Seppeltsfield to Handorf

Scenic cycle trails

There was a low mist over the vineyards as we set off and cycled past the vineyards around Marananga. We followed the roads for a while before joining the Barossa Trail at Tanunda. Whilst very scenic, parts of the Barossa Trail had really steep pinches. Fortunately they were short, but a few cyclists were not prepared and some came off their bikes. The trail took us through Jacobs Creek and onto Lyndoch where we stopped for coffee at the Table Café which also happened to bake nice chocolate brownies.

From Lyndoch we headed back through Williamstown climbing the hill out and onto Birdwood for lunch at the community centre. The baked potatoes were served on real crockery and tea was served in china cups. The cake was guarded zealously and only one piece was allowed.

There was a little uphill after lunch then we joined the Amy Gillett Bikeway, a 15km scenic path through Charleston and Woodside. We detoured to Melba’s Chocolate Factory for a very average hot chocolate before rejoining the path to Oakbank.

The final few kilometres into Hahndorf were hilly and it was a relief to finally arrive at the supposedly picturesque town. The main road was heaving with traffic as it was school pick up time and the footpaths were thronged with people. We decided to head onto the Hahndorf resort to pitch our tent and return to town hoping it might be a little quieter.

The campground was really busy, and there were strict limitations on where we could pitch our tents. Eventually we found a site and our gear. Once sorted, we cycled back into town for a wander. It was only just after 4pm but a few places had already closed. We had a quick beer at the Gulf Brewery so we could be out by closing time at 5pm and returned to our campsite for a shower before having a substantial dinner of chicken and vegetables followed by chocolate mousse at the Adelaide Hills Convention Centre. It was our turn to buy the wine, which was another nice Grenache – served with free glasses this time.