I loved the diversity of the towns, country roads, coastal parks, vineyards, swimming at great beaches, cycleways, and of course, for us Kiwis, the beautiful weather at Easter. For us, 25 C, is summertime, and to have 5 days of it at this time of the year was great. The men enjoyed the Shiraz, and all the accommodation was top notch. The cycle paths were fantastic and the local government have done everyone a favour by upgrading these to a very high standard. The signage and rest areas, with shades were great. There was no shortage of coffee either.. although evening restaurant choices were a little restricted being Easter.
Alison, New Zealand, 2010
Coast to Coast
Distance: 220km
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Type: Self Guided Cycling Tour
Price: $1820 per person
Tour Dates: Tours depart from Glenelg 7 Days a week, all year round
The Tour
The Coast to Coast Tour takes you from the bustling seaside suburb of Glenelg to beautiful Victor Harbor, one of South Australia's favourite holiday destinations. Along the way you spend two nights in the fabulous wine region of McLaren Vale before cycling through the historic township of Willunga, where you begin your climb up Old Willunga Hill, a King of the Mountain stage of The Tour Down Under, after which you enjoy an undulating ride through the countryside into Victor Harbor. Before returning to Adelaide you will cycle the unique Encounter Bikeway from Victor Harbor to the mouth of the River Murray, Australia's longest river.
Itinerary
Day 1: Glenelg - Moana-McLaren Vale (45km)
Level: Easy / Moderate
From Glenelg today's ride takes you past the beaches of Somerton, Brighton, Hallet Cove, Port Noarlunga and Moana. Along the way, visit galleries, take a swim and enjoy a bite to eat while overlooking the magnificent coastline. At the surf beach of Moana your coastal cycling ends. From here the route takes you inland, along a disused railway track to the town of McLaren Vale in the heart of the McLaren Vale wine region. Spend the afternoon visiting the cellar doors, cafes and shops that line the main street. Don't forget to visit the Medlow Confectionery outlet to try the heritage listed Fruchocs: Overnight McLaren Vale.
Day 2 (Choice one): The Beach Ride, (50km)
Level: Easy
From McLaren Vale you cycle along the bike path through vineyards to the historic town of Willunga. If it's a Saturday morning take time to explore the Willunga Market selling local produce. After Willunga you cycle along country roads through Olive Groves and Almond Orchards to the coastal towns of Aldinga and Port Willunga where you can sit above the cliffs that overlook some of South Australia's most scenic, yet safest beaches while lunching on fish and chips. Don't forget you bathers. On your way home take time to stop at Fox Creek Winery and taste their Sparking Shiraz
Day 2 (Choice two): The Wine Tour (30km)
Level: Easy / Moderate
On today's ride you will cycle past many of the wineries that make up the McLaren Vale Vine region. Visit more than ten cellar doors, tasting the local wines and produce. Stop at Red Poles Cafe and Gallery where you can watch and chat to artists while they work. Near the end of your ride, relax with a long lunch d'Arry's Restaurant or Tapestry Winery before returning to McLaren Vale.
This ride showcase the best that the McLaren Vale wine region has to offer: fine wines, great food and beautiful countryside. Overnight McLaren Vale
Day 3: McLaren Vale to Victor Harbor (60km)
Level: Moderate / Challenging
Leaving McLaren Vale you cycle along the bike track to the town of Willunga. After Willunga, you begin your climb up Willunga Hill, a King of The Mountain stage of The Tour Down Under, perfect for cyclists who enjoy getting their heart rate up. Once you reach the top of Willunga Hill, for the next 50km you will cycle through the country side which is dominated by dairy farms and orchards that sell various seasonal produce. As you approach the end of today's ride your reward is a spectacular view over Victor Harbor, Encounter Bay and Granite Island. Tonight Victor Harbor
Day 4: Encounter Bikeway: Victor Harbor-Port Elliot-Goolwa Return (60km)
Level: Easy
Leaving Victor Harbor you cycle along The Encounter Bikeway, to the coastal town of Port Elliot. Port Elliot is an ideal place to spend some time wandering through the shops that line The Strand and Main Street. Visit the famous bakery or just enjoy a coffee or a swim at stunning Horseshoe Bay. After Port Elliot, you continue on the bike path, past Basham Beach, where during the months of June to October, whales can be seen frolicking with their calves. Then on to Goolwa, situated at the mouth of the River Murray, Australia's longest river. Goolwa Beach offers another opportunity for a swim or body surf before lunch along the river or a beer from the local brewery at the Goolwa Wharf. After exploring Goolwa rejoin the bike path and cycle back to Victor Harbor. For something unique you might like to take the Steam Train, which leaves from the Goolwa wharf during holidays and week-ends to Victor Harbor. Tonight Victor Harbor
Day 5: Return to Adelaide
Cycling Tours will collect you from your accommodation and drive you to Adelaide. The time of pick up is negotiable as you may wish to spend extra time cycling or exploring Victor Harbor.
What's included:
4 nights accommodation including breakfast, return transport from Victor Harbor, 24 speed Trek Fitness bikes (not Mountain bikes), roadside assistance, detailed maps, instructions and information and luggage transfers
Cost:
Twin Share: A$1270.00 inc. gst
Single: A$1820.00 inc gst
Tours depart daily all year round.
Gallery
