Coonawarra Rail Trail

The Coonawarra Rail Trail is a 19km sealed trail from Penola to Glenroy, running through the heart of South Australia’s famous Coonawarra wine region. Following the former Mount Gambier–Wolseley railway corridor, the route is almost completely flat and remarkably straight, passing vineyards, grazing country and historic railway sites along the region’s distinctive terra rossa landscape. From Penola it’s around 10.5km to the former Coonawarra Siding, where a 1.3km connecting path leads into Coonawarra township, with food, facilities and several cellar doors nearby. The main trail then continues another 8.5km through vineyard country to its current northern end at Glenroy–Bool Lagoon Road. With its sealed surface and gentle gradients, it’s an easy-going ride suited to families, recreational riders, touring bikes and e-bikes. RTS Tip: Make the short detour from Coonawarra Siding into Coonawarra township for a food or cellar-door stop before continuing your ride. If you’re thinking of extending north to Father Woods Park, be aware that this requires riding around 3.7km on the Riddoch Highway, which carries fast-moving traffic and isn’t recommended for children or inexperienced riders.