This scenic trail (walking and cycling) is located in the heart of the Barossa Valley and links the major towns via some of the railway corridor, taking advantage of panoramic views and the topography of the land.
Although it is not strictly a rail trail, it gives cyclists and pedestrians the opportunity to extend their ride or walk and explore more parts of the Barossa.
Barossa Trail – Gawler to Tanunda (27km)
- This fully sealed trail runs from the corner of Railway Tce and Ann Milroy Lane, just east of Gawler, through to the arch at the entrance to Tanunda. For the most part it’s a dedicated shared use trail (pedestrians and cyclists), with some short linking sections on minor roads (Cockatoo Lane, near Sandy Creek and a section of St Hallett Rd, south of Tanunda).
- For much of the trip after Cockatoo Lane, the trail runs alongside the Barossa Valley Way, but there’s a scenic and slightly challenging deviation after Rowland Flat following the North Para River.
- Heading north-east from Gawler there’s a long gradual climb between Cockatoo Lane and King Cutting Road West, and again between the two junctions of Altona Road, where they meet the Barossa Valley Way. There’s another gradual climb out of Rowland Flat to where the trail turns away from the main road towards the North Para River and Jacobs Creek Visitor Centre.
- It’s in this area, either side of Jacobs Creek, that you’ll find yourself among the hills with a few steep pinches. This is also one of the more scenic sections of the trail, with views across the vineyards and some winding sections through the scrub beside the North Para River.
- A short distance before the trail meets St. Hallett Rd there’s a pleasant, recently established rest area for cyclists, beside the North Para River. This will only get better when the newly planted trees reach maturity.
- Due to the hills this track is not suitable for little kids.