Views And Vibes Await at Hilltop Hospitality
03 SEP 2026
A prime roadside destination complete with food, drinks and a DJ will feature as the Santos Tour Down Under (TDU) returns to Willunga Hill in January.
Guests at Hilltop Hospitality are set to enjoy a day of delicious local produce, premium beverages and entertainment as cyclists race from Christies Beach to Willunga Hill on a 116-kilometre stage that will see them wind through McLaren Vale vineyards before conquering the epic climb twice.
The challenging route means fans will see a total of four passes up Willunga Hill across the men’s and women’s races.
Race Day 5 on Saturday 23 January will be just the second time in TDU history that men and women have competed on the same day and route – and the first time since 2020 that Willunga Hill has featured a hospitality offering.
The two pelotons will pass the Hilltop Hospitality space at the 89-kilometre mark on their respective stages before returning for a final effort, with ticketholders poised to catch all the action as riders reach the crest of Willunga Hill and cross the finish line. Large screens will show action from elsewhere on the route.
Return coach transport from central Adelaide is included with each ticket, with beer garden vibes in store for guests spending the day relaxing in shaded comfort. A short walk to the presentation podium also means easy access to watch as the stage winner and jersey holders appear on stage.
The celebrated Willunga Hill extends across three kilometres and has featured in the TDU since 2012. Richie Porte conquered its slopes a remarkable seven times, while fellow Australian Sarah Gigante earned wins in 2024 and during the domestic Santos Festival of Cycling in 2021.
The return of Willunga Hill on the queen stage at next year’s TDU sets up another close-fought battle for the Santos Ochre Leader’s Jersey and a huge day of competition as world cycling returns to South Australia.
