The 3.6-kilometre Flat to Vale Trail—which runs between Blewitt Springs Road, McLaren Flat, and the McLaren Vale Sports Ground, McLaren Vale officially opened to the public over the weekend.
The majority of the Red Gum-lined trail’s length is a 2.5-metre wide sealed path situated between commercial vineyards and Pedler Creek.
Off road pedestrian and cycle access
It connects to the Coast to Vines Trail, including the Shiraz Trail in McLaren Vale, providing off-road pedestrian and cycle access from McLaren Flat to Willunga, Darlington and Hallett Cove, as well as public transport hubs along those routes.
The extended trail network strengthens Onkaparinga as a premier cycling tourism destination and enhances the wine, food and tourism experience for all users.
Locals and visitors encouraged to hit the trail
The City of Onkaparinga began construction on the trail in October 2021 following years of community advocacy, and the project received $1.5 million of Australian Government funding through its Community Development Grants Program, advocated for by Rebekha Sharkie MP, Federal Member for Mayo.
Onkaparinga’s Acting Mayor Simon McMahon paid tribute to the community and the landowners whose properties the trail traverses, as he encouraged locals and visitors alike to hit the trail.
“The opening of the Flat to Vale Trail is such a fantastic outcome because before this there really wasn’t a safe off-road link for pedestrians and cyclists between these two historic towns,” he said.
Now anyone can walk the dogs or jump on a bike with family and friends to keep active and healthy, or explore the best the Flat and Vale have to offer, including their cafés, bakeries and world-class wineries.
Shared use Flat to Vale Trail
The Flat to Vale Trail consists of a 2.5km sealed shared-use ‘off road’ trail between the McLaren Vale Sports Complex and Chalk Hill Rd/Foggo Rd intersection; and a 1.1km sealed shared-use ‘on road’ trail along Chalk Hill Rd (no through road) from Foggo Rd to Blewitt Springs Rd (McLaren Flat).
The trail was designed with environmental management front of mind due to the sensitive riverine environment and large river gum trees, while minimising the impact to adjacent vineyard operations and ensuring pedestrian and cyclist safety.
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