Jack Bobridge Track

The Jack Bobridge Track is a 27 kilometres (17 mi) shared walking and cycling path in the Barossa Valley in South Australia.^[1] It is named after Jack Bobridge, who grew up in the area.^[2]

The Jack Bobridge Track is not technically a rail trail as the Barossa Valley railway line which was still operating at the time. Parts of the track are constructed adjacent to the railway line, however it is not on the railway formation so has more undulations than a true rail trail would have. One part is away from both the railway and main road and also has sharper corners than would be expected on a rail trail.^[2]

Barossa Trail

The track continues for another 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) from Tanunda to Nuriootpa then Angaston as the Barossa Trail.^[2] The climb from Nuriootpa to Angaston is on the former railway alignment, so has railway grades.^[3]

Route description

The Jack Bobridge Track begins adjacent to the railway line at Ann Milroy Lane in Kalbeeba on the eastern outskirts of Gawler. It follows the railway line through Sandy Creek, then crosses the railway using a short section of Cockatoo Lane. The track resumes adjacent to the Barossa Valley Way through gum trees then over the hill and descends into Lyndoch. From Lyndoch, the track follows the Barossa Valley Way, then next to the railway line to Rowland Flat. From Rowland Flat, the track is away from the road and railway, through vineyards and bushland near the North Para River near the Jacob's Creek visitor centre. This section has short steep sections and sharper corners, but also rewarding scenery.^[2] The track is again adjacent to the Barossa Valley Way from St Hallett Road in to Tanunda.

The Barossa Track continues for a flat section from Tanunda to Nuriootpa. From Nuriootpa, The Barossa Trail follows the former railway alignment through vineyards and past the Adelaide Brighton Cement factory. It provides views across the valley from the eastern side, then passes through a cutting for the final descent to Angaston.

References