Day 1 - Adelaide to Kapunda 137km
This route starts in the centre of the CBD and makes its way through Torrens Gorge and into the Adelaide Hills. The first 10km of gravel wakes the legs up with some steep sections of fire-trail, before descending on smooth gravel roads to Lobethal. From there the ride turns north through Birdwood and on to the Barossa Valley vineyards to end a tough first day in Kapunda.
Day 2 - Kapunda to Burra 132km
Departing Kapunda, the trail takes riders on smooth gravel roads through rolling farmland before meeting The Riesling Rail Trail through the townships of Auburn, Watervale and Clare. Beyond Clare the country opens up to wide ploughed fields as the trail rolls its way to Burra, the end of the second day’s adventure.
Day 3 - Burra to Spalding 129km
On Day 3 the Mawson Trail reveals its unique character. After setting out from Burra, and passing the “Midnight Oil” house, the trail traverses a range of hills where riders are greeted with their first taste of desert scenery. The path feels isolated and remote (befitting the challenge) and the views from the top of the climbs are breathtaking. You definitely need a support motorcycle and 4WD as there is no water available for 85km. Returning over the range to Hallet, and then climbing another range to the overnight stop at Spalding, riders arrive aware they have experienced a truly unique day of gravel cycling.
Day 4 - Spalding to Melrose 139km
The trail turns back towards the coast on this day, so the route is more forested than previously. After following the Bundaleer Channel for the first kilometres, the trail heads north through farmland to Jamestown and on to Laura, before skirting the forested hills of the Wirrabara Range Conservation Park (presenting some challenging 4WD roads) and then on to finish at Mount Remarkable National Park. There, riders are greeted by the alpine-village feel of Melrose, providing a surprising contrast to the desert experience of the previous day.
Day 5 - Melrose to Cradock 155km
The longest day on the trail is nevertheless rewarding. After leaving Melrose and crossing the Goyder line (marking a return to the desert landscape) the latter half of the day's ride brings the Flinders Ranges into view. The roads are mostly flat, and although the rider’s legs are fatigued from the efforts of the previous days, the approaching hills beckon them on. In a cruel twist, the last kilometres turn the riders away from the approaching ranges to take them to the oasis of the Cradock Hotel, where a cold beer refreshes after a dusty day.
Day 6 - Cradock to Arkaba 105km
After the effort of the long, flat expanses of the previous day, riders enter Into the Flinders Ranges proper on this day, and it is spectacular! From the ever-changing colour of the mountains, and from dry-creek beds to rocky gorges, the Mawson Trail treats the cyclists to breathtaking views and unforgettable desert features. Progress becomes slow and intermittent as encounters with mobs of emu and big red kangaroos necessitate frequent photo-stops. The Mawson excites on this stage, its crescendo approaching on the final day...
Day 7 - Wilpena Pound to Parachilna 98km
Approaching its furthest point from Adelaide, the cyclist's escape is almost complete. The office will seem far-away, likely not even coming into their thoughts. Meandering through the cypress pines from Wilpena Pound with the ancient mountains to the left, the rider’s attention is torn between the challenge of negotiating the washouts and dry-creek beds on the trail and the awe-inspiring view. Mawson leaves its best to last, ending an unforgettable adventure with a unique and rewarding day of riding.
All that remains is the denouement - the gradual downhill of Parachilna Gorge. While not part of the Mawson Trail proper, we include this in our tour as a last hurrah. The Gorge emerges onto a straight, flat gravel road out into the desert. The Prairie Hotel - the final destination - is on the horizon. On the final evening, a beer on the verandah of the pub as the desert sun sets represents the end of the adventure, but the vast expanse beyond hints at more to come...
