Tapa Martinthi Yala Bikeway

Cyclists, walkers and nature lovers are set to benefit from the recent opening of the Tapa Martinthi Yala shared use path, adjacent the Northern Connector motorway.

The opening of the Tapa Martinthi Yala, meaning “pathway to embrace today” in Aboriginal Kaurna language, has created a continuous shared use trail network spanning 43km connecting Port Adelaide with Gawler. The new 16.7km section connects at its northern point to the Stuart O’Grady Bikeway, adjacent the Northern Expressway and the Port River Bikeway at its southern end.

A highlight of the southern section of the new trail includes a stretch along Little Para River Trail and is ideal for walkers including children and those with prams or using a wheelchair. Other features of the new shared use pathway are a viewing platform adjacent the Greenfields Wetlands and panoramic views taking in Swan Alley Wetlands. City of Salisbury residents can access the Tapa Martinthi Yala northern section (to Gawler) at the Bolivar Road / Port Wakefield Road intersection and the southern section via the Little Para River Trail behind Globe Derby.

City of Salisbury Mayor Gillian Aldridge OAM welcomed the completion of the significant piece of infrastructure. “This is an exciting time for local cyclists, walkers and nature lovers,” Mayor Aldridge said. “The newly opened path means we now have around 90km of trails and linking reserves across the City, including Little Para River Trail, Dry Creek Trail and Cobbler Creek, which are all amazing trails and wonderful assets to our city.”

Mayor Aldridge said the opening of the Tapa Martinthi Yala also offered City of Salisbury residents a safe commuter route to Port Adelaide or Gawler. “A great way to explore the new shared use pathway is to join one of the City of Salisbury walking or cycling groups,” she said. “It also now opens up opportunities for Salisbury businesses to begin to benefit from cyclist tourism. “Residents of Gawler and Port Adelaide, and their visitors, can now ride safely to our region, which has the potential to bring additional customers for Salisbury and Mawson Lakes businesses.” The path provides a new opportunity to be physically active, an alternative route for work or to explore the attractions of Salisbury.

Bike Trails

• Tapa Martinthi Yala Shared Use Path (Northern Connector) (16.7km) – The name of the path is Tapa Martinthi Yala, meaning “pathway to embrace today” in the Aboriginal Kaurna language. There are great landscapes with views of the Swan Alley wetlands at Bolivar, the Salt Pans and Barker Inlet wetlands including the mangroves.