Tour Down Under takes place soon in South Australia

South Australia’s iconic Tour Down Under international road cycling event is on again in January 2024 and will have some impact on several rail trails. The Tour Down Under uses roads but use of nearby rail trails can be affected by road closures, spectators and cyclists following the event. Alternatively nearby rail trails can provide great access for those wishing to experience the excitement of viewing an international cycling event at close quarters and moving between viewpoints can be easier by bike.

Rail trails affected are:

Friday 12 January – Adelaide Hills Amy Gillett Rail Trail – Women’s Stage 1 will run alongside the Trail between Oakbank and Charleston offering great viewing opportunities. Woodside’s main street will host a Sprint.

Sunday 14 January – Coast to Vines Rail Trail – Women’s Stage 3 will make two laps between McLaren Vale and Willunga with a Sprint in Willunga and the race finishing atop Willunga Hill. Expect additional spectator cycle traffic on the rail trail.

Tuesday 16 January – Barossa Rail Trail – Men’s Stage 1 will Start and Finish in Tanunda’s main street, conducting 3 laps of a course passing through Tanunda, Nuriootpa and Angaston. The main street will be closed for the event but detours will be available. The Barossa Rail Trail provides easy access to various parts of the course for great viewing.

Wednesday 17 January –  Adelaide Hills Amy Gillett Rail Trail – Men’s Stage 2 will run alongside the Trail between Oakbank and Charleston offering great viewing opportunities. Woodside’s main street will host a Sprint.

Thursday 18 January –  Barossa Rail Trail – Men’s Stage 3 will pass through Sandy Creek and Lyndoch with a Sprint in Lyndoch’s main street. The Barossa Rail Trail provides easy access to various parts of the course for great viewing.

Friday 19 January – Encounter Bikeway – Men’s Stage 4 passes through Goolwa and Middleton before a Stage Finish at Port Elliot.  The Encounter Bikeway provides easy access to various parts of the course for great viewing.

Saturday 20 January –  Coast to Vines Rail Trail – Men’s Stage 5 will make four laps between McLaren Vale and Willunga, finishing atop the iconic Willunga Hill. Additionally, the Willunga Hill Time Trial Event is a public event on the same day. Expect significant additional spectator cycle traffic on the rail trail.

For more detailed information see Tour Down Under