Mawson Trail – Burra to Hallett

Mawson Trail Burra to Hallett two cyclists heading down White Hill Road

In April 2015, Kathie, Rhonda and I rented a cute little cottage in historic Burra. We planned to complete the 85 kilometre section of the Mawson Trail from Burra to Hallett over four days.

Three women in cycling gear in a deserted section of the Mawson Trail between Burra and Hallett
Kathie, Rhonda and I on the Mawson Trail between Burra and Hallett – photo taken by Des Brown
Day 1 – Mokota Conservation Park to Burra

On the first day we met in Burra and took two of our cars out to Mokota Conservation Park so that we could cycle 21 kilometres back to Burra. Although this section was an overall descent, there was a steady climb of 100 metres on a country lane grandly called “West Terrace”.

Two cyclists in the distance making their way up a dirt lane called West Terrace
Kathie in yellow and Rhonda in blue cycling up West Terrace
Day 2- Mokota Conservation Reserve to White Field Road

Our friend Des joined us for the second day to cycle from Mokota Reserve to White Field Road, the mid-point between Burra and Hallett.

Mawson Trail Burra to Hallett two cyclists heading down White Hill Road
Mawson Trail Burra to Hallett: Des and Rhonda heading down White Hill Road

The riding was spectacular. First there was a steady descent down White Hill Road followed by a bit of a climb over the Sugar Loaf Range where we were rewarded with a beautiful view to the east.

Over the top of the Sugar Loaf Range - cyclist in the distance on the road below
The view eastwards from the Sugar Loaf Range.  Rhonda is the blue dot on the road below.

Then it was a delightful roll down to the aptly named Dust Hole Creek Road and on to our end point for the day. We had climbed 245 metres over this 22 kilometre section.

Mawson Trail Burra to Hallett crossing Newikie Creek
Mawson Trail Burra to Hallett: Crossing Newikie Creek on Dust Hole Creek Road
Day 3 – Sir Hubert Wilkins’ Homestead to White Field Road

The birthplace of Sir Hubert Wilkins was the starting point on our third day.

Humble homestead - the birthplace of Sir Hubert Wilkins
Sir Hubert Wilkins Birthplace

Sir Hubert Wilkins was an Australian adventurer born in this humble place in 1888 and destined to be an Arctic and Antarctic explorer.  You can get a key to the homestead from the pub at Hallett.

After some steady climbing we came to Dares Hill Summit with some more lovely views eastwards.  Then, apart from a couple of creek crossings,  it was mostly a pleasant roll for the next ten kilometres down to White Field Road. Our total for this day was 23 kilometres and with a 166 metre climb.

Mawson Trail Burra to Hallett - two female cyclists at Dares Hill Summit with a view to the east behind them
Mawson Trail Burra to Hallett – Kathie and Rhonda at Dares Hill Summit with a view to the east behind
Day 4 – Sir Hubert Wilkins’ Homestead to Hallett

On our last day we started at Hubert Wilkins’ homestead again. The road to Hallett was undulating with a 245 metre climb over 19 kilometres.  We celebrated finishing the Burra to Hallett section of the Mawson Trail with lunch at the Wildongoleechie Hotel.

Some of our other adventures on the Mawson Trail were between:

  1. Hallett and Spalding
  2. Spalding and Jamestown
  3. Nuriootpa and Kapunda
  4. High Eden Road and Jacobs Creek
  5. Merna Mora Station and Rawnsley Park
  6. Mount Little and Hawker
  7. Brachina Gorge Road and Wilpena and
  8. Blinman and Brachina Gorge Road.

4 thoughts on “Mawson Trail – Burra to Hallett”

  1. Well written Helen and what wonderful memories. yes we had a great time. weather was great company great. Wish we could do it all again. Thanks

  2. Spectacular scenery!
    I’ve just read your ‘about’ page and I think there’s a strong possibility that I might qualify for membership of this interesting cycling club 😀 Averaging less than 20kms per hour and enjoying the view along the way is definitely my type of cycling.
    Shall look forward to following your adventures Helen and crew.

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