This scenic shared use trail links the towns of Oakbank, Woodside, Charleston and Mt Torrens via the railway corridor, taking advantage of topography and panoramic views.

It is possible to enjoy a ride all the way from Oakbank to Mt Torrens almost entirely on traffic-free dedicated cycle paths. Take advantage of coffee shops, bakeries and restaurants in the larger towns.

There are toilets and picnic facilities at Woodside, Charleston and Mt Torrens.

Oakbank to Woodside (4.5 km)

This first stage of the trail starts at the end of Elizabeth St, Oakbank, where the old railway station once stood.

The first section is on-road on the busy Onkaparinga Valley Road for about 1 km toward Woodside. A safer option is to begin from the parking area on Gillman Road, about 500 m north of the start of the rail trail.

On the left is Oakbank racecourse, home of steeplechasing and jumping in SA, which combines with flat racing over the Easter weekend festival and includes the Great Eastern Steeplechase.

The trail is then a smooth sealed surface that follows the old rail alignment for 3.5 km.

At Woodside the trail crosses Onkaparinga Valley Rd and curves behind the shops. There are cafes and bakeries on Onkaparinga Valley Rd as well as a good bike shop.

Public toilets are in the sporting precinct near the road crossing.

The Woodside BMX/MTB track has been built on the site of the old Woodside station. It is landscaped and maintained by volunteers from the Love Woodside Group. The station’s well, used to supply water to steam trains and stock, has been restored at the northern end of the station precinct. There is ample parking near the BMX/MTB tracks, and picnic facilities and a bike maintenance stand.

The trail is on-road along Station Rd and Langbein Ave.

From the end of Langbein Ave the trail becomes a rail trail again and passes through a picturesque, heavily wooded section of Woodside township. The trail passes Barristers Block Winery on the left before it again crosses Onkaparinga Valley Rd.

Melba’s Chocolates and Woodside Cheesewrights are signposted to the right just north of the road crossing.

Woodside to Charleston (5 km)

There are several road crossings along this section. At Charleston, the trail does a dog-leg to the right along Newmans Rd.

Shaded picnic facilities, including free BBQs and toilets are located off Newmans Rd near the intersection with Onkaparinga Valley Rd. Charleston Hotel does all-day meals on weekends.

Charleston to Mt Torrens (7 km)

This section features scenic farmland and traverses deep, shady cuttings and high embankments. It is a steady climb from Charleston to the road crossing approaching Mt Torrens.

After a downhill run, the trail ends at Oval Rd on the northwest side of Mt Torrens; turn right on to unsealed Oval Rd for access to Mt Torrens township. Mt Torrens has a general store and hotel. Toilets are located at the oval.