South Australian Bicycle Camping Directory
Affordable, quiet, localised camping sites for environmentally conscious long distance cyclists and walkers in South Australia
Prepared by Grace Newhaven
Purpose
This Directory is intended to encourage bicycle use for independent, self sufficient, long distance travel in South Australia. It supplements conventional (car-based) caravan park directories which are readily available, but which do not recognise that long distance cyclists may have other tastes, needs and priorities. In particular, there are many interesting niche sites appropriate for the low impact usage of a bicycle based system, which are not appropriate or available for use by car travellers.
Other options, (backpacker facilities, B&B etc.) may be of some use and are included here.
However as it is unrealistic to expect to travel long distances by bicycle in SA without carrying and using camping equipment, this directory rewards the cyclist's effort with particularly attractive locations where cyclists may choose to provide their own shelter economically, flexibly and with minimum dependence on fixed facilities.
In South Australia, overnight roadside camping is generally allowed outside built-up areas.
What the sites offer
All sites listed offer a minimum of an established place to pitch a small tent. All private or farm sites, and some larger NPWS sites, should have drinking water and basic toilet facilities.
No other services can be expected, though they may be available (e.g. showers, backpacker beds, meals, B&B etc.) Camping cyclists should always carry a reserve of water. Prices charged are at the discretion of the landholder, and should be agreed before arrival.
Key
BP
= backpacker facilities
Cp
= camping
CP
= Conservation Park
GR
= Game Reserve
NP
= National Park
NPWS
= National parks and Wildlife Service
SQ
= Shearers' Quarters
*
= information provided on Mawson Trail maps
SRP
= self registration permit at NPWS sites
4WD
= 4 wheel drive access (i.e. open to cyclists)
Stock routes
are unsealed, narrow public rights-of-way designed to allow for movement of groups of farm animals ("stock"). Common in pastoral country, they are useful to cyclists both as quiet alternatives to main roads and as bush camping sites.
Central and Mid North
Yorke Peninsula
Eyre Peninsula and West Coast
South East
Flinders Ranges and Outback
Kangaroo Island
Riverland and Mallee
Mawson Trail
Contacts
Please note that all South Australian telephone numbers are listed here with their area code (08). For calls from outside Australia the numbers are +61 8 xxxx xxxx
- Adelaide Hills
Fuzzies Farm. Permaculture, alt technology centre, cafe. Cp/BP. 15 km from city centre, views, walks, Morialta CP, pleasant Adelaide Hills rides. (08) 8390 1111
Scout Association site, Woodhouse Cp/BP. Good base for Hills trips. Must phone ahead. (08) 8339 3333.
Apilla
Cp at showground. Friendly pub, phone, toilets. No shop. Nearby springs worth a visit.
Barossa
See Marananga
Blythe
Cp on private hilltop reserve. Rainwater, views. Ian (a/h) (08) 8844 5025
Black Springs
(Mid North) (*) Free Cp at N end of Porters Lagoon; Tank Water at Church
Burra
Permaculture farm, 1 Ware Street. Cp/BP Colin (08) 8892 2357, (08) 8648 1817 also free bush cp at World's End Creek, off Robertstown Road
Bute
(Yorke Peninsula) Ashhurst Farm House BP/ Cp negotiable (08) 8821 4033.
Clare
Bungaree Station. Cp/ BP (08) 8842 2677. See also entry for Blythe above
Cape Jervis
Old Cape Jervis Station Homestead BP, Cp negotiable. (08) 8598 0233
Bundaleer Forest
(Mid North) PISA Forestry Cp. site.
Also, (*) Curnow's Hut, near Jamestown?
Crystal Brook
Bowman Park. Theme site. Cp tranquil bush setting, native fauna display etc. (08) 8636 2116
Hallett
(*) Cp at rear of rail station; ? hut.
Tooralie Homestead. Cp/BP On Mawson Trail, friendly, established host farm. (08) 8894 2067
Kuitpo Forest
(Meadows) Forestry Dept SRP cp at Tjukalu off Brookman Road. Also Rocky Creek Hut SQ/Cp off Echunga ­ Meadows Road. (08) 8388 3267 (7 days) Both closed during fire season
Kersbrook
Youth Hostel. Contact Adelaide HQ (08) 8231 5583
Cp, animals at Wildlife Sanctuary Humbug Scrub Road, near Para Wirra CP. Kieth (08) 8827 0435.
Laura
Talyala Co-Operative, near The Bluff. Cp. Signs from Mawson trail as "Sanctuary Studio Pottery". Roger and Glenda (08) 8663 2480
Marananga (Barossa)
Tea Rooms and Gallery , Seppeltsfield Road, on Mawson Trail. Cp/BP/B&B, etc. Weekdays after 5.00 pm, all weekend. (08) 8562 3923
Myponga
Myponga CP. Heysen Trail cp sites. Bicycle access unknown
Jamestown
Bundaleer Forest. Cp. Permits from PISA office on site. (08) 8665 4044
Also quiet stock route just W. of town on Gladstone Road
Marrabel
(*) Cp, water tank on rodeo site c/- Marrabel Hotel (08) 8848 6054
Quiet free cp along stock routes N of town. Carry water
Martindale Hall
No cp. But quiet stockroutes nearby.
Meadows
Village Community Co-Op RMD 1530 Adams Gully Road Hope Forest, near Kyeema NP. (08) 8556 7240. Basic bush cp, BP available
Melrose
Bush Cp at Mt Remarkable National Pk. (See also Murraytown)
Mintaro
National Trust town. Pub. No shops, no cp (Keeep asking!). But stock route just N of town.
Mount Bryan
(*) Cp at school grounds. ? hut, at Old School House (April 92 *)
Mount Crawford
(Near Williamstown) Forestry Dept Cp sites at Centennial Drive and Chalks Road. Permits from office. (08) 8524 6004. (See also, Kersbrook)
Mount Torrens
Munro Park Station. "Yabbies, gold panning, animals, four wheel bike rides (!)" (08) 8538 7018.
Murray Town
Vondon Host Farm. Near Mawson Trail. Cp on working farm. Evyonne (08) 8666 4029
Sandy Creek CP
Barossa Valley Way. Cp site NPWS (08) 8273 5000
Seven Hill
Sportsfield just E of pub.
Spalding
(*) Free Cp at Broughton Weir
Geralka Rural Farm 15 km S of Spalding SA 5454. Cp on historic display farm, (08) 8845 8081
Willunga
Emu Adventures and Farmstay. Cp/BP. Bike Hire, beaches, extras. (08) 8524 4262
Wirrabara
Cp ground in forest (086 68 4163). Youth Hostel on Pine Forest Road (08) 8663 2389 (Good value!)
South Coast
(Cape Jervis ­ Victor Harbour). Permits for CPs from NPWS (08) 8552 3677 Deep Creek CP. 4WD access, very steep in parts. Very good views etc., various cp sites.
Newland Head CP. Day trippers, fishing. Dangerous surf.
Deep Creek CP. Extensive 4WD access. Very steep sections. Good views etc. NPWS Victor Harbour.
Contents...
- Clinton CP
(near Pt Wakefield) Port Arthur Cp. (On RAA map)
Port Vincent
Girl Guide Camp. Lime Kiln Road. Cp/BP. "Always space" (08) 8853 7285
Pondalowie Bay
Innes NP. Cp/Cottages. (08) 8854 4040.
Marion Bay
Hillock's Drive Butlers Beach. Cp 16 km E of Marion Bay. Private Beach, flowers etc. Store (08) 8854 4002.
RAA maps show cp sites at Pt Turton, Parson's Beach, Balgowan, Tiparra Rocks, Black Point
Contents...
- Ceduna
Greenacres Ceduna Backpackers. Cp/BP. Whales June ­ October. (08) 8625 3811
Yumbarra CP 30 km N of Ceduna. Outside dingo fence, poison baits, 4WD. NPWS Ceduna
Elliston
Cp by permit in wilderness areas. Refer District Council of Elliston (08) 8687 9177.
Gawler Ranges
Mount Ive Station. (W of Iron Knob.) Cp, store, bottle shop. Friendly! (08) 86 48 1817.
Note: This site useful as N end of Gawler Ranges tour ‹ for S end see entry for Kimba
Coulta
Wepowie Farm Cp/ BP/ B&B. RoseMarie (08) 8687 2063
Coffin Bay
Coffin Bay NP. Extensive 4WD access. NPWS Pt Lincoln
Lake Gillies
E of Kimba. Cp. NPWS Pt Lincoln
Laura Bay
Cp coastal scenery, historical NPWS Ceduna
Port Augusta
(40 km W) NutBush Retreat (Pundurra Station) on Highway 1. Cp/BP, Eco tours. (08) 8864 3891
Port Neill
Pappagalla Grove Host Farm. 30 km NW of Pt Neill. Cp. Native fauna, Clydesdales, walks. (08) 8688 0025
Port Lincoln
Redbanks, in Whalers' Way. Cp by permit.
Greenpatch Farm Fauna Park. Cp negotiable (08) 8684 5053
Lincoln NP. Extensive 4WD access. Permits from NPWS Pt Lincoln (08) 8688 3111
Mikkira Station, off Whalers' Way Road
Tumby Bay
Cymru Farm, "peaceful surroundings" Cp negotiable Valmai (08) 8688 8053
Kimba
Botenella Hills Host Farm. Cp/BP groups. Animals, flowers, "bike riding" (08) 8627 2349
Point Labatt
Sea lion colony, refer Streaky Bay
Nullarbor NP
Cp by permit, Gilgerabbie Hut and Koonalda Homestead (off highway). NPWS Ceduna.
Smoky Bay
Cp at Acraman Creek CP. 4WD, swim NPWS PO Box 569 Ceduna 5690 (08) 8625 3144
Sheringa Beach
(S of Elliston) RAA shows Cp site
Streaky Bay
Cp at Calpatanna Waterhole CP for nearby Point Labatt CP (Sea lion reserve)
RAA shows cp site at Baird Bay
Venus Bay CP
Coastal scenery, Cp, 4WD, NPWS Port Lincoln
Wittlebee CP
Beach, Cp. NPWS Ceduna
Contents...
- Beachport CP
Wildlife, Aboriginal sites. SRP Cp. NPWS (08) 8768 2543
Cape Jaffa
Caravan park. Cp sites, cabins, liquor store etc. near Kingston. (08) 8768 5056
Coorong
Gemini Downs Station, 3 km N of Salt Creek. Cp/BP (08) 8575 7013
Martin Washpool CP. S of Salt Creek. No cars! Bush Cp permits from NPWS Coorong
Messent CP. Cp, refer NPWS Salt Creek. Coorong NP. SRP Cp. NPWS Coorong
Note: 4WD access only below high water on sea side, can be very busy. No drinking water.
Coonalpyn
(Upper SE) Wildlife Sanctuary. BP ?
Naracoorte
St Aubin's Host Farm, Danby's Road, Frances 5262, N of Naracoorte. Cp/SQ. Pool! (08) 8765 1051
Cp at Naracoorte Caves CP. NPWS Naracoorte (see also Bool Lagoon)
Wrattonbully
RAA map shows Cp site near Gordon Lagoon, NE of Coonawarra
Ngarkat NP
Several Bush Cps. No water, very hot in summer. Marked tracks. Permits, map NPWS Tintinara.
Mt Rescue CP Cp sites, 4WD tracks, connecting to Ngarkat CP
Penola
Whiskas Woolshed. Cp/BP. 10 km from Penola, on Kalangadoo Road (08) 8737 2428.
Furner
Diamond Swamp Host Farm. Cp. (08) 8734 3034. PMB 5 7 Millicent SA 5280
Hatherleigh
Green Hill Guesthouse Cp/BP (08) 8735 9029 PO Box 432 Millicent SA 5280
Bool Lagoon GR
Cp. duck shooting in season. "Wetland of international importance" NPWS Naracoorte
Glencoe
Glencoe Village ‹ The Rusty Rail Tourist Accomodation. Converted train carriages (08) 8739 4097 ah.
Picaninnie Ponds CP. SRP Cp. 2WD access. NPWS Mt Gambier.
RAA map shows Cp site 4 km S of Rennick (Vic)
Robe
Bushland Cabins. Cp/BP. "wonderful birds" 1 km from Robe centre. (08) 8768 2386. Little Dip CP. SRP Cp. 2WD access. NPWS Robe
Narraburra Woolshed (14 km S) Cp. Sheep property, dog displays, shearing etc. Mick (08) 8768 2083/2190.
Southend
Canunda N P. SRP NPWS Cp sites adjacent to Southend. (08) 8735 6053. Dangerous beaches!
Tintinara
Tintinara Homestead Cp/BP (08) 8757 2146.
Also bush Cp at Mt Boothby C.P
Contents...
Flinders Ranges
Various NPWS sites, and subject to change ‹ best to ring for latest. Note that off road vehicles are restricted to existing designated roads.
Any traveller in this region, especially a cyclist, should ring local NPWS as "check-in", and to present responsible image etc. Cp "by vehicle" at Flinders Ranges NP (around Wilpena), Gammon Ranges NP, Mt Remarkable NP (Mambray Creek). SQ available at former Oraparinna Homestead. Cp may be negotiable. NPWS Hawker Cp "for hikers" at Dutchman's Stern
CP; Mt Brown CP; Telowie Gorge CP. NPWS Pt Augusta. In remote regions, it may be useful to offer to pay for drinking water ‹ someone has to!
- Blinman
Gum Creek Station 15 km S of Blinman. Cp/SQ (08) 8648 4883
Broken Hill
Poolamacca Station, 58 km. N of BH. Cp/SQ Historical interest. (08) 8091 2574.
Coober Pedy
Riba's The Travellers' Nest. "Very quiet, friendly." Cp $3.50. (08) 8672 5614
Copley
The Agnew Spread Cp/BP. Marg (08) 8675 2238
Angoorichina
Angorichina Tourist Village. Cp/BP. (08) 8648 4842
Arkaroola
Arkooroola Resort. Cp/SQ. motel, bar, store. Great scenery. Spectacular MTB country.
Bucharinga Gorge
* Mawson trail map shows cp site.
Hawker
Mt Little Station Cp 16 km N of Hawker on Leigh Creek Road. (08) 8648 4206
Arkaba Station "exclusive bush camping" (08) 8648 0005
Parachilna
Cp at schoolhouse. Nearby pub with BP, restaurant etc.
Quorn
Jenny McRea (a cyclist) 15 Fourth Street Quorn SA 5433 Cp. (08) 8648 6356 (h) (08) 8673 7788 (w). (Also, contact for Woomera) Dutchman Stern CP. Cp/SQ. NPWS Port Augusta.
Wyacca Cottage (30 km N of Quorn, on Mawson) Ian and Felicity Smart PO Box 126 Quorn SA 5433. Cp/SQ (08) 8648 6210.
(Note: this family very worried by fire risk in summer, and site may be closed)
Warren Gorge
* Mawson trail map shows cp site.
Woomera
Woomera Travellers' Village. Cp/BP (08) 8673 7800. (see also entry for Quorn)
Yunta
Cp ground on RAA maps
More on the Flinders Ranges
Contents...
- Penneshaw
(7 km E) Coranda Farm. Cp/ BP. Friendly, well established site. (08) 8553 1019.
Flinders Chase
Flinders Chase Farm Hostel. Cp/BP. (08) 8559 7223.
West KI Caravan Park. Cp "peaceful bushland" (08) 8559 7201
NPWS sites
Rocky River, Snake lagoon, West Bay, Harvey's Return, Murray Lagoon, D'Estrees Bay
Some SQ beds. Contact NPWS (08) 8559 7235
Refer also SA Cycle Route map/guide to Kangaroo Island ‹ useful information.
More on Kangaroo Island
Contents...
- Barmera
Overland Corner Hotel adjoins Herons Bend reserve. Cp. Historical (08) 8588 7021
Berri
Katarapko NP 4 km SW of Berri. Extensive 4WD tracks. Cp permits NPWS Berri
Billiatt CP
Bush Cp, 18 km S of Alawoona. Permits from NPWS Berri
Chowilla
Chowilla GR. Renmark ­ Wentworth Road "Old Coach Road vehicle trail" NPWS Berri
Danggali CP
N of Renmark. Cp/SQ, 4WD route etc. Historic, wilderness. Check-in essential NPWS Berri
Karte CP
30 km NW of Pinnaroo. "Magnificent sand dunes". No water etc. NPWS Berri
Lowan CP
27 km W of Karoonda. Kangaroos
Lyrup
Lyrup Flats. Cp. Birds, walking, river. Berri ­ Renmark road. NPWS Berri
Peebinga CP
(N of Pinnaroo). Kangaroos. (? SRP) NPWS Berri
Mannum
Fossil Farm. Cp/BP (08) 8569 1558.
Also Cp at John Christian Reserve (off Swan Reach Road)
Morgan
Glenbower Station. Sheep property. Cp/BB "large shady gardens" (08) 85675 055
Pooginook CP
12 km NE of Waikerie, N side of river. Cp. NPWS Berri
Cobdogla
Moorook and Loch Luna Game reserves. NPWS Berri
Blanchetown
Roonka Scout camp. Cp. Must phone ahead (08) 8339 3333
Waikerie
Pooginook CP (see above)
Contents...
The Mawson Trail extends from Adelaide, through the hills and Mid North to Hawker in the Flinders Ranges, along minor roads, stock routes, forest trails, and vacant Crown land.
Places along the Trail include Rowland Flat, Tanunda, Kapunda, Marrabel, Black Springs, Burra, Hallett, Spalding, Bundaleer, Laura, Wirrabara, Melrose, Wilmington, and Quorn.
Because of the nature of the trail, robust mountain bikes are recommended. Maps of the trail were prepared by the Office of Recreation, Sport and Racing
Contents...
- Bicycle SA
1 Sturt Street Adelaide SA 5000 (08) 8410 1406
Bicycle Institute of South Australia
GPO Box 792 Adelaide SA 5001 Mobile 019 672 732.
Department of Transport: BikeSouth (SA Government)
(08) 8343 2911 fax (08) 8343 2708
Australian Bush Cycle Touring Association
P O Box 258 Berry NSW 2535 (044) 64 2316 [After August 1997: (02) 4464 2316]
Office of Recreation, Sport and Racing
PO Box 219 Kidman Park SA 5032 (08) 8416 6677 (various cycling maps)
State Information Centre
77 Grenfell Street Adelaide. (08) 8204 1900 (NPWS and "SA Cycle Route" map series.)
National Parks and Wildlife Service (SA)
91­97 Grenfell Street Adelaide. NPWS is an agency of the Dept of Environment.
NPWS Permits (08) 8204 1910
NPWS offices
Berri (08) 8595 2111
Mt Gambier (08) 8735 1111
Naracoorte (08) 8762 3412
Tintinara (08) 8757 2261
Pt Augusta (08) 8648 5300
Hawker (08) 8648 4244
Pt Lincoln (08) 8688 3172
Coorong (08) 8575 1200
Robe (08) 8768 2543
Southend (08) 8735 6053
Ceduna (08) 8625 3144
Wilpena (08) 8648 0048
Kangaroo Is (08) 8553 2381
Victor Harbor (08) 8552 3677
Yorke Peninsula (08) 8854 4040
Flinders Ranges and Outback Regional Tourist Association
PO Box 41 Port Augusta SA 5700
Mid North Tourist Association
PO Box 551 Clare SA 5453
Clare Valley Tourist Information Centre
Town Hall Clare SA 5453
Mid North Bushwalking and Cycling Club
75 Brandis Street Crystal Brook 5523 Ray 015 973 955
Wayward Bus Co
PO Box 10182 Gouger Street SA 5000. (08) 8232 6646. Slow and bike aware.
Host Farms Association
Primary Industries SA
(PISA ‹ the SA Forest Dept) Camping Permits (08) 8226 9900.
PISA (SE)
PO Box 162 Mt Gambier SA 5290. Ranger Trevor Wynniat (08) 87242 887
Commonwealth Employment Service (CES)
Fruit picking information: 55 Currie St Adelaide (08) 8231 9444
Royal Automobile Association
Useful maps, free to members of motor associations. (08) 8202 4600
Scout Association
Woodhouse Scout Camp PO Box 187 Stirling SA 5152 (08) 8339 3333
Contents...
Credits
This Directory was produced by grassroots cyclists, using published advertisements and direct enquiries. No responsibility can be accepted for changes or errors. Users should always confirm details by telephone wherever possible. Sites may have been closed or withdrawn since publication.
Suggestions and new sites are always welcome!
South Australian Bicycle Camping Directory
PO Box 3331
Rundle Mall SA 5000
Australia
e-mail: gloria@cobweb.com.au
(08) 8344 8031 (h)
Web version edited by Peter Carter, Bicycle SA Editor pcarter@acslink.net.au, (08) 8443 4298
The Camping Cyclist's Code:
- Keep to designated roads.
- Leave gates as you find them.
- No fires without permission.
- Leave no rubbish
- You can't always get what you want!
© 1997, Grace Newhaven, Bicycle SA. Revised 17 December 1997