors and cafés. You won’t need to worry about getting lost, as it’s well signposted. More info on the Riesling Trail brochure.

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Coast to Vines Trail

This is a great way to explore the McLaren Vale Region just south of Adelaide. Starting out from the Marino Rock station, this 37km trail is connected to shops, parks, reserves, and tourism and wine regions. It offers magnificent views of the coastline, and also winds along coastal cliffs and through the foothills of the McLaren Vale wine region.

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Adelaide Parklands Trail

This 18km trail is a fun, safe and easy way to enjoy South Australia’s magnificent parklands . The trail loops the city and North Adelaide and provides riders with access to playgrounds, kiosks, historical sights, picnic, and BBQ areas.

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Bike Art Trail

For those inspired by art and culture, the Bike Art trail takes riders to eleven locations featuring artwork by local artists. Commissioned by the Adelaide City Council, the large-scale sculptural works have a symbolic link to their location. The large ‘fork’ sculpture in Melbourne Street for example, highlights the areas food and café culture, while the ‘coat hanger’ in Rundle Street reflects how the location has become a high fashion destination.

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Barossa Trail 

Another escape from Adelaide, but this time north of the city, is the Barossa trail in the Barossa Valley that will allow to you experience the fine food, wine and cultural heritage of the area. The track extends from Gawler to Angaston and passes through the three main townships of Nuriootpa, Tanunda and Lyndoch. The track is well marked, and you can decide how far you want travel.

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River Torrens Linear Trail (City to Henley Beach)

This popular trail from the City to Henley Beach weaves its way along the Torrens and offers a relaxing and scenic route. There are numerous parks and playgrounds, which make it an ideal bike ride for the whole family. Once you arrive at Henley Beach, you’re only a short ride from the popular Henley Square precinct.

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Port Adelaide Inner Harbour Loop Path

The 3.5km inner harbour loop path around Port Adelaide, takes in views of the Port River, giving you the chance to see dolphins! The journey incorporates an interpretive trail that highlights some of the history of the harbour. A crocodile mural by international street artist, Hitnes and local artist Vans the Omega, is another highlight of the journey. 

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Little Para River Trail

This is a 14km journey on flat terrain stretching from Salisbury Heights to the Barker inlet. Enjoy the scenery on this relaxing ride along the river – that played a key role in the founding of Salisbury – and through eucalyptus woodlands, grassland, samphire and mangroves.

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Encounter Way Bikeway 

Located in one our State’s most popular get-away locations, this scenic 30km cycle route runs from Goolwa to Victor Harbor. It follows the foreshore giving riders magnificent coastal views.

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With so many fantastic cycling routes in and around Adelaide, what are you waiting for? Grab your bike and helmet, and enjoy the great outdoors this summer.

[toggle title=”2018 Tour Down Under” load=”show”]For all our South Australian cycling guides, TDU event news, photos, and more, check out the Glam Adelaide Tour Down Under section on our website.[/toggle]

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