Booleroo Centre to Melrose (17 km)

This stunning 17 km stretch, completed in September 2021, offers a smooth ride along compacted fine gravel, following the old railway alignment through open farmland toward the imposing Mount Remarkable. With several creek crossings, it’s best suited to mountain bikers, but the adventure is worth it!

Start your journey in Booleroo Centre, where you can park near the historic railway display at the corner of Campbell and Arthur Streets. Grab supplies or use the public toilets on Stephens Street before hitting the trail. The trailhead is near the Town Swimming Pool, and from there, you’ll wind past grain sheds and silos before leaving town with Mount Remarkable always on the horizon.

Along the way, you’ll cross a few curved stock grates, so take it easy as they can be narrow. About 5 km in, you’ll come across the remnants of Perroomba Station, marked by a few old timber sleepers—a little piece of history on your ride!

The trail crosses four creeks, each with its own character:

Bastion East Creek – Watch out for the steep sides as you cross.
Bastion West Creek – The trail dips down into the creek bed here.
Collins Creek – Another creek bed crossing, with old concrete pylons from the original rail bridge adding a cool visual.
Rotten Creek – The largest of the crossings, this creek can have a steady flow after rains, making it a bit more exciting.

As you near Melrose, the trail follows Girdham Road toward Horrocks Highway, passing the silos before arriving at the Melrose Showgrounds. From here, you can either continue to Wilmington or take a left to head into the heart of Melrose, just 2 km away. Once in town, Paradise Square is a perfect spot to rest, grab a bite, and soak up the local atmosphere.