Coast to Vines Rail Trail
The Coast to Vines Rail Trail is one of South Australia’s and Fleurieu Peninsula’s most scenic cycling and walking trails.
Suitable for bike riders of all ages, the Coast to Vines Rail Trail can be as relaxed and leisurely as you like, or you can put the pedal to the metal! Make sure you don’t miss some of the best vantage points which are definitely Instagram worthy (#vale&coast).
Think coastal cliff top scenery, vineyard vistas, heritage villages, national parks, and tasting your way around the region’s world-class food and wine. Plus, there’s plenty of great places to stay along the way too.
The 35 km trail follows the original steam train rail corridor for the line that operated from Adelaide to Willunga. Starting in Hallett Cove, the trail meanders its way through Happy Valley, Reynella, Morphett Vale, Hackham, Noarlunga, and Moana to finish at McLaren Vale and is the gateway to many of the region’s cultural, recreational and historical attractions.
Shiraz Trail
Want to extend your ride a little more?
The Shiraz Trail is a dedicated sealed cycling and walking path, which is an extension of the Coast to Vines Rail Trail, connecting McLaren Vale and Willunga. In a region celebrating some of South Australia’s best wine and food, you wouldn’t expect it to be called anything else.
Your tastebuds will be rewarded. There are a range of cellar doors, breweries and eateries that are located within close proximity and will tempt you from the trail. There are also some great options in McLaren Vale and Willunga to sustain the pedal power too.
Other trail connections
The Coast to Vines Rail Trail also intersects with the Field River Trail, Christies Creek Trail and Pedlar Creek Trails and others to create several trail loop opportunities.
Choose your own adventure!
The Coast to Vines Rail Trail is one of the best ways to explore the region by bike! You can do this by Ebike with SAEbike Hire Hub or Deluxe EBike Tours
Bike Hire
One of the best ways to see the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast is by bike, letting you slow down, enjoy the fresh air, not to mention the spectacular scenery and adding a little gentle exercise (justification for the food and wine indulgences and why not, you deserve it!). The region’s network of trails can take you to just about anywhere you want to go…wine tasting, shopping, markets, eating out, exploring the great villages, or going to the beach.
You will be spoilt for choice when hiring a bike – think vintage complete with little basket on the front, good old plain jane (does the job with ease) and the new comer e-Bikes with some featuring solar-powered electric mountain bike capable of speeds up to 25 km/h. Depending on your pedal preferences and how far you want to ride, McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast is dotted with places to hire a bike.
Whatever you decide, here are a few places you can hire a bike and spend time exploring and discovering.
Cycling
Whether you ride for pleasure or are the next Tour Down Under competitor, McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast is home to rides and trails that make you want to jump on the bike. Whether it is through the hills, across the vineyard valleys or along the coast (could be all three!), there will be something special just for you.
Road cyclists - think vistas across the vineyards to the hills and just add water when you choose from 31 kilometres of pristine coastline to ride. Don the helmet and the lycra (or not) and enjoy.
Mountain bikers - think Onkaparinga River National Park or O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park where you can choose your own downhill adventure, with spectacular vantage points throughout the parks. Some of these trails are not for the faint hearted, so full protective gear is a must!
BMX'ers – think tracks for beginners or the advanced, where you can test out your ‘barspin’, ‘bunnyhop’ or ‘pinch the biscuit’ – your trick…. you choose. Safety first, don the helmet and protective gear, just don’t become the butcher - the one who always breaks the bike! Great BMX bike tracks include:
Gemmel Tassie Reserve, McLaren Vale
Tangari Regional Park, Woodcroft
Frank Smith Park, Coromandel Valley
Wilford Taylor Reserve, Morphett Vale
Willunga Rose Garden, Willunga
Leisurely rides – think opportunities to stop, explore, smell the roses and and taste the region.
One of the regions flagship cycling and walking trails is the Coast to Vines Rail Trail stretching from Hallett Cove to McLaren Vale.
The 35 km trail takes in some of the most spectacular scenery and is a perfect trail for cyclists of all ages. It also connects with many other trails including the Field River Trail, Christies Creek Trail, and Pedlar Creek trail and other to create several loop trail opportunities
Another cracker of a ride is the Shiraz Trail from McLaren Vale to Willunga celebrating the regions world-renowned food and wine offerings including cycling-friendly cellar doors, locally brewed beers, and regional tasting platters.
Santos Tour Down Under
If you are in McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast over January, you’ve hit the cycling jackpot - the region will host two stages of the Santos Festival of Cycling - South Australia’s (and potentially Australia’s) most iconic bike race.
Kicking off will be the THINK! Road Safety Men's Stage 5: Christies Beach - Willunga Hill on Saturday 20 January. This stage will showcase even more of our stunning coast line with the race starting in Christies Beach for the first time. Cyclists will ride towards Port Noarlunga and Old Noarlunga before heading into McLaren Vale, Willunga and Aldinga for our signature race loop.
In addition to hosting the Men's THINK! Road Safety Stage 5 race, we are thrilled to host the Santos Tour Down Under Women's Stage 3 finish on Sunday 14 January.
Cyclists will travel from Adelaide City through Coromandel Valley, Clarendon, Kangarilla and McLaren Flat before riding our signature lap through McLaren Vale, Willunga and Aldinga.
The battle is on as it will be the first time the world class women's race finish will be at the top of Willunga Hill.
For further details on the race Santos Tour Down Under website.
Golf
Golf in McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast
There are four beautiful golf courses throughout the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast where golfers of all standards can enjoy the great outdoors.
Whether you play one course, or stay and play one course a day, there’s no better way to work up and healthy appetite or thirst in one of South Australia’s best food and wine regions. Before you tee off, you can always practice on the driving range and putting greens available at each of the golf courses.
Willunga
The Willunga Golf Course is set in a picturesque location amongst majestic gum trees and a meandering creek with superb views of the vines and rolling hills.
The meticulously-maintained 18 hole (par 70) public course is available to be played every day except Saturday mornings (competition time), and visitors of all ages and abilities are welcome.
The club also features a licensed bar and café, an extensive practice putting green plus another green to chip to, two practice nets, a driving range, and a fully-stocked pro shop. Clinics are available for those who want to learn, and golf carts and clubs are available to hire too.
The club also holds twilight rounds, charity days, family fun days, junior programs, school holiday programs, and Footgolf for the kids.
Events
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Willunga Golf Course is proud to be the official home of the Webex Players Series South Australia, one of the nation’s most exciting professional golf tournaments. From 23–26 October 2025, the best male and female golfers from across Australia — joined by rising international stars — will line up on our fairways, competing in one field for the same prize purse. It’s elite golf with a modern, inclusive twist, and it’s happening right here on your community course. This is more than just golf. The Webex Players Series is a free, family-friendly event that showcases not only world-class athletes but also the vibrant culture of the Fleurieu Peninsula. From food and wine to live entertainment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy — whether you’re a seasoned golf fan or simply looking for a great day out. So, round up your friends, family, and fellow club members and come experience the buzz. It’s the perfect way to spend a spring weekend together, soaking up the action on the course and the atmosphere off it. And when the last putt drops? That’s when the region comes alive. Swing by. Stay a while. Wander the local markets, savour wines at nearby cellar doors, explore pristine beaches, or extend your visit with a boutique coastal or vineyard stay. We’re proud to open our doors to the community and the world, proving once again that Willunga Golf Course is more than just a place to play — it’s a place to experience. |
Other Golf Courses
The three other 18-hole championship standard courses throughout the region are:
All feature licensed bar facilities, restaurants with à la carte dining, cart and buggy hire, club hire, pro shops, as well as catering for corporate functions, weddings, and special events.
Shopping
If you’re on the hunt for something special, a gift or two or a beautiful keepsake to take home with you, McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast is full of places to stop and shop.
There’s nothing quite like a little bit of retail therapy and what better way to remember your visit to the region than with a few special mementos. The region’s townships are dotted with boutiques, vintage stores, and galleries full of locally-crafted and bespoke wares that will fill your home, wardrobe and pantry.
Whether buying a small thank you gift, something quirky for friends or family, or just spoiling yourself, you’re bound to find that special something.
Vintage
- Emprades (Clarendon) is a treasure trove of antique ceramics, furniture, jewellery and artwork, all lovingly restored. The beautiful heritage store is nestled in the centre of picturesque Clarendon.
- Whatever Willunga source an ever-changing collection of vintage homewares, artwork, records, fashion and more. Caution — you won’t leave empty handed.
Gift, fashion & jewellery
- I Am Tall Poppy (Willunga) stocks a range of homewares, fashion, jewellery and kids toys.Their baby and children’s section is well known in the region, as is their eclectic range of gifts.
- CharliRose (Port Noarlunga) A delightful rabbit warren of women's fashion, jewellery, bags, accessories and a bounty of babie's wear.
- Gorgeous Soles (McLaren Vale) are experts in footwear and have a great collection of sustainable fashion, bags and jewellery too.
- McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre offers a range of gifts, souvenirs and keepsakes for loved ones (or yourself), proudly showcasing the creative talents of the region.
- Miss Gladys on Sea (Aldinga) A beautifully curated collection of men's and women's shoes, accessories and clothing. The kind of designs that get noticed!
- The Farm Willunga is not just a cafe but also a gift store including their popular bath products all made from their estate-grown olive oil. Soaps, body lotions and lip balms are all available from the farm shop.
- MiniJumbuck (McLaren Vale) is a one-stop-shop for all things furry, fluffy and warm, with all products made from luxurious Australian sheep’s wool. From quilts and blankets to iconic Emu slippers and footwear, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
- Willunga Glass offers a gallery and gift shop where you can take home a hand-blown glass treasure. From window hangings to bowls and vases, choose from a unique and colourful range.
One-stop-shop
If you’re looking for something with a variety of shops, supermarkets and amenities to choose from, the region is home to a few shopping centres that’ll fill all your needs.
- Aldinga Central is a smaller shopping centre that’s home to grocery stores as well as a range of boutiques from Blondies Shoes and Blondies Lifestyle (clothing) to Surf Esteem (Australian surf-wear store) and a range of health and beauty, food and grocery stores, too.
- Colonnades (Noarlunga) is one of the largest shopping centres where you’ll find a range of supermarkets, phone stores, big name clothing stores, as well as boutiques catering to all your shopping needs. Make sure to drop into some of the unique local shops inside, like the beautiful gift store Canopy Home and Interiors
