The Heysen Trail

Interactive Map

View Interactive Map showing the Heysen Trail with accommodation options, re-routes, Fire Ban Districts and Tourism Regions.

heysen_trail_google_map_preview

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.

More about the Heysen Trail

When to hike along the Heysen Trail

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 along the Heysen Trail

Re-Routes

Due to maintenance or access issues it is occassionally necessary to re-align sections of the Heysen Trail.

Directory of services along the Heysen Trail

Service Directory

List of services along the Heysen Trail: supermarkets, general stores, medical services, internet access, payphones and post offices.

Heysen Trail map sheets, new September 2014

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(the Southern Guide from Cape Jervis to Spalding and the Northern Guide from Spalding to Parachilna Gorge) were superseded by eight map sheets.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 of the Heysen Trail

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 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.

More about the Friends

Upcoming Walks

Walk Programme

View more details about the walk programme

News

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.

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.

Heysen Trail through the Buckaringa Sanctuary Closed Wed 4th to Tues 10th October

Heysen Trail through the Buckaringa Sanctuary Closed Wed 4th to Tues 10th OctoberThe 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.

Big bold idea for Heysen Trail Northern Trailhead

Big bold idea for Heysen Trail Northern TrailheadThe Friends announce an exciting proposal to enhance the Northern Trailhead at Parachilna. We also provide an update on the Friends website review.

Heysen Trail GPX files update for GPS: latest edition includes 9 reroutes

Heysen Trail GPX files update for GPS: latest edition includes 9 reroutesThis 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.

The Friends of the Heysen Trail's Trailwalker magazine

Trailwalker Magazine

The magazine published by the Friends of the Heysen Trail in April, August & December. Download the latest Trailwalker issue.

View all Trailwalker magazines.

End-to-end walks along the Heysen Trail with the Friends of the Heysen Trail

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 the Friends of the Heysen Trail

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

Walk Program calendar 287

Print Walk Programme

Download an easy-to-print season walk programme. View online walk calendar.