A major tourism project for one of the Fleurieu Peninsula’s wine regions is moving ahead, with a local construction company awarded the contract to deliver the Langhorne Creek Discovery Trail.
Alexandrina Council has appointed Fleurieu-based 35 South Building Co. to design and build the long-awaited walking and cycling trail, which is expected to be completed by April 2027.
Mayor Keith Parkes says the project marks a significant milestone for the Langhorne Creek community, following years of planning and advocacy.
“The Langhorne Creek Discovery Trail has been a long-term ambition for the community and Council, and we’re excited to work with a firm that shares our vision to create a standout visitor attraction,” he said.
The $7.06 million project, funded through a federal government grant, will deliver a 2.8 kilometre shared-use pathway through the township, linking key locations including Bremerton Wines, Memorial Park, Frank Potts Reserve and Bleasdale Winery.
It will also include recreational spaces, signage, landscaping and safety upgrades, aimed at boosting visitor experience in the region.
Executive Officer for the Langhorne Creek Grape and Wine Association, Lian Jaensch, says the trail is designed to offer more than just a walking path.
“This is to be much more than a footpath. It’s to lead people on a journey of discovery of Langhorne Creek,” Jaensch told ARN’s Adam and Jennie.
The trail will connect wineries, local businesses and attractions along the way.
“One end will be beautiful Bleasdale Winery and the other end will be Bremerton Wines and in between there’ll be Kim Bolton Wines, the Winehouse and there’s the pub, the great Bridge Hotel which is very popular,” she said.
“The idea is to have playgrounds and experiences all the way along there – history-telling, culture-telling, artworks, we’ve got ideas, we just have to make it a reality.”
Jaensch says the project comes at an important time for the wine industry, which has been facing a range of challenges.
“Apart from oversupply, there’s geopolitical tension and shifting consumer preferences, so the wine industry has been doing it pretty tough for a few years,” she said.
“Anything we can do to attract people, tell our story and connect people to our product is important – because wine is much more than just a beverage, it’s about the people and the experience around it.”
Director of 35 South Building Co. Ben Kernahan says the company is proud to be part of the project.
“It reflects years of effort from local community groups and individuals, and we’re pleased to help bring their vision to life,” he said.
The project will now move into the design phase, with the community to be given an opportunity to view the final plans before construction begins later this year.
Hear Lian Jaensch’s chat with ARN’s Adam and Jennie via SoundCloud.
