The Heysen Trail
Interactive Map
View Interactive Map showing the Heysen Trail with accommodation options, re-routes, Fire Ban Districts and Tourism Regions.
The Heysen Trail
South Australia’s 1,200km Heysen Trail extends from Cape Jervis, on the Fleurieu Peninsula, to Parachilna Gorge, in the Flinders Ranges, traversing coastal areas, native bushland, rugged gorges, pine forests, vineyards, rich farmland and historic towns.
It caters for both the serious backpacker hiking the entire trail and for walkers doing day walks along shorter sections.
When to Hike
The Heysen Trail is generally open between April and November. During the summer Fire Danger Season, much of the trail is closed.
The first 80km section of the Heysen Trail between Cape Jervis and Victor Harbor (the new Wild South Coast Way on the Heysen Trail) is open all year round, except that it will be closed on days of catastrophic fire danger. The Parks website should also be checked on days of extreme fire danger or total fire bans.
Re-Routes
Due to maintenance or access issues it is occassionally necessary to re-align sections of the Heysen Trail.
Service Directory
List of services along the Heysen Trail: supermarkets, general stores, medical services, internet access, payphones and post offices.
Maps
Map sheets and guidebooks published by the Department for Environment and Water (DEW). From September 2014, the two guidebooks (the Southern Guide from Cape Jervis to Spalding and the Northern Guide from Spalding to Parachilna Gorge) were superseded by eight map sheets. Buy online now from $15 with postage from $3.80.
GPS Files
Download the GPX or KML waypoint data files to load onto your GPS unit for use as a navigational aid when walking the Heysen Trail.
Huts & Camping
Scattered along the Heysen Trail are numerous campsites, huts, shelters, caravan parks, hotels and bed & breakfasts. View accommodation options.
The Friends
The Friends of the Heysen Trail
The not-for-profit organisation the Friends of the Heysen Trail maintains the Heysen Trail in partnership with the Department for Environment and Water (DEW).
A regular walking program occurs year-wide, with different grades of walks catering for beginners to experienced walkers.
Upcoming Walks
Walk Programme
View more details about the walk programmeNews
2023-24 Fire Danger Season closes the Heysen Trail early.
Restrictions caused by early declaration of the of the Fire Danger season for the Flinders. Mid North & Mt Lofty Fire Districts. The Wild South Coast Way on the Heysen remains open, except on days of catastrophic fire danger.
Posted in Trail Status (Open/Close)
The Friends Office holiday closure – 2.30pm Friday December 8th 2023
The Friends of the Heysen Trail office will close over the Christmas and New Year period at 2.30pm on Friday, December 8th 2023. Normal office operations will recommence on Tuesday, February 6th 2024. If you contact the office (by email or telephone) over the closure period, it is unlikely that we will respond to your enquiry until the office reopens. We recommend that you refer to the website for any information you may need.
Posted in General
Final announcement of the 2023-24 Fire Danger Season dates affecting the Heysen Trail.
Restrictions caused by early declaration of the of the Fire Danger season for the Flinders. Mid North & Mt Lofty Fire Districts.
The trail over private property north of Tanunda closed on November 1, 2023. Affected sections south of Tanunda will close on November 15, 2023.
Posted in Trail Status (Open/Close)
Closure of Southern Flinders Ranges Parks – November 4th to 10th 2023
The Mt Brown and Dutchmans Stern Conservation Parks in the Southern Flinders Ranges will be temporarily closed while pest control programs are undertaken from Saturday, 4th November until Friday, 10th November 2023.
Posted in Hiking the Trail, Trail Status (Open/Close)
The Heysen Trail 2024 calendars have arrived. Now available for immediate delivery. Only $12!
The Friends 2024 Heysen Trail calendars are now in stock and ready for immediate despatch.. Buy a copy now for only $12.
Posted in Merchandise
Trailwalker Magazine
The magazine published by the Friends of the Heysen Trail in April, August & December. Download the latest Trailwalker issue.
End-to-End Walks
End-to-end walks are for those wishing to complete the entire Heysen Trail. As the schedule and trail logistics are done by the Friends they are easy for walkers to participate in.
Contact
Suite 203, 2nd Floor Epworth Building
33 Pirie Street, Adelaide, South Australia 5000
Australia
Phone (08) 8212 6299
heysentrail@heysentrail.asn.au
Open Mon-Fri 10.30am - 2.30pm
View shop/office map
