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Drive the Bridle Track in South Australia
Words Julija Zivanovic and Ron and Viv Moon Pics Matt Williams and Julija Zivanovic
The Bridle Track just north of Adelaide is a great drive that offers stunning views over Spencer Gulf and Port Germein.
Located approximately three hours north of Adelaide by car, the 34km-long Bridle Track is one of the 13 featured tracks in our Flinders Ranges Atlas & Guide, and although it’s marked as ‘Easy’ in the book, you’ll discover the track has some fun challenging aspects.
Earlier this year, while we were on our 40th anniversary expedition in South Australia, the Hema Map Patrol, several Alpha Team members and the rest of the attending Hema Maps team completed the incredible Bridle Track.
The Hema Maps convoy driving the Bridle Track in August 2024 (Credit Matt Williams)
We have driven the Bridle Track many times in Hema’s history, however it was truly special completing it as a convoy at sunset during our celebratory trip.
Now, before we get into the drive itself and nearby attractions, here’s some essential information.
The details
Grading: Easy — all wheel drive and high range. Novice drivers.
Time: 2 hours
Distance: 34km Port Germein to Melrose
Longest distance without fuel: 52km (Port Pirie to Melrose)
Fuel and supplies: Port Pirie, Melrose
Best time of year: Any time
Warnings: Leave all gates as you find them
Facilities: Port Germein, Melrose
Important contacts: Burra & Goyder Visitor Information Centre — 08 8892 2154
Activities: Lookouts, wineries, picnic areas, camping areas, caravan parks, four-wheel driving
Climbing the crest (Credit Matt Williams)
The drive
The Bridle Track in the Southern Flinders Ranges is one of the gems of the area and rewards drivers with the most sensational views over Spencer Gulf and Port Germein. The popular four-wheel drive track starts about a three-hour drive north from Adeliade, near to Mount Remarkable National Park, and takes approx. two hours to complete. The track is also suitable for towing in dry conditions.
While on our 40th anniversary trip, we just so happened to traverse this track towards sundown, so we got to see an epic sunset over the Gulf. We highly recommend going at this time so you too can witness this sensational sunset from the crest of the track — just make sure you have some nearby accommodation booked when it gets dark!
So, without further ado, let’s get into the drive.
Starting from Port Germein, drive out of town along Port Germein Gorge Road, then head north along Pipeline Road for 3km to the Bridle Track. About 8km north from here and visible from the high point of the Bridle Track is the Baroota Reservoir (built in 1921).
From here, the track climbs onto the southern ranges on easy terrain, with the occasional steep section to keep things interesting. As the track rises it offers wide views of Spencer Gulf to the rear, with a few fantastic spots — especially the Six Poles Lookout — from which to take great pictures! (As seen below …)
The incredible views from Six Poles Lookout (Credit Matt Williams)
The route from here passes through a large area of open dry forest studded with native grass trees (Yaccas) and plenty of native wildlife to enjoy.
After the initial climb, the track rolls along a broad grassy ridgeline before coming to Survey Road, where you can turn right to Bangor and the main Port Germein Gorge Road or follow our designated route which takes you past several peaceful properties of the Southern Flinders Ranges Wine Region towards Melrose.
If you enjoy photographing historical ruins then make sure you keep an eye out for the old farm ruins in the area, made from beautiful old stone and which serve as a reminder of SA’s pastoral past.
The rolling hills adjacent to the Bridle Track
Explore the Southern Flinders Ranges Wine Region
You might find it hard to believe but small vineyards dot the mountain slopes of the Southern Flinders Ranges which is now an emerging wine region.
Small family-owned wineries craft award-winning wines where red and white varieties produce bold wines. However, it is the shiraz that is the flagship variety of the region, producing vibrant, robust red wines with good ageing potential. You can sample some from a handful of cellar doors.
Mopeta Wines are based at Baroota, near Port Germein, while the Glen Holme Vineyards is just south of the Port Germein Gorge Road at Bangor. This drive also passes the well-known Bartagunyah Estate while Remarkable View Wines are located just a short distance north of Melrose.
A little further north and just south of Wilmington (and surely is the most northerly winery in South Australia) is Wines of Willochra. And the Belalie Bend Winery can be found just outside of Jamestown, which is in the perfect location to enjoy the beautiful surrounding area.
Grab a copy today!
If you enjoyed learning about the Bridle Track and would like more information on it and 12 other awesome 4WD tracks in the Flinders Ranges region — plus a wealth of information on the region, including the natural environment, history, trip planning and things to see and do — you can purchase a copy of the Hema Flinders Ranges Atlas & Guide on the Hema Maps website or at leading outdoor retailers.
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