Southern Flinders Rail Trail extension to Booleroo Centre officially opened

Posted on 22/09/21

5 comments on “Southern Flinders Rail Trail extension to Booleroo Centre officially opened”

We cycled this trail late October, and enjoyed it very much. The views of Mt Remarkable were fabulous. Despite an absence of trail markers, it was easy to follow once found. For anyone trying to find the start at Melrose, particularly with the ongoing road works,I would suggest to look for the silos, as these are a landmark. The surface was good, but I expect it has the potential to deteriorate over time,as there were weeds already growing through it in places (and rain will cause washaways).

Enjoyed the ride from Booleroo to Melrose and back 03/10/21. Love the crossing ramps, scenery was great. In time a few more way marker / distance signs will be good and sitting bench over looking the big Creek would be good. Some pipes to raise the track level at the big Creek would be wise – otherwise even small flows will tear the gravel away leaving a mud slurry. A couple of guidance signs to start the trail from the excellent rail paraphernalia park adjacent the big Silo at Booleroo might be good too. Yes the trail was a bit wavy in places – (wondered if gravel was laid over sleepers)but not really a problem with MTB hardtails. Anyway full marks to the local Council for just getting on and doing it.

We love this area and the new trails take one through amazing scenery. However, the trails are very bumpy. We found the Melrose to Booleroo trail wearing on the body. Later, we found out that the sleepers were left in place. This appears to be a problem now the crusher dust has settled. Honestly, we'd not return to ride the trail until this is rectified and sure others will feel the same. For the record, we wonder if the crew from Pichi Ricci railway would like the sleepers. They need many to keep their engines running. Just a thought. Regards, Jac and Robyn

Thanks for your feedback David, Jac & Robyn
I rode the trail and noticed the even 'corrugations' in the trail that you referred to. The high points definitely match the location of the sleepers. I spoke to a contractor on site and he explained that the sleepers were removed but the thin layer of fine gravel didn't cover the difference in compaction between the area under sleepers (over one hundred years of compaction) and the lower compacted gap between sleepers. As a result you experience a wavy or corrugated ride. I understand that they are looking at regrading and compacting to overcome the problem. The path is open but they still have additional work to do in relation to signage and creek crossings. Great scenery and an enjoyable ride

Regards Mark Draper – Rail Trails Australia

Thank you Mark. For further development, the crew from the Pitchie Ritchie railway are always after old sleepers to power their engines. Looking forward to coming up your way again and one day riding further extensions. Kind regards, Jac and Robyn