Keen Yorke Peninsula cyclists or active tourists who are looking to stretch their legs will be able to cycle and walk to their hearts content after a new $200,000, 760 metre shared path will be constructed on Coast Road.
As one of 27 projects announced, the shared use path will connect Moonta Bay and Port Hughes, allowing both cyclists and pedestrians access to commute between the towns at their own pace, in an aim to bridge gaps in South Australia’s bike path network.
The South Australian Government announced the establishment of a new State Bicycle Fund to help improve the state’s cycling connections earlier this month.
With a total commitment of $2 million, The State Bicycle Fund will work towards empowering local councils to develop new bike paths as well as enhancing existing ones. It will also allow for councils to prepare for future funding opportunities.
It’s the latest tourist initiative to showcase and connect the picturesque towns that grace the peninsula with plenty of opportunities to stop along the way for a sweet treat, a toilet break or even a cheeky bev (or two).
‘Walk the Yorke’ is a shared trail around the entire Yorke Peninsula coastline with a distance of nearly 500 kilometres that ranges across rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, rocky reefs, sandunes as well as a peak into Australia’s infamous farming land.
The Copper Rail Trail is one part of the trial on offer, linking from Kadina all the way through to Moonta with a number of long trail or short little morning trots that will help you get your daily step count up.
The shared cycling and walking trail between Kadina and Wallaroo follows the old railway line and is a 8 kilometres. Is estimated time competition is roughly 30 minutes via a bike each way, while two hours each if you are walking. The trial is sealed sheltered stops just in case you need a rest, I know I would.
If you wish to commit your whole day to being active, the shared trail between Moonta and Wallaroo continues to follow the old railway line for approximately 17 kilometres (yikes). You would need to commit at least 2 hours there and back on a back or at least 8 on your legs. Packing a band aid or three also wouldn’t hurt.
The entire track has come a long way since the early 1900s where it once operated as a working train railway before it was turned into tourist trainline in the 2000s. 15 years later, the YP Rail Preservation Society took over operation before it’s total cessation due to the condition of the track. Since 2017, The Copper Coast Council has worked alongside the Northern Yorke Peninsula Rotary Club to develop the Trail.
The Wallaroo to Moonta trail was officially opened in 2023.
So, whether you are a ‘fitspo’ looking for your next challenge or keen for a sea change on your next holiday, this new bike trail will needed to be added to the list.
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