LCDT Artist Impression
Artist Impression of the Langhorne Creek Discovery Trail

The Project

The objective of the Langhorne Creek Discovery Trail (LCDT) is to create a multi-purpose trail that provides interesting, accessible and safe ways to enable tourists and locals to visit wineries, attractions and parks by both foot and on bikes.

The LCDT has been under consideration for a number of years by the community and industry representatives. Since late 2020, Alexandrina Council has been working closely with the Langhorne Creek Grape and Wine Association (LCGWA) and a key group of stakeholders to progress this project. Council is a key stakeholder in this project, driving the delivery of essential infrastructure to support the trail and its product. The development and ongoing management of the trail as a tourism product is driven by the industry.

The 2.8km discovery trail will be Langhorne Creek’s hero attraction, connecting the region and unlocking opportunities. By bringing increased visitation, and dispersing tourists around the region, the project will support events, environmentally sensitive tourism, and immersive experiences with intergenerational and innovative producers. The trail will support investment in accommodation in the region, that reflects and enhances the region’s uniquely intimate environment, enabling personalised journeys that resonate with each visitor. The trail will also act as a catalyst for new investment in recreation and experiences. Langhorne Creek’s cellar doors punch above their weight in their importance to the state’s economy; the LCDT will unlock this economic potential for the benefit of the whole region.


Background

Langhorne Creek is located approximately 55km southeast of Adelaide in the Alexandrina Council region. It has 444 permanent residents while Alexandrina Council has 28,730 residents (ABS 2021). Home to the traditional Ngarrindjeri people, the area is a thriving agricultural community of established families, progressive businesses and new generation artisans who create highly rewarded wines, grow quality fruit, and nurture prized livestock.

The name Langhorne Creek is instantly recognisable as one of Australia’s great wine brands, yet the region remains underexplored as a tourist destination. Langhorne Creek has much to offer: close proximity to Adelaide, nine notable cellar doors and many more vineyards, fascinating history and geography, and a charming town centre. Langhorne Creek’s notable winemaking methods, which take advantage of the annual flooding cycle, are unique in the world, and the region has the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines in the Southern Hemisphere. All of this is packed into a pocket-sized region, ideal for traversing on foot or by bicycle, and offering an intimate and immersive experience.


Plans and Community Consultation

Preliminary concept plans were prepared throughout 2022 and into 2023 based on the initial brief provided to Council from the community/industry stakeholders. These plans were released for community consultation in February 2024.

A copy of the concept plans can be found here.

Following consultation, a more detailed set of amended plans were commissioned to progress the project, a copy of the current plans can be found here.


Regional Precincts and Partnerships Grant

The LCDT project is solely reliant on external funding opportunities to progress. The project strongly aligns with the criteria for the Federal grant initiative by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources ‘Regional Precincts and Partnerships’ (rPPP).

The rPPP seeks to support transformative investment in regional, rural and remote Australia based on the principles of unifying regional places, growing economies and serving communities. Unlike traditional grant programs, the rPPP will focus on a partnership approach, bringing together governments and communities to deliver regional precincts that are tailored to local needs and have a shared vision for how that precinct connects to the region.’

Council have submitted a grant application for the rPPP program and are currently awaiting an outcome.


Project Timeline

LCDT Project Timeline



Information and Updates

What's Next

  • Council have submitted a grant application for the rPPP program and are currently awaiting an outcome

Announcements

  • Future Media Release and updates will be listed here.

Other documents