Coonawarra Rail Trail

Walk, ride or hit your stride along Coonawarra’s newest Tourism Trail! Explore Coonawarra’s natural beauty, at your own pace, along the unique 19km sealed trail.

The stunning Coonawarra Rail Trail is 19km in length and extends from the historic Penola township through the Coonawarra wine region, surrounded by vineyards and fertile farming land.

The sealed trail follows the unused Mount Gambier to Wolseley rail corridor which comes to an end near Father Woods Park — home to seven sculptures depicting the lives of Father Julian Tenison Woods and Saint Mary of the Cross Mackillop.

Rail Trail Section Overview

Penola to Coonawarra Railway Siding (10.5km)

  • The trail commences in the southwest district of Penola, near the Riddoch Street rail crossing. It can also be accessed at the Robe Rd and Jessie St crossings.
  • The original old station building is now a well-maintained private residence.
  • After passing through the old rail yards and station precinct, the trail crosses the Riddoch Highway on the northern edge of town.  **TAKE CAUTION CROSSING THE HIGHWAY.
  • The Penola to Coonawarra length of the trail is as straight as an arrow, passing by a combination of vineyards and grazing properties.
  • There are no steep or dangerous sections, corners or deviations, but take care at road crossings.

Side Trail – Coonawarra Railway Siding to Coonawarra Township (1.3km)

  • At the Coonawarra Railway Siding turn right onto Memorial Drive. The small township of Coonawarra is an easy ride on the sealed road-side trail. There are several food outlets, including the Coonawarra Store and the award-winning Ottelia Restaurant. Here you will also find some of Coonawarra’s most renowned winery cellar doors, with Wynns Coonawarra Estate, DiGiorgio Family Wines, Zema Estate, Brands Laira Coonawarra Wines and Redman Wines all within a short distance of one another (connected via the Coonawarra Wineries Walking Trail).
  • The central community park offers shady seating areas, public toilets and a playground near the end of the road-side trail.

Coonawarra Siding to Glenroy – Bool Lagoon Rd (8.5km)

  • Heading north from the Coonawarra Siding, the trail continues on its straight path to its current end at the Glenroy to Bool Lagoon Road, passing through vineyards and grazing country.

Side Trail – Glenroy – Bool Lagoon Rd to Father Woods Park (7.0km) **

  • At the trail end, turn right onto the sealed road and follow 3.3km to the Riddoch Hwy. Turn left onto the highway and proceed 3.7km north to Father Woods Park.

**Exercise great caution on the Riddoch Hwy section due to traffic volumes and highway speeds. Not recommended for children or inexperienced riders**


Image: Ockert Le Roux

Suitable for:

  • Cycling – Mountain BikesCycling – Mountain Bikes
  • Cycling – Touring and Hybrid BikesCycling – Touring And Hybrid Bikes
  • PramsPrams
  • WalkingWalking
  • WheelchairsWheelchairs

For further information on this trail and other trails available, please visit: www.railtrails.org.au

The trail information above has been supplied by Rail Trails.

BIKE HIRE IN PENOLA/ COONAWARRA

Must at Coonawarra  – Bike hire from MUSt@Coonawarra is $20 per day.

E-bike Hire information Coonawarra Discovery

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