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This new cycling trail invites you to explore SA’s hidden wine region

Credit: Artist Render © Alexandrina Council

Taylah Darnell Taylah Darnell
Set to launch in 2027, the new Langhorne Creek Discovery Trail will connect wineries, waterways and wide-open spaces.

A new way to experience South Australia’s pastoral wine country is taking shape, giving visitors the chance to swap four wheels for two as they explore the region’s historic streetscapes and picturesque surrounds.

The eponymous Langhorne Creek Discovery Trail will weave its way through the town and its surrounding parklands, connecting local wineries with a series of new and refreshed spaces along the way.

What is the Langhorne Creek Discovery Trail?

Set amid one of Australia’s top under-the-radar wine regions, the new Langhorne Creek Discovery Trail is a walking and cycling path coming to the Fleurieu Peninsula township, roughly one hour from Adelaide by car.

Langhorne Creek Discovery Trail in South Australia
The new trail will weave through the South Australian town of Langhorne Creek. (Credit: Artist Render © Alexandrina Council)

Stretching a breezy 2.8 kilometres, it will form a connecting link between four local cellar doors, making it easier than ever for visitors to get a taste of the region by bike or on foot.

Starting near local favourite Bremerton Wines, the shared route will swing by The Winehouse and Kimbolton Wines before arriving at Bleasdale’s bucolic estate. But there’s more to the Langhorne Creek Discovery Trail than just wine, with plenty of small businesses, leafy parks and community spaces to enjoy as well.

Langhorne Creek Discovery Trail in South Australia
Swing by local cellar doors to sample the region’s top drops and flavours. (Credit: Josh Geelen)

“This is going to make Langhorne Creek a real destination for families, wine lovers and visitors from across the region, the state and beyond," says local Alexandrina council mayor, Keith Parkes.

“It’s so much more than a pathway, with fantastic play areas for children, public spaces and amenities for gatherings with friends and family, First Nations artwork, and wayfinding and interpretive signage that authentically shares the history of this region from the Ngarrindjeri people to the early pioneers, the wine industry, the river environment and the families who have made this area what it is today."

Langhorne Creek Discovery Trail in South Australia
Playgrounds and picnic areas make for the perfect family day out. (Credit: Artist Render © Alexandrina Council)

“Everything has been designed to complement the beautiful natural surroundings of Langhorne Creek while encouraging visitors to explore the town and the surrounding areas and support local businesses," says Parkes.

Beyond the cellar door, visitors can expect purpose-built playgrounds, winding pedestrian bridges with inlaid First Nations artwork, mountain biking trails and picnic areas with barbecue facilities.

Langhorne Creek Discovery Trail in South Australia
Cycle over the Bremer River along purpose-built pedestrian bridges. (Credit: Artist Render © Alexandrina Council)

The trail will also pass by the local General Store, Bremer River, Bridge Hotel, First Reserve, Frank Potts Reserve and Alfred Langhorne Park – with more than 300 newly planted trees and native seedlings along the way.

Those keen to explore the Langhorne Creek Discovery Trail won’t be limited to a self-guided journey, either. The local council plans to offer bike hire, guided tours, nature-based activities, cultural experiences and more upon launch – with the potential to extend the track into an epic Aussie rail trail in the future.

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When will the new trail open?

Construction on the new Langhorne Creek Discovery Trail is now underway across the 2.8-kilometre route, helmed by Fleurieu-based construction firm, 35 South Building Co.

On-ground works began earlier this month, scheduled to deliver not only the shared pathway, but new public spaces, landscaping, visitor amenities and tourism infrastructure as early as April 2027.

Langhorne Creek Discovery Trail in South Australia
The Langhorne Creek Discovery Trail is expected to open in April 2027. (Credit: Artist Render © Alexandrina Council)

The community-led project was developed in partnership with Langhorne Creek Grape and Wine, Langhorne Creek Hub, Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation and Alexandrina Council, and has secured more than $7 million in funding from the government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program.

“Starting on-ground works is an important milestone for this project, which has been many years in the making," continues Parkes. “The Langhorne Creek community came up with the initial vision for this trail; council has been a strong advocate and is now the project lead to get the infrastructure built."

Once the new trail opens in April, exploring Langhorne Creek will be as much about the journey as the destination. The scenic route will link its wineries, waterways, parklands and local stories in one leisurely loop, giving visitors the perfect excuse to linger longer in one of South Australia’s sweetest towns.

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Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to check out places like Scotland and North America, her favourite place to explore will always be her homeland.
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7 pinch-me moments I had at the new Monarto Safari Lodge

    Katie Carlin Katie Carlin
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    Monarto Safari Resort’s new Safari Lodge delivers so much more than a memorable stay; it’s packed full of unforgettable moments.  

    Just a year after the 78-room Monarto Safari Resort opened, the new Safari Lodge brings a more intimate and exclusive overnight African safari experience to Australia just outside of Adelaide. But just how similar is it to an African safari?

    Consider these pinch-me moments I had during my stay and decide for yourself. 

    1. Cheetah sightings at check-in

    monarto safari lodge cheetahs
    Spot cheetahs before you even check in.

    Safari Lodge is set within the Wild Africa precinct of the expansive, open-range Monarto Safari Park. I expected to see animals, but I didn’t expect to see two cheetahs stalking the fenceline just behind my tent at check-in.

    I cross the paddock to get a closer look. Both are now perched like a sphinx on a hill overlooking the 20 premium tents that make up Safari Lodge. I stand here, locked in place, waiting to see if they make a move. After 10 minutes like this, I turn to get settled into the tent but throw a final look in their direction; they’ve slinked back down, now barely visible in the grass. I’m sure I’ll be dreaming about this encounter later tonight. 

    2. Sipping champagne as a giraffe sips from a waterhole

    giraffes at monarto safari lodge
    Enjoy champagne while meeting the locals. (Credit: Katie Carlin)

    The all-inclusive stay includes a 2.5-hour Sunset Safari that takes guests into the Wild Africa precinct onboard a purpose-built Safari Land Cruiser for a chance to see free-roaming herds of African animals up close.

    The safari drive culminates in a champagne and canapé stop in a fenced and sheltered viewing area of the precinct. A chance to watch the sun set as animals gather around one of the many waterholes. And we’re in luck! Two giraffes are stripping leaves from a nearby tree as three white rhinos graze to my right. One giraffe starts galloping, in that funny head-bobbing way giraffes do, to the water’s edge. It splays its legs and bends its long neck down to start slurping up water. I find giraffes endlessly entertaining, and sipping champagne while watching the scene play out is the icing on the cake. 

    3. A rain shower with views of a waterhole where African animals gather

    monarto safari lodge King Safari Tent
    Enjoy views from the King Safari Tent.

    I am staying in tent 17, one of the best positioned tents for animal encounters, due to its proximity to the waterhole. Not only does the spacious 71-square-metre King Safari Tent feature a king bed, lounge area, separate dressing room with kitchenette, coffee machine, kettle and fully stocked mini bar, and ensuite bathroom. But you can even glimpse the waterhole from the rain shower. It’s thoughtful details like this that keep you connected to the safari experience no matter where you are located.  

    4. Feeding lions from within a caged dome

    Lion 360 experience at monarto safari resort
    Step into the Lion 360 experience. (Credit: Katie Carlin)

    Monarto Safari Park isn’t a zoo. Set across 1500 hectares of South Australian bushland, it’s an expansive safari experience. It’s been designed to support complex social groupings, natural behaviours and long-term species management. Entry is included for guests, but I’ve decided to upgrade my experience with tickets to Lion 360. 

    Senior Keeper Rachel Hemming herds 15 of us into a domed cage for the unique lion feeding experience. She leads Monarto’s care and conservation breeding programs for their iconic big cats. “Make sure you don’t get too close to the edge of the cage; the lions like to mark their territory,” she warns. 

    She starts making cat-like calls to Kubwa, Kashka and Kito, the three male lions lazing somewhere out of sight behind the tree line in the distance. The promise of food eventually lures the lions over. I’m in awe of their size as they pace back and forth, pausing to take the meat as it’s fed to them via tongs.

    In her excitement, one lady has inched too close; a lion takes aim and hits his mark before she realises her mistake. I see her leaving the gift shop with a new jacket not long after the tour ends. 

    5. A swim in a private plunge pool with a floating charcuterie board

    Monarto safari Lodge swim in a private plunge pool with a floating charcuterie board
    Tuck into a poolside treat. (Credit: Katie Carlin)

    The Safari Lodge reception is also home to a restaurant and bar, heated swimming pool and several private plunge pools available to book. After a morning spent at Monarto Safari Park, a dip in one of the private plunge pools sounds too good to skip.

    I change into my swimmers and make my way to the lodge. A generous charcuterie board arrives shortly after I slip into the pool. I’m told floating trays are already on order, but picking at the selection of cheeses, meats, nuts and fruit while perched on the edge sipping champagne is just as indulgent as it is having it float in the water. I never make it to the gym or pickleball court beside the lodge, but I have no regrets. 

    6. A front-row seat to a male rhino rejected by two females

    male rhino grazing
    Watch a rhino’s unlucky day. (Credit: Lucas Alexander)

    Louis Tonkin, our Wild Africa Tour host, is giddy with excitement when he spots the three white rhinos on our Sunset Safari drive. He has an inkling that we’re about to get a show.

    He pulls to the side and tells us what terrible eyesight white rhinos have, struggling to spot a motionless animal or object even from a short distance. However, they make up for it with acute hearing and an incredible sense of smell. Which explains why the larger male rhino is methodically creeping towards the two disinterested females grazing metres in front of him, then suddenly freezing on the spot. He’s hoping one will be open to mating with him. He takes another wary shuffle forward and suddenly the smaller of the two turns and charges towards him, butting him hard with her head. It’s a firm no. The male, denied, sheepishly backs away. 

    7. Watching a dazzle of zebra from the comfort of a luxury safari tent

    monarto safari resort zebra
    Wildlife encounters abound.

    Rain clouds loom, and the wind is howling, but thankfully it hasn’t deterred the zebras. I’m brewing a cup of Monarto’s Serengé-T – a vanilla rooibos blended with Daintree black tea and butterfly pea flower when I spot them. Six zebras are prancing across the plains for a drink at the waterhole. I watch their antics from the deck of my King Safari Tent, wrapped in a merino blanket made by Australian-owned Grampians Good Co. and marvel at the fact I get a front-row show to these wild animals. 

    After they disappear from view, I sit with the sketch pad and pencils I find in the cupboard and start drawing some of my most memorable animal encounters from the weekend – starting with the two hippos I saw ravenously munching on grass at dusk as we made our way out of the Wild Africa precinct last night. This really is as close to an authentic safari experience as you can get outside of Africa. 

    Start planning a wild stay in the luxurious Safari Lodge at monartosafariresort.com.