There have been some excellent upgrades to the Dry Creek Trail in recent years.
Now extending 22 kilometres from where it joins the new Tapa Martinthi Yala Bikeway in the west, to Wynn Vale Dam in the east, the trail gradually climbs 160 metres.
On a fine winter’s morning, Kathie and I set out to record the upgrades as well as enjoy the natural beauty of the Dry Creek Trail reserve.
From west to east, the most significant improvements are as follows:
1. Connection to the New Tapa Martinthi Yala Bikeway
The Dry Creek Trail has been extended a kilometre to join up directly with the newly completed Tapa Martinthi Yala Bikeway, which opened in 2020.
This means that I can now cycle from my home near Wynn Vale Dam all the way to Port Adelaide or Gawler, completely on trails and bikeways.
2. New Bridge at Mawson Lakes
This beautiful bridge has appeared on the western side of the railway line.
Providing wet weather access across Dry Creek to the Mawson Lakes train station, schools, university and shopping centre, this bridge is an excellent investment in encouraging active transport in the area.
3. Park Way Underpass, Mawson Lakes
This underpass on the Dry Creek Trail at Park Way, Mawson Lakes, combined with #4 below is part of a $2 million project delivered by the City of Salisbury. Half of the funding was through State Government grants.
4. Tunnel Under Main North Road
What a significant improvement to safety and cycling convenience this tunnel is! Before we had a laborious and dangerous crossing of Main North and Montague Roads.
Sadly, the tunnel is already covered in graffiti, but at least it’s colourful.
5. Underpass at Pauls Drive, Valley View
This major piece of infrastructure, was primarily focussed on upgrading the Pauls Drive road crossing of Dry Creek as it was prone to frequent flooding.
Sensibly, the project also took the opportunity to integrate with the Dry Creek Trail and provide safe pedestrian and cycling access under the road.
Scenic Ride
While we’re here, let’s not forget how beautiful this trail is, particularly in winter, when everything’s green and the Dry Creek flows!
To finish, here is a 30-second video of the eastern end of the trail:
Summary of the Dry Creek Trail
- Length: 22 km linear trail
- Difficulty: Mostly easy (total climb of 200 metres over the whole distance with very moderate gradients. Two short, sharp hills on the gravel section between Bridge Road and Walkleys Road. Take care on the underpasses, particularly after rain, when they can have slippery mud. There are alternative routes you can use.
- Suitable for: Gravel or mountain bikes
- Surface: Gravel and bitumen.
- Signage: Very limited signage. Download the map above.
- Best Times: Beautiful in any season, but take care on the underpasses after rain.
If you would like to join a group to ride the Dry Creek Trail, Cycle Salisbury conducts regular rides. Also, if you would like to contribute to tree-planting and improving the bio-diversity of the Dry Creek Reserve near Valley View, join the Friends of Dry Creek Trail.
Other important connector trails on the northern side of Adelaide are the Levels-City Bikeway and the O-Bahn Bikeway.
