Southern Flinders Precinct

Project and Partner News

  • Second stage of Willowie mountain bike trail

    Thursday 15th April 2021

    Construction of the second stage of new mountain bike trails in Mount Remarkable National Park, Willowie is set to get underway in April with Trailscapes an Adelaide-based trail construction company.

    The new development will create an additional 18 kilometres of dedicated single track trails in the Willowie Forest.

    This network of trails has been developed in consultation with local mountain bike organisation, Bike Melrose and once complete, will form a network of more than 20km of dedicated mountain biking trails in the reserve.

    The trails are designed for beginner and intermediate cyclists but will feature progressive trail elements with optional challenges for more seasoned riders and will be complete by September 2021.

    Visitors can access the reserve using the Melrose to Wilmington rail trail or via the soon to be upgraded car park and facilities, which will include public toilets and picnic areas.

    Image courtesy of James Raison @RideAdelaide

  • Remarkable recognition for a remarkable project

    Thursday 15th April 2021

    The award celebrates strong partnerships between federal, state, and local government and recognises leaders in their communities.

    Kelly-Anne was acknowledged for her work as the driving force behind the delivery of the Remarkable Southern Flinders adventure tourism project. The project is a truly remarkable collaboration between federal, state and local governments, not for profits and Traditional Owners the Nukunu Wampa Thura Aboriginal Corporation. Kelly-Anne was instrumental in bringing all stakeholders to the table.

    During the initial phases of Remarkable Southern Flinders Project, Kelly-Anne’s local knowledge played a huge part in securing funding through the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).

    The Remarkable Southern Flinders Project is a partnership between the Australian and State Governments, who are each investing $5 million to create new mountain biking and hiking trails and visitor facilities in the region – including upgrading and expanding campgrounds.

    The project’s partners include the Department for Environment and Water, District Council of Mount Remarkable, Port Pirie Regional Council, Northern Areas Council, Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife and Nukunu Wapma Thura Aboriginal Corporation.

  • Construction to commence on Bluff lookout

    Thursday 15th April 2021

    Civil works to the access road for the District Council of Mount Remarkable’s Bluff Lookout project will commence in April. This is the first step towards the lookout’s construction. The new lookout will enable people to travel to the top of Southern Flinders in Wirrabara Forest by road and enjoy views across the region.

    The Department for Environment and Water will assist District Council of Mount Remarkable to deliver the project.

    Read more about the Bluff and stay tuned for more updates on the District Council of Mount Remarkable website.

  • Survey closing in April

    Thursday 15th April 2021

    A short community survey on marketing and promotion of the Southern Flinders Precinct, accessible from the Engagement Hub website is closing at the end of April.

    There is still time to take part and we would like to hear your local views to help guide our initial thinking on how to share the vision for the project to a wide range of audiences.

    For more information and to take part in the survey visit the Community Survey page on Engagement Hub.

  • Upcoming community information session

    Come along and find out more about the Remarkable Southern Flinders Project at the upcoming community information session in Port Pirie. The session will be held at the Memorial Oval Function Centre on Monday 10th May from 6.30pm-7.30pm.

    The community information session is an opportunity to hear the latest updates on all the projects underway as part of creating this new precinct and talk to the project team and ask any questions you may have.

    The Remarkable Southern Flinders Project will create a new nature-based tourism destination in the Southern Flinders Ranges. The visitor experience will be enhanced through the development of new and improved visitor facilities including;

    • Developing a world-class mountain biking destination
    • Creating trails for hiking, including new iconic multi-day hikes
    • Upgrading and expanding campgrounds to provide camping for a wider variety of vehicles and experiences.

    Places are limited so please register your attendance via the Southern Flinders Precinct Community Information Session event page. If you are not already registered, please follow the prompts to complete your registration (you can select your preference for project updates during the registration process).

    Guests will be required to complete a COVID-SAfe Check-in upon entry to the Memorial Oval Function Centre.

  • Construction underway for Willowie mountain biking trails

    Monday, 19 October 2020

    Construction of new mountain biking trails at Willowie is one of the first new projects underway in the precinct.  

    This project will see the construction of approximately 18 km of new mountain bike trails in Mount Remarkable National Park at Willowie, north of Melrose, which has been planned with the help of Bike Melrose. It will also include day visitor facilities with a wheelchair-accessible toilet and a new picnic area.

    The trails will be family-friendly, catering for beginner through to intermediate riders with some progressive elements included for those looking to challenge their skills. Construction of the first trail, currently known as the Ruins Loop is now complete, with the remaining trails expected to be complete by June 2021.

  • Designs underway for an ‘EPIC’ mountain bike trail in Melrose

    Monday, 19 October 2020

    Concept designs for an international-standard mountain bike trail around Mount Remarkable are now underway.

    This is one of the key projects for the Southern Flinders Precinct with trail design experts World Trail coming on board to undertake concept work.

    This mountain bike loop will be built to a standard which will be sensitive to the environment and deliver exceptional views, a great experience and a sense of adventure to riders. The trail will be assessed by the International Mountain Biking Association with the view to gain ‘EPIC’ accreditation, which will attract mountain bike enthusiasts from all over Australia and the world to the region.

    World Trail are one of the largest and most experienced mountain biking trail companies in the world and have designed, planned and constructed hundreds of projects in 20 countries  – including Australia’s well-known Blue Derby trail network.

    In addition to designing the loop in Mount Remarkable, World Trail will also assess the potential for other cycling opportunities in the Southern Flinders Ranges, including any downhill trails.

  • Designs underway for Wirrabara picnic area improvements

    Monday, 19 October 2020

    Design work is underway to upgrade the Wirrabara picnic grounds and historic Nursery sites, with improved car parking, better seating, new toilets and a BBQ area.

  • Sign up to the latest news

    Monday, 19 October 2020

    National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia’s engagement website will be a central point where you can access more information on the projects planned and already underway. As well as sharing updates and information, the online hub will seek your feedback and input on some of these projects.

    A short community survey is currently open on the engagement website and your feedback is welcome to help guide initial thinking on sharing the vision for the project with a wide range of audiences. 

    Keep an eye on future editions of this e-news for updates on this exciting project and remember to sign up to be notified of opportunities to help shape the future of this precinct.