The Eudunda Hampden Rail Trail features a smooth fine gravel surface of good width. It is a handy off-road link for cyclists, walkers and runners. Two of SA’s long distance trails, the Lavender Federation Walking Trail and the M2C Lavender Cycling Trail, pass along this trail.

There are coffee shops, bakery and supermarket in the nearby Eudunda main street, and toilets and picnic facilities at Centenary Gardens.

There are no facilities in Hampden.

Thiele Hwy to Kapunda St (1.0km)

Access: The trail commences from the pedestrian crossing on Thiele Highway (Morgan Rd), 100m northwest of the Eudunda Caravan Park (search: ‘21 Morgan Rd, Eudunda’). Parking is available at nearby Eudunda oval.

The trail follows Appelt Lane onto the old railway corridor which crosses South Terrace. The trail continues to be signposted as Appelt Lane as it passes the large iron elevated water tank and water standpipe, then the Silo Art on the right. The former Eudunda Railway Station and old platform are on the left.

The trail continues to Worlds End Highway where there is a pedestrian crossing which leads to the Eudunda Centenary Gardens.

Opposite the trail signage on Worlds End Hwy, a paved path leads into Centenary Gardens past a rail weighbridge with a gangers’ trolley on display, and a signal mast. Adjacent is a children’s playground and free BBQ facilities with public toilets beyond that. A bronze statue pays tribute to author Colin Thiele who grew up in this area.

The paved path ends at a T-junction and hedge. Make a left turn and follow the path onto Kapunda Street.

The trail re-starts opposite, where some residual rails remain embedded in the road.

Access: Kapunda St, Eudunda (Search ‘Re-cycling Depot Eudunda, Kapunda St, Eudunda’)

Kapunda St, Eudunda to Hampden (4.0km)

Access: Kapunda St, Eudunda (Search ‘Re-cycling Depot Eudunda, Kapunda St, Eudunda’)

Car parking is available around Centenary Gardens.

 The trail starts opposite Centenary Gardens where some residual rails remain embedded in the road crossing.

The 4 km trail to Hampden is a steady uphill grade with a number of cuttings and embankments. Leaving Eudunda there are several dips where the trail detours around old railway bridges. As the trail climbs there are great views of surrounding farmland in all directions. Key features of this section are the deep cuttings and pine trees along embankments.

On reaching Hampden there is a steep earth ramp up to Julia Rd.

Access: Julia Rd, Hampden (Search ‘408 Julia Rd, Eudunda’ or ‘377 Hampden Rd, Hampden’)

Side Trails

Hampden Railway Station

If you are feeling adventurous, you can cross Julia Road and use either Hampden Road to the right or continue along the densely covered rail corridor to the remains of the Hampden Railway Station. There is parking available along Hampden Road.

Lavender Federation Walking Trail

The Lavender Trail extends south to Murray Bridge and northwest to Clare and is well signposted.

M2C Lavender Cycling Trail

The M2C Lavender Cycling Trail extends south to Murray Bridge and northwest to Clare using mostly unsealed roads and tracks. It is signposted and further information, including maps, can be obtained from the Lavender Federation Trail website.