
- To enjoy the Barossa Valley wine and food experiences
- There is great rural and vineyard scenery
- The Tanunda to Angaston section is flat and ideal for children and novice riders
- You can soak up the Barossa’s German heritage
Nearby Attractions
- Barossa vineyards
- Barossa farmers market
- Barossa Adventure Station, Angaston
- Steingarten lookout
- Pewsey Vale mountain bike park
- Sandy Creek Conservation Park
Last updated: 1 April 2025
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.
Section Guides
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.
![The beginning of the rail trail proper in Gawler East [2022]](https://www.railtrails.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/S21-057-023-Barossa-RT-Ext-Sunnydale-Ave-Start-Jul-22-300x225.jpg)
The beginning of the rail trail proper in Gawler East [2022]
![The new section near Kalbeeba is enjoyable in all seasons [2022]](https://www.railtrails.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/S21-057-028-Barossa-RT-Ext-midpoint-view-east-Jul-22-300x225.jpg)
The new section near Kalbeeba is enjoyable in all seasons [2022]
![A road crossing at Kalbeeba [2022]](https://www.railtrails.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/S21-057-031-Barossa-RT-Ext-Kalbeeba-Jul-22-300x225.jpg)
A road crossing at Kalbeeba [2022]
![Railside trail between Kalbeeba and Sandy Creek [2020]](https://www.railtrails.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/S21-057-BT3-Trail-between-Kalbeeba-and-Sandy-Creek-2020-09_crop-300x200.jpg)
Railside trail between Kalbeeba and Sandy Creek [2020]
![End of the rail trail proper at Sandy Creek [2020]](https://www.railtrails.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/S21-106-BT6-Rail-Side-Trail-end-Sandy-Creek-2020-09-300x225.jpg)
End of the rail trail proper at Sandy Creek [2020]

Air-conditioned old house close to Lyndoch [2020)
![The railside trail is a bit more undulating than the railway at Rowland Flat [2020]](https://www.railtrails.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/S21-205-BT15-Rail-Side-Trail-near-Rowland-Flat-2020-09-300x225.jpg)
The railside trail is a bit more undulating than the railway at Rowland Flat [2020]
![Trail view near Jacobs Creek [2020]](https://www.railtrails.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/S21-205-BT22-Trail-View-near-Jacobs-Creek-2020-09-300x225.jpg)
Trail view near Jacobs Creek [2020]
![Trailside art near Jacobs Creek [2020]](https://www.railtrails.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/S21-205-BT25-Trailside-Art-near-Jacobs-Creek-2020-09-207x300.jpg)
Trailside art near Jacobs Creek [2020]
![Barossa trail hub at Tanunda [2022]](https://www.railtrails.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/S21-257-BT29-Barossa-Cycle-Hub-Tanunda-2020-09-225x300.jpg)
Barossa trail hub at Tanunda [2022]
![Trailside vineyards in Nuriootpa [2020]](https://www.railtrails.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/S21-257-BT37E-Trail-Side-Vineyards-Nuriootpa-2020-11-300x225.jpg)
Trailside vineyards in Nuriootpa [2020]
![Trailside roses in Nuriootpa [2020]](https://www.railtrails.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/S21-257-BT37D-Trail-Side-Roses-Nuriootpa-2020-11-300x176.jpg)
Trailside roses in Nuriootpa [2020]
![Historic Penfolds Wines building in Nuriootpa [2020]](https://www.railtrails.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/S21-309-BT38-Historic-Penfolds-Building-Nuriootpa-2020-09-300x225.jpg)
Historic Penfolds Wines building in Nuriootpa [2020]
![Barossa farmers market [2020]](https://www.railtrails.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/S21-309-BT49C-Barossa-Farmers-Market-2020-11-300x225.jpg)
Barossa farmers market [2020]
![Take a break at Artisans - one of the many wineries along the route [2022]](https://www.railtrails.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/S21-001-Lunch-at-Artisans-of-Barossa-2022-01-300x225.jpg)
Take a break at Artisans - one of the many wineries along the route [2022]
![View from the rail trail near Angaston [2020]](https://www.railtrails.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/S21-309-BT59-Rail-Trail-Embankment-View-near-Angaston-2020-09-300x225.jpg)
View from the rail trail near Angaston [2020]
![Climbing up to Angaston [2020]](https://www.railtrails.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/S21-309-Nuriootpa-to-Angaston-2020-07-0673-300x225.jpg)
Climbing up to Angaston [2020]
![Approaching Angaston Station [2020]](https://www.railtrails.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/S21-358-Angaston-2020-07-0696-300x225.jpg)
Approaching Angaston Station [2020]
![The Angaston Station precinct has been transformed by the council into a recreation centre for the community [2020]](https://www.railtrails.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/S21-358-Angaston-station-2020-07-0693-300x225.jpg)
The Angaston Station precinct has been transformed by the council into a recreation centre for the community [2020]
![The station building has also been restored [2020]](https://www.railtrails.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/S21-358-BT62-Angaston-Station-Cyclists-2020-09-300x225.jpg)
The station building has also been restored [2020]
![The turntable is now a feature, minus the rotation [2020]](https://www.railtrails.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/S21-358-Angaston-station-2020-07-0684-300x225.jpg)
The turntable is now a feature, minus the rotation [2020]
Travelling by train, Gawler (4.8 km to Barossa Rail Trail) or Gawler Central (3.3 km) Stations can be used but Gawler Central is closest to the Gawler Cycle Hub and the start of the Barossa Rail Trail. Gawler Station has an F-Class steam locomotive on display at its northern end.
Barossa Bike Hire – Provider for Bike Hire, Cycle Tours, and Gourmet Bike Experiences.
Angaston Hardware and Cycle Hub
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.
Information and Links
Bike Hire (5 South Tce, Nuriootpa) can provide bikes, e-bikes, bike tours, some parts and repairs. Hire bikes can be delivered to accommodation within the Barossa.
Angaston Hardware & Cycle Hub (5 Sturt St, Angaston) has hire bikes, a good range of spares and does repairs.
Gawler Cycle Hub at the Visitor Information Centre (2 Lyndoch Rd, Gawler) includes bike hire, showers, public toilets, cycle storage and lock-up, bike maintenance stand, drinking fountain, picnic tables and shelter.
For further information go to:
To report any issues or problems please contact The Barossa Council
Contact Rail Trails Australia
To contact us about this rail trail, email sa@railtrails.org.au
Background Information
Traditional owners
We acknowledge the Kaurna, Peramangk and Ngadjuri people, the traditional custodians of the land and waterways on which the rail trail is constructed.
Development and future of the rail trail
The first section of railside trail, between Tanunda and Nuriootpa, was opened in 1992. In 2010, the track between Nuriootpa and Angaston was finally removed and that rail trail section constructed. The path between Tanunda and Kalbeeba was opened in 2014, with sections between Rowland Flat and Altona, and between Sandy Creek and Kalbeeba, being railside trails. The section of railside trail connecting Gawler East and Kalbeeba was opened in July, 2022.
As the railway line is still technically ‘operational’ from Gawler to Nuriootpa, this section of the trail has been built beside the line or following the creek. The line has now been removed at the Kroemer’s Crossing roundabout near Tanunda so it is unlikely the railway would be used again without significant work. In 2024, the SA Government announced funding for a feasibility study into extending the suburban railway beyond Gawler Central to service new housing developments east of Gawler.
Rail line history
The Gawler to Angaston Line was officially opened in 1911 to much fanfare. The railway authorities commissioned a special school train for the opening, which carried 1258 children. In 1917, the line was extended from Nuriootpa to Truro and, later, a branch line was built to Penrice Quarry about 6 km from Nuriootpa. Regular commuter passenger services were withdrawn in 1968 and no passenger services have used the line since 2003 when the Barossa Wine Train was withdrawn. ‘Stonie’ trains used the line to ferry soda products from Penrice Quarry to Osborne until 2013
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12 reviews of “Barossa Rail Trail”
I rode up from Gawler and it really was up. I found the first on-road section up through the council staff carpark and over Church Hill disappointing after a great build up at the Gawler Cycle Hub at the Visitor Information Centre. What a cool facility, even a power point for your e-bike charger next to the car one. Seems to me there's a railside trail waiting to be built to the current start of the shared path starting in Gawler East. More big climbs and some tight, off-camber bends through the Jacobs Creek Winery and no sign of the rail corridor among the grapevines. Got to try out the bike repair station at Tanunda when I picked up a thorn in the rear tyre. More power points here and RV parking. Rode back to the van and did the Tanunda-Angaston section return today and the true rail trail section from Nuriootpa really was the nicest. Lots of trees, birds singing, more people on the trail.
Rode Tanuda to Angaston portion. Out of Tanuda it's pretty much just shared footpath along the highway – noisy and busy. But once you find the turn to Angaston (across from Penfolds) it is peaceful and quite beautiful along the old rail line. Good surface. Signage to find that part of the trail could be better but so worth it! Good coffee shops and picnic areas in Angaston.
I often ride this trail but mostly the Rowland to Gawler part or Angaston to Tanunda. The part between Southern Rowland and Tanunda is quite steep and road based in parts. The parts I ride are still enjoyable though.
As other reviewers have noted, this is a superb area on a great trail. So I will just note two things for consideration. Firstly, before riding this trail, it is worth noting the elevation change between Gawler and Angaston and decide if you want the climbs on the way out or the way back. I rode Angaston to Jacobs Creek Winery at Rowland Flat (on an ebike so the climbs were not an issue). Secondly this is a five star trail except for the on road section through Tanunda. This is a high volume traffic road at urban speeds. There is an on road bike lane but the closer you get to the town centre, the more cars there are parked in it. Cyclists need to claim the vehicle lane to prevent close passes from motorists. This can be nerve racking for many cyclists. And riding on the footpath requires negotiating many driveways. So, be prepared to deal with traffic going through Tanundra. Then enjoy the bliss of being fully separated for the remainder of the trail.
We rode Lyndoch to Angston, 58k return. Lovely views, only small section from Nuriootpa to Angston actually on railway easement. Some steep sections between Rowland Flat and Tanunda, but good views compensate. Good surface, lots of opportunities for vineyard visits. Lovely area to ride.
We are staying at Lyndoch Hill Motel for a few nights. Nice place, and central to our plans for riding the Barossa trail. Today we rode from Lyndoch to Angaston and return, approx 58kms. This is a bike trail, or shared use path for most of the way except for the 7km section between Nuriootpa and Angaston, which is a true Rail Trail. I consider the Rail Trail section of this trail to be one of the best in Australia. The only drawback is that it is only 7kms long. The surface is smooth hot mix seal, and there are many sculptures and interpretive signs on the way. The Station precinct at Angaston has been beautifully preserved, including the station building and platform, some old rail lines, goods shed, and turntable.
The trail between Nuriootpa and Tanunda is next to the disused railway line, but the rest of the trail is well away from the old line.
The trail is extremely hilly and windy between Tanunda and Rowland Flat. However this may appeal to some trail users, as it runs next to the river and there are some nice views.
This trail is sealed all the way, and there are loads of opportunities to visit wineries, bakeries, restaurants and pubs every few kms.
A lovely trail in a lovely part of the world.
Spent a day riding 32km of this wonderful rail trail. Hired excellent bikes in Nuriootpa and cycled between Angaston and Tanunda, stopping at several wineries along the way. The views along many sections of the trail, and particularly from the outdoor winery settings, were fabulous. The trail is well signposted, the surface is very good, and it is a great way to see the famous Barossa Vineyards.
I rode this trail both ways last week. It was in excellent condition, and travelled through some beautiful country. The best part for me was the section around the Jacobs Creek winery!
Riding was easy with only a few short steep hills around Jacobs Creek, as in the actual creek, although they were a bit of fun after some of the long straights.
Interestingly, when riding through the small town like Tanunda, I found drivers to be patient, courteous and considerate, unlike their city cousins!
The whole area is very beautiful, and it’s well worth spending a few days there. The trail rates 10/10 from me!
I should have rated it 5 star, but can’t seem to edit my review!
My partner and I rode the Angaston to Lyndoch section of this trail in a day in September 2018.
The Barossa is perhaps the best-known wine region in Australian and a major tourist and foodie destination – so there are plenty of places to eat and drink, but also the roads can be quite busy. We stayed at Angaston but there are many accommodation options in Nuriootpa, Tanunda and surrounds, many of them upmarket.
We hired a tandem from the helpful and well-stocked Barossa Bike Hire in Nuriootpa.
While the Barossa (rail) Trail, cyclepath and Jack Bobridge trail stretch for over 40km, only approximately the 10km between Nuriootpa and Angaston is on or beside a disused rail line. This is also one of the most pleasant and scenic parts of the whole trail, and passes close to several wineries. We saw several other cyclists on this section. Angaston is pretty and deserves some time for a coffee or refreshments.
Heading south from Nuriootpa the cycleway has some sections on or beside the busy Barossa Valley Way. It also has some steeper but scenic sections away from the main road. The weather was warm, so once we reached Lyndoch and had some lunch we decided it was time to return to Nuriootpa rather than continuing to the larger town and transport hub of Gawler. We did this via a back road which wound past wineries and through farm land, and provided more elevated views over the Barossa Valley.
I have riden the new section from just outside Gawler to Lyndoch – a nice easy ride, totally on bikeway only crossing a few side roads and the main road once. Scenic country, passing through fields, vineyards and an arched rose garden, ending across from the bakery in a pretty green park with a sheltered area with seating and conveniences.
This needs an update – it’s finished to the outskirts of Gawler and is generally a nice ride (needs some plants to beautify in places) and connects over 40 km to Angaston. Well worth it.