Federation Trail - 2004 and 2006

The southern most 58 kilometre section of the Federation Trail from Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge to Mount Beevor near Harrogate opened in 2003. The 18 kilometre section from Mount Beevor to Tungkillo opened in 2004. I hiked the trail from Tungkillo to Murray Bridge in early May 2004. One section between Rams Road and Bondleigh road was signed as closed between 1 April and 30 June due to lambing. 

Commercial bus transport between Adelaide and Murray Bridge is provided by Murray Bridge Passenger services. Daytime services depart Murray Bridge information Centre on South Terrace approximately every 3 hours and terminates at the Franklin Street bus depot - reservations are recommended. The Overland train stops at Murray Bridge and Adelaide - reservations are required. 

For overnight hikers, camping and water supplies require some planning. The Federation Trail map the Trail Users Code includes a statement of "No Camping" and "Do not take water from tanks or dams".

Drinking water is available from Murray Bridge, Monarto Oval, rainwater tank at grid reference 54 328435 S 6122007 between Bahr Road junction and Trevellen Park and also from Tungkillo hall. I encountered no running creeks in early May 2004. There were several places where water had ponded in creek beds.

Murray Bridge offers the only commercial campgrounds on the current trail. Hikers sometimes camp in road reserves, away from residences, etc. I did pass several fenced and unused road reserves that were not used by livestock. 

In 2006 a new section of the Lavender Federation Trail was opened between Tungkillo and Springton. The trail passes within 4 km of Springton at one point, from there a 16 kilometre loop can be walked by incorporating the "loop trail" section. A map of the Lavender Federation Trail from Mount Beevor to Springton has been published. 

Last modified 06/12/2009

mcewingg@optusnet.com.au