Explore Flinders Ranges – Part B

From: Explore Flinders Ranges – Part A

Refer also to Flinders Ranges (RR) for an actual ride report of this area.

Artimore to Yanyanna

Patawarta Gap offers views over Narrina Station to the north and Blinman to the south. We have time to explore here – perhaps a forward return trip to Wilpena or a look up Old Blinman Road. A diversion down Brachina Gorge is also possible (16km round trip).

A small detour to Aroon Ruins has some nice views

Read more from some resources here:

Day 3 – artimore to yanyanna
Destination Distance Arrive Depart
Artimore (dep 11.10.2018) 8:30 AM
Patawarta Gap 15 9:00 AM 9:30 AM
Angorichina Store (fuel) 43 10:30 AM 11:00 AM
Blinman Hotel (lunch) 15 11:30 AM 12:30 PM
Aroona Ruins 46 1:30 PM 2:00 PM
Yanyanna (overnight) 25 2:30 PM
Total 181
Fuel Range (Wilpena Pound) 192
Yanyanna to Wirrabara

Wilpena Pound is a fancy resort with some nice countryside around it. There’s a breakout section as we head south along Telegraph Track. Hawker is the home of the Jeff Morgan Gallery with some fantastic artwork of the country we’ve just traveled through and The bridle track offers some great views to end off the day.

Jeff Morgan rides his Africa Twin around the Flinders to discover new scenes to paint.

Day 4 – Yanyanna to Wirrabara
Destination Distance Arrive Depart
Yanyanna (dep 12.10.2018) 8:30 AM
Wilpena Pound (fuel & breakfast) 23 9:00 AM 10:00 AM
Hawker (fuel & early lunch) 68 11:00 AM 12:30 PM
Quorn (fuel & late lunch) 85 2:00 PM 2:45 PM
Stealth Campsite (overnight) 126 4:30 PM
Total 302
Fuel Range (Crystal Brook) 184

The bridle track offers spectacular views today

wirrabara to adelaide

The last day still has some good tracks and ends informally at Lower Hermitage with plenty of time to select a pub between now and then.

We take a day off in Adelaide before heading south to Kangaroo Island. Maybe some fresh tyres and wash the bike and gear.

Day 5 – wirrabara to adelaide
Destination Distance Arrive Depart
Stealth (dep 13.10.2018) 8:30 AM
Crystal Brook (fuel) 58 9:30 AM 10:00 AM
Balaklava (early lunch) 101 11:30 AM 12:30 PM
Adelaide 113 2:00 PM
Total 272
Fuel Range (depends on desintation) 220

Next: Explore Kangaroo Island

Leg 7: The Return

from Leg 6 – Tasmania

Departs Port Melbourne:

The weather will be quite warm for the journey north from Melbourne. So a visit to the high country would be a good detour off the main road.

Explore Tasmania

circuit of Tasmania

The Spirit of Tasmania departs on Monday 29th October at 7:30pm for an overnight passage. Check-in 2.5 hours before. Fare not including room is about $150 each way, cabins can be $180 for a twin share. Or $99 per Adult, $59 per Motorcycle, $33 per bed in a 4 bed cabin shared – each way.

Depart Torquay 3:00PM with a clean bike and clean gear – includes refuel near Port Melbourne.
Embark 5:00PM
Maybe time for a few beers.

Disembark 6:30AM, 30th October with a full tank.

The map above describes a circumnavigation of the island. Some refinement may take place. The current duration is 14 days. This may be shortened slightly.

Check back soon for more details and daily schedule.

Depart Port Melbourne 29th October 2018

14 days over 2,600 km back to Port Melbourne

  • Ocean Beach
  • Iron Blow
  • The Neck
  • Cape Bruny Lighthouse
  • Mt Wellington
  • Dove Lake Circuit (5km walk)
  • Reece Dam
  • The Spray Tunnel – Zeehan
Day 1 – Devonport to Mawbanna

In theory, we dock at 6:30AM. We may have had breakfast on board, if not then a quick stop in Devonport before we head off. Our tanks will already be full.

First stop is a visit to Hellyer Gorge, then The Big Tree and Dip Falls before we stop in at Stanley for a late lunch and to pick up supplies for an overnight camp in Mawbanna.

Day 1 – Devonport to Mawbanna
Destination Distance Arrive Depart
Devonport (dep 30.10.2018) 7:30 AM
Hellyer Gorge 130 10:15 PM 10:30 AM
The Big Tree 60 11:30 PM 11:40 AM
Dip Falls 1 11:45 AM 12:00 PM
Stanley 60 1:00 PM 2:00 PM
Campsite Mawbanna 38 2:45 PM
Total 289
Fuel Range (Stanley) 251
 
Day 2 – Mawbanna to Corinna

We head off through the forest again this morning with about 45 kms of gravel to Lileah. Smithton for today’s supplies, then back on the asphalt for a little before get back in the forest and a run to Lake Chisholm. Sumac Lookout and onto the west coast at Couta Rocks the edge of the world for lunch.

It’s about 70kms of gravel in the afternoon down to Corinna.

Day 2 -Mawbanna to Corinna
Destination Distance Arrive Depart
Mawbanna (dep 31.10.2018) 8:30 AM
Smithton 74 1:45 PM 2:15 PM
Lake Chisholm 73 3:30 PM
Sumac Lookout 16
Couta Rocks 34
The Edge of the World & Arthur River 17
Corinna 96
Total 310
Fuel Range (Zeehan) 170
Day 3 – Corinna to Tyenna

Day 3 is along day (371kms) but it includes a 10km run up and down the beach at Strahan and the Lyell Highway which gets rave reviews from any motorcyclist who has ever been there.

First stop, the ferry crossing at Corinna, then the Reece Dam, a visit to the glow worms in the Spray Tunnel at Zeehan then the beach. Then lunch at Queestown followewd by the Iron Blow lookout.

Finally, a 200km run down the Lyell to Tyenna. Plenty of choice for accommodation tonight so if you want a soft bed there should be no problem.

For anyone who wants to do it, it’s a 28km return run up to Lake Dobson (1050m) in the morning. Tyenna is at 200m elevation. If we get in early we could go up in the afternoon.

Day 3 – Corinna to Tyenna
Destination Distance Arrive Depart
Corinna (dep 1.11.2018) 7:30 AM
Reece Dam 22 10:15 PM 10:30 AM
The Spray Tunnel (glow worms) 43 11:30 PM 11:40 AM
Ocean Beach (10km along the beach 50 11:45 AM 12:00 PM
Queenstown (lunch) 50 1:00 PM 2:00 PM
Iron Blow Lookout 38 2:45 PM
Tyenna and Lake Dobson 200
Total 371
Fuel Range (Tyenna) 200
 
Day 4 – Tyenna To Southport via Cockle Creek

We can start the day with a run up to Lake Dobson if we want. That’s another 28km (return) plus a short stop. To the southern tip today – Cockle Creek. And lots of dirt today, almost 200kms of gravel.

We wind out way thru forests until we get to the SE coast at Cockle Creek then we come back to Southport.

Day 4 – Tyenna To Southport via Cockle Creek
Destination Distance Arrive Depart
Tyenna (dep 2.11.2018) 8:30 AM
Cockle Creek (lunch) 178 12:30 pm 1:30 pm
Southport 30  2:00 PM
Total 208
Fuel Range (Southport) 208
 
Day 5 – Southport to

A pretty long day today including a nice break out run of 15 km along the beach at Granites. There’s a parallel road for those who don;t want the beach run.

Lunch in Kingston after the beach run. Ther eis fuel in Kingston but there’s no real need to fill up here.

Mostly back roads again thru to Hillview Caravan Park

Day 2 – Granites Campsite to Millicent
Destination Distance Arrive Depart
Granites Campsite (dep 24.10.2018) 8:30 AM
Salt Creek 93 10:00 AM 10:30 AM
Granites Beach 72 11:30 AM
Kingston (allow for some fun on the beach) 22 12:30 PM  1:00 PM
Millicent 154 3:00 PM
Total 341
Fuel Range (Salt Creek to Millicent)
But there is fuel in Kingston
250

Explore Great Ocean Road

From: Explore Kangaroo Island


For details refer to the detail maps for each day

Cape Jervis-Great Ocean Road-Port Melbourne

A chance for Melbourne riders to return home, an opportunity for Adelaide riders to join us on the Great Ocean Road and Sydney riders to get closer to a home run if they need to. Highlights for this leg are a 15k run along the beach, ferries, forests and sights.

Staying off the asphalt as much as possible but still making our way past the 12 Apostles, Bells Beach, and The Great Ocean Road.

Depart Cape Jervis 23rd October 2018

4 days over 1,200 kms to Torquay

It’s only about an hour to Port Melbourne from Torquay so it’s better to stay out of the ‘big smoke’ until we’re ready to start Leg 6: Tasmania.

Day 1 – Cape Jervis to Granites Campsite

There are two ferries today including the crossing from Kangaroo Island. We should be in Cape Jervis by 11:15AM by the 10:30AM ferry. This leaves time for packing up and breakfast on the Island.

Lunch and re-fuel at the ferry in Wellington which should leave plenty of fuel to get to Salt Creek in the morning.

We also need to buy provisions for dinner tonight.

 
Day 1 – Cape Jervis to Granites Campsite
Destination Distance Arrive Depart
Cape Jervis (dep 23.10.2018) 11:15 AM
Wellington 167 1:45 PM 2:15 PM
Granites Campsite 79 3:30 PM
Total 246
Fuel Range (Wellington to Salt Creek) 170
 
Day 2 – Granites Campsite to Millicent

A pretty long day today including a nice break out run of 15 km along the beach at Granites. There’s a parallel road for those who don;t want the beach run.

Lunch in Kingston after the beach run. Ther eis fuel in Kingston but there’s no real need to fill up here.

Mostly back roads again thru to Hillview Caravan Park

Day 2 – Granites Campsite to Millicent
Destination Distance Arrive Depart
Granites Campsite (dep 24.10.2018) 8:30 AM
Salt Creek 93 10:00 AM 10:30 AM
Granites Beach 72 11:30 AM
Kingston (allow for some fun on the beach) 22 12:30 PM  1:00 PM
Millicent 154 3:00 PM
Total 341
Fuel Range (Salt Creek to Millicent)
But there is fuel in Kingston
250
Day 3 – Millicent to Warrnambool

We stay mostly near the coast today – well away from the A1. Drop in for a nice view along the coast at Northumberland and then a nice run through Lower Glenelg National Park.

Lunch at Portland and a quick run to Warrnambool.

There’s a choice of pub stay or a couple of large caravan parks to choose from.

 
Day 3 – Millicent to Warrnambool
Destination Distance Arrive Depart
Millicent (dep 25.10.2018) 8:30 AM
Cape Northumberland 74 9:30 AM 10:00 AM
Portland 140 12:00 PM 1:00 PM
Warrnambool 93 2:30 PM
Total 308
Fuel Range (Portland) 140
Day 4 – Warrnambool to Torquay

Time for a good look at the 12 Apostle (or is it 11 now?)

We’ll get glimpses at Port Campbell and along the road but the Visitor Centre Lookouts offer the best view.

Cape Otway Lighthouse offers good view along the coast.

We’ll drop into Erskine Falls for some good views to the north East towards Torquay.

 
Day4 – Warrnambool to Torquay
Destination Distance Arrive Depart
Warrnambool (dep 26.10.2018) 8:30 AM
12 Apostles Lookout 80 9:30 AM 10:30 AM
Cape Otway Lighthouse 66 11:15 AM 12:00 PM
Apollo Bay (lunch) 34 12:30 PM 1:00 PM
Erskine Falls 53 1:30 PM 2:15 PM
Torquay 56 3:00 PM
Total 275
Fuel Range n/a

Time off in Torquay. Plenty of accommodation choices. Clean and service the bikes. It’s a quick run to Port Melbourne for the next leg and nicer to stay out of town.

Next: Explore Tasmania

Explore Kangaroo Island

Adelaide-Kangaroo Island-Cape Jervis

A small rest in Adelaide – perhaps some new rear tyres and we head off south to Kangaroo Island. It’s about 100kms to the Ferry at Cape Jervis with some dirt included.

Motorcycle return on the Ferry is $66 (Seniors discount applies for us oldies) and the ferry runs frequently (max 2 hours apart).

There are numerous routes and an abundance of camping areas on Kangaroo Island. The map above shows a selection of routes with site-seeing stops on the north coast. There is easily 700kms of tracks to cover (probably more than once for some) and at least 5 nights to enjoy on the island if you want to see it all. You’ll probably only get there once in your life so you may as well see it all.

There’s an opportunity for people to scatter and join up again on certain nights for a BBQ before we head back to the mainland and Leg 5 or the journey. More later on the BBQ night.

For those of us meeting up for the first time, we can set the first night camping at Penneshaw so we get all the ferry traffic until late at night. We’ll head off in the morning for the circuit and there’s plenty to do for those of us who get there early on Day 1.

Depart Adelaide 17th October, 2018 (this leaves a couple of working days for any repairs if required)

6 days, over 700kms in total

Resources:

Next: Leg 5: Great Ocean Road

Explore Flinders Ranges – Part A

This ride was planned as separate legs to Yunta and then south from Arkaroola through the Flinders Ranges in 2 parts. The actual ride through Flinders was cut short but I have left the I have left the 2 part originals here: and in Part B.

Yunta to Adelaide

via Arkaroola

The second leg sees us travel over 300kms west to Yunta and go north to Arkaroola before returning to Adelaide.

The trip around the Flinders Ranges will pass through Balcanoona, Arkaroola, Yandinna, Nepabunna, Natawarrina, Angorochina, Blinman, Wilpena Pound and then Hawker and Quorn on the way back into Adelaide.

We will need permits to go through Nepabunna Aboriginal and permission to go through Narrina Station.

This is a slightly shortened version and in reverse of the route done by these guys in 2010.

5 days, 1,340kms in total from Yunta to Inglewood

October 9-13, 2018

There’s a nice track approximately 300km up the Murraylands Road from Adelaide for anyone wanting to meet us at Sturt Vale and Eastern Road. We will be arriving about 1:45pm on 8 October. But we will leave a sign at the intersection when we leave so anyone arriving to find the sign will know we have left for Yunta which is an overnight so there’s no way you will miss us.

Day 1 – Yunta to Arkaroola
Destination Distance Arrive Depart
BP Yunta (dep 09.10.2018) 8:00 AM
Waukaringa Hotel Ruin 82 9:30 AM 10:00 AM
Arkaroola (overnight) 235 1:00 PM
Total 324
Fuel Range (Yunta to Arkaroola) 316

The campsite is about 9km west of Arkaroola. We have time to explore a few things in the area today. There are several options.

Read more from some resources here:

 
Day 2 – Arkaroola to Artimore
Destination Distance Arrive Depart
Arkaroola (dep 10.10.2018) 8:00 AM
Old Illinawortina ruin 23 9:30 AM 10:00 AM
Nepabunna (permit required) 75 11:30 AM
Pinda Springs (lunch) 56 12:30 PM
Narrina Station (permission req’d) 12 12:45 PM 1:15 PM
Artimore (overnight) 37 2:30 PM
Total 203
Fuel Range (Angorichina Store) 270

There are a few ruins to visit today. We should drop in to the Nepabunna Visitors Centre.

Read more from some resources here:

Next: Explore Flinders Ranges Part B

Ride Plans (RP)

I’m always planning a trip. Check out the Ride Reports for completed rides. Or check the sub-menu for current plans. Some of the previous plans are listed below and some of these are now completed.

The Scrapheap ride to Pooncarie was October 3-7, 2018.

A ride thru Flinders Ranges was straight after that: October 8-15 , 2018

So there’s still Great Ocean Road, Kangaroo Island and Tasmania to go…

I may need to do Tasmania next by going south via the Victorian Highlands to Port Melbourne.

rough Route:

Leg 1: Hunter Valley, Wisemans Ferry, Turon Gate, Parkes, Ivanhoe, Pooncarie (for the Scrapheap – Downs Syndrome NSW)
Leg 2: Pooncarie to Yunta
Leg 3: Flinders Ranges Loop: Yunta, Arkaroola Village, Nepabunna, Natawarrina, Blinman, Hawker, Crystal Brook, Adelaide
Leg 4: Kangaroo Island
Leg 5: Cape Jervis to Torquay
Leg 6: Tasmania Circuit
Leg 7: From Melbourne north via High Country – see Victorian Highlands

Planning Tools

The tools I use to plan my trips consist of:

  • Garmin Basecamp
  • Google Earth
  • Google Maps
  • Google Streetview

The maps I use are based on OpenStreetMap built from the geofabrik source map for Australia.

I process the geofabrik .pbf file using MapUploader and I use my own .TYP file for processing the maps which can be edited with TYPWiz.

I also use the contours and digital elevation data (DEM) settings when making my maps which provides a lot of help when assessing my routes.

Google Earth is useful when reviewing routes from Basecamp. Unfortunately the Basecamp version 4.7 no longer has the menu option for calling Google Earth so I stick to version 4.6. Google Maps is the best way to review 3D imagery of the country when you lay the map over. Streetview is also good to check road surface and the extent of sealed roads. Not all roads have Streetview imagery.

For more details on these tools see the Planning/Mapping Tools page.

Oxley Wild Rivers Tour – Day 4

We left Walcha early on the last day and headed south on Brackendale Road meeting Mummel Rd where we had been on Day 2. East again past New Country Swamp Camping Area to Gingers Creek on the Oxley Highway.


Click to enlarge
Then Stockyard Creek Rd shortcut to Knodingbul Rd and the Blue Knob Lookout. The lookout and our visit to Potoroo Falls in Tapin Tops NP were highlights of the day.
Late lunch in Gloucester and an offroad detour back thru Monkerai and Glen Martin took us home.
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Oxley Wild Rivers GPX 3.80 MB 23 downloads

8 tracks over 4 days through the Oxley Wild Rivers including an extra leg near Nundle Ride...

Oxley Wild Rivers Tour – Day 3

From Bellbrook we followed the Kempsey Rd along the Macleay River past Georges Junction Camping Ground. Then up Georges Creek to Styx River Forest Road. The rain started to pelt down so we called it quits before Point Lookout. there’d be nothing to see anyway, and headed straight for Armidale for lunch.

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Video

There’s a little shortcut at Dangarsleigh joining Elliots Rd with Gostwyck War Services Road. It’s obviously a cattle run with a few gates and a creek crossing in the middle. You come out on Gostwyck Rd just east of Gostwyck Chapel.

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Oxley Wild Rivers GPX 3.80 MB 23 downloads

8 tracks over 4 days through the Oxley Wild Rivers including an extra leg near Nundle Ride...
Click to enlarge

Oxley Wild Rivers Tour – Day 2

Day 2 started with a fast run back through Hanging Rock and then Nundle State Forests. There were some nice sections through Wild Cattle Creek Road going south parallel and west of Nowendoc Road. The Mummel Gulf National Park road was also ‘Commodore’ standard.

Click to enlarge
After lunch at Gingers Creek there was  followed by some usually technical stuff along Spokes Mountain Trail and Coachwood Rd to Willi Willi.
Video
Click to enlarge

The ‘shortcut’ via Mackenzies Creek Rd to Bellbrook was certainly a shorter distance and all gravel. With all the gates it only saved about 4 minutes off the mostly asphalt alternative but I give it the solid vote.

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Oxley Wild Rivers GPX 3.80 MB 23 downloads

8 tracks over 4 days through the Oxley Wild Rivers including an extra leg near Nundle Ride...