New trails offer 20km of thrills for mountain bike riders on Mount Remarkable

Mountain bike riders will be itching to head north and get their wheels on 20km of new trails – and there’s much more to come.

Mountain bike riders have a new place to seek their thrills, with the opening of 20km of new trails in Mount Remarkable National Park.

The tracks in Willowie, north of Melrose, are part of the state government's $10m Remarkable Southern Flinders Ranges project, which will revamp the area’s nature-based tourism offerings.

Intermediate and beginner riders can enjoy the new trails, while a more challenging, 37.5km “epic” track is also on its way. Survey work for that project will start early in the new year. The track will start and finish in Melrose, leading riders up to the summit of Mt Remarkable, reaching 950m above sea level.

Down Hill Mountain Biker Don Norton, who owns accommodation in Melrose. Picture Simon CROSS

Environment Minister David Speirs said International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) epic trails were designed as all-day adventures, showing off regions’ unique features.

Bike Melrose president Lucien Phillis said the new 37.5km track would bring a wider range of tourists to the region. “Epic trails are quite iconic things that people like to do – they’re very challenging,” he said.

Don Norton, who owns the Under the Mount accommodation in Melrose, which attracts large numbers of riders and hikers, said the new Willowie trails were just what the area needed.

“We needed more rideable trails for the whole family to enjoy – not just the cycling enthusiasts,” he said.

The $10m project also includes new and upgraded campgrounds, picnic areas, toilets and other facilities.

Also planned, is a multi-day walking trail at Telowie Gorge Conservation Park, south of Mount Remarkable.