This scenic shared-use trail is in the heart of the Barossa Valley and links the major towns of Gawler, Tanunda, Nuriootpa and Angaston via the railway corridor, taking advantage of panoramic views and the topography. Although some of the Gawler-to-Tanunda section is not on the rail corridor, it gives cyclists and visitors the opportunity to extend their ride or walk and explore more parts of the Barossa by bike. It is possible to ride all the way from Gawler to Angaston, mainly on dedicated shared paths.  Care must be taken on the short on-road section through Tanunda and at all road crossings.  Take advantage of the many coffee shops, bakeries and restaurants in all the Barossa towns.

At the terminus of the Barossa Rail Trail in the Angaston railyards, The Barossa Council has created a unique recreation area called the Barossa Adventure Station which features a 1km mountain bike trail, zip-line, accessible trampolines, bespoke tower and slide, skate ramps, boulder walling, half-court basketball, sensory sound forest and serene BBQ and picnic facilities. The Barossa Adventure Station caters for all family needs and is only metres from the main street of Angaston.

The Barossa Cycle Hub is at 68 Murray St, Tanunda and offers bike hire, showers, toilets, bike storage and lock-up, bike maintenance stand, tools and a vending machine dispensing common tube sizes.

THE Gawler Cycle Hub located at Visitor Information Centre (2 Lyndoch Road, Gawler) includes bike hire, showers, public toilets, cycle storage and lock-up, bike maintenance stand, drinking fountain, picnic tables and shelter.

Plenty of places to eat and stay in the region. There are caravan parks in Tanunda, Nuriootpa and Gawler.

Gawler to Lyndoch (16 km)

• The section from Kalbeeba was completed in 2014, with an extension from Gawler East to Kalbeeba completed in 2022. It features a smooth hot-mix asphalt surface
• From the Gawler Cycle Hub, a mostly on-road cycle route starts alongside the council administration building carpark in High St. Signage and road markings show the way. The final section is off-road shared path alongside the Barossa Valley Way and links to the Barossa Rail Trail at Sunnydale Av. Pick up a route map at the Cycle Hub Information Centre
• The Barossa Rail Trail follows the unused railway line from Gawler East to Sandy Creek, then the Barossa Valley Way and railway to Lyndoch.
• At Sandy Creek a short link trail provides access to the historic Sandy Creek Hotel and Barossa Valley Way.
• There are no steep or dangerous sections but take care at road crossings.
• The trail passes mostly cropping and grazing farmland and then vineyards and wineries closer to Lyndoch.
• At Lyndoch Hill the trail passes through the hotel grounds and rose garden.
• Picnic facilities, water station and toilets are located opposite Lyndoch Bakery.

Lyndoch to Rowland Flat (6 km)

• This section is a good-quality, sealed path which follows the Barossa Valley Way and then the unused railway corridor to Rowland Flat
• The section that follows the railway has a couple of short, steep climbs
• It passes vineyards and wineries.
• There were a number of derailments along this section and an information board near Rowland Flat details what happened

Rowland Flat to Tanunda (9 km)

• This section is not a rail trail but a good-quality sealed shared path which follows the North Para River and then the Barossa Valley Way to Tanunda
• The section that follows the river has several short, steep climbs and awkward sharp switchback bends, plus two cattle grids
• There are some hazardous sections on this trail so riders should exercise caution
• The trail passes through the grounds of the Jacobs Creek Visitor Centre.
• It finishes at Murray St, Tanunda, which can be busy but speeds are usually low – exercise caution.
• Barossa Cycle Hub at the visitor iformation centre (68 Murray St) offers bike hire, showers, toilets, bike storage and lock-up, bike maintenance stand, tools and a vending machine dispensing common tube sizes.
• Tanunda Station (300m east of the Cycle Hub) is in a reasonable state of repair and was used by community groups until recently.
• There are numerous accommodation, food and beverage options

Tanunda to Nuriootpa (6 km)

• From the cycle hub in Tanunda it is an on-road journey along Murray St with well-marked on-road bike lanes most of the way. Alternatively, you can use the quieter and more scenic Bilyara, Langmeil and Para roads.
• The 3.5 km railside section starts at Kroemer’s Crossing Roundabout, at the intersection of Murray St and Burings Rd, and is a good quality sealed path
• This section features a long (approx. 3 km) avenue of red roses between the unused railway line and shared path, passing vineyards and wineries. There are large shady trees between the path and main road.
• Exercise care at the roundabouts at Kroemer’s Crossing (Burings Rd) and Dorrien (Seppeltsfield Rd).
• Remains of Dorrien Siding are visible south of Seppeltsfield Rd
• Hot-air balloons can often be sighted in the morning, usually during the first hour after first light.
• The Historic Penfolds building at Nuriootpa has been re-purposed to provide numerous food and beverage options.
• At the point where the railway crosses the Barossa Valley Way at Nuriootpa, turn right into South Tce, then left into The Crescent to continue to Angaston, passing the remains of Nuriootpa Station and the railyards
• There are numerous accommodation, food and beverage options in Nuriootpa.

Nuriootpa to Angaston (7km)

• In Nuriootpa, turn into South Tce then left into The Crescent to reach the rail trail.
• This high-quality trail follows the railway corridor and has a smooth hot-mix asphalt surface.
• No buildings remain at Nuriootpa Station but platforms, railway lines and a water tower are still in place.
• Nuriootpa had a turning triangle rather than a turntable, for reversing engines. The triangle is still in place, often hidden by long grass, and the trail crosses it twice.
• Railway Tce, on the opposite side of Nuriootpa Station, formed one straight of an oblong car racing circuit used for the 1950 Australian Grand Prix. Murray St was used as another straight, right through the middle of the shops!
• This section passes through vineyards and past wineries, and features high embankments and deep shady cuttings at the Angaston end
• The trail has been enhanced with high-quality metal sculptures, information and map boards and seating at regular intervals.
• Early morning wildlife encounters (birds, kangaroos, rabbits etc) are not uncommon.
• Road crossings have been paved to resemble rails and sleepers – exercise caution
• Iconic Barossa Farmers Market can be reached from the Light Pass/Diagonal Rd crossing or the Stockwell Rd crossing, but operates on Saturday mornings only
• Angaston Station site has been reinvented as a multi-purpose recreation area known as the Barossa Adventure Station, with a 1 km MTB track overlooking the railyard.
• Barossa Valley Machinery Preservation Society has a large shed in the station grounds. They have numerous restored/under-restoration vehicles, engines and machinery occasionally on display.
• At Angaston the trail terminates in Washington St. Turn left then left again into Sturt St to get to the Murray St shops and cafes and a working blacksmith’s shop, open weekends and public holidays.
• There are numerous accommodation, food and beverage options in Angaston.

CONNECTING PATH

Nuriootpa Linear Park Shared-Use Path (2km): At the point where the railway crosses the Barossa Valley Way in Nuriootpa, continue straight ahead to Nuriootpa centre. About 200m north is Tolley Reserve with an RX steam locomotive on display as well as toilets, picnic facilities, playground, skate park and MTB/BMX track. A riverside linear path runs from Tolley Reserve under the Murray St road bridge and on to the Nuriootpa caravan park.