Outer Harbor Greenway – Bike Riding from Adelaide to Port Adelaide
The Outer Harbor Greenway is a bike route connecting Adelaide to Outer Harbor via Port Adelaide, and follows shared paths and quiet residential streets. This makes it a very family-friendly bike ride, and there are lots of things to see and do along the way, such as public art, gardens and playgrounds.
by Claire Davill
The best section of the Outer Harbor Greenway is from Bonython Park to Port Adelaide – a length of about 11km one way, but there are shorter options too. You could start from the fully fenced, toddler-friendly Train Park at Croydon, or you could ride to the fantastic MJ McInerney Reserve Playground before turning back.
Another option is to ride in one direction, and then catch a train back. The Greenway closely follows the railway line and passes the Bowden, Croydon, West Croydon, Woodville Park, Woodville, St Clair, Cheltenham and Alberton stations, so there are plenty of options.
Remember that you can take your bike on trains for no extra fare on weekends and public holidays, and between 9am-3pm on weekdays.
Starting at Bonython Park, ride the Linear Park path towards Port Road, cross the river at the footbridge, and then cross the railway line at another footbridge, before riding down and under Park Terrace towards Bowden. Here you’ll find yourself on the shared pathway, which is well signposted from this point onwards. The blue and white signs clearly show the way, with distances to key points.
The shared path takes you up and over South Road, where you can watch the cars zooming below you, and then along the train line with colourful grafitti along the fencelines. You’ll also get the chance to ride through a bike tunnel under Grand Junction Road at the Port Adelaide end.
Much of the ride is along quiet residential streets following the train line. Here you’ll come across community maintained bee and butterfly gardens, sculptures and painted pavers and lots of quirky painted stobie poles. There are beautiful old railway cottages to spot and very little traffic. All major road crossings have traffic lights and pedestrian/bike crossing buttons to cross safely.
As previously mentioned, you’ll pass by several playgrounds worth visiting.
These include:
- Croydon Train Park (fully fenced and including toilets)
- MJ McInerney Reserve (including toilets and skate park)
- St Clair Recreation reserve (toilet block and small playground, or make a slight detour to the bigger St Clair Recreation Precinct Playspace)
- Cheltenham Open Space Playground (small unfenced playground with picnic shelter but no toilets)
As you approach Port Adelaide, the greenway conveniently takes you right past the National Railway Museum and South Australian Maritime Museum if you plan to visit these places as well. You’ll end up on Lipson Street as you approach Port Adelaide, ending up at the waterfront where there is space to relax and look for dolphins, and grab a bite to eat at the numerous nearby cafes. There are also a few cafes along the ride at Bowden, Woodville Park and St Clair. Another favourite playground here is the Hart’s Mill Playground.
Things to Consider:
- While the route avoids busy roads, there is still some traffic. Make sure your kids know the road rules, stick to the left and indicate when turning.
- Many pedestrians use the shared pathway sections. Keep to the left and ring your bell as you approach.
- There is a bike repair station by the path at Woodville train station, but make sure you carry bike repair tools with you as well.
- Pack plenty of water and snacks, especially if you are riding the whole distance. There are water refill stations at most of the parks and playgrounds along the way.
- Make sure everyone is wearing a helmet and your bikes are in good working order. Bright clothing is also a good idea.
- The route is almost completely flat, so it won’t tax your leg muscles too much.
- Consider using bike seats, bike trailers or trail-gators for smaller kids and less confident riders.
Location:
The Outer Harbor Greenway links the city to Port Adelaide and further to the Lefevre Peninsula. The 20km route begins at the River Torrens Linear Park in the Adelaide Parklands and connects to the Coast Park at Outer Harbor.
For more information and all enquiries please visit the Port Adelaide Enfield Cycle Paths 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.
Image Source: photos by Play & Go Adelaide 2022
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