Go Back To Trail Finder
Trail Open

Parafield Rail Trail

South Australia

Location: 15km north of Adelaide
Length: 3 km
Surface: Bitumen
Start / End: Mawson Lakes Interchange to Parafield Railway Station
Public Transport: Bus, Train
Suitable for:
  • Cycling – Mountain BikesCycling – Mountain Bikes
  • Cycling – Touring and Hybrid BikesCycling – Touring and Hybrid Bikes
  • PramsPrams
  • Scooters and Inline SkatesScooters and Inline Skates
  • WalkingWalking
  • WheelchairsWheelchairs

  • Rail Trail
  • On Road
  • Potential RT
  • Other Trail
  • Former Railway
View Map

The trail is a pleasant path along a linear park adjacent to the Adelaide to Gawler railway, connecting Mawson Lakes with the southern suburbs of Salisbury. It is mostly flat and is ideal for children and novice riders.

There are no facilities along this trail.

Parafield Airport lies to the east of the trail.

At Mawson Lakes, connect to the Dry Creek Trail.

At the northern end, quiet streets on the western side of the rail reserve link to Salisbury for connections to the Penfield Rail Trail and Little Para River Trail.

Nearby Attractions

  • Mawson Lakes for shopping, cafes, linear parks.
  • Classic Jets Fighter Museum at Parafield Airport.
  • Access to Dry Creek Trail at Mawson Lakes and other trails in Salisbury.
  • Rail access at both ends of the trail.

Last updated: 29 February 2024

The Parafield Rail Trail features a sealed surface of good width, well sheltered by trees and shrubs along its length.  Trail start is at Mawson Lakes Interchange and end is at Parafield Station. The trail is separated from the Adelaide – Gawler railway by a watercourse.  Greenfields station is the only intermediate station accessible from the trail via a narrow footbridge.

Section Guides

Mawson Lakes Interchange to Parafield Station (3.0km)

From the station interchange, proceed north under the road overpass to find the trail start point. Cross the footbridge over a creek and turn left onto the trail. 300m from the trail start, a narrow footbridge on the left gives access to another path linking to Greenfields Station.

The trail has good shelter from trees and shrubs on both sides. Parafield Airport is to the right and aircraft are frequently observed.

The Rail Trail ends at Parafield station at Kings Road where a small bridge links to the station carpark.

 

Side Trails

Alternate Return (3.0 km)

At Parafield station cross the railway line and turn left onto a cyclepath. Follow the railway south on a combination of cyclepaths and quiet back streets, returning to Mawson Lakes Interchange. This route will eventually form part of the Gawler Greenway Rail Trail.

Parafield Airport (0.5 km)

From Parafield station the sealed trail continues eastward, parallelling Kings Road. The trail ends after 500m at Dakota Drive. Quiet roads can be followed from here to the Classic Jets Fighter Museum.

Dry Creek Trail

The Dry Creek Trail is a 21.4km trail which follows Dry Creek from the Tapa Martinthi Trail in the west to Wynn Vale Dam in the east. Mostly gentle grades make it an easy ride for most abilities. This trail can be accessed immediately south of Mawson Lakes Interchange.

Stockade Rail Trail

The Stockade Rail Trail is a 2.6 km trail on the old Dry Creek to Stockade/Northfield line. Travel via the Dry Creek Trail to reach Stockade.

Levels to City Bikeway

The Levels to City Bikeway extends from Mawson Lakes to the City. However the Mawson Lakes to Pooraka section uses busy roads and is not recommended (use the Dry Creek Trail instead). The Pooraka to City section is all sealed and uses a combination of quiet back streets and sealed shared use paths.

Penfield Rail Trail

The Penfield Rail Trail is a 7 km trail which starts at Salisbury station, 3.2 kms north of Parafield station. Quiet back streets can be used to travel to Salisbury.

Do you know of a bike hire or transportation service on this rail trail that should appear here? If so, let us know at admin@railtrails.org.au.

Advertise your business here

Leave a Review

You must be logged in to post a review.

Background Information

Traditional Owners

We acknowledge the Kaurna people, the traditional custodians of the land and waterways on which the rail trail is constructed.

Development and Future of the Rail Trail

The Parafield Rail Trail has been developed over many years and is now an excellent sealed surface with good width.

A new path is planned to be constructed between the railway line and Thomas More College from Kings Road to Alba Court. When complete this will provide a safe and more direct link to Salisbury.

Rail Line History

The Adelaide-Smithfield section of the Gawler line was opened in 1857, making it one of South Australia’s oldest rail lines. In recent years the Gawler line has been electrified and all trains are now modern electric railcars.

Trail descriptions are maintained by volunteers. Please consider a donation to help improve this website. Rail Trails Australia gets no government funding.
Share

Nearby Trails

Stockade Rail Trail

Stockade Rail Trail

Pooraka, 11km north of Adelaide

2.6 km
Penfield Rail Trail

Penfield Rail Trail

Northern suburb of Adelaide

7 km
Outer Harbour Rail Trail

Outer Harbour Rail Trail

Port Adelaide, 20km north west of Adelaide

23 km
Smithfield Magazine Rail Trail

Smithfield Magazine Rail Trail

Smithfield Plains, 33kms north of Adelaide

3.5 km
Westside Bike Path

Westside Bike Path

2km West of Adelaide.

9 km
Mike Turtur Bikeway

Mike Turtur Bikeway

Between Adelaide city and Glenelg

9 km
Coast Park Rail Trail

Coast Park Rail Trail

12 Km west of Adelaide CBD

34 km
Marino Rocks Rail Trail
16 km
Adelaide Hills Amy Gillett Rail Trail

Adelaide Hills Amy Gillett Rail Trail

Mount Lofty ranges, 49km east of Adelaide

16 km
Barossa Rail Trail

Barossa Rail Trail

Barossa Valley - between Gawler and Angaston

43 km
Mount Barker Rail Trail

Mount Barker Rail Trail

33km southeast of Adelaide

5 km
Coast to Vines Rail Trail

Coast to Vines Rail Trail

Southern Adelaide Suburbs

37 km
Kapunda Rail Trail

Kapunda Rail Trail

78km north of Adelaide

1 km
Nurragi Conservation Reserve

Nurragi Conservation Reserve

Milang approx 70km south east of Adelaide

12 km
Eudunda Rail Trail

Eudunda Rail Trail

112km north of Adelaide

1 km
Encounter Bikeway

Encounter Bikeway

Between Goolwa and Victor Harbour on the Fleurieu Peninsula 90km south of Adelaide

28 km
Riesling and Rattler Rail Trail

Riesling and Rattler Rail Trail

130km north of Adelaide

53 km
Copper Rail Trail

Copper Rail Trail

100km north of Adelaide

26 km
Shamus Liptrot Rail Trail

Shamus Liptrot Rail Trail

100km north of Adelaide

11 km

Nearby Trails