Coast to Vines Rail Trail

A straightforward, mostly off-road rail-trail linking Adelaide’s southern suburbs to wine country.

Time to Ride: Most riders do it in 2-4 hours one-way, plus stops. It also works well as a relaxed half-day out-and-back from either end.

Best Time to Go: Spring and autumn are the sweet spot for comfortable temperatures and greener scenery. Summer can be hot and exposed on open sections.

Getting there: Start from Marino near Marino Rocks railway station and finish in Willunga, or ride it in reverse. The northern end connects from the Marino Rocks Greenway.

Costs: Free to ride. Budget for food, water and any local transport, plus tastings if you detour into McLaren Vale.

Difficulty: Easy overall, with gentle rail-line grades and frequent road crossings where you need to slow down and watch traffic.

The Coast to Vines Rail Trail follows the disused Willunga railway line through the southern suburbs of Adelaide in South Australia, running 34 km from Marino to Willunga. It is open to pedestrians and cyclists and is fully signposted where it crosses roads.

From the northern end it continues from the Marino Rocks Greenway near Marino Rocks railway station on The Cove Road. Early on, it tracks near the Seaford railway line and passes Hallett Cove station, sharing the footbridge over the line.

Once you turn into Old South Road at the intersection of Panalatinga Road, the trail settles into the old rail corridor with trees lining both sides as far as Hackham. Along the way you cross Christies Creek and other small creeks, then continue towards the Onkaparinga River and on to McLaren Vale and Willunga. A small section runs along the main street of McLaren Vale.

• Stage 1: Marino to Hallett Cove station (approx. 0-8 km) - The trail links in from the Marino Rocks Greenway and follows alongside the Seaford railway line. Use the shared footbridge at Hallett Cove station.
• Stage 2: Hallett Cove station to Trott Park (approx. 8-13 km) - After nearby shops, the route crosses Lonsdale Highway and threads through a leafy, suburban stretch.
• Stage 3: Trott Park to Hackham via Panalatinga Road (approx. 13-20 km) - The right turn into Old South Road at Panalatinga Road marks the start of the classic rail-corridor section, with trees lining both sides. Expect frequent road crossings.
• Stage 4: Hackham to Onkaparinga River (approx. 20-26 km) - Off-road riding continues with multiple small creek crossings, including Christies Creek, as you roll south.
• Stage 5: Onkaparinga River to McLaren Vale (approx. 26-31 km) - A scenic approach into wine country, with a more open feel as you near McLaren Vale.
• Stage 6: McLaren Vale to Willunga (approx. 31-34 km) - Includes a short section along the main street of McLaren Vale before the final run to Willunga.

The ride is possible year-round, but the most comfortable conditions are typically in spring and autumn when daytime temperatures are milder and creekside sections are greener.

In summer, heat can be the main hazard, especially on more open stretches approaching McLaren Vale and Willunga. After rain, take extra care at road crossings and on any damp, shaded sections under tree cover.

Most riders access the northern end at Marino via Marino Rocks railway station and the connecting Marino Rocks Greenway. From there, you can ride south to Willunga as a one-way trip or return the same way.

The trail can also be ridden northbound from Willunga back toward the southern suburbs of Adelaide. If you are planning a one-way ride, check your onward transport options in advance, as the route finishes in Willunga rather than central Adelaide.

No permit is needed - the Coast to Vines Rail Trail is open to pedestrians and cyclists. The route is described as completely off-road, but it crosses roads frequently, and the path and road crossings are clearly signposted.

Bike hire, e-bikes and luggage transfer are not standard features of rail trails everywhere, so organise these independently if you need them. The trail intersects with the Patrick Jonker Veloway at both the Panalatinga Road turnoff and the southern end of the Southern Expressway, which can help with local connections.

If you want to break the ride into an overnight, the most logical bases are McLaren Vale or Willunga, where you are more likely to find accommodation compared with the suburban northern half of the route. Staying here also makes it easy to combine the ride with cellar door visits and meals.

If you are riding as a day trip, many cyclists simply return to Marino after reaching McLaren Vale or Willunga. For weekends and event periods in the McLaren Vale area, booking ahead is sensible.