Carrieton and Johnburg
Carrieton and Johnburg – Exploring on Two Wheels
We spent the weekend based at a mate’s bush block near Carrieton, a quiet little town in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges. With no set plans, we took the opportunity to explore the area on the motorbike, winding through backroads and old settlements that barely make it onto the map.
Carrieton itself is small but has a strong community feel. The pub is the heart of the town, a spot where locals and travellers alike share stories over a drink. We stopped in for a cold one and a chat before heading off on the bike. The old railway station and a few heritage buildings hint at Carrieton’s past when it was once a more bustling stop on the line. These days, it’s best known for its annual rodeo, which draws in a crowd from all over.
Riding out towards Johnburg, the landscape shifted. The road turned to dirt, the countryside opened up, and we found ourselves surrounded by rolling hills and vast paddocks. Johnburg is a ghost town now, with only a few ruins left standing. The old church, built in the late 1800s, is the most intact building, a reminder of when this place had a small but thriving community.
We parked up and wandered around, taking in what remained. The silence out here is something else—just the sound of the wind and the occasional bird call. It’s hard to imagine that this once had enough people to warrant a church and a school. Nature has started reclaiming what’s left, with grass pushing through old stone walls and trees growing where homes once stood.
The ride back to Carrieton took us through open plains and low hills, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows over the landscape. There’s a beauty in the simplicity of this part of the country—no crowds, no rush, just endless space and a connection to the past.
Back at the bush block, we settled in around the fire, sharing a few beers and watching the stars come out. It was the perfect end to a weekend of exploring places most people drive straight past. Carrieton and Johnburg might not be on the usual tourist trail, but for us, that’s exactly what made them worth visiting.
Exploring the unbeaten paths of Australia, one adventure at a time! 🌿 Follow along as we uncover hidden gems, tackle rugged terrains, and embrace the thrill of exploring offbeat destinations. 🚙💨
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