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(the Southern Guide from Cape Jervis to Spalding and the Northern Guide from Spalding to Parachilna Gorge) were superseded by eight map sheets.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
Respectful conversation in Australia – a First Nation’s Voice to Parliament
At the Referendum on the Australian Constitution that will be held on October 14th 2023, Australians are being asked if they support Aboriginal recognition and an Aboriginal Voice to Parliament. The Friends Council and the Reconciliation Committee encourage all members to be informed on the Voice from all perspectives and to respect all individuals and their positions in relation to the Voice.
Posted in General
The Friends End of Year Bash is on again at Belair, November 26th 2023
The End of Year Bash is on again. Belair National Park Sunday Nov 26th 2023. Entry is free. Bookings are open now.
Posted in Merchandise, Walks & Events
Heysen Trail through the Buckaringa Sanctuary Closed Wed 4th to Tues 10th October
The Heysen Trail through the Buckaringa Sanctuary will be closed to walkers from the evening of 4th October to the morning of 10th October 2023. The closure is due to a feral animal control program being conducted in the area.
Posted in Trail Status (Open/Close)
Big bold idea for Heysen Trail Northern Trailhead
The Friends announce an exciting proposal to enhance the Northern Trailhead at Parachilna. We also provide an update on the Friends website review.
Posted in Friends, Trail Development
Heysen Trail GPX files update for GPS: latest edition includes 9 reroutes
This is a major update: the downloadable GPX file and Interactive Map have been updated to include 9 trail re-routes since the last update in May 2022.
Posted in GPS/GPX Files Updates
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
