Encounter Bikeway | Scenic Coastal Family Bike Ride | Fleurieu Peninsula

Cycle the family friendly scenic coastline between Goolwa and Encounter Bay on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

The Encounter Bikeway is a stunning coastal cycling trail, perfect for a family bike ride.  It is a relatively easy ride, with scenic ocean views and lots of places to stop for lunch or to check out the local attractions.

Review by Sharon Harrington

Located on the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula, just over an hour’s drive from Adelaide, the Encounter Bikeway stretches from Goolwa to the Bluff at Encounter Bay. Along the way it passes through Middletown, Port Elliot and Victor Harbor. While called a bikeway, the path is also suitable for walking or jogging and is pram friendly.

The total distance of the bikeway is 31.5km (one way), however, you can pick and choose which section you think the family can manage.

We were staying at the Goolwa Discovery Park, so opted for the section between Goolwa Beach Car Park and Port Elliot, which is approximately 11.5kms (one way).  We found this section to be mostly flat and easy, with the exception of a couple of manageable hills. The trail in this section is either on well maintained bike paths, a boardwalk or quiet backstreets. If you ride into Port Elliot’s main street it does become busier with cars, which is something to keep in mind.  

When the Cockle Train runs you can ride your bike in one direction and catch the train back. You may wish to contact SteamRanger on 1300 655 991 prior to your ride to confirm availability for space for your bicycle and arrival time of the train. Click here for our review and timetable for the Cockle Train.

Our highlights of the Goolwa Beach to Port Elliot section of the bikeway:

• Start out at the beautiful Goolwa Beach, popular for surfing. We suggest parking the car at the large free car park at the Surf Life Saving Club.
• If you have time, take a walk on the Goolwa Beach Boardwalk to the lookout, where you’ll see a 360 degree view of Goolwa. Between May and October you might even spot some Southern Right Whales. 
• From the car park ride along Beach Road and turn first left onto the Encounter Bikeway. Follow the Encounter Bikeway signs and road markings to Port Elliot or follow the bikeway map.
• The quiet backstreets of Goolwa
• Tokuremoar Reserve, which is tucked away between the houses and sand dunes that border Goolwa Beach.  The pathway leads into a boardwalk area over a wetland which is surrounded by native trees and plants.
• Surfers Parade, which offers great views of Goolwa and Middleton beaches.
• Checking out the lovely seaside homes along the coast.
• The booming waves of the surf beach in Middleton along Ocean Parade.

It’s worth hopping off the bikes at the grassy Ratalang Basham Beach Conservation Reserve to check out the restored farm buildings and artwork in this reserve.

Horseshoe Bay in Port Elliot is a gorgeous spot for a swim if the weather is right (it was not… but I’ve popped in a couple of pictures of the next day when it was!). There are toilets available here if needed.

While in Horseshoe Bay, visit the playground (read our review here) on the grassy foreshore where you could share a picnic or check out The Flying Fish Cafe to eat in or take away some fish & chips. Or do a detour into the township of Port Elliot where you’ll find lots of little shops and cafes, along with the ever popular Port Elliot Bakery, which is where we found a lovely table outdoors to share a pie and donut. There are often large lines here, but they do move quickly!

If you are keen to try a different section or the entire bikeway, here are the distances between the key towns:

• Goolwa North (Laffin Point) to Goolwa Wharf (3.5 km)
• Goolwa Wharf to Port Elliot (15 km)
• Port Elliot to Victor Harbor (7 km)
• Victor Harbor to Rosetta Head, Encounter Bay (The Bluff) (5.5 km)
• Goolwa North (Laffin Point) to Rosetta Head, Encounter Bay (The Bluff) (31.5kms)

View the brochure for more information and a map of the Encounter Bikeway.

Things to Consider:

• While the route is mainly on quiet roads and bike paths, there are still some busy sections with cars if you head into the main streets. Make sure your kids know the road rules, stick to the left and indicate when turning.
• Pedestrians also use the shared pathway. Keep to the left and ring your bell as you approach.
• Make sure you carry bike repair tools with you.
• Pack plenty of water and snacks.
• Make sure everyone is wearing a helmet and bikes are in good working order.
• Review the map and judge whether you think your child is ready for the ride.

Location:

See the attached Encounter Bikeway map if you are deciding which section of the trail to tackle..

If starting out at Goolwa Beach, we suggest parking at the Goolwa Beach Surf Life Saving Club car park below:

EXPLORE THE FLEURIEU PENINSULA

For more information and all enquiries please visit the visit the Victor Harbor website.

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.

As per all our Play & Go reviews, this is not a sponsored post and our review is done completely independently. All photos are by Play & Go.

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