We love staying at Mt Little Station. Apart from the natural beauty of the place, it’s right on the Mawson Trail between Hawker and Moralana Scenic Drive. You can start a ride at Mt Little and go in either direction. On this occasion I was tackling the section from Mount Little to Hawker for the first time.
The elevation chart on the Mawson Trail map showed me that there was a steep 100 metre drop from the Wonoka plateau down to Mt Little Station. Although my usual policy on the trail is to go down rather than up where possible, I am generally nervous of steep drops with loose gravel and so on this occasion I set off upwards from Mt Little Station, with Derek agreeing to meet me at a pre-arranged time at the Sightseers Cafe in Hawker.
The trail started harmlessly enough, but soon the rocky outcrops of Mernmerna Hill began to rise on my right.
Within two kilometres I had come to the very steep ascent indicated on the elevation chart. I was glad I was going up rather than down as the rocks were loose and the gradient was more than 20 percent towards the top of the climb. Needless to say I had to push my bike up this slope.
With the climb out of the way it was a matter of steady pedalling and enjoying the solitude of this place.
Wonoka Station Road and Wonoka Creek
Eventually the farm track joined Wonoka Station Road and I passed this lonely grave.
I crossed Wonoka Creek and then turned towards Hawker.
My progress had been better than expected and I had a short wait before Derek arrived. I love the austere beauty of this section of the trail.
Other short cycling adventures on the Mawson Trail in the Flinders Ranges are:
- Merna Mora Station to Rawnsley Park
- Wilpena to Rawnsley Park
- Brachina Gorge Road to Wilpena and
- Blinman to Brachina Gorge Road.
Closer to home, the sections between Nuriootpa and Kapunda and Burra and Hallett are very enjoyable.
