Cyclists Follow 19th Century Cornish Miners’ Route

Rather than travelling to Bendigo by horse and dray—as Cornish miners and their families did during the 19th century gold rush—members of the Friends of the Bendigo–Kilmore Rail Trail are currently retracing history by bicycle.

Inspired by the epic 1852 journey of Cornish miner Thomas Ninnes, his wife Maria, and their children from Burra in South Australia to the Bendigo goldfields, Friends member Greg Ralton initiated plans to follow the same route.

Research revealed that many of the settlements the Ninnes family passed through no longer exist, and sections of the original 19th-century roads are now inaccessible. Despite these challenges, a modern-day route was mapped out.

Riders ready to depart Burra. Photo: John Esnouf

Seven members of the Friends group departed Bendigo on 17 April, travelling by bus with a bike carrying trailer to Burra. On Monday 20 April, they began their cycling journey—swapping the dray and horses of the past for modern bicycles, supported by a backup vehicle.

Red gravel roads of South Australia. Photo: John Esnouf

Ride Day 1 saw the group cycle 82 km from Burra to Kapunda, testing both fitness and gravel-riding skills. After a well-earned rest, Ride Day 2 covered 81 km from Kapunda to Palmer. Highlights included a visit to the impressive five-arch Old Reedy Creek railway bridge on the now-closed Sedan branch line, along with scenic views across the Barossa Valley.

Old Reedy Creek Railway Bridge. Photo: John Esnouf

Ride Day 3 began in Palmer, with a 50 km ride to Avoca Dell. As some original route locations no longer offer suitable accommodation, the group transferred by bus to Murray Bridge for the night.

This 21st-century adventure continues, with participants mindful of the hard and often harsh journey endured by the Ninnes family and many other Cornish miners in 1852, as they made their way across South Australia towards the Victorian goldfields.