Thursday 28 August to Sunday 31 August 2025
Ride the southern half of the Lavender Cycling Trail (LCT) from Truro to Murray Bridge over four days!
How the Bus Shuttle Works
On three out of the four days we will use a bus shuttle:
We drive to the end of the day’s ride, pack our bikes on the bus trailer and go by bus to the start of the day’s ride. From there we ride from the start point to the end point for the day. Our cars are then waiting for us at the end of the ride and we drive back to our accommodation.
Thursday Day 1 Truro to Eden Valley 45 km 463m climb
Drive to the Eden Valley Caravan Park (also known as Murray Recreation and Caravan Park). Please park on the western side of the oval (the right side of the oval as you face the oval from the public toilets.
Bus Departure 9:00am. Please arrive 20 minutes prior for check-in and boarding. The bus will take us to Truro to begin our ride.
Highlights of the day: This is a day packed with interest and adventure. We’ve arranged to have the historic mausoleum at Moculta opened for us (the $5 fee for this is already included in your tour cost). The back-road ride between Moculta and Keyneton is extremely scenic (although a little rough in places) and Keyneton has many interesting historic buildings. The final thrill of the day is the glorious descent into Eden Valley.
Follow this link to see the route for the day: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46967971
A wet weather alternative route will be also be provided so that we can still ride if some of the roads are muddy.
Bring your own food and drink as there are no shops once we leave Truro. However, if we are lucky the Eden Valley Hotel will be open for a beer/wine at the end of our ride.
Friday Day 2 Eden Valley to Tungkillo 40 km 551m climb
Drive to Tungkillo and find a parking spot. There are no shops in Tungkillo. Bring a back-up morning tea in case Bucks of Springton is not open.
Bus Departure 9:00am. Please arrive 20 minutes prior for check-in and boarding. The bus will take us to Eden Valley to begin our ride.
Highlights of the day: the excellent back-roads riding of this section, the bridge over the Marne River, the “tunnel to the sky” near Springton, Herbig Family Tree.
Follow this link to see the route for the day: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46968036
A wet weather alternative route will be also be provided so that we can still ride if some of the roads are muddy.
Stop at Bucks at Springton for coffee (if open) (18km) and Mount Pleasant Bakery (32km) for refreshments/lunch.
Saturday Day 3 Tungkillo to Monarto 48 km 421m climb
Drive to Monarto Sporting Complex and find a parking spot.
Bus Departure 9:00am. Please arrive 20 minutes prior for check-in and boarding. The bus will take us to Tungkillo to begin our ride.
Highlights of the day: Historic Hoads Woolshed, the farm track through private property before Rockleigh, the Old Rockleigh Schoolhouse (we will arrange to have it open for the day) and the single track through the Monarto Woodlands.
Follow this link to see the route for the day: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46968065
A wet weather alternative route will be also be provided so that we can still ride if some of the roads are muddy.
Sunday Day 4 Monarto to Murray Bridge Trail Head and return to Monarto 39 km 278m Climb
NO SHUTTLE TODAY as we will loop back to the start point.
Drive to Monarto Sporting Complex and find a parking spot, ready to start the ride by 9:00am.
Ride the last section of the LCT to the trail head at Murray Bridge for the finish photo.
To complete your Lavender Cycling Trail Southern Tour, enjoy coffee and food at the 1924 Steakhouse on the riverfront (but only if after 11.30am) or at GCS Cafe before returning via the Monarto Zoo (maybe for lunch?).
Highlights of the day: The single track between Monarto and Kinchina, the roll into Murray Bridge, the Lavender Trail Head at Murray Bridge, the alternative route back via the Monarto Zoo.
Follow this link to see the route for the day: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46968125
A wet weather alternative route will be also be provided so that we can still ride if some of the roads are muddy.
COSTS for the Lavender Cycling Trail Southern Tour
The total cost per participant for the shuttle bus service for the 3 days and entrance to the Moculta Mausoleum is $185. On top of this you need to budget for your accommodation and organise your own food.
We have been able to book an 11-seater and an 8-seater bus, leaving a total of 19 places for the tour.
In order to secure your place on the 2025 tour please
- Make your deposit payment of $50 by Friday 28 February 2025.
- You must also be a current member of the Friends of the Lavender Trails for your booking to be accepted. You can join or renew ($20 per annum) at SA Recreation Trails website https://sarti.au/shop/
- Final payment of $135 must be made by Friday 1 August 2025.
For full details of where to pay and cancellation and refund policy see Booking Cancellation and Refund Policy for Uncool Tours.
If any funds are left over after paying costs, a donation will be made to the Lavender Cycling Trail to help the volunteers maintain the trail.
Accommodation
Derek and I have booked a powered site at Mount Pleasant Caravan Park for the duration of the tour. At the time of writing there are still several cabins available at this caravan park. When making your booking please mention that you are part of the “Lavender Trail Group”. We will get a 10% discount if 10 of us book at this caravan park.
Eden Valley Caravan Park (no cabins) is also a convenient location to base yourself.
Other cabin accommodation is available at the Murray Bridge.
