The Stockade Rail Trail features a gravel surface of good width, ranging from smooth fine gravel through Unity Park to some rougher gravel sections along Dry Creek.

The Levels – City Bikeway crosses the trail at the western edge of Unity Park giving access to/from the city via quiet back streets and the Torrens Linear Park Shared Use Path.

Dry Creek Trail is an off-road trail which follows Dry Creek from the Barker Wetlands, through Mawson Lakes and continues to Wynn Vale Lake. Part of Stockade Rail Trail uses the Dry Creek Trail.

Food outlets located within the Gepps Cross Homemaker Centre opposite the trail start, and to the north in Pooraka.

Bridgeway Hotel on Bridge Road near crossing point.

Toilets and picnic facilities in Unity Park and Stockade Botanic Park.

Main North Road to Bridge/Briens Road (1.5km)

The trail starts on the eastern side of Main North Rd. The railway reserve is still clearly visible, flanked by rows of tall gums. Some rail remnants are still visible adjacent to the path. Pooraka station was located on the western side of Main North Rd. There is a pleasant park with ‘Winds of Change’ sculptures immediately north of the trail start.

Head east along the trail, bypassing the vehicle control gates if closed. Cross The Levels – City Bikeway as you enter Unity Park where there are a number of path options allowing exploration of Unity Park. Toilets and facilities are located close to South Terrace.

Northfield station was located on what is now the Cross Keys BMX Club and Pooraka Skate Park.

Bridge/Briens Road to Stockade (1.1km)

Cross Bridge/Briens Rd at the traffic lights.

The original Northfield / Stockade station was on the eastern side of Briens Rd. The site is now a works depot for the Department of Infrastructure and Transport which prevents access to the old rail reserve.

Turn left onto the eastern Briens Rd footpath and proceed 200m north to access the Dry Creek Trail. Take care on the first part of this trail with a steep descent and climb on a loose surface.

On the eastern side of the works depot the trail rejoins the old rail reserve and there are several paths to choose from. The lower path with dark gravel is the old rail alignment.

Alternate Route – Turn right onto the eastern Briens Rd footpath and proceed 100m south to Howard Road. Follow Howard Rd uphill and enter Stockade Botanical Park. Turn into the car park and access the path near the toilet block. The park area is accessed by turning right onto the shared use path. To rejoin the rail reserve, turn left and proceed east onto a gravel path which drops steeply to join the Dry Creek Trail. The steep section is best traversed with caution.

Records are vague as to how far the railway continued but it is believed it ended somewhere near the first quarry where there is an unusual steel walkway. This is Yatala Guard Tower 1 from which prison guards supervised prisoners working in the quarry. There are a number of historical sites nearby and Yatala Prison sits atop the hill to the southeast.

Side Trails

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.

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. The Pooraka to City section is all sealed and uses a combination of quiet back streets and sealed shared use paths.