If you’re looking for some great eBike riding in the Flinders Ranges, try the challenging, fun and scenic 4WD tracks at Coonatto Station!
To be honest, I was not sure what to expect from our stay at Coonatto Station. Therefore I got a really pleasant surprise when we stopped at the gate to see an attractive homestead, shearer’s quarters and historic ruins on the other side of a flowing creek.
Kathie and I arrived after lunch, and by 2pm we were settled into our comfortable rooms at the Shearers’ Quarters and ready to ride our eBikes. We decided to start with the Wedding Hill Track.
Wedding Hill Track
With a maximum gradient of 14%, this is the easiest track to start on. Over eight kilometres, you climb 202 metres to see these wonderful 360 degrees views.
As indicated on our ride map, if you ride the loop in an anti-clockwise direction, you will be descending for the section with the steepest gradient of 18%.
Coonatto Hill Track
The Coonatto Hill Track is definitely more challenging than the Wedding Hill Track, and even more spectacular!
If you follow the track in a clockwise loop, the maximum gradient is 20%. Given that you are climbing on rough and loose rocks, it’s an energetic ascent, even on an eBike.
However, it’s so worth it for the three kilometre ridgetop ride with truly spectacular views to the Mount Remarkable Range.
Nevertheless, as we know, what goes up, must come down. And the 23% descent on rough shale and loose rocks, was definitely a bit scary!
Black Oaks Track
On our third and final day, we headed up the Black Oaks Track, named after the casuarina trees that grow in the gullies as you climb.
The maximum gradient for this track was 21%, and, perhaps because we were a little tired, we definitely felt it.
What we loved most about the Black Oaks trail was riding along the side of the rocky escarpment.
The off-camber track added interest to the experience!
At around the eight kilometre mark, the Black Oaks Track joins the Wedding Hill Track and follows the fence line down to the homestead. We didn’t want the ride to end, so we took the long way around and climbed up to Wedding Hill for one last look at the amazing view.
Other rides from Coonatto Station
While we were staying at Coonatto, Kathie and I also rode to the nearby historic town of Hammond – a flat and easy ride, about fifteen kilometres return.
On the station property, you can also ride along the creek track (about ten kilometres return) to see some interesting cliffs.
Summary of our Flinders Ranges eBike Rides
If you’re looking for an eBike adventure in the Flinders Ranges, it would be very hard to beat these three tracks at Coonatto Station. Each track has something different to offer, but we think our favourite was probably the Coonatto Hill Track, followed closely by the Black Oaks and Wedding Hill Tracks.
Happily, the owners of Coonatto Station, John and Erica, are planning to create another track. I’m definitely going back to check it out when it’s done!
Are these tracks suitable for ordinary mountain bikes? As some of the gradients are very steep, I would probably only recommend them for strong riders, or those who are happy to push their bikes uphill.
Apart from the very reasonably priced Shearers Quarters, there are also five lovely bush camping spots on the property, some of which have long-drop toilets.
While we were at Coonatto, we enjoyed a meal at the recently refurbished, historic pub at Carrieton. Apparently the Wilmington Hotel is also good, but we didn’t have time to try it.
On the way home, I stopped at Booleroo Centre to see the new Melrose to Booleroo Centre Rail Trail.
Note: We have not received any inducements from Coonatto Station or any other businesses mentioned, just wanted to share what a great time we had.
Top picture: On the Coonatto Hill Track by Kathie Pitman
