On my return journey from Coonatto Station in the Flinders Ranges in August, I stopped at Booleroo Centre to check out the stunning Melrose to Booleroo Centre Rail Trail, which will eventually be part of the Southern Flinders Rail Trail.
Expected to cost $200,000, with the SA State Governent contributing 50%, the project is being delivered through the District Council of Mount Remarkable.
Eighteen kilometres long, from the silos at Melrose to the silos at Booleroo Centre, the rail trail is mostly flat. However, the elevation of Melrose (385 metres) is slightly less than that of Booleroo Centre (395 metres) and there is a slight dip towards the gully at Rotten Creek about eight kilometres from the Melrose end.
Although not officially open at the time, the trail was already rideable.
The highlight of the Melrose to Booleroo Centre Rail Trail is the return trip from Booleroo Centre to Melrose with magnificent views of Mount Remarkable most of the way. Unfortunately our phone photos don’t quite capture the majesty of this beautiful landmark.
To Booleroo Centre
The Melrose Booleroo Rail Trail starts near the Melrose silos, about a kilometre north of town. To avoid the traffic on the Horrocks Highway, I suggest you follow the Showgrounds Trail to the start point, as shown on the map below.
The trail is easy to follow and mostly comfortable compacted gravel. Facing Booleroo Centre, you take in some lovely countryside, which is particularly pretty in August.
In August, the crossing at Rotten Creek was muddy.
It had been flooded a few weeks previously.
Update: The Melrose to Booleroo Centre Rail Trail was officially opened on 17 September 2021. I’m happy to report that the ford across this creek was in good condition for the day.
These arched grids are an interesting feature of the trail.
When you arrive in Booleroo Centre, it’s well worth riding to the southern side of the silos, where you can see some railway paraphernalia.
Back to Melrose
Now for the best part of the Melrose to Booleroo Centre Rail Trail – the ride towards Mount Remarkable.
Of course, you can’t go to Melrose without visiting Over the Edge – a bike shop and cafe all in one!
While you are in the area, be sure to ride the Melrose Wilmington Rail Trail.
Note: On the same day as the opening of the Melrose to Booleroo Centre Rail Trail, the turning of the sod ceremony took place in Booleroo to commence construction of the next section of the Southern Flinders Rail Trail: Booleroo to Stone Hut. We can’t wait to check it out!
If you would like to try something more adventurous, with outstanding natural beauty, consider the Bridle Track.
