Day 1, Saturday 16 January

Welcome to South Australia

In past years – almost 100% of you have arrived early. Which is our recommendation. We’ll take care of the extra transfers and accommodation.

For 2027, we’ve made the Crowne Plaza our primary hotel. It’s an excellent property with a private conference room for our bikes, a rooftop pool, and plenty of cafés and restaurants. Located in the heart of Adelaide, it provides easy access to the city centre, Rundle Mall, shops, cafés, pubs, and bars, and is only a 15‑minute walk to the Santos Tour Down Under race village.

This morning we’ll help build the bikes and then pop out for a short spin. Focussing on Adelaide’s amazing bike trails that aren’t far away from our hotel. A short ride purely to get the legs turning and to find those nasty little mechanicals that usually pop up on day 1.

Team MAC - we’ll meet in the foyer for a wander around the funky East End. This is known as the domain of choice for trendsetters. Right in the heart of the city, the neighbourhood is filled with cafes, restaurants, bars and premium shopping. There’s plenty of fabulous hidden dining lanes to explore. Let’s have an aperitif at one of the many wine bars before returning to the hotel. In time for our welcome dinner. We'll introduce the team and run through the plan for the next 10 days.

Later this evening is the TDU men’s team presentation at the Tour Village, followed by live music! Let’s go and check that out. The professionals on this particular tour are very approachable compared to what you’ll find elsewhere around the world. By the way – the Tour Village expo is the best bike expo I’ve ever seen. It’s massive. Bring your wallet. (phone)

Yes, you are now officially on holiday. Welcome to South Australia. Cheers to you.

/ Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Hotel
/ Meals Included: Welcome Dinner and drinks

PS, what if, what if ... One of the most common questions we have is “what if my bike doesn’t turn up or it’s damaged”? The answer to that – we’ve got you covered. That’s why you do a tour with RH. We have about 10 bikes on standby to look after any of those airline misdemeanours.

Day 2, Sunday 17 January

It's off to the hills!!

We don’t feel the need for a 6am breakfast. Let’s relax and remind ourselves that we are indeed on holiday. (By the way – the brekky at the Crowne is unbelievable...Zero chance of any weight loss) Also, the Crowne is in café country – there are literally hundreds to choose from, early coffee anyone? Here’s a tip – coffee is generally served with one shot. You need to double up. I think it’s good to cover off the important H&S early on in the trip.

We leave the city this morning and make our way to Adelaide Hills. Without doubt the best cycling in the State, arguably in all of Australia.

Each day we will offer 3 rides ranging from 50 to 100km (plus) in distance. Today’s ride heads out of the city and into the Adelaide hills. Our local guides playground, there are literally hundreds of roads we can choose from, keeping the word ‘hills’ in mind. Finishing in the historical township of Hahndorf and our home for the next 2 nights.

Hahndorf sits on the top 5 things to do list when visiting Adelaide. Settled by 19th-century Lutheran migrants, it’s known for its original German-style architecture and artisanal food. At weekends thousands and thousands of tourists descend on Hahndorf, which is why we love arriving on Sunday afternoon. By 4pm, everyone has gone home and it’s just us left to enjoy its many cafés, bars, shops and relaxed vibe.

Team MAC – This morning you are heading off to explore the majestic Mount Lofty Botanical gardens. We will walk the many trails through the relaxing gardens with various colourful plant species. Then we can enjoy a relaxed lunch at the newly renovated Bird in Hand winery – with amazing views. This family-owned winery is famous for cultivating cool-climate artisan wines that capture the spirit of South Australia’s Adelaide Hills. The Bird in Hand Foundation supports creativity, gender & indigenous equality through education & the arts. Our last stop this afternoon is at the historic Melba’s Chocolate factory.

Tonight, will be all things German. Anyone own Lederhosen? When in Rome...we are spoilt for choice. As we will be dinning across the road at the Haus tomorrow night, let's venture down the road for a traditional German feast. We’ve either got the German Arms built c1839, or the Hahndorf Inn c1863, we will choose closer to the time, you will be well fed! Hmmm, pretzels, steins, half a pig anyone? (salad is available)

/ Accommodation: Reisen Hotel, Hahndorf
/ Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)

Ps, for those who have joined us in the past. The Reisen hotel was formally the Manna. It’s under new management and they’ve just built a bike storage room as well as a laundry.

Day 3, Monday 18 January

Ride Holidays Bingo…

We really wanted to get creative today. Recognising the fact that this for some of you will be your 6th, 7th, 8th consecutive TDU. So – something a bit different.

Cyclists - there will be 2 separate rides. Let’s call it the short course and the long course. Both routes will give you the same opportunities.

There are certain Adelaide Hills Landmarks and local items, that you need to tick off. The first one is relatively simple as you have to climb Mt Lofty in order to get your breakfast.

• Mt Lofty – Tick. Have the BIG breakfast.

• Gravel – even if it’s only 1km then you still need to sign it off. Our guides know all the hidden spots.

• Drop bear – there are hundreds in this area. We’ll take you somewhere where it’s pretty much guaranteed. Hmmm. Belair National Pk....can’t miss.

• This is random I know – you need to buy something for under $10. You have to bring it to dinner tonight. Yes – you’re going to give it away to someone else in the group. (who you don’t actually know)

• Another local treat you must tick off – Vanilla Slice at the Banana Boogie Café in Belair.

• Hill Time trial. Yes – We’ve got a hill in mind. It’s a short stonker. Extra points for the rider (based on strava) who is closest to our mystery time. Bonus points for the slowest and fastest riders. Look at this TT as a good way of using up all that Vanilla slice and Pancake energy.

• Something else that’s alive. Like a Kangaroo, Wallaby or a Dingo. Birds are exempt unless it’s a Kookaburra or an Emu because they’re super cool. (Belair National Pk has them)

• Photo with your riding/walking group at a local, Country Fire Service station.

• Beer or Cider at the Stanley Creek Café on the way home. (Or a coke if you don’t drink)

We’ll add a few other things closer to the time. You get the idea – it’s a fun day for both cyclists and Team Mac. You’ll get to see a few roads you haven’t ridden before and there will be some problem solving to be done along the way.

Team MAC – After breakfast at Lofty, Katrina has booked the amazing Cleland Wildlife park. It’s set in natural bushland and gives visitors the chance to see many native Australian animals in a relaxed, open environment. The park is especially known for koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, emus, wombats, dingoes, Tasmanian devils and a wide range of bird species. How many can you find on the Bingo card? You can also hand-feed some free-roaming animals, attend keeper talks and take part in koala experiences. In afternoon we will have time to explore the many unique shops along the main street of Hahndorf, or join the cyclists at the Stanley Ck Tavern.

/ Accommodation: Reisen Hotel, Hahndorf
/ Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)

Ps, Yes – we’ve ordered 40 Vanilla Slices. You must eat one.

Day 4, Tuesday 19 January

Stage 1 of the Men’s tour on the way to the Barossa.

Over the past 20 years we've pretty much biked everywhere. It doesn’t get any better than the Barossa Valley. This region offers some of the best riding, food and wine in the whole of Australia.

Door to door is about 90km. Some of you can do more, others can ride less. Having support vehicles takes the pressure off.

Yes, we’ll see stage 1 of the Men’s Santos Tour Down Under. It’s a relatively flat stage that starts at Henley Beach and finishes in Gumeracha. That’s perfect because it’s on the way to the Barossa.

Speak of Gumeracha – it has a Big Rocking Horse and is one of Australia's best-known "Big Things" attractions. Standing at over 18 metres tall and was built in 1981. You can climb the horse which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The TDU is unlike other races around the world. There will be no shortage of viewing as they often finish with 3 or 4 loops. You’ll see the riders multiple times. So, with that in mind – we’ll wait until we see the stage route before we 100% finalise our day. The swimming pool at the Barossa is quite enticing and we don’t want you still riding at 4pm which is when it is hottest.

Team MAC – We will head straight to Gumeracha and beat the crowds. First stop is the one and only Giant Rocking Horse. We will then find a comfortable spot to watch the men’s stage loops before enjoying a light lunch at Mt Bera Heritage wine estate. Set among vineyards, gardens and rolling hills, with views across the Torrens Valley and the surrounding countryside. The estate is known for producing single-vineyard wines and offering visitors a peaceful place to enjoy local food, wine and scenery.

Our hotel for the next 2 nights is stunning. All rooms have a view of the vineyards across the valley, and you’ll probably wake up to see a few of the local kangaroos grazing on the lawns. It’s one of the best hotels we stay at anywhere in the world.

Tonight, we've booked a local restaurant for dinner. It’s called Harvest Kitchen (we book it 12 months in advance), we have the “eat like a Barossan menu” and it really is fantastic. It’s even more special now that the Harvest Kitchen is actually based at the world-famous Jacobs Creek winery.

/ Accommodation: Novotel Barossa
/ Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)

PS, OK, a bit of a warning. As you approach the Barossa hotel there’s a wee little kicker. A gentle false flat of around 25%. Nothing to be worried about though. Keep in mind that this hotel offers fabulous views. And, to have a view, you must get to the top of the hill!!

Day 5, Wednesday 20 January

Stage 2 - Barossa

Stage 2 of the men’s race starts and finishes in Angaston, a new location. Our plan is reasonably simple. Get up, eat, ride your bikes, see the stage, go to the pool, eat and sleep. Simple!!

We’ve applied for V.I.P. stage access. (This isn’t confirmed until later in the year but we will have this for one of the tours stages) Yes, you’ll receive a special wrist band so you can walk through the team setup as the riders sign on and warm-up for today’s opening stage. It’s a great opportunity for autographs and a chat. Usually the riders are very approachable.

We will follow the race route today, via the classic route, Seppeltsfield palms, Tanunda Bakery, Menglers hill, all will feature. Ride distances vary from 60km to 100km plus.

There’s a really good chance you’ll see wildlife today. Actually, let’s cover off some H&S.

Good wildlife = little fury bears that live up trees. And - big rabbits that hop, hop, hop around the fields.

Bad wildlife = long brown silvery eel type things. To be avoided. Don’t pat. In fact – please run!! ** In all seriousness – the Novotel does have snake warning signs in various places so please heed.

Team MAC – This morning we’ll start the day with walking the track that circles around the hotel grounds and, if we’re lucky, we’ll see some of the local fury residents having their breakfast in the bushes. Then we have plenty of options…

1. Join the riders at Angaston for V.I.P access. or 2. Maggie Beer’s Farm for a fun, iterative cooking demonstration, where all the produce used is grown and made at Maggie’s farm. We are then served tastings of the delicious dishes with a glass of non-alcoholic sparkling wine. We’ll visit the Jam Factory which is housed in Seppeltsfield estate’s iconic horse stables. This gallery is a hub for beautiful art, jewellery and many craft designers. Last stop for today will be the Seppeltsfield Road Gin Distillery. The distillery is recognised for producing handcrafted Barossa gins using local flavours and botanicals.

Tonight is a highlight as we dine on the hotel lawn. Overlooking the valley full of vines that supply Jacobs Creek. It really is a lovely way of finishing a magnificent day.

/ Accommodation: Barossa Novotel
/ Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)

This afternoon you should budget on some quality pool time. It’s not all cycling, eating and drinking ... We expect you to find some time to relax as well. On that note – massage can also be booked at our hotel.

Day 6, Thursday 21 January

It's off to Adelaide!! Via stage 3

We leave the Barossa this morning and make our way back to Adelaide. Our ride today will feature the Whispering Wall. It’s a must. Shhhh, don’t tell anyone. Whisper.

Stage 3 starts in Lobethal and finishes in the city suburb of Campelltown.

2 things that we instantly know:

Lobethal is famous for its bakery which is frequented by hundreds of cyclists daily. In particular, it’s famous for its giant donut. Around four times the size of a regular one. As we’re athletes, we could even have a couple each. Hmm, does that add up to 8 regular donuts? I’m up for the challenge!!

The other obvious thing about today’s stage is that it will feature the mighty Corkscrew climb as it backs on to Campelltown. For cyclists, the Corkscrew climb is a rite of passage. This short but challenging ascent packs plenty of steep gradients and tight bends into just a few kilometres, making it a true test of strength and determination. It also packs a Alpe d’Huez type atmosphere when the Tour Down Under races over it.

So – 2 things. The worlds biggest donut and a Corkscrew. That’s all you need to achieve today. Ride options vary from 60km to 120km.

Team MAC – You’re in for a treat. You’ll visit the d’Arenberg Cube (McLaren Vale) featuring a contemporary art museum including a Salvador Dali exhibit. We’ll also enjoy wine tasting and lunch. The design concept for the building was developed by d'Arenberg's Chief Winemaker, Chester Osborn, who is of the fourth generation of the Osborn family. The vineyard dates back to 1912 but the new building is world renowned for its unique design.

/ Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Hotel
/ Meals Included: Breakfast (Lunch and Dinner are own arrangements)

Ps, Tonight is the women’s team presentation in the village. We’ll certainly factor that into our day once we find out the actual race times.

Pps, cyclists are welcome to join Team Mac today at the Cube. It’s actually not a bad option to be honest as it’s easily in the top # 5 Adelaide things to do. Please note that cyclists joining the Team Mac program have to pay their own entries.

Day 7, Friday 22 January

Let’s focus on the girls and maybe catch up with the boys.

Let’s focus on the girls and maybe catch up with the boys.

It’s the first UCI World Tour multi day event that both the boys and the girls will ride the same course on the same day. It’s surprising it’s taken this long. Today is day 1 of 3 where that will happen.

Both stages start in Glenelg and finish in Victor Harbor. This instantly tells us that it’s a day for the sprinters. We have applied for a 2nd V.I.P stage start entry so please, cross your fingers and toes.

As far as cycling is concerned – we do see today as a good chance to recharge. Before we spend more time in the hills over the weekend. Today’s rides will be at the shorter end of the spectrum. 60 – 80km loop, featuring the stage start and then heading west towards Henley Beach, Semaphore, Port Adelaide region before finishing with the bike paths back to our city hotel.

It wouldn’t be a silly idea to head down to the central tour village to watch the finish of the stage on the big screen. If you hang out a bit later, you’ll see all the pros arrive back at the village, you can watch as their mechanics clean, service and tune their bikes for tomorrow’s stage.

Team MAC – This morning, let's take the tram to the coast for a beautiful seaside walk and coffee at Glenelg before watching the women’s race start. Glenelg is known as one of the best tourist destinations due to its stunning beach and many attractions, home to several hotels and dozens of restaurants. Established in 1836, it is the oldest European settlement on mainland South Australia. Bring your togs as the beach club is open. Later this afternoon, you have the chance to explore the tour village and/or the Adelaide central market with your partner. Then there’s always our hotel rooftop pool!

/ Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Hotel
/ Meals Included: Breakfast (Lunch and Dinner are own arrangements)

Day 8, Saturday 23 January

Queen stage race, finish Willunga Hill!!

Our plan is soooooooo cunning. A quick coffee at the Adelaide Central Markets first.

Today we ride from the city to the wine region that is McLaren Vale. No introduction required. It is also the start of today’s stage. Kick-off is usually at about midday but that may change with the boys / girls double up.

It’s then a race route loop out to the coast and it always features Willunga Hill. The pros will ride it 2 or 3 times. (TBC) We’ll ride it just once. The atmosphere at the top of Willunga is electric. Almost 10,000 people cram the last 4km of this hilltop finish. This is the stage that will ultimately decide the winner of this year's TDU.

Again, a choice of rides. Anywhere from 70km to 120km. After 8 continuous days riding there will be some legs that are tired. Others will be just warming up.

There’s only one restaurant at the top of Willunga Hill and we now have it secured for the next 5 years. The idea is that you can use this as a base and come and go as you please, only 100m from the stage finish. They have a beautiful deck, BIG screen and all the comforts. We know Andy, the owner, well. He really looks after us. Don’t worry – we won’t make you ride home. We’ll take your bikes which means you can enjoy that 2nd or 3rd glass of wine. A long Italian Aussie lunch from 12 – 3pm. Just in time to see the finish at around 3pm!

Team Mac – This morning we will follow the coastal road south to the stunning beach of Port Willunga. You will stroll along the pristine white sand while admiring the clear blue water & golden cliffs to work up an appetite before we meet up with the riders on top of Willunga Hill for a fabulous long lunch experience.

/ Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Hotel
/ Meals Included: Breakfast and a late Lunch (Dinner is own arrangements but the late lunch means you won’t be hungry)

Tonight, traditionally it’s the TDU car park challenge (Which is about 200m from our hotel) starting at about 8pm. It’s an awesome night with DJ’s, pop-up breweries and some of Australia’s finest as they battle it out on bikes over about a 300m climb. The atmosphere is electric. There’s always the odd professional rider having a crack, earlier this year it was Caleb Ewan. Anyone can enter. Dingo will no doubt ride again. It’s all good fun so make sure you pop along.

Day 9 Sunday 24 January

Final stage - A must see…

We return to the Adelaide Hills for the finale of the 2027 Santos Tour Down Under. Which starts in Norwood and finishes in Stirling. We expect the stage to kick off late morning and finish at about 3pm. Our guess is the girls will race first, followed by the boys. A full day of excitement.

We know this stage well. Featuring numerous laps of the rolling hills, finishing with a punchy uphill sprint to the line! We’ll set up a homebase in some shade.

By the way – you aren’t going mad if you hear people calling Stirling – Stiring. That’s what the locals call it. It's a regional accent and pronunciation where the second syllable is softened so that "Stirling" sounds more like "Stiring. Right’o!!

Cyclists - you can literally choose your kms. It would be shame not to finish on a ton. Our guides will tick off your perfect day. TDU, great food and a fantastic bike ride. We’ll have our vehicles on standby for those who don’t want to ride back.

Team Mac – Katrina will discuss todays options closer to the time as you might want to stay and explore more of what the city has to offer, (river cruise for example) or head back into the hills at Stirling to meet up with the riders and watch the finale race finish. It’s totally up to you.

Tonight is our final celebration and awards dinner. Please bring you flashiest clothes. You will look smashing. A few stories and lies will be told as we raise a glass to you. In fact, we’ve included a wine package showcasing South Australia’s finest.

What a day ... What a trip.

/ Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Hotel
/ Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)

Day 10 Monday 25 January

Home, James

The tour concludes with breakfast. Some of us will pack our bags, bikes and leave for the airport. Our tour is all but over.

Or ...

If you’d like to extend your stay, we can easily arrange additional accommodation — it’s a great way to round out your holiday. Australia Day falls on the 26th, and the city comes alive with hundreds of events celebrating the nation’s culture and community. In the early evening, you can join the “Respecting Country” parade at Elder Park, a vibrant celebration of South Australia’s cultural diversity. Stay on afterwards for live music and a spectacular fireworks display — a memorable way to finish your Australia Day experience.

Whatever you decide - thank you for joining us. Safe travels home ...

/ Meals Included: Breakfast