Riders on the storm: top tracks for cycling this winter in Adelaide

DON’T let the cooler weather stop you from hopping on your bike and exploring Adelaide. Here are the best bike trails, tracks and paths worth peddling this winter.

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DON’T let a little rain stop you from hopping on your bike and exploring Adelaide. Here are the best bike trails, tracks and paths worth peddling on this winter.

THE CITY

Adelaide P arklands Trail

Cruising by West Terrace Cemetery, weaving through South Tce’s Himeji Gardens and pedalling past Botanic Gardens and National Wine Centre — the Parklands are arguably best enjoyed on two wheels. There are plenty of places to refuel and re-energise while scooting around the CBD, including Rymill Park, where there are toilets, benches and a lakeside cafe.

River Torrens Linear Park

This trail follows the River Torrens from Athelstone to West Beach, with lots of spots to enjoy along the way. The shared path offers opportunities for walkers and cyclists to enter or exit at any stage along the 30km route. Riders, be prepared for plenty of bends and slopes along the trail — although you shouldn’t have to get out of second gear. If you’ve packed a picnic, Willow Bend Reserve, off Lower Portrush Rd, is a great option for lunch.

Kurrangga Park BMX Track

Situated at Park 20 at the corner of Unley and Greenhills roads, this bike track is perfect for the little ones, whether they are confident riders or still on training wheels. The beginner track provides an opportunity for the less experienced to have a go, while the intermediate one is suitable for those with at least a little bit of cycling experience. This track contains jumps and hills so riders can show off their skills. There is also an advanced course with steep dirt hills, perfect for two-wheeled daredevils.

Westside Bikeway

This 8km path twists its way from Mile End station on James Congdon Drive to Novar Gardens. Cyclists can expect a combination of shared path for riders and walkers, plus road crossings and quieter streets to cruise through. It ends at Camden Oval and connects with the Mike Turtur Bikeway, which runs alongside the tramline to Glenelg. For something different, head southwest on the Sturt River Linear Park.

Treadly Swift Campout Trail

It’s not a traditional trail, but the city’s Treadly Bike Shop hosts regular rides for the cycling enthusiast, starting at its shop in Ebenezer Place. Next month riders will embark on a 60km journey from the city to Finniss Conservation Park in the Mount Lofty Ranges, departing at 8am and arriving midafternoon. Riders will peddle along gravel roads to reach their destination and, once they arrive, take the time to explore, hike up to the lookout, build a fire, cook a meal or simply relax in the wilderness. For more information and to register, visit swiftcampout.com

Don’t own a bike but want to check out the best of Adelaide on two wheels? Pop into Bike SA on Carington St in the city to hire a bike and helmet for free. Details at bikesa.asn.au

SOUTH

Coast Park Trail

This 15km trail is known for it incredible coastal scenery. It is made up of four tracks — O’Sullivan Beach to Christies Beach (5km), Port Noarlunga South to Moana (4km), Maslins Beach to Aldinga Beach (5km) and a 1km ride along Sellicks Beach.

The tracks are suitable for all cycling abilities, making it a perfect bike ride for families.

The trails are not fully interconnected, but take cyclists to some of the south’s best destinations, including Port Noarlunga, Moana and Sellicks Beach.

The Maslin Beach to Aldinga Beach is among the most picturesque sections of the trail.

Kidman Trail

About 14km of the Kidman Trail is in the Onkaparinga Council district, in the Willunga Basin region.

The remaining parts are in the Fleurieu Peninsula, Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Barossa and Clare Valley.

The trail was named after Sir Sidney Kidman, who was a local pastoralist and horse breeder.

According to southaustraliantrails.com, it will take about five days to cycle the trails entire 269km length, so get training.

Golden Wattle Way Trail

This bike, walking and horse riding trail goes through a series of gently sloping linear reserves in Huntfield Heights, Hackham West and Morphett Vale.

The 4km path is a great one for families as it features several playgrounds along its route.

It is also fairly tree-lined, so there is lots of shade to enjoy a rest after a long ride.

A shelter halfway along the track, next to a play area, makes the perfect place for a picnic lunch.

The trail connects to the Coast to Vines Rail Trail in the south and to the Christies Creek Linear Trail in the north at the Brodie Road Wetlands.

Coast to Vines Rail Trail

Spanning from Marino to Willunga, this 32km trail was constructed along an old rail corridor.

The McLaren Vale and Willunga section, which is referred to as The Shiraz Trail, is a flatter and more scenic route that meanders through wineries and vineyards.

There are plenty of shops, cafes, cellar doors and parks, including the Onkaparinga River Recreation Park, to stop at along the way.

Cyclists can also loop onto the Southern Expressway Veloway at Trott Park to enjoy a view of the Adelaide metropolitan area.

On your way, why not stop and have a look at John Reynell Heritage Park and Hans Christian Andersen Memorial Storytelling Seat in Willunga.

Beach Road Trail

This 3.5km bike path, which spans from Dyson to Main South roads, is considered to be both a commuter and recreational trail.

The route provides safe, off-road access to schools, businesses and the Noarlunga Centre retail and recreational precinct.

It connects centrally to the Southern Veloway and in the east to the Coast to Vines Rail Trail.

Why not go for a ride as a family?

East

Rugby/Porter St Bikeway

It is one of the busiest bike paths in the state and for good reason. Nestled within the backstreets of Unley, the Rugby/Porter St Bikeway is a hassle-free bike path from Cross Rd to the south Parklands. The popular route has become a favourite for city commuters wanting to escape parking and traffic headaches, while getting their daily dose of exercise. Inexperienced riders looking to gain confidence on the road can ride in comfort thanks to the path’s low volume of traffic.

Mike Turtur Bikeway

Spanning from Wayville to Glenelg, this 10km ride has quickly become a must-do for riders of all skill levels. Following the Glenelg tram line, the Mike Turtur Bikeway is suitable for young children thanks to its paved track and pedestrian crossings at major intersections. The bikeway is named after Tour Down Under director Mike Turtur, who competed in the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.

Cleland Conservation Park Trails

Thrillseekers wanting to take their weekend up a gear should look no further than Cleland Conservation Park. Only a short drive up Waterfall Gully Rd, the park has tracks suitable for experienced riders, as well as those new to the sport, or who cycle casually. While hurtling along some of the some state’s best trails, riders can take in the sprawling Adelaide skyline. The popular trails range from 2km to 10km.

River Torrens Linear Park

Starting in the windy foothills of Athelstone, the River Torrens Linear Park Trail is perfect for families wanting to enjoy an easy, safe bike ride. Following the picturesque River Torrens, cyclists will get a first-hand glimpse of the park’s wildlife. It is dotted with playgrounds, toilets and picnic spots, including the Dunstan Adventure Playground in St Peters which has a giant slide. If you are looking for a bit more of a challenge, jump back on the bike and continue along the trail, which runs all the way to West Beach.

Randell Park Trails

This old quarry site at the back of Mitcham, just off Old Belair Rd, has been transformed into a network of bike trails spanning a total of 9km. If mountain biking is your thing, then this is the place to go. The highlight of the trails is a 1.7km gravel track between Old Belair Rd and Burnell Drive. At a descent of 15 per cent, it is perfect for hill-climbers on the way up and thrillseekers on the way down.

WEST

WestsiDE Bikeway

A commuter’s dream, this trail follows an old railway route that had stretched between Glenelg and the city. The track is largely off-road along a greenway. It begins at James Congdon Drive, Mile End, stretches to Camden Oval at Novar Gardens and then passes over Anzac Highway and connects with the Mike Turtur track, which runs alongside the Bay tramline. In the mornings and evenings you’ll share the path with walkers, runners and pooches heading to the West Torrens Dog Park beside the track at Marleston. There are still signs of the train tracks that ferried passengers to Glenelg from North Tce, including the former railway platform at Plympton and a plaque commemorating the line near Richmond Rd. The Mike Turtur Bikeway’s South Rd tram overpass reopened earlier this year, after a year offline following a design flaw, which closed that section for about 12 months.

River Torrens Linear Park

Take a trip down the walking and cycling trail from West Beach towards the city and you may be lucky enough to see pelicans at the coast, and a range of other water birds in Breakout Creek. It’s a popular spot for locals to sit or walk and watch the birds, but also to watch over the horses grazing beside the river. Apex Park is a nice spot for the children to play at the fenced playground, or enjoy a picnic around the barbecue. If you’re feeling really adventurous, take a packed lunch and stop off in town for a while or make a full day of the journey and keep going towards Athelstone, before heading back home towards the coast. The path has been diverted to the road between Hardys Rd, Underdale and Jervois St, Torrensville until repair work is completed.

O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park

Featuring 8km of mountain bike trails, O’Halloran Hill is a great spot to visit if you’re keen to get off the beaten track for a while. Check out the bluestone quarry and great views of the coast and city as you negotiate a range of trails at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Watch out for the horses that also like to frequent the park, alongside the western grey kangaroos that call it home.

Inner Harbour Loop

Head north to cycle the easy 3.5km path around the Port River. Where else can you ride a pushbike in suburbia at the same time as keeping an eye out for frolicking dolphins? The path was among major projects completed a few years ago as part of a State Government and Port Adelaide Enfield Council plan to rejuvenate the Port. It includes an interpretative cultural trail highlighting the harbour’s historical elements. You can also stop off at the popular Hart’s Mill playground or have coffee, breakfast or lunch at one of the eateries or pubs near the waterfront.

Sturt River Linear Park

Starting at South Rd near the Warriparinga Wetlands and linking up with the Westside Bikeway, this trail takes cyclists alongside the river and to a string of parks, so it’s a nice journey to make as a family. Landmarks include the Oaklands Wetlands and Maldon Avenue Reserve, Mitchell Park. According to Marion Council, the area around the park was once a campsite and ancient burial ground for the Kaurna people.

Make sure you pack a puncture repair kit or spare tyre just in case you need it, as parts of the path are uneven and sometimes covered with gumnuts.

NORTH

Cobbler Creek

Whether you like a leisurely ride through beautiful scenery or belting over bumps on your mountain bike, Cobbler Creek Recreation Park has something to offer. The recreation park features a number of sealed and unsealed bike trails to suit various skill levels, from novice to advanced. A great place to take the family, the “easy” tracks are the perfect chance to get the children more confident on their bikes and navigating obstacles. If you’re a seasoned cyclist or looking for a challenge, a range of intermediate courses will likely do the trick.

Cobbler Creek Recreation Park, corner of Bridge and Smith Rd, Salisbury East

Details: 8115 4600

Anstey Hill

Explore the natural beauty of Anstey Hill Recreation Park, spread over a 25km network of shared use trails. Make sure to visit the Old Quarry, a great spot to take the family with a range of easy trails on offer. The intermediate 3.15km Pink Gum Loop showcases rare pink gum trees and other threatened plant species, recommended for cyclists that can navigate challenging conditions.

Anstey Hill Recreation Park

Access gates off North East Rd, Perseverance Rd and Range Rd South.

Details: 8115 4600

Lochiel Park

The Active Family Loop at Lochiel Park is a family- friendly ride from the Lochiel Park golf course linking with the River Torrens Linear Trail.

Riders can follow the pink pavement stickers and posts along the 4km stretch while enjoying the peaceful surrounds. You can also enjoy a coffee at the golf clubrooms. Sections of the 4th Creek trail are also a perfect place for a leisure ride. Best to start at one of the many residential streets, including James, Hill, Ann and Church streets.

Lochiel Park Active Family Loop, James St, Campbelltown. Details: campbelltown.sa.gov.au/cycling the

suburbs

River Torrens Linear Park

Cyclists can travel all the way to the Adelaide Hills — or the ocean — by taking the famous 46.5km trail. Those joining the path from Port Adelaide Enfield can do so at O.G. Road in Klemzig and chose to go either way. Lined with river red gums, the trail is an oasis in the city and suburbs with numerous playgrounds, picnic spots and toilets along the way. The trail is generally flat from the CBD to West Beach, but steeper in the Athelstone region.

River Torrens Linear Park

O.G. Rd, Klemzig

Para Wirra Recreation Park

Take off-road adventure to a whole new level with a ride through Para Wirra Recreation Park. With multiple trails to tackle on two wheels, it’s safe to say your calves and quads are going to be feeling the heat. Some routes are more challenging than others so riders beware, but walking shouldn’t be frowned upon. It just means more time to take in the beauty of the surrounding bushland. On your journey you might like to discover Barossa Goldfields — ruins of a once thriving mining operation. If animals are your thing, keep an eye out for more than 100 species of birds in the park, or you might even come across emus or kangaroos.

Para Wirra Recreation Park

Humbug Scrub Rd, Para Wirra

Details: 8280 7048