The Coast to Vines Rail Trail extends 33 kilometres from the end of the platform at Marino Rocks Railway Station to the Almond Train at McLaren Vale.
For me, coming from the northern suburbs of Adelaide, one of the delights of going to McLaren Vale is the ride on the Seaford Line train, with its lovely views of the ocean from Bright Station south.
Marino Rocks to Hallett Cove Railway Station (3 km)
Although the Coast to Vines Rail Trail officially starts at Marino Rocks, I find the three kilometre section of the trail between Marino Rocks and Hallett Cove Railway Station to be unnecessarily undulating. Also frankly, the views from the train (a few metres higher) are better.
There are public toilets at Hallett Cove Station, which can be convenient if you have travelled a long way.
Hallett Cove to Old Reynella (7 km)
From the east side of the Hallett Cove Railway Station, the Coast to Vines Rail Trail heads south. Unfortunately this section deviates quite a bit from the original rail track, so you can expect a few steep climbs.
It’s quite a challenging start to the ride, so a break for a coffee at Old Reynella is welcome.
Two bike-friendly cafes at Old Reynella are Esculent (open every day except Monday) and Soul Good Cafe (open every day except Sunday).
It’s worth stopping at Old Reynella, as after that there are not many cafes near the Coast to Vines Rail Trail until you get to McLaren Vale.
Old Reynella to tunnel under M2 (10 km)
Leaving Old Reynella behind, the real fun begins with a wonderful twelve kilometre descent to the Onkaparinga River.
Just before the tunnel under the M2 Expressway is the turnoff to the Adelaide Southern Veloway, now known as the Patrick Jonker Veloway. The Veloway is a good quality bitumen bikeway running alongside the M2, providing a useful link to the Sturt River Recreational Trail at Bedford Park.
M2 to Seaford Railway Station (4 km)
After the M2 tunnel, you leave the suburbs behind for a while as the Coast to Vines Rail Trail keeps rolling down to the Onkaparinga River Recreation Park.
The bridge across the Onkaparinga River is a highlight.
It’s not uncommon to see kangaroos in this area.
Seaford Railway Station to McLaren Vale (9 km)
After the suburb of Seaford Rise, the Coast to Vines Rail Trail turns under Main South Road and heads east.
In this section, there are some lovely green and shady cuttings, particularly welcome on a warm summer’s day.
Some steep embankments add to the enjoyment.
And of course, there are the vineyards – green in summer, yellow and red in autumn and bare in winter.
In McLaren Vale, the Cottage Bakery is conveniently located close to the Almond Train where the Coast to Vines Rail Trail finishes and becomes the Shiraz Rail Trail.
There’s indoor and outdoor seating, with plenty of room for bicycles.
You can follow the Shiraz Rail Trail for a further eight kilometres to the delightful historic village of Willunga.
McLaren Vale back to Seaford Railway Station (9 km)
It’s a nine kilometre ride back to Seaford Railway Station. With trains departing every 30 minutes even on Sundays and public holidays, you won’t have to wait long for your train back towards the city.
From the train you can see the Onkaparinga River and Wetlands between Seaford Meadows and Noarlunga Stations.
Summary of our Coast to Vines ride
With its excellent bitumen surface, the Coast to Vines Rail Trail is suitable for riding all year round.
The ride I have described here is 39 kilometres long and includes a cumulative climb of 348 metres.
Another very enjoyable ride, which minimises the suburban parts of the rail trail, is to catch the train to Seaford, then ride down to McLaren Vale on the Coast to Vines Rail Trail and continue on to Willunga on the Shiraz Trail (38 kilometres return, 340 metres of climbing).
The ride along Onkaparinga River to Moana Beach is also an excellent option in the area. Another iconic Adelaide rail trail is the Amy Gillett Bikeway.
