Christies Beach to Willunga Hill Race Day Itinerary: Race Day 5
Race Day 5 begins on the coast at Christies Beach before heading through the renowned McLaren Vale wine region and finishing atop the iconic Willunga Hill.
Choose your own adventure, or follow one of our curated itineraries, whether you're a cycling enthusiast chasing the action or a fan looking to soak up the festival atmosphere.
Jump to:
Cycling Enthuiast Itinerary | Fan & Families Itinerary | FAQs | Find out more about Race Day 5
Cycling enthusiast itinerary
Follow the peloton to key viewing locations and experience the race from some of the best vantage points on the route. Designed for dedicated fans who want to see more of the cycling action.
Before the race (Option 1):
đźš´ Ride from Adelaide to the start line on The Esplanade, Christies Beach
Arrive early at the start line | From 8:30am
Get to the start line early to soak up the atmosphere before racing gets underway. Arriving by 8:30am gives you time to grab a coffee and secure a great viewing spot before the Tour Parade arrives.
See the Tour Parade | From 8:50am
The Tour Parade is your first taste of the action. Watch the colourful convoy of promotional vehicles roll through the start line, bringing plenty of energy – and keep an eye out for giveaways, merchandise and more along the way. The Tour Parade departs the start line at 10:10am.
Get close to the riders | From 9:20am
The race convoy arrives from 9:20am, as riders and teams begin their final preparations. Find a spot along the barriers near rider sign-on for one of the best opportunities to see the world’s best cyclists up close before they take to the start line.
Â
Â
During the race (Option 1):
Race start and festivities | From 10:30am
The start and finish precincts come to life from 10:30am. Watch the men roll out at 10:40am, then stay to enjoy our dedicated fan zones and big screens broadcasting the race live, so you can follow all the action as it unfolds. From 10:50am, the women's race convoy will begin arriving ahead of their opening stage, with the women rolling out at 12:10pm. Settle in for the day and watch both races live on the big screen.
During and post men's race (Option 2):
đźš´ Alternatively, ride to Old Willunga Hill Road, Willunga Hill to experience all the festival action of the efex King and Queen of the mountain.
Iconic Willunga Hill | Arrive by 11:50am
Set up at Willunga Hill and enjoy the atmosphere ahead of the race. You can see the Tour Parade pass approx. 30 minutes before the riders are scheduled to pass. Watch the men tackle the iconic climb twice (approx. 12:49pm & 1:25pm), just before the race finish 200m up the road.
Men's Podium Presentation | Approx. 1:42pm
Stay for the podium presentations and soak up the post-race atmosphere.
During and post women's race (Option 2):
Settle back into your spot on the Hill | From 2:00pm
Settle back in to your spot on Willunga Hill to see the women tackle the iconic climb two more times (approx. 2:43pm & 3:25pm), just before the race finish 200m up the road.
Women's Podium Presentation | Approx. 3:35pm
Stay for the podium presentations and soak up the post-race atmosphere.
Explore the best of the Fleurieu Peninsula | From 4:00pm
Refuel at a local café, bakery or pub, or continue exploring the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Fans & Families Itinerary
Enjoy a relaxed day at the race with family-friendly activities, entertainment, fan zones and great viewing opportunities at the start and finish precincts. Perfect for soaking up the atmosphere and experiencing the Santos Tour Down Under.
Before the race:
đźš— Drive from Adelaide to the start line on The Esplanade, Christies Beach
Arrive early at the start line | From 8:30am
Get to the start line early to soak up the atmosphere before racing gets underway. Arriving by 8:30am gives you time to find a park, grab a coffee and secure a great viewing spot before the Tour Parade arrives.
See the Tour Parade | From 8:50am
The Tour Parade is your first taste of the action. Watch the colourful convoy of promotional vehicles roll through the start line, bringing plenty of energy – and keep an eye out for giveaways, merchandise and more along the way. The Tour Parade departs the start line at 10:10am.
Get close to the riders | From 9:20am
The race convoy arrives from 9:20am, as riders and teams begin their final preparations. Find a spot along the barriers near rider sign-on for one of the best opportunities to see the world’s best cyclists up close before they take to the start line.
Â
Â
During the race:
Race start and festivities | From 10:30am
The start and finish precincts come to life from 10:30am. Watch the men roll out at 10:40am, then stay to enjoy our dedicated fan zones and big screens broadcasting the race live, so you can follow all the action as it unfolds. From 10:50am, the women's race convoy will begin arriving ahead of their opening stage, with the women rolling out at 12:10pm.
Alternatively, once the men's race has departed, make your way to another vantage point. Details for more vantage points along each race route detailed further below. Â
đźš— Drive to the finish line on Brookman Road, Willunga Hill
⚠️ Plan ahead for road closures: Roads along the race route will progressively close ahead of the peloton, with rolling closures generally in place from approximately 20 minutes before the race passes through. Plan your journey in advance and allow extra time to reach your chosen viewing location. (Note: plan for the rolling road closure 20 minutes before the first riders’ arrival, green light vehicle signals the road has reopened). More info coming soon.Â
Â
During and post men's race:
Race festivities | From 12:00pm
Arrive at the finish line atop Willunga Hill and enjoy our dedicated fan zones and big screens broadcasting the race live, so you can follow all the action as it unfolds. More information coming soon.
Men's race finish | Approx. 1:32pm
Watch the Men's Stage 5 finish at approx. 1:32pm and see the stage winner crowned. Then stay for the podium presentations, which typically begin 10 to 15 minutes after the winner crosses the line and run for approximately 15 minutes.
Men's Podium Presentation | Approx. 1:42pm
Stay for the podium presentations and soak up the post-race atmosphere.
Women's race finish:
Women's race finish | Approx. 3:36pm
Watch the Women's Stage 2 finish at approx. 3:36pm and see the stage winner crowned. Then stay for the women's podium presentations.
Women's Podium Presentation | Approx. 3:46pm
Stay for the podium presentations and soak up the post-race atmosphere.
Explore the best of the Fleurieu Peninsula | From 4:00pm
Refuel at a local café, bakery or pub, or continue exploring the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Tour Transfers
Skip the parking hassles with Tour Transfers. Travel from central Adelaide to the stage start and finish on a comfortable, air-conditioned coach, with reserved parking and more time to enjoy Australia's greatest cycling race.
DeTours
Hilltop Hospitality
The best match for on-road action? A place at Hilltop Hospitality, where cold drinks and delicious bites will be paired with a DJ to truly set the scene.
FAQs
Christies Beach – Race start
Come early to see your favourite riders sign-on (sign on opens 1 hour and 10 mins pre race) then see the race start from this iconic seaside location
Men’s peloton est: 10:40am
Women’s peloton est.: 12:10pm
Willunga Hill
This storied climb will see four peloton passes for the day – two for the men, two for the women – and exert its influence on a stage that demands explosive energy and the stamina to dominate an uphill finish.
Men’s peloton est: 12:54pm, 1:32pm
Women’s peloton est: 2:51pm, 3:35pm
Main Road, McLaren Vale
See multiple men’s & women’s pass throughs from two different sections of the race route along Main Road in McLaren Vale. Position yourself near Main Road and Tatachila Road.
Men’s peloton est (Field St / Main Rd): 11:52pm
Men’s peloton est (Main Rd / Kangarilla Rd): 1:13pm
Women’s peloton est (Field St / Main Rd): 1:36pm
Women’s peloton est (Main Rd / Kangarilla Rd): 3:13pm
Estimated pass times are provided for guidance only and may vary due to factors such as race conditions and unforeseen delays.
Yes! The beauty about the Santos Tour Down Under is that it's a free and accessible event.
The riders will arrive approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes before the race starts.
Yes, as long as you're behind the barriers and respecting the riders who are preparing to race, you're welcome to ask for autographs.
Â
Depending on the stage, parking can be limited. We recommend looking at our stage maps and planning ahead.
Alternatively, book a Tour Transfer and travel in air-conditioned comfort to each race day location with more time to relax and enjoy Australia's greatest cycling race.
After every race, the race leaders are presented on a podium not far from the finish line. The podium location varies depending on the stage, but follow the crowd and you'll find yourself there.
Aim to arrive at the start line 30 to 60 minutes prior to the race start. Grab a coffee, see the riders sign-on and snag yourself a signature.Â
This depends on what stage you plan on attending. If you just want to see the start or finish line action, you might only need between one to two hours. If you plan on watching more of the race, allow approximately three to six hours. There's plenty of events that surround the stages for you to explore.
