Adelaide is a fantastic city for exploring by bike, thanks to its compact size, beautiful landscapes, and laid-back vibe. Whether you want to pedal through lush vineyards in McLaren Vale, glide downhill from Mount Lofty, or cruise along the coast to Henley Beach, there’s a tour for you. One of our favorites is the McLaren Vale Wine Tour by Bike, which combines world-class wine tasting with easy cycling through vineyards and forests. The region’s mix of rolling hills, scenic forests, and charming wineries makes it ideal for both leisurely rides and more immersive adventures. Plus, the small-group format means you’ll get personalized attention and insider tips.
If you’re looking for a quick yet scenic ride, the Adelaide City to Sea Bike Tour offers a relaxed way to see the river, parks, and beaches, perfect for a half-day outing. For those interested in combining wildlife with cycling, the Mount Lofty Descent Bike Tour takes you from mountain summit to city, with encounters at Cleland Wildlife Park. With so many options, Adelaide’s bike tours cater to all tastes—whether you’re after wine, wildlife, city sights, or coastal breezes.
Quick Overview
Our list includes wine country tours, like the McLaren Vale Shiraz Trail Cycling Tour, scenic downhill rides such as the Mount Lofty Descent Bike Tour, and urban explorations like the City to Sea Bike Tour. We also highlight e-bike experiences and guided day trips, ensuring there’s something for every interest, fitness level, and time constraint. Now, let’s look at each tour in detail.
- Quick Overview
- 1. McLaren Vale Wine Tour by Bike
- 2. Mount Lofty Descent Bike Tour from Adelaide
- 3. Hahndorf Food and Wine E-Bike Tour
- 4. Adelaide City to Sea Bike Tour
- 5. Adelaide: HandleBar Bike Tour with Pub Stops & Dinner Option
- 6. McLaren Vale Shiraz Trail Cycling Tour from Adelaide
- 7. Mclaren Vale Hills Vines and Wines Bike Tour from Adelaide
- 8. Adelaide Hills Nature Highlights Self-Guided e-Bike Tour
- 9. Tour de Barossa – Guided Day Cycling Barossa from Adelaide
- 10. Adelaide: City to Sea, Bike and Kayak Safari
- 11. Adelaide: Electric Bike City Tour or Hire Only
- How to Choose the Best Bike Tour for You
1. McLaren Vale Wine Tour by Bike
At number 1, the McLaren Vale Wine Tour by Bike offers an immersive day in South Australia’s premier wine region. For about $142.73, you get a full 8-hour experience that includes visiting at least two wineries for tastings and enjoying mixed platters of local produce for lunch. The tour pedals at a relaxed pace through Kuitpo Forest and around vineyards, making it suitable for all fitness levels.
What makes this tour stand out are the small group size (limited to nine), ensuring personalized attention from your guide. Many reviews mention how knowledgeable and friendly guides like Lee make the day special. The ride is primarily easy, with most of the cycling being downhill or flat, perfect for wine lovers wanting to combine scenery with wine tastings. During the day, you’ll visit boutique wineries and even micro-breweries, adding variety to the experience.
Bottom line: This is perfect for those wanting a leisurely, wine-focused day with excellent company and authentic regional flavors. Expect beautiful scenery, tastings, and a relaxed vibe that captures the essence of McLaren Vale.
2. Mount Lofty Descent Bike Tour from Adelaide
At number 2, the Mount Lofty Descent Bike Tour offers an exhilarating downhill ride that combines nature and wildlife. Priced at around $128.39 for approximately four hours, this guided tour takes you from the summit of Mount Lofty to the city, including a visit to Cleland Wildlife Park. Here, you can spot koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies in their natural environment—something many travelers find memorable.
This tour is ideal for anyone comfortable with riding on uneven terrain, as the descent involves some gravel tracks. The ride is gentle but requires a reasonable level of fitness; reviews note that it’s suitable for most people over 50 or those new to mountain biking, as long as you’re prepared for a downhill challenge. All equipment, including a high-quality mountain bike and helmet, is included, simplifying logistics.
Bottom line: For adventure lovers wanting a mix of wildlife encounters and scenic downhill cycling, this tour delivers. It’s best suited for confident riders who enjoy a bit of a thrill and nature.
3. Hahndorf Food and Wine E-Bike Tour
Number 3 on our list is the Hahndorf Food and Wine E-Bike Tour. For around $182.90, this 5-hour small-group experience takes you through the Adelaide Hills, visiting three wineries, a cheese cellar, and a strawberry farm. The e-bikes make the ride easy and accessible, even if you’re not a regular cyclist. You’ll be able to sample wines, cheeses, and strawberries, making it a perfect mix of tasting and sightseeing.
What sets this tour apart is the chance to carry food and wine in provided pannier bags, and the intimate small-group setting ensures a relaxed, personal experience. Guests rave about the guide, Matt, who is both knowledgeable and accommodating. The ride covers charming country lanes, and the stops are well-paced for tasting and photos.
Bottom line: This is well-suited for foodies and wine lovers seeking a comfortable, leisurely ride with lots of local tastings and a touch of farm life. Great for those who want a relaxed yet flavorful day.
4. Adelaide City to Sea Bike Tour
Number 4 is the Adelaide City to Sea Bike Tour, which offers a relaxing 4-hour ride for about $97.55. It features cycling along the River Torrens Linear trail and visiting Henley Beach for a brunch stop. The tour is perfect for those wanting to see both city sights and coastal scenery without intense riding.
The tour is limited to 10 people, emphasizing a personal experience. Riders will enjoy the tranquility of parks, wetlands, and the bustling Riverbank Precinct. Many reviews highlight the enjoyable pace and the chance to see parts of Adelaide many travelers miss. It’s a flexible, family-friendly option that combines urban exploration with a seaside break.
Bottom line: Ideal for a half-day outing, especially if you want to combine city sights with some beach relaxation and brunch. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels comfortable on a bike.
5. Adelaide: HandleBar Bike Tour with Pub Stops & Dinner Option
Number 5, the HandleBar Bike Tour, is a lively 2-hour ride that mixes cycling with pub visits. The tour features stops at local pubs, with special prices, and the chance to create your own playlist for the ride. A dinner option at La Trattoria comes with up to 15% off, adding a gourmet touch to the evening.
This tour is perfect for those wanting a fun, social atmosphere, blending cycling with tasting local drinks. It’s designed for a group of up to 16 people, offering a lively, informal experience. While it’s shorter and more about the social vibe, it still provides an authentic taste of Adelaide’s bar scene.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers looking for an energetic, casual night out with friends, and those who love combining cycling with a pub crawl. Not ideal for those seeking a scenic day or a quieter experience.
6. McLaren Vale Shiraz Trail Cycling Tour from Adelaide
At number 6, the McLaren Vale Shiraz Trail Cycling Tour is a full-day adventure priced at $128.39. It’s designed for wine lovers and foodies wanting to explore vineyards on a mostly flat, easy trail. The tour includes guided cycling through the Shiraz Trail and visits to Wirra Wirra Vineyards and the Willunga Farmers Market.
Guests appreciate the gourmet lunch and wine tastings, which elevate the experience beyond just riding. The tour also offers hotel pickup and drop-off in Adelaide CBD, adding convenience. The cycling is considered easy and suitable for most, with the focus on enjoying the scenery and tastings rather than vigorous pedaling.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a comprehensive, full-day wine and food experience with a relaxed pace and excellent local wines. Great for wine enthusiasts and casual cyclists alike.
7. Mclaren Vale Hills Vines and Wines Bike Tour from Adelaide
Number 7 is the Mclaren Vale Hills Vines and Wines Bike Tour, offering a full day exploring the hills and vineyards. With a focus on customizable experiences, this tour includes wine tastings at top wineries and lunch. It’s geared toward those who want flexibility and a rich tasting experience amid scenic hills.
The tour is ideal for a relaxed day out, with a focus on sampling wines in a beautiful setting. Since the tour can be tailored, it suits travelers who want a personalized experience. The reviews are limited but very positive, highlighting the friendly guides and scenic routes.
Bottom line: Best for wine lovers who prefer a private or semi-private experience with flexibility and scenic hilltop views.
8. Adelaide Hills Nature Highlights Self-Guided e-Bike Tour
Number 8 features the Adelaide Hills Self-Guided e-Bike Tour. For just $63.12, you can rent premium e-bikes with a digital map and voice navigation. It’s perfect if you enjoy exploring independently at your own pace, choosing your route through hills, trails, and scenic spots.
The e-bike includes safety accessories and pannier bags, making it easy to carry snacks or souvenirs. Reviewers mention helpful staff and top-quality bikes. This option is ideal for travelers who want flexibility but don’t want to rent a bike and navigate alone without guidance.
Bottom line: Great for independent explorers comfortable with self-direction, looking for an affordable way to see the Adelaide Hills at their own pace.
9. Tour de Barossa – Guided Day Cycling Barossa from Adelaide
Number 9 is the Tour de Barossa, which gets you into the famous Barossa Valley for a guided 8-hour day. Priced at $116.97, it includes off-road cycling trails, wine tastings at Yalumba and Penfolds, a gourmet lunch, and visits to Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop.
The tour is fully guided, with a focus on wine tasting and regional cuisine. Ideal for those wanting a comprehensive day out, with transport included. Reviews are currently unavailable, but the itinerary suggests a well-organized, seamless experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for wine aficionados wanting a guided, all-inclusive day through one of Australia’s most renowned wine regions.
10. Adelaide: City to Sea, Bike and Kayak Safari
Number 10 offers a full-day adventure combining cycling along city streets and coastal trails with kayaking in the Dolphin Sanctuary. Although reviews aren’t listed, the combination of biking and kayaking makes it a versatile choice for active travelers wanting a multi-sport experience.
Starting from Adelaide, you’ll explore the river, parks, and beaches, then paddle among dolphins and mangroves. It’s best suited for those comfortable with both cycling and kayaking, offering a well-rounded day of outdoor activity.
Bottom line: Excellent for travelers seeking variety and a chance to combine two popular outdoor activities in one day.
11. Adelaide: Electric Bike City Tour or Hire Only
Finally, the Electric Bike City Tour is a flexible 3-hour option with a 4.8/5 rating. It covers scenic spots like Linear Park Trail and Botanic Gardens with the help of an electric motor, making it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels.
You can choose to join a guided tour or simply hire the e-bike for your own exploration. The review mentions top-notch bikes and a friendly staff, making it a convenient way to see Adelaide at your own pace.
Bottom line: Perfect for anyone wanting an easy, scenic ride with the option to explore independently or join a guided tour.
How to Choose the Best Bike Tour for You
When selecting your perfect Adelaide bike tour, consider your interest in wine, wildlife, city sights, or coastal scenery. If wine tasting is your priority, McLaren Vale Wine Tour by Bike or Shiraz Trail provide excellent options. For a scenic downhill adventure, Mount Lofty Descent is hard to beat, while urban explorers will enjoy the City to Sea or HandleBar Pub Tour.
Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the Self-Guided E-Bike or Electric Bike Tour, which offer flexibility and affordability. Timing is also key: spring and early summer are ideal for vineyard visits and outdoor activities, but many tours run year-round.
Booking early is always wise, especially for popular tours like the McLaren Vale Wine Bike Tour or Barossa Guided Tour, to secure your spot.
In summary, Adelaide offers an impressive variety of bike tours tailored to different interests—from wine tasting and wildlife encounters to city exploration and coastal rides. Whether you’re seeking a relaxed day sampling wines in McLaren Vale or an active adventure descending Mount Lofty, you’ll find a tour that fits your style. Consider your fitness level, specific interests, and time constraints before booking, and don’t forget to reserve early—these tours fill up fast!
