In a remarkable turnaround, the small town of Melrose in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges is witnessing a revival, thanks to the burgeoning mountain bike tourism industry.
The town, which has long been known for its proximity to Mount Remarkable, has experienced a significant boost since the launch of the multi-million-dollar Epic Mountain Bike Trail late last year. The trail, spanning 38 kilometers, has brought renewed vitality to Melrose, a town that was previously facing potential closures of key businesses.
Richard Bruce, owner of a local cafe and bike shop, recalls a time when Melrose seemed on the brink of decline. “Not long ago, we were concerned about the possible shutdown of our post office and general store,” Bruce said. “Now, we’re witnessing a surge in community income, and these businesses are thriving. New enterprises, such as a local brewery, are emerging, marking a positive shift.”
Bruce, who opened his business in 2008, has observed substantial changes in the town’s economic landscape. “We experienced steady growth of about 9 to 10 percent annually. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary spike, and coming out of it, we’ve maintained that increased interest,” he noted. “We’re seeing visitors from all corners of the country.”
Garry Patterson, the trail designer, describes the Epic Mountain Bike Trail as “a pretty crazy trail,” featuring “brilliant views and very tough terrain” typical of the Flinders Ranges. Patterson emphasized that the trail’s difficulty is by design. “It was never meant to be easy; it’s a challenge. Completing it gives you a real sense of achievement,” he said.
The Epic Mountain Bike Trail is a cornerstone of the $10 million Remarkable Southern Flinders Agreement, a joint initiative by state and federal governments aimed at boosting regional tourism. Patterson, who has experience building other epic trails, praised the Melrose track as particularly spectacular. “This trail stands out due to its breathtaking views and overall experience,” he added. “Our goal is to attract international and national visitors, and this trail is a key part of that strategy.”
While other Australian destinations, such as Derby in northern Tasmania, have also capitalized on mountain bike tourism, Patterson highlighted the unique advantages of South Australia’s climate, particularly during the winter months. “You can ride this trail year-round, though summers can be extremely hot,” he said.
Martin Borgas, interim chief executive of the District Council of Mount Remarkable, noted the town’s shift from bushwalking to cycling tourism. “The Epic bike trail has been a long-term goal, with 18 months of planning and execution,” he said. “The influx of visitors and cyclists has invigorated the town and created new business opportunities for locals.”
According to a recent South Australian Tourism Commission report, the Flinders Ranges and outback saw 577,000 day trips and 761,000 overnight visitors last year, underscoring the growing appeal of the region as a tourist destination.
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