The 3-kilometre winding ascent out of Willunga onto the Willunga Scarp is South Australia's most famous cycling climb, with panoramic Gulf views from the top.
Why cyclists make the pilgrimage
Old Willunga Hill Road rises out of the southern edge of town for about 3 kilometres at an average gradient of 6.8 percent. The climb was introduced to the Santos Tour Down Under in 2012 and quickly became the race's defining stage, with Richie Porte famously crowned King of Willunga Hill after six consecutive stage wins. Outside race week, cyclists from all over Adelaide treat the hill as a personal benchmark.
What visitors do
You don't need a race licence to enjoy it. Drive or ride slowly to the top for knockout views across the Willunga Basin, McLaren Vale vineyards and Gulf St Vincent, then continue onto the scarp for Magpie Springs and other hill wineries. During the January Tour Down Under stage the hillside fills with tens of thousands of spectators, barbecues and flag-waving fans in one of Australia's best free sporting spectacles.
Practical notes
The climb begins at the intersection of Main Road and Old Willunga Hill Road on the southern edge of Willunga township. There is a small pull-over area near the summit at around 320 metres elevation. Drivers should watch for cyclists and motorcycles, especially on weekends. No facilities on the climb itself; stock up in Willunga first.
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Sources
- Old Willunga Hill - official source - tourdownunder.com.au (accessed April 2026)