2027 departure dates :April 10th 2027. Email [email protected] if you have any questions that aren’t answered below.
Click here to read a recap of the inaugural trip featured on the Radavist.
Join us for 9 fun filled days into some of Australia’s most rugged remote mountain ranges.
Ikara (Flinders Ranges) and further into Vulkathunha (Gammon Ranges) are a truly stunning place for bikepacking owing to the rugged terrain, cultural heritage and incredible scenery. Let us take care of all the planning and logistics by offering a fully supported expedition deep into the Northern Flinders Ranges and beyond. The aim of this trip is to spend more time riding with lightened loads and less time worrying about your gear and logistics, aided by pop up feed stations, lunch stops and night time comforts carried on the bus most days. Days will be challenging but there are plenty of extra loops and shortcuts to cater to the group as a whole. It’s a region we have extensive experience guiding in and we can’t wait to show you around.
Jagged mountains rise from the valley trails exposing sea beds that were laid down 400-800 millions years ago. Yellow footed Wallabies can be seen hiding in the cliffs as Wedge tailed eagles circle above. The terrain is ever changing as you pass through these slivers of ancient rock towering above. The culture of the the Adnyamathanha (rock people) is still very strong with the communities taking more of the lead in managing the national parks and we’re hoping to arrange some interpretive sessions with them on route.
Itinerary
Day One
We head out of Melbourne early morning aiming to make a few stops along the road to Adelaide. In the afternoon we’ll drop you off at Yurrebilla (Mt Lofty) Adelaide’s highest peak for a fun filled descent on back roads to our campground for the night.
Ride of up to 30km.
Day Two
Drive through to Wilpena for lunch, Ride the Mawson trail from Wilpena resort below the towering peaks of Wilpena Pound and ABC Range. We’ll be camping in Brachina gorge in the evening. Be on the lookout for the elusive Yellow Footed rock wallabies.
Minimum 55km with optional extras.
Day Three
After a sunrise ride up the stunning Aroona valley, we pack up camp and ride the northern most section of the Mawson trail to the quaint town of Blinman North. Check out the mining past of this former boomtown before we zoom down Glass gorge and out onto Moolooloo station for two nights in the shearers quarters. Minimum 70km, with options to explore nearby gorges and lookouts.
Day Four
We spend the day exploring Moolooloo station and exploring nearby gorges and mining relics. A few out and back rides means to can take it easy and have a midday siesta in between rides.
50-85km
Day Five
After an early morning ride out off the station, we go deep into the Gammon ranges with a bus transfer and a sunset ride into the spectacular valley that houses Grindell’s hut, our home for two nights. The mountains get older, the rocks get bigger and the double track out here is all about line choice!
65km of chunky double track and stunning views!
Day Six
Waking up in Grindells hut, the day is yours to explore at your leisure, you can check out the local gorge or head out on trail to check out the truly remarkable geological feature that is Bunyip Chasm.
Either chill at camp, explore some local gorges on foot or head out on a 50km loop that includes a hike to the summit of Mt Warren Hastings, where on a clear day you can spot Lake Frome.
Day Seven
Ride out of Gammon Ranges NP to Arkaroola before transferring back into the central Flinders for one last ride.
55km through varied terrain and some big rollers, sometimes you’ll feel like you’re on Mars!
Day Eight
A morning ride out to the bus followed by a drive to camp in a stunning location in the Murray Sunset National park
Day Nine
A quick explore around Murray Sunset NP before we drive back to Melbourne arriving late afternoon.
What do I need to bring?
Tent and sleeping gear, although if you are comfortable in a swag they are an excellent option out here.
Your bike in good running condition.
Warm clothes for night time
Casual clothes for Pub meals
Alcoholic beverages (limited fridge space is available)
What we supply
All food and snacks for the entire trip. Up to 4 guides with first aid training, mechanical support in the field. GPX files, daily briefings, up to 4 nights sheltered accommodation.
More information will be sent to you closer to departure.
How fit do I need to be?
Medium cycling fitness will get you though as will a bit experience riding on some rougher tracks. If you can ride 40-60km with out much training there’s still time to get in shape for the trip. If you are concerned about this please reach out and we can point you in the direction of some good training rides. For example the Grampians have very similar geology, just less rocks and more sand 🙂
Costs and expectations
$2950, this includes meals, accommodation, parks fees and transport.
Group size is limited to just 12 people maximum.
It’s a pretty tight schedule at times and requires a bit of hustle to get going in the morning, you’ll need to help prep food, set up and pack down your camp set-up and work in the team to get things done when the need arises.
It’s expected your bike is in excellent condition and has been serviced prior to the trip. This ensures you have a great time out there and don’t compromise the group as a whole. A mountain bike is by far the most suitable bike out here due to the incredibly rough and ever changing 4×4 tracks, however those with above average skills might be just as at home on a gravel bike with 2 inch tyres, anything less will take the fun out of most days. Tubeless is essential. The itinerary I have gone with comes from many years of running commercial and personal trips in the area both on foot and on bikes, it’s a rarely visited, absolutely spectacular part of the world I want more people to appreciate.
The itinerary may change on the fly due to weather or group feel on the day but rest assured you will experience some truly unique riding.
We will be riding on un-ceded lands of the Adnyamathanha peoples. Their stories and culture are still incredibly strong and they have great influence on land use and management in the area. We would like to respect their culture through some interpretive sessions with local guides during the trip.
Ready to book? Email [email protected] and we will issue an invoice.