Overall description

The Southern Flinders Rail Trail consists of four sections that vary in terms of trail surface, scenery and topography:

• Laura to Gladstone (2.5 km) – open farmland
• Laura to Stone Hut (7 km) – a good rural cycle path
• Wirrabara to Stone Hut (3 km) –through hills and pine trees
• Booleroo Centre to Melrose (17km) – open farmland
• Melrose to Wilmington (22 km) –follows the base of Mt Remarkable, then crosses open plains and small creeks
• Future expansion of the trail will link all four sections

Laura to Gladstone (2.5 km)

This section runs parallel to the Main North Rd.

• Starts on the southern outskirts of Laura at the ‘Welcome to Laura’ sign and runs south for nearly 3 km toward Gladstone
• Coarse gravel, suitable only for walkers and mountain bikes

Laura and Stone Hut (7 km)

Completed in 2011, this section also runs alongside the Main North Rd.

• A high-class rail trail with a smooth, hard-packed gravel surface suitable for road bikes
• Begins at the northern ‘Welcome to Laura’ sign
• A couple of gates adjacent to the Laura Golf Club
• Finishes about 65 0m before Stone Hut: use the road to get to the bakery at Stone Hut

Wirrabara toward Stone Hut (3 km)

This short section of trail was completed in 2011, and is a fair quality gravel surface with a rough creek crossing suitable for hybrid or mountain bikes.

• Follows the rail alignment south from the silos in Wirrabara
• Winds through scenic hilly country and shady pine trees

Booleroo Centre to Melrose (17km)

This section was completed in September 2021 and is a good quality compacted fine gravel trail that follows the old railway alignment. The trail crosses four creeks as it moves through open farmland toward Mount Remarkable.

• Vehicles can be left in Booleroo Centre near the historic railway infrastructure display on the Corner of Campbell St and Arthur St. Public toilets and shops are located in Stephens St, further east along Arthur Street.
• Ride west along Arthur St and take the first right turn into Colin St. Continue to the bend in Colin Street where the entrance to the trail appears.
• The trail can now be followed to the silos on the outskirts of Melrose. Mt Remarkable is always visible as your destination in the distance.
• There are several interesting curved stock grates that you will need to ride over along the route – take care as they are narrow.
• 5km out from Booleroo Centre the trail crosses Perroomba Rd and on the left, a few timber sleepers mark the remains of Perroomba Station, which was the only station between Booleroo Centre and Melrose.
• As well as crossing a few minor roads, there are four creek crossings
  • Bastion East creek – take care as the embankment has steep sides
  • Bastion West creek – the trail crosses through the creek bed
  • Collins Creek – the trail crosses through the creek bed past the concrete pylons of the original rail bridge
  • Rotten Creek – this is the largest of the creeks and can have a steady flow after heavy rains. The trail crosses through the creek bed.
• Once past the Melrose silos the trail follows Girdham Rd to Horrocks Hwy where the trail crosses into the Melrose Showgrounds and then continues on the right to Wilmington. Turning left within the showgrounds will take you into the township of Melrose (2km). Paradise Square on the left in the centre of Melrose is a convenient location to rest.

Melrose to Wilmington (22 km)

This section was completed in 2011 and is generally a good quality trail that follows the old railway alignment where possible. The trail surface is compacted fine gravel with some sections of coarse gravel and creek crossings. It features stunning views of Mt Remarkable to the west, and views of the Flinders Range to the east. The trail commences from Melrose however cyclists riding from Booleroo Centre can join the trail from the Showground entrance.

Note that the trail is best travelled between autumn and spring, and can be very hot in summer. Regardless of the time of year, take adequate water and food supplies and be aware that travel times can be slow due to creek crossings and wind. Wilmington cannot be relied on for food and water, but toilets are available.

• Begin from the corner of Joes Rd and Horrocks Highway, opposite the ‘Over the Edge’ cycle hire shop. Follow Horrocks Hwy 700 m north to Dorrington Rd; use the footpath if the road is busy
• At Dorrington Rd the trail enters private property through a gate on the corner. It is a privilege to use this private land; please leave as you found it. This section includes a ford across Willochra Creek and meanders through large eucalypts on its way to another gate at the entrance to Melrose Showground
• Follow the path around the Showground buildings and the old railway alignment to the gate at the northern end. The Showground is also a camping area; respect the privacy of those using the grounds
• The trail continues on the old rail alignment through open fields with Mt Remarkable behind you and the Southern Flinders Ranges to the left. The Flinders Ranges are in the distance to your right. The entrance to Willowie Forest Mountain Bike network is on the left
• Along this section you cross Goyder’s Line, a surveyed line that separates good cropping land from marginal cropping land (low rainfall). Surveyor George Goyder prepared the line (which can only be found on plans.) in 1865 by observing native plants while travelling 3200 km on horseback across SA. It has stood the test of time: you will notice the vegetation change as you ride north along the trail, particularly in open areas
• About 7 km from the Showground the trail crosses Horrocks Hwy and continues through open country with sweeping views of the plains to the northeast
• After crossing Spring Creek, you will see an old chimney on the right, all that remains of the township and railway siding of Terka. The town was surveyed in 1924, but people showed no interest and the town failed to develop. The siding has also completely disappeared – a reminder of how difficult life in the Southern Flinders Ranges was in the early years of last century.
• A short distance from Wilmington is the last creek crossing. Stony Creek lives up to its name; dismount and walk across the stony creek bed. It’s an enjoyable walk that gives you time to take in the scenery
• At the end of the trail turn left into Gogler Rd, which veers to the right. Continue past the silos to Tuckwell St, a wide and substantial sealed road. Proceed up a slight rise past the primary school to the main road and the Wilmington Hotel. The hotel or shop/café may be open; if not, head down the street to the corner of Dignan St, where there is a small shopfront with self-serve machines for snacks and drinks. Public toilets are on the opposite side of the road, next to the fire station. Street signs are difficult to find; use features such as the silos, school, hotel and fire station
• Mobile phone coverage is limited