From street parties to gourmet galas; regional events to family activities; there's so much to do in South Australia during the Santos Tour Down Under.
Pedalling across the state from 16-26 January, The Santos Tour Down Under is Australia’s greatest cycling race, welcoming the world’s best cyclists to the city of Adelaide and South Australia’s beautiful regions. With South Australian cycling legend and Olympic champion Stuart O'Grady taking the helm as race director, 2020 is gearing up to be the biggest year yet.
But the fun doesn’t end when the races stop. Tour time provides the perfect opportunity to see, eat and drink your way around the Barossa, McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills. Explore wineries, hit the surf at beautiful beaches, rub shoulders with world-famous superstars and party-on at gourmet galas and vibrant street parties. Here’s our guide for what to do during The Santos Tour Down Under 2020.
where to Watch the peloton from
1. The Hilton, Adelaide
Pop a bottle and raise your glass for Champagne Hour at the Hilton, Adelaide. Sip on some cocktails or cool down with a beer at The Collins Bar which overlooks the City of Adelaide Tour Village. It's a perfect position to spot your favourite cycling stars.
2. TANUNDA, BAROSSA
Make tracks for South Australia’s wine mecca, the Barossa, and watch the Tour Down Under kick off. Stage 1 starts and finishes surrounded by rolling vineyards in the picturesque town of Tanunda and you won’t find a better spot to soak up the fast-paced action with the peloton passing through five times throughout the day. Grab lunch at Vino Lokal or fermentAsian and wash it down with a glass or two of the Barossa’s famed bold reds; you’ll find the world’s official best wine a stone’s throw away at Kellermeister Wines.
3. STIRLING, ADELAIDE HILLS
Head for the hills and settle down at café nestled down tree-lined streets as Stage 2 races by. Kicking off in Woodside – home to the Woodside Cheese Wrights - and finishing in Stirling, the Adelaide Hills are one of the most popular locations for cycling fanatics to flock to watch the race. Passing through the picturesque towns of Mylor, Hahndorf and Aldgate, grab some pre-race sustenance at Fred Eatery in Aldgate before heading to The Stirling Hotel for a drink as the peloton races into town for the stage finish.
4. McLaren Vale, Fleurieu Peninsula
Stage 6 starts in the bountiful McLaren Vale wine region and finishes with the iconic Mountain Climb at Willunga Hill. After the race, the party keeps going and you’ll find more than a few good spots for a post-race tipple. Be sure to check out the world-famous d’Arenberg Cube, Hugh Hamilton Wines, Coriole Vineyards or Penny's Hill.
TOUR DOWN UNDER STREET PARTIES & special attractionsJam-packed with world-class, award winning restaurants and bars, every night is a party in Adelaide during Tour time. With more street parties and celebrations than ever, take your pick from an eclectic range of festivities.
1. UNLEY GOURMET GALA
Adelaide foodies, wine lovers, fashionistas and cycling enthusiasts will flock to King William Road for the annual Unley Gourmet Gala on Wednesday 22 January. The Unley Gourmet Gala is an exciting outdoor gourmet experience showcasing some of South Australia's finest food, wine, fashion, music and entertainment.
2. GLENELG TOUR STREET PARTY
Cool down by Adelaide’s best-known beach for the Glenelg Tour Street Party on Friday 24 January. Catch the tram from the city, then join the action with food, fashion and live entertainment for the whole family.
3. NORWOOD ON TOUR STREET PARTY
Foodies, families and cycling enthusiasts will flock to The Parade to enjoy live music, children's entertainment and sumptuous street eats at the Norwood on Tour Street Party on Thursday 23 January.
4. BE SAFE BE SEEN MAC STAGE 6 KING OF THE MOUNTAIN
Stage 6 on Sunday 26 January is a spectator favourite and is heralded as the 'Kings' stage of the Santos Tour Down Under. The day will start in McLaren Vale, famous for its winemaking, and finishes with a bang as the peloton races the popular Subaru King of The Mountain climb up Willunga Hill. The iconic wine region is always in party mode during the race and fans can get up close to riders in what is sure to be an epic finish to the race.
5. GETTING UP-CLOSE TO RIDERS
You’d have to be lucky to get within sweating distance of a pro-cyclist during a grand European tour. In Adelaide, you'll find superstars of the sport strolling through the city. Hang outside the Hilton Adelaide and the City of Adelaide Tour Village and you could easily bump into cycling royalty.
6. THE CITY OF ADELAIDE TOUR VILLAGE
Considered the heart and soul of the Santos Tour Down Under, the City of Adelaide Tour Village is a gathering spot for cycling fans, an after-work meeting place and a free venue to catch up on the day's racing. Watch interviews with cycling stars, grab an autograph, watch pro teams tune-up their bikes and pick up official event merchandise. Enjoy a daily entertainment program with live performances, relive the action on the big screens, test ride the newest-model bikes, check out the latest cycling gear and get inspired at the largest Bike Expo in Australia.
WHERE TO STAY FOR THE TOUR DOWN UNDER
Looking for somewhere to retreat after the race action? We come armed with suggestions for where to stay during the Tour Down Under! Stay in the heart of the city at one of Adelaide’s best hotels, or check out the Adelaide Hills, Barossa and Fleurieu Peninsula for more accommodation options during the Tour.
WHAT TO DO IN ADELAIDE
After the race, dine at South Australia’s best restaurants, soak up the sun at one of Adelaide’s beautiful beaches just minutes from the city or pull up a seat at a hidden bar before exploring some of the best things to do in Adelaide at night. Keep the party going after the Tour finishes and check out Adelaide Fringe, WOMAD and Adelaide Festival and see what’s on in South Australia.
Flying with your bike
If you’re travelling with your bike, check out Qantas’ sporting equipment guide for details. There is no additional cost to travelling with a bike unless it exceeds your ticketed baggage allowance.
