North Haven to Point Malcolm Coastal Bike Path is a shared bike and walking path along most of Adelaide’s metropolitan coast, and the section from North Haven to Point Malcolm makes for an excellent family-friendly bike ride.
This is a fantastic family friendly bike ride that passes by multiple parks and playgrounds so there are lots of places to stop for a break. Some of the highlights of the 7km North Haven to Point Malcolm Coastal Bike Path include:
- The path is off-road and sealed
- The route is mostly flat
- There’s plenty to see and do along the way, including seven (yes SEVEN!) playgrounds to stop at along the 7km route
- There’s plenty of cafe stops and toilet stops
We suggest starting at Jaycee Park in North Haven, although you can join the route at any point. There’s a playground, cafe and toilets here, and off-road parking.
Head south along the bike path from here. The bike path runs between the playground and the nearby marina.
There are a few minor road crossings early in the route. These are well sign posted, but you will need to be careful and make sure children know how to cross roads safely.
At the 1km mark, you’ll come across Osborne Foreshore Playground.
This is a great fenced playground, there’s a toilet block here and a path to the beach.
At the 2.5km mark, the path deviates from The Esplanade and heads down into the dunes. There are several boardwalk bridges along here and it’s much quieter, with views to the ocean and lots of bird life.
At the 3.8km mark you’ll arrive at the brilliant Largs Foreshore Playground – the Icecream Playground.
This playground is fully fenced and full of impressive ice cream themed equipment. There are bike racks to lock your bikes here, toilets, and the adjacent kiosk is worth a stop for icecream, a drink, or even lunch.
At the 5km mark you’ll pass the Wonga Park Playground.
This playground is just north of the Palais Hotel in Semaphore. It’s not fenced, so you’ll need to be careful as the bike path runs right along side it. It is, however, away from the road. The playground has plenty of climbing walls, a spiral slide and double slide, accessible ramp, dolphin soft fall lumps, activity boards and a liberty swing. There’s also swings and a springy boat.
At the 5.5km mark you’ll arrive at the Semaphore Foreshore. Here you’ll find a kiosk, toilets, jetty, beach access and a great fenced playground. There’s a bike repair station here too.
At the 6.5km mark you’ll ride past the Semaphore South Foreshore Playground.
This playground is quieter, and great for a stop as well. It’s fully fenced and fully shaded with ocean themed equipment, and there’s a toilet just over the miniature railway tracks.
At the 7km mark you’ll arrive at your destination, the huge Point Malcom Reserve. There’s plenty of play equipment here, toilets, and a big car park.
From here you can turn around and head back, or if you have one family member willing to ride back and grab the car, you can make it a one-way ride. There’s plenty to keep the kids occupied here while waiting for the car to pick you up.
The whole North Haven to Point Malcolm Coastal Bike Path ride is easy and very safe. Most children should be able to manage the whole length. Consider how quickly they will get tired and have a back up plan – two adults, one willing to ride back and grab the car at any point is a great plan.
Things to Consider:
- Make sure all bikes are roadworthy before your ride.
- Make sure everyone is wearing properly fitted helmets.
- Carry a puncture kit and bike pump with you.
- Check the weather before you go and dress accordingly.
- The path is a shared path, always ring your bell as you approach pedestrians so they know you will be passing them.
- Have a back up plan in case your kids can’t ride the full length. Have one adult move a car from end to end, or turn around part way through the ride.
- Allow 1-3 hours for the ride, depending on your riding speed and how long you plan to spend at playgrounds and cafes.
Location:
Start Point – Jaycee Park, Lady Gowrie Drive, North Haven
End Point – Point Malcolm Reserve, 343 Military Road, Semaphore Park
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: all photos by Play & Go Adelaide 2024
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