A Flat, Family-Friendly Cycling Path Honouring a South Australian Cycling Legend
| Activity | Cycling (Very Easy) / Walking |
| Distance | 23.0 kilometres |
| Duration | Approximately 3.5 hours walking / 1.5 hours cycling |
| Region | Adelaide & Adelaide Hills |
| Accommodation | Camping, mid-range and premium options — See accommodation options |
| Start Point | Corner of Two Wells Road and Weaver Road, Gawler |
| End Point | Port Wakefield Road, near Calvengrove Road, Waterloo Corner |
| Surface | Fully sealed bitumen |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair, pram, and children’s bike friendly |
Overview
Named after South Australia’s most celebrated cyclist — Stuart O’Grady, who represented Australia at six Olympic Games and won a gold medal in the madison at Athens in 2004 — the Stuart O’Grady Bikeway is a 23-kilometre sealed path that runs parallel to the Northern Expressway from Gawler in the north to Waterloo Corner in the south. It is one of the flattest, smoothest, and most accessible cycling paths in the Adelaide region, purpose-built alongside the expressway to provide a safe, traffic-free route for commuters and recreational riders alike.
The path is wide, fully bituminised, and suitable for everyone — wheelchairs, prams, children on training wheels, serious road cyclists, and casual walkers all share the trail comfortably. The gentle climb as you head north into Gawler is barely noticeable, and the return ride south is a pleasant, easy glide. In 2022, the bikeway was connected to the Barossa Trail, creating a significant continuous cycling corridor from Waterloo Corner through Gawler and into the heart of the Barossa Valley.
The Ride
The bikeway runs through the open agricultural land and outer suburbs of Adelaide’s northern fringe. The landscape is flat and expansive, with broad views across farmland to the ranges in the east. The path runs close to the expressway in places, but the setback and landscaping keep the riding experience pleasant. Several rest stops with seating and shade are provided along the route.
For commuters, the bikeway provides a viable alternative to driving between Gawler and the northern suburbs, connecting with the broader Adelaide cycling network at its southern end. For recreational cyclists, the flat terrain and sealed surface make it an ideal training ride or family outing, with the option to extend into the Barossa Valley via the connecting trail.
Stuart O’Grady
Stuart O’Grady grew up in Adelaide and became one of the most decorated cyclists in Australian history. His career included six Olympic Games (1992–2012), seventeen Tour de France campaigns, Olympic gold in 2004, and multiple stage wins in Grand Tour events across Europe. He was the first Australian to wear the yellow jersey in the Tour de France. The bikeway named in his honour reflects his lifelong connection to South Australian cycling and his commitment to growing the sport at all levels.
Planning Your Ride
The Stuart O’Grady Bikeway is free to use and open year-round. Access points are available at several locations along the route, with parking at both the Gawler and Waterloo Corner ends. The path connects to the Barossa Trail at Gawler and to the broader Adelaide cycling network at Waterloo Corner. No facilities are available along the route, so carry water and snacks. The path is fully exposed, so sun protection is essential in warmer months.
The Stuart O’Grady Bikeway does exactly what a great urban cycling path should do — it provides a safe, smooth, accessible route that gets people riding. Named after a champion who made his name on the roads of the world, it brings cycling back to the flat plains where he first learned to ride.
Where to Stay
Planning an overnight trip? See our Barossa Valley Accommodation Guide for the best places to stay near this trail.