One of Adelaide's most popular beaches is playing host to a stage start of the Santos Tour Down Under (TDU) for the first time ever, as South Australians show their support for coastal communities and businesses.
The Ziptrak Men's Stage 3 will start in Henley Beach - the seaside suburb's TDU start-line debut - launching riders on a route heading south of the city and then testing the riders' speed and stamina into the Adelaide Hills.
This 140-kilometre third stage will head to Flagstaff Hill and Coromandel Valley before visiting Adelaide Hills communities including Clarendon, Kangarilla, Meadows and Echunga.
Climbers will step it up on the steep slopes of Wickham Hill at McLaren Flat and Mount Barker's Summit Road, with a sprint in Echunga before a 19-kilometre loop leading to a final showdown in Nairne.
The stage start at Henley Beach comes at a time when the area is seeing a surge of summer visitors, many using their Summer Plan Dining Cashbacks to support local businesses impacted by the algal bloom.
Today marks a milestone for the Dining Cashback initiative, having just surpassed the 100,000th cashback claimed.
In its first two months (November and December 2025), the Summer Plan Dining Cashback program has seen:
- More than $10.8 million spent at local businesses,
- More than $4 million paid back to customers,
- More than 100,000 approved cashbacks.
Since it began, 501 businesses have signed up to participate, including 49 seafood retailers.
Businesses are reporting stronger customer numbers, with the program helping to sustain trade over the summer months, encouraging local support during uncertainty as a result of the algal bloom.
Iconic Henley Beach café Joe's Henley Beach is among the businesses who've benefited from the Dining Cashback program, having seen hundreds of customers spend thousands of dollars, before claiming 50% cashback (up to the value of $50) off their bill.
Joe's will join the cycling celebration to set the scene at the TDU start line today, with Henley Square and Plaza coming to life with music, food and fun.
The Dining Cashback program is part of the State and Federal Governments' Summer Plan.
At the other end of the route, Nairne Oval has been turned into the Santos Tour Down Under Live Site for the finish line. Local vendors will be on hand, and with the race on the big screen, it's the perfect spot to soak up the action.
Stay up to date with the race at www.tourdownunder.com.au.
Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said what a beautiful spot to kick off the Ziptrak Men's Stage Three of the Santos Tour Down Under. One of the wonderful things about this event is how we get to show off so many beautiful parts of our State to a global audience.
"As the beaches bounce back and people continue to support seaside businesses, it's fantastic to be able to welcome cycling fans down to Henley Beach to the start line for the first time in TDU history - for what will be an action-packed day on the track and also here in the Square," Minister Bettison said.
"We are thrilled at the support South Australians have been showing restaurants in coastal communities and our seafood businesses, through initiatives like the Summer Plan Dining Cashback.
"In its first two months, the Dining Cashback program has seen more than $10.8 million spent with coastal businesses and seafood retailers impacted by the algal bloom and we've just clocked 100,000 cashbacks claimed."
Charles Sturt Mayor, Angela Evans said this is exciting milestone to host the Santos Tour Down Under for the first time at Henley Beach.
"The TDU is the biggest cycling race in the southern hemisphere and this is an opportunity to showcase our wonderful city on a national and international stage," Mayor Evans said.
"The City of Charles Sturt is known for its beautiful coastline and our support of sport and recreation for all. This world-class event puts Henley Beach and our city in the spotlight to promote local tourism, business and visitation.
"It complements the Summer Plan Dining Cashback which has provided welcome support to coastal hospitality businesses in recent times, including more than 25 businesses located at Henley Beach and Henley Beach South."
Joe's Henley Beach owner, Mark Balnaves said there's a great buzz around Henley over the last week and in particular today with the Tour Down Under kicking off this stage from our beautiful coast.
"Having the TDU here is fantastic, it brings people down to the coast, they can enjoy our hospitality, grab a coffee or some lunch and soak up the atmosphere and the excitement," Mr Balnaves said.
"It comes at a time when we're seeing great numbers thanks to the Dining Cashback program- it has meant we can employ more staff, in particular younger staff who have struggled to find their first hospitality job in the last 6 months and continue to provide great hospitality to our customers."
