2023 Annual Tour (BikeSA)

2023 Annual Tour (BikeSA)

2023 Annual Tour (BikeSA)14OctAll Day22DisciplineRoadMount Gambier, SA, Mount Gambier

Event Details

Bike SA’s Annual Tour for 2023 is exploring the South East & Limestone Coast over 9 days

The Annual Tour by Bike SA is an enjoyable challenge for riders of all ages and abilities. There’s no rush: simply take on the open road at your own pace, in solitude or with friends, and savour the region’s natural beauty and unique history.

From wild coastlines and dramatic geographic features to famous vineyards and undulating regional landscapes, the 2023 Annual Tour is a magnificent 9-day cycle tour covering approximately 600km, exploring the delights of South Australia’s South East and Limestone Coast.  

This event sells out fast, so register early or you will miss out.

This event starts in Mount Gambier and finishes in Penola at the famous Coonawarra wine region, in South Australia. 

DAY 1: SATURDAY 14 OCTOBER 

MOUNT GAMBIER – ARRIVAL AND CHECK IN. 

Explore the Mount Gambier area by bike, taking advantage of ‘The Mount’s’ cafes, pubs and great riding. Take a ride along the city’s bike trails, visiting caves, sinkholes and the famous volcanic Blue Lake.

DAY 2:  SUNDAY 15 OCTOBER –

MOUNT GAMBIER LOOP VIA PICCANINNIE PONDS AND NELSON – 80KM 

Ride south to Piccaninnie Ponds, and explore this spectacular limestone sinkhole. Optional snorkel across ‘The Chasm’ and be amazed at this underwater spectacle. Or enjoy a walk to observe wetland birds and native bushland. Cross the border into Victoria and ride or take an optional cruise up the Glenelg River, before returning to Mount Gambier through Caroline Forest.

DAY 3:  MONDAY 16 OCTOBER

MOUNT GAMBIER TO BEACHPORT VIA MILLICENT – 98KM

We head north through bush land, forest reserves and prime pastural lands to Millicent for lunch on the beautiful shores of Lake McIntyre. Ride along the Southern Ports Highway to Beachport, perched on the tip of Rivoli Bay. Relax with a drink on the Southern Ocean shore after your first big day in the saddle. 

DAY 4:  TUESDAY 17 OCTOBER

BEACHPORT TO KINGSTON VIA ROBE – 85KM

Continue north beyond Woakwine Cutting and ride into Robe, one of the region’s most picturesque small towns, with sheltered beaches, historic buildings and great coffee. End the day at Kingston at the heart of peaceful Lacepede Bay, where you can enjoy a cold beer or a glass of Cape Jaffa wine.

DAY 5:  WEDNESDAY 18 OCTOBER 

KINGSTON TO NARACOORTE VIA LUCINDALE – 106KM

Leave the coast and head inland through native scrubland and prime pasture lands for a well-earned lunch stop at Lucindale. With the wind behind you (!) continue to cruise all the way to Naracoorte.

Day 6:  THURSDAY 19 OCTOBER 

NARACOORTE – REST DAY / NARACOORTE CAVES VISIT

A day to rest up on and refresh but most will want to keep the muscles supple with a short ride south to Naracoorte Caves and take advantage of an optional journey into this unique World Heritage site. Discover fossil deposits, cave decorations and hosts of native bats! 

DAY 7:  FRIDAY 20 OCTOBER 

NARACOORTE TO PENOLA VIA BOOL LAGOON AND COONAWARRA -77KM

Rested and rejuvenated, ride south to magnificent Bool Lagoon with its abundant array of migratory birdlife, including Brolgas and Sharp-tailed Sandpipers. Continue on to Coonawarra, heart of this great wine making region, via the recently opened Coonawarra Rail Trail. Enjoy a wine or two along the way or in Penola.

DAY 8:  SATURDAY 21 OCTOBER

PENOLA TO MT GAMBIER VIA KALANGADOO AND GLENCOE -76KM

Meander south to Kalangadoo, and then lunch at Glencoe Woolshed, before the last leg into Mount Gambier through Wandilo. 

DAY 9:  SUNDAY 22 OCTOBER 

OPTIONAL MT SCHANK (38KM) OR PORT MACDONNELL (77KM) LOOP RIDE

Before packing away your bike, join a ride out to Mount Schank or, for those who simply can’t leave the saddle, a loop ride to Port MacDonnell and back before final farewells.

The Annual Tour of the Limestone Coast can be explored entirely on sealed roads, however there may be the opportunity to explore further on sections of unsealed road, which are mostly smooth, compacted limestone. Hybrid tyres offer the most flexibility, but you can be a complete roady and stick to the tarmac, or take a hybrid, gravel or mountain bike with slicks.

This sounds like a fantastic way to explore South Australia each year!

The organiser, BikeSA, is a not for profit organisation, independent of government, who promote all types of cycling and is focused on improving riding condition in SA.

You’ll find other cycling events, like the Annual Tour, in our online Cycling Event Calendar.

Enjoy!

Number of days

9 days

Location: Start

Adelaide Hills SA

Location: Finish

Adelaide Hills SA

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