Loves Mine Range Track
6 km
distance
45 min
Contour time
2.5
difficulty
Unsealed
surface
Scenery
South Australia
The Flinders Ranges around Hawker are the southern edge of the great SA outback transition zone. Hawker is the last...
Road quality
Grade 2.5
Every segment scored on 40+ data signals.
Accessibility
Fully sealed
Best in 4WD. Peak season: Autumn-Spring.
7-day forecast
Moderate Flinders Ranges track suitable for a capable stock 4WD. The rocky quartzite surface requires good tyre clearance. A good introduction to Flinders ranges 4WD without the extreme remoteness of the far north.
Recommended gear: Recovery boards, Snatch strap, Extra water.
The road
Loves Mine Range Track is a 6-kilometre introduction to the Flinders Ranges 4WD network without the extreme remoteness of the far north. The track links to the old Loves Mine copper workings, one of dozens of satellite mining operations that spread through the ranges after the Burra copper rush of the 1840s. The surface is characteristic Flinders quartzite - loose rocky sections on the ridge approaches, firmer compacted gravel in the valleys. High clearance is essential for the rocky sections but the track does not require low-range for a capable stock 4WD in dry conditions. The reward is the view from the range: wide station plains stretching to the horizon, the kind of empty landscape that defines the outback transition zone. Hawker is the base for this track and worth treating as more than a fuel stop. The town sits at the junction where the sealed roads to Wilpena Pound and the far north diverge, and Hawker Motors is a landmark in its own right - the garage has appeared in Australian films and the wall of outback memorabilia inside is worth 20 minutes. Ask the staff about current track conditions before heading out.
Loves Mine Range Track is a 6-kilometre introduction to the Flinders Ranges 4WD network without the extreme remoteness of the far north.
Why this road
The region
The Flinders Ranges around Hawker are the southern edge of the great SA outback transition zone. Hawker is the last proper town before the Flinders become truly remote - it has the iconic Hawker Motors garage (film backdrop for multiple Australian productions) and sits at the junction of roads to Wilpena Pound and the far north. The Loves Mine area references copper mining operations that ran in various parts of the Flinders from the 1860s through to the early 20th century.
History
Copper mining in the Flinders Ranges was one of SA's first significant mineral industries. The Burra copper mine opened in 1845 and the subsequent rush produced a network of smaller workings throughout the ranges. Loves Mine was one of these satellite operations, worked intermittently through the 1880s to 1910s.
Before you go
Fuel in Hawker. Good year-round track in dry conditions. High clearance essential for the rocky sections. Check road conditions with Hawker Motors or local knowledge. The Flinders can receive intense rainfall in summer that closes tracks quickly.
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Flag itWorth stopping for
Wilpena Pound
The circular mountain range 60km north of Hawker is the Flinders' most iconic feature - accessible on a sealed road with excellent walking, camping and a resort inside the Pound.
Hawker Motors
The legendary outback garage in Hawker has appeared in several Australian films and has a remarkable wall of outback memorabilia. Worth a stop for fuel and local road conditions.
Route
Start
Flinders Ranges, Hawker region
End
Loves Mine Range
Gallery
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