5 family-friendly cycling trails
Cycling is a great way to get the family outdoors, and you don’t have be a Tour Down Under contender to enjoy a day in the saddle.
Here are five excellent bike trails to explore on two wheels, as recommended by RAA’s More For Members partner Bicycle Express. Just remember, these are all shared pathways, so keep an eye out for walkers, dogs and, in some cases, cows, sheep and horses!
Little Para River Trail (16km)
Location: City of Salisbury, Salisbury Park to Globe Derby Park… and beyond
Start the day with a picnic at Carisbrooke Park, a sprawling reserve with playgrounds, barbecues and ancient river red gums. Then set off along a gum-lined creek through a series of parks and gardens en route to Port Wakefield Rd. After passing under the road, the trail takes in Whites Rd Wetland before looping around past the Globe Derby Park racecourse and linking up with the Dry Creek Trail.
The Rattler Trail (19km)
Location: Gilbert Valley/Clare Valley, Riverton to Auburn
This trail follows a disused railway line, meaning all the major ups and downs were levelled out long ago to make life easier for trains. This is a godsend for the family cycling troupe, who’ll enjoy a relaxing ride through gently undulating farmland – expect to draw the attention of local livestock. There are several interpretive signs along the way, explaining the region’s agricultural and geological history.
Riesling Trail (33km)
Location: Clare Valley, Auburn to Clare (and onto the old Barinia rail siding)
From Auburn, the Rattler Trail becomes the Riesling Trail, and from both ends it rises gradually towards Penwortham. It passes through a mixture of farmlands, woodlands and vineyards, and even skirts the odd cellar door. Look forward to rowdy and colourful birdlife, superb views across the valley, and another brush with curious livestock. There are several side-tracks leading to local attractions, but keep in mind that these will take you into hillier terrain.
Adelaide Park Lands Trail – southern section (16km)
Location: Adelaide City
Many thanks to Colonel William Light, SA’s first Surveyor-General, for surrounding our fair city centre with expansive park lands. The trail takes in the roses of Veale Gardens, the settlers’ olive orchards, Rymill Park, the sprawling Moreton Bay fig trees in Botanic Park, before joining up with the River Torrens trail behind the zoo. There’s even a section passing through the middle of West Terrace Cemetery. Short detours lead to other attractions, including Himeji Japanese Garden – an island of tranquillity on the edge of the CBD.