The final missing link in the Outer Harbor Greenway (OHG) has been completed. Now you can ride safely on quiet roads and bike paths all the way from Outer Harbor to North Adelaide.
For many years we have had to take a dangerous detour from the rail corridor around the former Brompton Gasworks. Therefore, completion of this section of the bike path is most welcome.
In 2018, the bikeway overpass of South Road and the Park Terrace Underpass were finalised. Adding all these improvements together, the Outer Harbor Greenway has become an impressive piece of cycling infrastructure that Adelaide can be proud of.
Port Adelaide Lighthouse
The bright red Port Adelaide Lighthouse is always a convenient place to start a ride, with public toilets nearby at Wharf One.
The Outer Harbor Greenway is clearly sign-posted
and supplemented with sharrows.
Leaving the Port, the Outer Harbor Greenway heads south along Lipson Street past the National Railway Museum.
Soon you turn left to pass the South Australian Aviation Museum as the OHG makes its way towards the tunnel under Grand Junction Road.
Grand Junction Road Tunnel
The Grand Junction Road underpass is always fun to ride through.
Using back roads,
the path continues towards the brightly painted Alberton Station.
From there, the Outer Harbor Greenway follows quiet streets with historic homes along the northern side of the railway.
There are a few road crossings to negotiate, but on the whole they are quite safe with traffic lights at the busier roads.
M J McInerney Reserve
As you approach West Croydon Station, the OHG goes through M J McInerney Reserve, recently upgraded with playgrounds and improved public toilets.
The walls of the adjoining Bianco Pipe Factory have been painted with a colourful mural.
South Road Bike Overpass
About nine kilometres south of Port Adelaide, the South Road Bike Overpass begins. It’s a wonderful thing to soar above the traffic in perfect safety. At this point, you also start to get your first views of the city.
Bowden Heritage Precinct
Soon the newly-completed bridge over Chief Street leads you into the Bowden Heritage Precinct.
The bike path along the this section of the railway corridor has been the missing link in the OHG that cyclists have been waiting for.
Renewal SA is developing the Bowden Heritage Precinct, formerly known as the Brompton Gasworks, into a higher density urban infill project.
Bowden Heritage Station
Just before the OHG arrives at the modern version of Bowden railway station, you can take a short detour to see the former station. The Loose Caboose now operates in this heritage building.
Park Terrace Underpass
From there it is a short ride along the Outer Harbor Greenway to the Park Terrace Underpass.
When you emerge from the underpass, you can go straight ahead to the city. Alternatively, you could turn left to go to North Adelaide or right to follow the Torrens Linear Path to the beach.
Plant 4 Bowden
On your way back, Plant 4 Bowden is a convenient stop for refreshments. You will find plenty of parking for bicycles and a good range of coffee shops to choose from.
Another pleasant coffee stop on the way back is Elizabeth Street, Croydon.
There are plenty of coffee shops to choose from : Queen Street Cafe, Billy’s Table, La Lorientase Creperie, Willow Bend, and Abbots and Kinney.
When you arrive back at Port Adelaide, L.Law Cafe and Pancakes at the Port are good cafe options for cyclists.
Summary of Ride from Port Adelaide on the OHG
In summary, this return ride is 23 kilometres long and climbs only 23 metres across the whole distance. Apart from being an important commuter route, it’s an excellent flat ride for those who have knee or back issues and have to avoid hills.
Here is a 60-second video of the ride
The Outer Harbor Greenway extends north for another nine kilometres from Port Adelaide to Outer Harbor.
Thank you to Port BUG, Westside BUG, Adelaide Bike Kitchen and Bicycle Institute of South Australia for working together with local councils and the State Government to make this wonderful bikeway.
When you arrive at Port Adelaide, why not take time to explore our Port Adelaide Wall Art ride?
Other Iconic Adelaide Rides
Other iconic Adelaide rides are the Coast to Vines Rail trail and the Crafers Bikeway. Alternatively, a really fun downhill ride is on the Belair Lynton Bike Path. (You take the train there and ride downhill.)
Top picture: Cyclist on the newly completed bike path past the Bowden Heritage Precinct
Nice to see some good new bicycle infrastructure.
Yes. This bike path is now an absolute pleasure to ride 😎
Very nice. I also have a soft spot for videos. A friendly critique. Ride in the middle of the pack to get more riders in the video.
That’s a good point John, but doesn’t always go well when you are leading the ride 😎
It can work. It takes some practice and delegating people to lead for a bit now and then. Your companions will be thrilled to be movie stars for a day. What ever you do, I’ll continue to enjoy your blog.
Looks like a great place to ride.
Definitely 😎
Excellent ride, thanks for bringing it to my attention. Full credit to the councils and designers involved, they have turned a drab rail corridor into an attractive landscaped avenue (including the stations).
Couldn’t agree with you more 😎
OHG. A great safe ride. And the opening was a great success. Well done all involved.
Yes Des. It’s a wonderful achievement.