The South Australian Tourism Commission Experience Nature Tourism Fund has granted Bike About funds to purchase a vehicle and e-bikes to deliver a new 7-day e-bike tour through the Clare Valley and Flinders Ranges, entering Flinders Ranges National Park and Mount Remarkable National Park.
These funds will help grow the Bike About business at least two years ahead of schedule. Dan Young, owner of Bike About, said, “Traditionally, we’ve operated day trips and our 7-day SA food and wine tour among the regions close to Adelaide, including the Adelaide Hills and Barossa. We knew from speaking to our customers that there was a demand for a more extended tour that went further afield.”
“We’re excited to work with a range of fantastic tourism businesses on this new tour, including Rawnsley Park Station, Wadna, the Watervale Hotel and O’Leary Walker.
“Demand for the new tour is strong, with July and August already sold out. We look forward to sharing more of our state’s beautiful national parks with international and domestic visitors.”
Over three rounds, $1.5 million has now been allocated to support 46 projects worth over $2.5 million in project value. Bike About is one of thirteen tourism businesses receiving grants totalling more than $500,000 in the third round of the Experience Nature Tourism Fund in 2024. As a result of the funding managed by the South Australian Tourism Commission, there are more opportunities to experience South Australia’s stunning nature and wildlife in national parks, helping attract domestic and international visitors.
Projects funded under this latest round are spread across the Clare Valley, Eyre Peninsula, Flinders Ranges and Outback, Kangaroo Island, Limestone Coast, Murray River, Lakes & Coorong, and Riverland.
At the announcement of the funding round, Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said, “Our magnificent nature and wildlife are drawcards for visitors. This fund is about responsibly and sustainably sharing our state’s incredible natural landscapes, rich cultural history, and stunning wildlife with domestic and international travellers. ”
“It’s great that the fund is also helping our state’s tourism operators, such as Bike About, bring their innovative nature-based tourism ideas to market sooner, helping them grow their business and drive visitation to South Australia by highlighting our national parks.”
