The stunning Coonawarra Rail Trail is 19km in length and runs from historic Penola through the Coonawarra wine region past fertile farming land and vineyards with operating cellar doors not far off the track.
The sealed trail follows the unused Wolseley to Mount Gambier rail corridor which comes to an end near Father Woods Park — home to seven sculptures depicting the lives of Father Julian Tenison Woods and Saint Mary of the Cross Mackillop.
The trail is perfect for a walk, run or ride.
Parts of the Rail Trail
Penola to Coonawarra Siding (10.5km)
- The trail starts near the Riddoch Street rail crossing in the southwest part of Penola. It can also be accessed at the Robe Rd and Jessie St crossings.
- The old station building is now a well-maintained private residence.
- After passing through the old rail yards and station precinct, it crosses the Riddoch Highway on the northern edge of town.
- Penola to Coonawarra is dead straight, passing through a mix of vineyards and grazing properties.
- There are no steep or dangerous sections, but take care at road crossings.
Side Trail – Coonawarra Siding to Coonawarra (1.3km)
- At Coonawarra Siding, turn right onto Memorial Drive. The small village of Coonawarra is an easy ride on the sealed road-side trail. There are several food options, including the Coonawarra Store, as well as a number of wineries close by. There is a shady park with toilets and a playground near the end of the road-side trail.
Coonawarra Siding to Glenroy – Bool Lagoon Rd (8.5km)
- Heading north from Coonawarra Siding, the trail is again almost dead straight through to its present end at the Glenroy to Bool Lagoon Road, passing through vineyards and grazing country.
Side Trail – Glenroy – Bool Lagoon Rd to Father Woods Park (7.0km)
- At the trail end, turn right onto the sealed road and follow 3.3km to the Riddoch Hwy. Turn left onto the highway and proceed 3.7km north to Father Woods Park.
- Exercise great caution on the Riddoch Hwy section due to traffic volumes and highway speeds. Not recommended for children or inexperienced riders.
For further information on this trail and other trails available, please visit: https://www.railtrails.org.au/trails/coonawarra-rail-trail/
The trail information above has been supplied by Rail Trails.
