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Coonawarra Rail Trail opens this weekend

It is time to cut the ribbon on South Australia’s newest bike riding getaway, the Coonawarra Rail Trail.

The opening of the rail trail will take place this Saturday 5 November at 12:30 at the Coonawarra Soldiers Memorial Park, 11 Memorial Dr in Coonawarra.

The rail trail is roughly 4 hours drive southeast from Adelaide, or a half hour from Mt Gambier or Millicent.

Starting at Penola, the 19km trail moves along the Wolseley to Mt Gambier rail corridor to Father Woods Park in Coonawarra.

The trail has all the hallmarks for a great bike riding getaway near the border, with rural scenery, and a chance to visit the Naracoorte Caves further north.

An appealing aspect for riders will be the easy access to Coonawarra’s renowned wine region, which features numerous cellar doors along the Riddoch Highway. However, be mindful not to drink and ride!

Just over $2 million was invested to deliver the Coonawarra Rail Trail, funded across all levels of government. Over $1.66 million was provided through the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program.

Construction began on the Coonawarra Rail Trail in January 2022. It is anticipated that the trail will eventually link up with the Mount Gambier rail trail network.

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