Flinders Ranges Gravel Backroads

Stretching for around 80 km from Laura to Wilmington, the Southern Flinders Rail Trail is a fantastic way to experience the landscapes, country towns and railway history of the Southern Flinders Ranges by bike. Following sections of the former railway corridor, the trail travels through Laura, Stone Hut, Wirrabara, Booleroo Centre and Melrose before finishing at Wilmington, with Mount Remarkable and the Flinders Ranges providing an increasingly impressive backdrop as you head north. The route is divided into several sections, each with its own character. Riders will encounter everything from open farmland and peaceful rural riding to sections following the Rocky River, views across the Appila Plains and the spectacular final approach towards Mount Remarkable. The trail surface varies between fine and coarse gravel, with stock grids, rougher patches and several creek crossings adding a little adventure to what is otherwise a relatively gentle rail-trail experience. While sections can be enjoyed by riders of most abilities, a mountain bike or capable gravel bike is a good choice if you're planning to explore the full route. The trail can easily be broken into shorter out-and-back rides or individual town-to-town sections, making it just as suitable for a relaxed morning pedal as it is for a bigger point-to-point adventure. Melrose makes an ideal base for exploring the northern end of the trail and combining it with the area's mountain biking. The Melrose to Wilmington section runs for around 20 km beneath Mount Remarkable and through open plains and creek crossings, while the rail trail also provides a cycling connection into the Willowie Forest trail network. If you're turning the ride into a few days away, bike-friendly Under the Mount provides a convenient base in Melrose, while Beyond the Mount can help take some of the hassle out of rider and bike transport. That makes it much easier to plan point-to-point rides or combine the rail trail with Melrose, Willowie Forest and a wider Southern Flinders riding adventure. With historic railway remnants, small country towns, rugged Flinders scenery and some of South Australia's best mountain biking sitting right on its doorstep, the Southern Flinders Rail Trail is a great ride in its own right—and an even better backbone for a multi-day cycling trip through the region. Distance: Approx. 80 km Surface: Fine & coarse gravel Difficulty: Easy–Intermediate Best for: MTB, gravel, recreational riding & bike touring Route: Laura – Stone Hut – Wirrabara – Booleroo Centre – Melrose – Wilmington Location: Southern Flinders Ranges, SA RTS Tip: This is remote-country riding, so plan your route and resupply points carefully. Carry more water than you think you’ll need, food, first aid, repair gear and offline navigation, as mobile reception and reliable water supplies can be limited. April to November generally offers the best riding conditions, while the extreme summer heat is best avoided. Check weather and road conditions before setting out — heavy rain can quickly make unsealed tracks difficult or completely impassable.