Coonawarra Rail Trail

One of Australia's newest rail trails (built 2021-22, opened November 2022), running from the historic town of Penola through the heart of the world-famous Coonawarra wine region - the 'Terra Rossa' strip famous for Cabernet Sauvignon, with cellar doors right along the route, some dating from 1890. Follows the disused Wolseley-Mount Gambier railway corridor. Fully sealed, flat and easy - suitable for families, e-bikes and casual riders. E-bike, trike and pedal-bike hire available in Penola right at the start. A 7km side trip (partly on-road, via Riddoch Hwy) links the northern end to Father Woods Park, with sculptures of Father Julian Tenison Woods and Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop - exercise caution on the Riddoch Hwy section, not recommended for children or inexperienced riders. Long-term plans would eventually extend this trail towards Naracoorte, creating a 50km wine-to-caves route, but that's not built yet.

Penola to Coonawarra Siding (approx. 10km): starts near the Riddoch Street rail crossing in Penola (also accessible from Robe Rd and Jessie St crossings), passing the old station precinct (now a private residence) before heading north through vineyard country. A side trail leads into Coonawarra township itself for wine tasting and meals; Coonawarra Soldiers Memorial Park here has public toilets, playground and BBQ. Coonawarra Siding to the current trail end near Glenroy/Bool Lagoon Rd (approx. 9km): continues dead straight through vineyards and grazing country.