Rich and varied outdoor experience
We are your support crew – from planning, to supplies, to preparation. And, of course, the backup.
The Lavender Federation Trail is a long-distance trail in South Australia, stretching approximately 325 kilometers from Murray Bridge in the southeast to Clare in the Mid North.
Primarily designed for walkers, it offers a rich and varied outdoor experience through diverse landscapes along the eastern flanks of the Mount Lofty Ranges into the Mid North regions.
Walking & HIking
Diverse and Evolving Landscapes
- Riverine Beginnings: It commences on the banks of the mighty Murray River at Sturt Reserve in Murray Bridge, offering views of the river and associated wetlands.
- Hills and Gorges: Soon after, it climbs into the rugged and picturesque Rocky Gully Conservation Park and Kinchina Conservation Park, featuring steep gorges, rocky outcrops, and native flora and fauna. Glimpses of exotic animals at Monarto Safari Park can also be seen.
- Rolling Farmland and Agricultural Vistas: Much of the trail traverses productive agricultural land, offering scenic views of rolling hills, patchwork fields of crops (including wheat, barley, canola), and grazing livestock.
- Wine Regions: It winds through sections of the renowned Barossa Valley and Eden Valley wine regions.
- Historic Towns: The trail connects numerous historic towns like Eudunda, Truro, and Mintaro, allowing walkers to experience local heritage, architecture, and access services.
- Panoramic Views: High points, such as Mount Beevor (503m) and Leake Lookout, offer 360-degree views that can stretch to the Southern Ocean, the Murray River, Mount Lofty, and the Barossa Ranges.
Varied Terrain & Difficulty
- The Mawson Trail is not a smooth, paved path. Its surfaces are highly varied and demand a robust bike and riding skills.
- Predominantly uses little-used country roads, often gravel or dirt.
- Fire Tracks and Farm Access Tracks: Navigates through State forests, national parks, and private farmland via fire trails and farm access routes.
- Unmade Road Reserves: Utilizes unmade or unused road reserves, which can be rough and uneven.
- Occasional Singletrack and Rocky Sections: Some parts feature more technical singletrack, rocky climbs, and challenging descents.
- Muddy Conditions: Crucially, many sections, particularly those with fine red dirt, can become extremely muddy and even impassable after heavy rain, turning into a thick, wheel-clogging “peanut butter” consistency.
Wildlife and Nature Observation
The diverse habitats along the trail provide opportunities to observe various native animals, including kangaroos, euros, possums, echidnas, blue-tongue lizards, and a wide array of birdlife.
The changing seasons bring different floral displays, from native bush to vibrant wildflowers.
Historical and Cultural Immersion
- Pioneer History: It passes by lonely ruins of old stone cottages, remnants of early European settlement,
and follows parts of old wagon trails, offering insights into the hardships and tenacity of pioneers. - Indigenous Heritage: Interpretive information may highlight the Aboriginal heritage of the lands traversed.
- Community Spirit: The trail was built and is maintained entirely by volunteers.
Accessibility and Support
- Sectional Walking: While it can be walked end-to-end (typically 14-16 days), the trail is broken into manageable sections with numerous loop trails and spur trails connecting to nearby towns and facilities.
- Well-Marked: The trail is well-marked with distinctive reflective silver and green plaques and arrows, making navigation straightforward.
- Resupply: Towns along the route provide opportunities for food, water, and accommodation. Camping is typically limited to designated sites or in towns.
- Seasonal Considerations: Like many South Australian trails, sections are often closed during the Fire Danger Season (generally November to April). The best times to walk are autumn, winter, and spring, when the weather is cooler and the landscapes are often greener.
Leaving this as a backup in case we need to develop individual pieces for every single dot point
Lake Bumbunga
This saltwater lake near Lochiel (about 30 minutes west of Clare) is famous for its vibrant pink colour, which changes throughout the year due to salinity fluctuations. It’s a popular spot for photography.