When I put up the ride title “Cycling the Lefevre Peninsula” there was a puzzled response: “Where is this place?”
The Adelaide suburbs of Ethelton and Port Adelaide form the southern base of the Lefevre Peninsula, while the western border is a continuous stretch of white, sandy beaches from Semaphore to North Haven. The Port River defines the north and eastern borders. The area was named after one of South Australia’s Colonisation Commissioners in 1837.
We met for our ride on a sunny but chilly winter’s Sunday at Snowden Beach on the Port River side.
As we prepared to start, a cargo ship made its way north up the river.
We were soon following the ship, past the Australian Submarine Corporation and the desolate Mutton Cove Conservation Reserve.
Mersey Road seemed quiet and empty so we got a surprise when suddenly a group of road cyclists came thundering up behind us doing time trials. We attempted to keep out of their way but one of our riders was almost involved in a road rage incident!
Note: Unfortunately as of 27 October 2019, Mersey Road is blocked near the Australian Submarine Corporation while construction of a large new building takes place.
We turned south on Pelican Point Road and rode under the Viterra wheat conveyor belt.
It’s worth taking a short detour to see the historic Outer Harbor Railway Station, still in use.
Outer Harbor
We cycled on towards the Outer Harbor jetty. A large container ship was making its way out towards the gulf.
It passed us as we took a group photo
and headed out to sea.
It was time to get moving again towards our coffee destination.
Abbracci Cafe at North Haven provided the perfect venue on the verandah overlooking the marina.
Semaphore Coastal Path
Heading south along the beach bike path was cool and windy. Nobody stopped to take a photo. Here’s a picture from the Semaphore Coastal Path on another day.
We turned east along the bottom border of the peninsula. A worthwhile detour at this point is to Glanville Hall, former home of Captain John Hart, South Australia’s first premier.
An excellent coffee stop nearby is the Red Mill Bakehouse.
Port Adelaide
Next, we crossed the Hart Street Bridge and pedalled into Port Adelaide. The views from the bridge are lovely on a still day.
Darryl raced ahead to get some photos of the group in action as we passed the bend in the river at Hart’s Mill.
We crossed the Nelson Street Bridge. This is the view towards Hart’s Mill and Ethelton.
From the other side of the bridge you can look towards the old port.
Heading North
From there we followed Elder Road back to our start point. The Dolphin Explorer was just heading out.
On our ride around the Lefevre Peninsula, we had cycled 29.4 kilometres, climbing 154 metres.
If you are interested in joining relaxed, social rides like this, please join our Facebook Group.
For some more ideas about incorporating Port Adelaide in your ride, see Adelaide Beach Ride, Port Adelaide Wall Art Ride or Outer Harbor Greenway.
For something more challenging, consider the Crafers Bikeway.
The map below has been revised for the current closure of Mersey Road near the Australian Submarine Corporation.
Note: Featured photo at top by Darryl Prime.
