Outback Mountain Biking, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Airing Date: Mar 22nd, 2004
The dry, rough terrain of outback South Australia is great for ripping up the dirt on a set of wheels - especially the set of wheels Barking Gecko-MTB tours has in mind! These guys offer cycling tours around Leigh Creek, and whether you choose a half day tour or a three day tour, you're bound to have a ripper of a time.
Leigh Creek is located in the Northern Flinders Ranges in the rugged Aussie outback. Beyond the dusty township of Leigh Creek the landscape transforms into rolling dirt mounds and dry creek beds surrounded by river red gums and desert - the perfect setting for a cycling adventure.
Soon after you start your ride you'll come across the abandoned town of Beltana. This town's greatest claim to fame is the establishment of the Smith of Dunesk Mission, which you'll pass along the way. John Flynn, who worked here about a century back, went on to establish the Royal Flying Doctor Service. It's believed that he got his inspiration while he was in staying in Beltana during 1910 and 1911.
The tour continues to the mining site of Sliding Rock, where the average annual rainfall is just 300ml a year. Operated as a copper mine in the 1880s, Sliding Rock was abandoned because there was too much water underground and not enough above.
Heading back towards Leigh Creek, the tour stops by the Aroona Dam Sanctuary. After riding for hours around the desert you may be tempted to dive in, but this dam is not only a sanctuary for wildlife, it's also the town's water supply, so no swimming is allowed. Instead, cycle into Leigh Creek and book yourself into Flinders Outback Resort for a bit of recuperation.
The facts:
Barking Gecko-MTB run full day cycling tours out of Leigh Creek for $90 per person. This price includes your bike and lunch.
Barking Gecko-MTB Tours
Tel: 08 8675 2366
Flinders Outback Resort is the place to stay. Rooms start at $100 a night.
Flinders Outback Resort
Tel: 08 8675 2025
Prices correct at 22/03/04
