Work on the 42km Epic Mountain Bike Trail in the Southern Flinders Ranges is has reached the halfway mark with the project on track to be finished this year.
The International Mountain Bicycling Association accredited trail will wind its way through Mount Remarkable National Park and adjacent lands, opening up new parts of the park and previously unseen natural vistas.
From the western side of the trail, the spectacular Black Range is visible before the trail loops back toward Melrose beneath the Gibraltar Rock formations.
The $1.8 million trail has been designed and constructed by South Australian company TrailScapes and will transform the visitor experience in the Southern Flinders Ranges.
In consultation with the Nukunu Wapma Thura Aboriginal Corporation, TrailScapes have incorporated the unique cultural heritage and biodiversity of the region into the design.
TrailScapes uses specialist machinery and hand-building techniques to deliver trails with minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
Part of the $10 million Remarkable Southern Flinders project, the Epic trail complements the new and improved day visitor facilities at Wirrabara and the 20 kilometres of new trails in Mount Remarkable National Park at Willowie.
The Remarkable Southern Flinders project will also deliver a new multi-day walking experience on the western side of the range in Wapma Thura-Southern Flinders Ranges National Park and an upgrade of the Mambray Creek campground and day visitor area.
The Remarkable Southern Flinders is funded by the South Australian and Australian governments, with support from Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife, Regional Development Australia Yorke & Mid North, Northern Areas Council, District Council of Mount Remarkable, Port Pirie Regional Council and the Nukunu Traditional Owners.
Quotes
Attributable to Susan Close
The Epic trail will deliver an international standard South Australian mountain biking experience, showcasing the beauty of the Southern Flinders Ranges and the Spencer Gulf.
This mountain bike loop will provide exceptional views, a great experience and a sense of adventure for riders and is being built to a standard that is sensitive to the environment and to Aboriginal culture.
Engaging with the Nukunu, the Traditional Owners of the land is an important step in delivering this project and their advice on cultural heritage values has been crucial for the project.
Attributable to Zoe Bettison
This Epic trail will add to the suite of mountain biking trails in the Southern Flinders including 20 kilometres of new beginner and intermediate mountain biking trails in Willowie and Mount Remarkable National Park.
The investment in the Southern Flinders, including the Epic Trail is expected to add value to the regional tourism offering and enable local businesses to leverage nature-based tourism opportunities in the region, including in Aboriginal cultural tourism.
Attributable to Director of TrailScapes Garry Patterson
The teams have been really fortunate to have had perfect weather leading up to the Christmas break allowing to make great progress on the trail.
We have been enjoying every moment working in this incredible landscape and the trail itself is a work of art weaving its way throughout the amazing terrain that is Mount Remarkable.
The views and descent in the back country will be the reward the riders will earn before heading back into town for a well-earned beverage of their choice.
