The $12 million Red Centre Adventure Ride is progressing well with the release of the first tenders for the outback cycling experience. The project will create local jobs and business opportunities through the construction phase and ongoing.
More than 200 kilometres of new trails will link the Alice Springs Desert Park to Glen Helen in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park, creating a unique trail adventure for riders of all skill levels.
Tenders are now open to:
- to design the track to be built for the proposed new bicycle trail
- to design proposed overnight high-end luxury camps along the trail.
The works are part of the Territory Labor Government's record $103 million Turbocharging Tourism stimulus package to attract visitors, create local jobs and put more money into the pockets of Territorians.
The project concept includes three dedicated luxury commercial camps, and six more basic camps suited to self-sufficient / budget cyclists. These will be spaced along the trail to suit a range of riders and accommodation preferences.
The ride will showcase breathtaking natural features and sites of the West MacDonnell Ranges currently inaccessible for mountain bike riding.
All works are being done in consultation with Traditional Owners, Central Land Council and the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA).
There is a strong focus on maximising employment of Traditional Owners and local Aboriginal people through the entire project.
The trail design and build will be to the International Mountain Biking Association Trail Difficulty Rating Green Circle / Easy, but the proposed trail is equally exciting for all mountain biking enthusiasts.
Both tenders are set to close 28 September 2018.
As stated by Minister for Tourism and Culture, Lauren Moss
The Red Centre Adventure Ride will be Australias best outback multi-day ride which will help increase tourist numbers and that means more jobs.
The ride will showcase breathtaking natural features and sites including the West MacDonnell Ranges which are currently inaccessible for mountain bike riding.
The project is being done in close consultation with traditional owners and key stakeholders.
The new trails open up opportunities for tourism operators to offer high-end, fully-supported or self-guided tours and the new purpose-built campgrounds will give riders the chance to sleep under the outback stars in the iconic West MacDonnell Ranges.
