Premier off-road cycling trail
We are your support crew – from planning, to supplies, to preparation. And, of course, the backup.
The Mawson Trail is South Australia’s premier long-distance off-road cycling trail, stretching approximately 900 kilometres from just north of Adelaide to the remote outback town of Blinman in the Flinders Ranges. It’s primarily designed for mountain bikes or sturdy touring bikes, offering a challenging journey through diverse landscapes.
This is a challenging ride through an extraordinary spectrum of landscapes, from wine country to rugged outback. It appeals to cyclists seeking an immersive journey, a test of endurance, and an intimate encounter with the diverse natural beauty of the state.
Off-road cycling
Epic Length & Remote Adventure
- At nearly 900 km, the Mawson Trail is a serious undertaking that offers a true multi-day bikepacking adventure. It deliberately avoids sealed roads and high traffic, leading cyclists into remote rural areas, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and a deep immersion in nature.
Diverse and Evolving Landscapes
- Adelaide Hills: Starting with challenging climbs, the trail quickly moves into the picturesque Adelaide Hills, traversing forests (like Mount Crawford Forest and Bundaleer Forest), farmland, and charming historic towns such as Lobethal and Birdwood.
- Wine Regions: It passes directly through the world-renowned Barossa Valley and Clare Valley wine regions, offering unique opportunities to experience wine and local produce.
- Mid-North Farmland and Rolling Hills: Beyond the wine regions, the trail winds through open grazing lands and rolling hills of the Mid North, including towns like Kapunda, Burra, and Spalding.
- Rugged Flinders Ranges: The northernmost sections are the most dramatic, entering the ancient and spectacular Flinders Ranges. Here, the landscape transforms into arid, rocky, and often red-ochre country with towering peaks, deep gorges, and expansive vistas, leading to the outback town of Blinman.
Varied Terrain and Riding Surface
- 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.
Physical Challenge and Rewards:
The trail includes numerous steep uphill sections, particularly at its start in the Adelaide Hills and throughout the Flinders Ranges. It requires good physical fitness and endurance. However, the effort is consistently rewarded with spectacular views, abundant wildlife (kangaroos, emus, various bird species), unique native flora, and extensive, breathtaking vistas.
Seasonal Considerations
Facilities and Planning
The trail passes through various country towns, offering opportunities for resupply (food, water) and accommodation (pubs, caravan parks). There are also basic shelters and water tanks along some sections. Comprehensive planning, including carrying adequate water, spare parts, and consulting official maps, is essential, especially for the more remote northern stretches.
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.