Outback Odyssey: Mawson Trail Cycling Tour

Our first day starts in the heart of Adelaide, leaving the city via the Torrens River Linear Path and travelling upstream to Gorge Road and Castambul. A tough climb up Stone Hut Rd tests the legs before rolling tracks thrugh the Cudlee Creek Forest Reserve lead to Fox Creek Bike Park. Finish at Lobethal Football Club for lunch and your first campsite, with time to explore this lovely town and enjoy the hospitality of local cafes, pubs or the Lobethal Bierhaus.

A steady ride takes us through Birdwood and Mount Crawford Forest before descending into the Barossa Valley from the scenic Steingarten Hill lookout. Enjoy lunch in the grounds of Leibichwein winery followed by a short pedal into Tanunda where we camp at historic Chateau Tanunda winery. Indulge in a wine tasting or game of croquet at the cellar door before a fabulous dinner in the Grand Balllroom.

Today's ride heads north past Nuriootpa and onto Kapunda, rich in copper mining history and heritage trails. Single-track sections, ridge rides and picturesque rolling countryside add variety before finishing at Riverton. Explore the town's railway station and galleries.

Departing Riverton, you will have the option to take the Rattler Rail Trail to Auburn, then cruise the Riesling Trail through Clare Valley vineyards. Landscapes start to change as you head east through spawling agricultural and pastoral lands and over the Camels Hump Range to Burra, a historic copper mining town.

Relax, explore cafes, museums, and heritage sites with the Burra Historic Passport. Mini Mawson 1 riders depart, new ones arrive. Evening meal together with stories of the journey so far.

Leaving Burra, you will pass the famous Midnight Oil ruin and ride through prime merino grazing lands and past Mount Bryan. Scenic climbs and descents take us eastwards across Goyders Line into increasing arid country and a specatacular view from Dares Hill Summit. Return westward via the restored Wilkins cottage - childhood home of intrepid explorer and adventurer, Sir Hubert Wilkins. Overnight in the small hamlet of Hallett with dinner at the historic Hallett Hall.

A short but scenic ride continues through more rolling farm countryside and climbs over the Brown Hill range. Pass close by the Hallett windfarm turbines as you reach the summit and continue on for a scenic ride along the Bundaleer Channels. Finish with lunch in Spalding and plenty of time to enjoy some local hoispitality at the Spalding Hotel.

Heading north, follow the Spalding Channels again for a short distance before passing by Bundaleer Reservoir and onwards through the Bundaleer Forest, Australia's first plantation forest. Arrive in Laura, once the home of poet CJ Dennis and Golden North ice cream, and enjoy more local hospitality.

Continue north following the Stone Hut rail trail before entering the Wirrabara Forest. Enjoy a mix of single rack, road reserve and undulating gravel. Get your first glmpse of Mt Remarkable and continue past Bangor Historic Site and Mount Remarkable winery before a fun descent into Melrose, the oldest town in the Flinders Ranges. Stay at the Melrose Tourist Park with campfires and a village atmosphere.

Choose between relaxing, exploring Mount Remarkable National Park, or riding the acclaimed Melrose MTB trail network. Enjoy local pubs, breweries, and cafés. Mini Mawson 2 riders depart. New Mini Mawson riders join for the final leg north.

After a well earned rest, ride northwards via Wilmington in Beautiful Valley, with an option to ride the Melrose-Wilmington rail trail. Meander along Gunya Rd and Old Gunya Rd before a steady climb to pass over the range at Richman Gap. Tackle a rocky descent into Richman Valley with views of Mount Brown and Devils Peak. Finish in Quorn, a town steeped in railway and WWII history and home to the historic steam powered Pitchi Richi railway.

Cross pastoral lands and the vast Willochra Plain on this challenging pedal that rewards you with views of the southern Flinders. Lunch en route and an optional pitstop at the Craddock Pub before rolling into Hawker, gateway to the Flinders Ranges. Explore galleries and historic buildings before camping overnight.

Ride deeper into the Flinders Ranges via Wonoka and Mt Little stations. Take in fabulous views of the Elder Range, with rugged scenery, some technical terrain and creek crossings. Wind your way along the Moralana Scenic Drive to arrive at Rawnsley Park Station, a scenic base with views of Wilpena Pound. Enjoy a relaxed evening in this iconic setting.

A short but spectacular ride to Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheatre nestled in the heart of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. Celebrate arriving at one of South Australia’s most famous landmarks and take some time to explore this iconic wonder of nature.

Ride from Wilpena Pound to Blinman, through the dramatic landscapes of the Flinders Ranges. This steady but rewarding ride winds through rugged country and along the quiet outback tracks of the National Park, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery along the way. Arriving in the historic township of Blinman, the highest surveyed town in South Australia, marks the final ride of the Odyssey and a rewarding conclusion to an unforgettable outback journey.

Blinman to Adelaide/Burra/Melrose.

This is the end of our adventure and for most of you, this is a coach ride back to Adelaide. Or you can make your own arrangements to stick around and explore more of the magnificiant Flinders Ranges at your leisure.