Kapunda Rail Trail

The Kapunda Rail Trail is a short, easy cycling and walking trail through the historic copper-mining town of Kapunda, around 78 km north of Adelaide in South Australia. The approximately 1–1.5 km shared trail, also known locally as The Swann Path, follows part of Kapunda’s former railway corridor from around Davidson Reserve and Coghill Street. Along the way, riders pass heritage streetscapes, interpretive signage and reminders of the town’s industrial past, including the Old Pump House, making it a relaxed ride that combines cycling with some of Kapunda’s fascinating railway and copper-mining history. While the existing Kapunda Rail Trail is short, the town is an excellent cycling base for exploring the wider Barossa and Light Country region. Kapunda sits at the northern end of the long-distance Kidman Trail, while the Mawson Trail also passes through the area, providing opportunities to incorporate the rail trail into a much longer gravel, touring or bikepacking adventure. Plans have also been developed for cycling connections between Kapunda and the wider Barossa trail network. RTS Tip: Don’t come to Kapunda expecting a long standalone rail-trail ride — this one is best combined with exploring the town’s heritage sites or incorporated into a bigger cycling route. Take time to read the interpretive signs along The Swann Path, then consider adding the Kapunda Mine Site, Kidman Trail or surrounding Light Country gravel roads to turn a short rail-trail visit into a bigger day on the bike.