Finke River Region Tracks

Following the Finke River is an extraordinary 524km cycling expedition through the heart of Central Australia, following one of the world's great ancient river systems through remote desert, sandy riverbeds and spectacular outback landscapes. In 2018, Australian explorer Dr Kate Leeming OAM set out to follow the Finke River — known as Larapinta to the local Arrernte people — by bicycle. Beginning in the West MacDonnell Ranges, the journey followed the river south through places including Glen Helen Gorge, Hermannsburg, Palm Valley, Finke Gorge and Boggy Hole before continuing deeper into the desert towards Finke. This was far from a conventional mountain bike or gravel route. Much of the riding involved negotiating deep sand, loose riverbeds, station tracks and extremely remote terrain. Kate used a specially developed all-wheel-drive fatbike, designed to improve traction across soft and unstable surfaces. Completed over 12 days and approximately 524km, the expedition combined bikepacking with vehicle support for safety, supplies and documentation. Riding through deep sand required enormous concentration and physical effort, with techniques very different from those used on conventional gravel roads or mountain bike trails. The landscapes make this adventure particularly special. The Finke River cuts through spectacular gorges before winding across the desert, while sections of its course are thought to pre-date the surrounding West MacDonnell Ranges themselves. Beyond the physical challenge, the journey also explores the significance of the river and surrounding landscape. The Finke/Larapinta riverbed has long formed an important pathway through Country for Arrernte people, adding a much deeper history to this extraordinary journey through Central Australia. RTS Tip: Following the Finke River is an expedition rather than an established recreational cycling route. Much of the original journey crossed extremely remote and difficult terrain and was undertaken with specialist equipment and support. Ride The State does not recommend treating the expedition track as a conventional downloadable bikepacking route. Instead, follow the link below to explore Kate Leeming's original journey and use RTS to discover established mountain biking, gravel and adventure cycling opportunities throughout Central Australia.