Walking and cycling trails in McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast

Just 40 minutes south of Adelaide, coastal paths, vineyard trails, wetlands and rugged gorge country are all within easy reach.

Choose an accessible walk between two seaside townships, cycle from the suburbs into wine country or head into Onkaparinga River National Park for a more challenging hike. Many routes are close to cafés, beaches, cellar doors and village mainstreets, so it is easy to turn time on the trail into a full day out.

Find a trail View all trails

Find the right trail for you

Start with the kind of day you have in mind.

Accessible coastal walk

Follow the 1.1 km Witton Bluff Base Trail between Christies Beach and Port Noarlunga.

Explore Witton Bluff

Jump on your bike

Ride the Shiraz Trail between McLaren Vale and Willunga, with food and wine stops close by.

Explore the Shiraz Trail

Longer cycling adventure

Ride all or part of the 35 km Coast to Vines Rail Trail from Hallett Cove to McLaren Vale.

Explore Coast to Vines

Bushwalks and nature

Choose an easy lookout walk, a moderate ridge hike or a gentle trail beside the wetlands.

Explore Onkaparinga River

Featured trails

From an easy coastal outing to a longer ride or gorge-country hike, these are some of the best ways to explore the region.

Witton Bluff Base Trail

Christies Beach to Port Noarlunga
1.1 km one way · Easy · Walk, wheel or ride

Follow a three-metre-wide shared path around the base of Witton Bluff, with limestone cliffs on one side and Gulf St Vincent on the other. The trail connects Christies Beach and Port Noarlunga, putting cafés, restaurants, beaches and the Port Noarlunga jetty within easy reach at either end.

The sealed trail has been designed for wheelchair users and people with prams. Check current conditions and choose the access point that best suits your needs.

Best for: Coastal views, families, accessible outings and an easy walk with coffee or lunch.

Plan your Witton Bluff walk

Shiraz Trail

McLaren Vale to Willunga
Approximately 7 km one way · Easy · Walk or ride

The Shiraz Trail follows a sealed shared path through vineyards between McLaren Vale and Willunga. Walk a shorter section or make a day of it by bike, stopping near cellar doors, breweries, cafés and local food along the way.

It forms the southern extension of the Coast to Vines Rail Trail and is a relaxed way to experience McLaren Vale wine country away from the main roads.

Best for: Casual cyclists, couples, groups and visitors who want to combine a trail with food and wine.

Plan your Shiraz Trail ride

Coast to Vines Rail Trail

Hallett Cove to McLaren Vale
35 km one way · Easy to moderate · Walk or ride

Built along a former railway corridor, the Coast to Vines Rail Trail links Hallett Cove with McLaren Vale through southern Adelaide. The shared-use trail passes through suburbs and open landscapes before reaching the vineyards, with connections to other local paths along the route.

Ride the full trail, arrange transport for a one-way journey or choose a shorter section. Continue onto the Shiraz Trail if you want to extend the ride to Willunga.

Best for: Longer rides, active day trips and travelling from suburban Adelaide into wine country.

Plan your Coast to Vines ride

Walking trail overlooking Onkaparinga River gorge

Onkaparinga River walks

Onkaparinga River National Park
Easy lookout walks to challenging gorge hikes

For an easy introduction, take the 2 km return Punchbowl Lookout Trail through grey box woodland to views across the gorge. Visitors wanting a longer walk can follow the moderate 4 km Sundews Ridge Hike, which stays above the river and takes around two hours.

The park also has challenging trails with steep and uneven sections. Check the official trail map, current alerts and fire conditions before setting out.

Best for: Bushwalking, native vegetation, wildlife, photography and gorge views.

Explore the national park

Looking for a gentler riverside outing?

Onkaparinga River Recreation Park has wetland boardwalks and shared-use trails, along with opportunities for birdwatching, cycling and picnics. Dogs are welcome on designated trails when kept on a lead no longer than two metres.

Explore the recreation park

Cyclists stopping to enjoy the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast region

Make a day of it

The trail does not have to be the whole plan. Start with breakfast near the coast, stop for lunch in McLaren Vale or Willunga, or finish with a cellar door tasting—with a safe transport plan already sorted.

Find food and coffee Explore cellar doors Find bike hire Find a place to stay

Before you set out

Check the weather, trail conditions, park alerts and opening hours before leaving. Carry water, sun protection and a charged phone, and wear footwear suited to the route. Cyclists must wear a helmet and should slow down around walkers on shared paths.

National parks may close during dangerous fire weather, and some gorge trails can become difficult or impassable after rain. Follow signs, stay on marked trails and take all rubbish with you.

Frequently asked questions

The 1.1 km Witton Bluff Base Trail links Christies Beach and Port Noarlunga on a sealed accessible path. The Punchbowl Lookout Trail in Onkaparinga River National Park is a 2 km return walk with views over the gorge.

The sealed Shiraz Trail runs for approximately 7 km between McLaren Vale and Willunga. It connects with the longer Coast to Vines Rail Trail, which runs 35 km from Hallett Cove to McLaren Vale.

Witton Bluff Base Trail is a sealed accessible shared path designed for wheelchair users and prams. The compacted Punchbowl Lookout Trail is suitable for prams and offers limited-mobility access. Check current conditions and detailed access information before visiting.

Rules vary. Dogs can use many council-managed shared paths, subject to local signs. Dogs are allowed on designated trails in Onkaparinga River Recreation Park when kept on a lead no longer than two metres, but pets are generally not permitted in Onkaparinga River National Park. Check the rules for the specific trail before leaving.

Need help planning your trail day?

Drop into the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre for local advice, maps, bike hire and ideas for exploring the coast, vines and villages.

Visit the Visitor Centre