Cycling around Adelaide

Adelaide is a fabulous place for cyclists, whether you like hills or plains. The Millswood/Goodwood area is a perfect base because there are several terrific bike paths close by. And South Australia being the driest state in the driest continent, the weather is almost always perfect for cycling.

The Mike Turtur Bikeway starts at the intersection between the tram and Aroha Terrace/Leah Street and is easily acccessible from Goodwood Road via Victoria Street. The bikeway follows the tram line to Glenelg. My youngest son and I cycled to Glenelg several times last school holidays and we think it is much quicker than driving or going by tram because you don't need to worry about parking and you don't need to wait for a tram. It's a lovely route with sculptures and native plantings all along the way. I highly recommend anyone visiting Adelaide to give it a try, even if you don't cycle much. If you would like to venture further, turn left at the beach and follow the esplanade as long as you like - there are several cafes along the way and if you don't feel like cycling home you can catch the train from Brighton to Goodwood Station.

There are new bike paths from Millswood and Goodwood which follow the railway line towards the city, past the new Adelaide Showgrounds railway station, Anzac Highway and through West Terrace Cemetery. You can follow paths to Port Road then cross over it towards the Old Adelaide Gaol, behind which you will find the Linear Park. The Linear Park follows the River Torrens from the hills to the sea. If you choose the sea direction, when you reach the beach you may like to turn left towards the West Beach Surf Life Saving Club or right towards Henley Square for breakfast or brunch. Our family does this ride several times a year and we always enjoy it, finding slightly different routes each time. Instead of heading back along Linear Park you can follow the beach south to Glenelg and take the Mike Turtur bikeway back to Goodwood.

If you would like a low (but quite challenging) hill climb, head to the historic Carrick Hill, either straight up Cross Road, turning right at Fullarton Road and following the signs, or by meandering through Unley Park, Hawthorn, Kingswood, Netherby and Springfield. Carrick Hill is an historic house with large English Manor style grounds and lovely gardens. Various events are held there and if you feel like some refreshments there is a delightful cafe overlooking some of the gardens - and also an orchard. 

For those more adventurous cyclists aspiring to be King of the Mountain, there are some demanding routes that are also very close. You can cycle towards the city along the tram line to Greenhill Road and turn right; follow the road all the way to Norton Summit. On the way you may like to call in to Waterfall Gully.

For a wine and sea trip, take the train from Goodwood Station to Marino Rocks (or any stop between Marino Rocks and Seaford). From there you can cycle along the coast past Port Noarlunga to Moana and through vineyards on the Coast to Vines trail to McLaren Vale. You may like to make a tour of the many wonderful cellar doors for tasting and lunch. For the particualrly strong cyclists, head towards Willunga, ride straight through town and brave the tough Willunga Hill - often a talking point during the Tour DownUnder. 

If you find some other great local bike rides, please post them.