TrailsWeave your way amongst the Ranges and experience some of South Australia's most spectacular and captivating landscape. The circuit from Rawnsley Park Station (Wilpena Pound) in the south to Gum Creek Station at Blinman in the north links parts of the Mawson Trail with existing pastoral tracks. Meet the locals and abundant native wildlife as you experience the bold beauty and history of this ancient region.
|
|
Rawnsley Park to Willow Springs
(73km)
This section is mostly on unsealed roads and station tracks in firm conditions. There is a total climb of almost 200m so it is a long day for an average cyclist (allow 7-8hrs). Pugilist Hill at 10.1km offers a great view of the surrounding ranges. Sacred Canyon at 31.1km offers a short detour to see Aboriginal Rock Engravings. Old Blinman Road at 52km is a steady climb with the chance to see numerous red kangaroo. Appealinna Ruins at 66km (Mining & Pastoral Heritage site) is a good final rest stop for the day. The final 3km in to Willow Springs is an easy coast on a moderate descent. This section can be broken into two easier 40km days by using Wilpena as an overnight stay.
Willow Springs to Gum Creek
(50km)
The first 21km involves a steep climb past the bush camping area and then some rocky descents to Skull Rock turnoff at 8km. The 1km detour to Skull Rock is well worth doing, add a 30minute return walk to view the rock. The descent to Arkaroola Road is easy (beware of washouts). Follow the Pantapinna Track through softer plains country to Guide Hut at 35.6km. See evidence of re-vegetation work being carried out by National Parks staff. Guide Hut is an excellent lunch stop at this native pine hut restored by Friends of Flinders Ranges National Park. The final 14.4km to Gum Creek passes Yalpipena Spring and Cousins Hut, a relic of the farming heritage of this area. A shorter day, but the first half is the most technical section of the FRBB trail.
Gum Creek to Wilpena
(55km)
This is the most spectacular scenery of the FRBB trail. Follow station tracks to Moggs Hut before you join the Mawson Trail in Flinders Ranges National Park. A 2km detour to Red Hill Lookout offers spectacular views to Wilpena Pound in the south. Trezona campground at 25km is good rest stop with plenty of shade and toilet facilities. The Mawson Trail then crosses the Brachina Gorge Geological Trail before passing Elatina and Yanyana Huts. Great views from Bunyeroo Lookout before descending the Razor Back to Bunyeroo Gorge. THe ride along Wilcolo Track to Wilpena is 15km of mostly uphill with numerous short sharp pinches. Pass Old Wilpena Station before reaching Wilpena Resort.
Riding on Station Tracks and the Mawson Trail is generally quite easy going
Riding on Station Tracks and the Mawson Trail is generally quite easy going
Wilpena to Rawnsley Park
(22km)
On leaving Wilpena Resort the Mawson Trail follows the sealed road to 200m before meeting the Blinman Road, where it turns right along the old telegraph track. A 1km detour to Cazneaux Tree before turning off the bitumen is a good option. The telegraph track follows the contour of Wilpena Pound making it easy riding with Point Bonney towering on your right. Re-join the sealed road at the National Park entry station, easy downhill to Prelinna Homestead. Turn right 400m past Prelinna to follow the Mawson Trail around Rawnsley Bluff. Some rough sections before joining Rawnsley Bluff Walking Trail to Rawnsley Caravan Park.
Follows the Mawson Trail
Duration: Approx. 2 - 3hr ride
Follows the Mawson Trail
Duration: Approx. 2 - 3hr ride
