Outback Odyssey: Mawson Trail Cycling Tour

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 mining history and heritage trails. Single-track sections and 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.

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.