Encounter Bikeway

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Posted 2016-01-17 by Steve Hudson ⇒ follow

Wanting to get close to the surf and some of the best beaches on the south coast, possibly spot a whale or just simply race the yachts or the Cockle Train, then the may be just the ticket that you need.

Stretching some 31km from Laffin Point (3km north of Goolwa) to The Bluff (5km south of Victor Harbor) is an on and off road shared trail that takes cyclists, runners and walkers past some of the prettiest sights on offer on the Coast along the entire length of Encounter Bay. With access points everywhere, the is highly accessible to all visitors wishing to see the highlights from South Australia's premier holiday location.

The sights along the Bikeway are too numerous to mention and include the Murray River, Goolwa Wharf, Goolwa Yacht Squadron in the town of Goolwa. From there the Bikeway makes its way through the Tokuremoar Reserve, the Boardwalk and along Surfers Parade at Middleton where surfers and whales exchange glances at passing cyclists.

Further west and south the natural lands of Basham Beach Conservation Park precedes the views across Horseshoe Bay at Port Elliot , and the tall and imposing pine trees. Not to be outdone, the pine trees at Victor Harbor come in to view, as does Granite Island , the Horse Drawn Tram and the Causeway, and The Bluff.

But this bikeway is not all about doing a quick trip there and back. In fact, the food choices along the way or on the side streets make a quick trip a real challenge, especially when one considers the quality of the food on offer at Hectors , the Aquacaf , Bomboras at Goolwa , the Mill at Middleton, the Anchorage in Victor Harbor, the Yilki Store, the Flying Fish or the always popular Port Elliot Bakery .

Safe access for you and your family between the major towns on the South Coast is a key feature, while giving you the opportunity to see many other attractions such as the markets at Port Elliot, Goolwa or Victor Harbor , Hindmarsh Island , the Goolwa Barrages, Ladies Beach , the Heritage Trails , the Art and Craft Galleries , and the Steamranger Cockle Train as it mirrors your journey.

Or for those looking for something not too exhausting, why not just walk or ride to the next seat alongside the pathway and stop and watch the world go by. Or perhaps just watch a whale or two .

With a bitumenised path throughout the bikeway is ideal for all forms of people transport including bicycles, tricycles, tandems, skateboards, pushers, walker, runners and even the occasional elliptical bicycle and uni-cycle. The relatively flat terrain throughout means that kids have no excuses, except perhaps if you have asked them to head out on a particularly windy day.

The has extensive signage throughout, both while on the bikeway itself and from neighbouring roads. Information, map and distance boards also feature prominently throughout thus providing comfort to all users. An information brochure has also been produced for tourists with additional maps, albeit I would consider them largely unnecessary.

Open all year round with much of it on paths that are absent of car and thus safe to ride on all days (excepting the odd days with a strong head wind) then the wins hands down as South Australia's premier family friendly bikeway. What are you waiting for ?