Mount Little Station

Mount Little Station – A Mawson Trail Rider’s Outback Stop Riders on the Mawson Trail can enjoy a unique outback stay at Mount Little Station, with off-grid donga accommodation, the Mount Little Café and regular pizza nights. A great place to refuel, relax and recharge before hitting the trail again. Ring for accommodation options and check café and pizza night availability before arrival. Nestled in the Central Flinders Ranges of South Australia, just 15 minutes from Hawker (around 440 km north of Adelaide), Mount Little Station is a working sheep and cattle property of roughly 24,000 acres. About 15–16 kilometres of the iconic ~900 km Mawson Trail run through the station, offering spectacular views, wildlife, unique flora and rugged Flinders scenery. Designed for mountain or sturdy touring bikes, this section includes steep pinches and can be challenging in wet weather, but the rewards are outstanding. The eighteen off-grid dongas are purpose-built for trail users. Rooms come with queen, single or bunk beds (linen provided; bring your own towels) and give easy access to a fully stocked camp kitchen with solar lighting, shared showers and toilets, plus a communal fire pit. It’s the perfect low-key base after a hard day in the saddle—simple, comfortable and close to nature. Rates start at $80 per room per night. On Wednesday and Saturday evenings (April to November; extra nights on long weekends and school holidays), the Mount Little Tavern & Pizza Bar opens from 5 pm to 8 pm. Enjoy wood-fired pizzas (with daily specials and gluten-free options), a bit of music, a good yarn and the chance to meet other riders and locals. BYO drinks. Live music is often on offer during peak periods—check availability on arrival as times can vary. Beyond the trail, the station offers private access to Mayo Gorge (a permanent waterhole rich in birdlife and wildlife), 4WD self-drive tracks with views over the Elder Range, walking trails, settler ruins and Old Ghan bridge remnants, stargazing under big Flinders skies, and the chance to see or join in station life (including animal feeding). Hosts Peter and Kellie Zadow and their team provide warm outback hospitality and a detailed welcome pack so you can choose your own adventure. The tourism season runs 1 March to 30 November. Access is via a short dirt road (generally suitable for 2WD). Limited mobile coverage is available; the property is largely off-grid.