Holdfast Bay gets two bites of the TDU cherry

The 2026 Santos Tour Down Under is coming to Holdfast Bay twice this week and we’ve covered the best vantage points, can’t go past coffee spots and ideas for brunch and lunch.

Friday 23 January 2026 - Ziptrak® Men’s Stage 3: Henley Beach to Nairne

The world’s best professional cyclists taking part in the third stage of the 2026 Santos Tour Down Under, will make their way through the northern parts of Holdfast Bay – but not before hundreds of enthusiastic amateurs take the same route earlier that day.

The Adelaide Epic Ride, an Associated Event of the 2026 Santos Tour Down Under, starts at 6am at Henley Beach, with the pros rolling over the start line at 11.10am.

Both the amateurs and professionals will make their way along the Patawalonga frontage before crossing over the Patawalonga at the King Steet Bridge. They’ll ride past Wigley Reserve, along Anzac Highway before turning right onto Brighton Road and continuing to Diagonal Road.

Saturday 24 January 2026 - THINK! Road Safety Men’s Stage 4: Brighton to Willunga Hill

Brighton is back on the race schedule for the third year in a row, providing the perfect backdrop for the world’s best cyclists.

They’ll start the fourth stage, and 176km trek, on the Brighton Esplanade and will head south, travelling through Seacliff as they make their way all the way to Willunga Hill.

The stage officially starts at 11.10am, but the Tour Parade will roll in around 9.30am, followed by the cyclists a short time later.

Best vantage points

• Patawilya Reserve, Glenelg North
• Wigley Reserve, Glenelg
• Anzac Highway and Brighton Road intersection
• Brighton Jetty and Esplanade near the Arch of Remembrance
• Bindarra Reserve and Brighton Surf Life Saving Club
• Angus Neill Reserve, Seacliff
• Seacliff Beach Hotel
• Wheatland Street Reserve, at the corner of Kauri Parade
  

Can’t go past coffee spots

• Little Eatery Glenelg, Wigley Reserve
• Veloce Paninoteca, Marina Pier
• Bobby’s Coffee Store, Glenelg North
• Brighton Jetty Bakery, Brighton
• Roast Retreat, Brighton
• The Seller Door, Brighton

Best bets for brunch

• Francesca's Pizza + Sandos, Glenelg
• Gather & Grounds Café, Glenelg
• Handsome Max, Glenelg East
• Alimentary Eatery, Brighton
• Big Shots Café, Brighton
• Juniper and Pine Cafe Restaurant, Brighton
  
  

Lunch

• Watermark Glenelg
• Junipers on the Marina, Marina Pier
• Enuf cafe and burgers, Glenelg North
• In Thais Cafe & Noodle Bar, Brighton
• The Alchemists’ Kitchen, Brighton
• Saigon Ơi - The flavours of Vietnam, Brighton