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.
Catering for both the serious backpacker walking the complete trail, and for the day walker who might choose to do short walks along different sections of the The Heysen Trail, the trail is managed by a partnership between:
- the volunteers of the Friends of the Heysen Trail,
- the Department for Environment & Water (DEW), and
- a number of volunteer walking clubs, landholders and individuals.
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 80 km 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 occasionally 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(the Southern Guide from Cape Jervis to Spalding and the Northern Guide from Spalding to Parachilna Gorge) were superseded by eight map sheets.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.
A comprehensive walking programme with various grades of walks is organised, social gatherings are held, and members are kept up to date with activities by means of the Trailwalker magazine which we publish three times a year.
Working groups carry out routine trail maintenance activities, as well as approved special projects such as installation of water tanks, and structures such as boardwalks.
Upcoming Walks
News
Heysen Trail closure dates over the 2025-2026 Fire Danger Season
The CFS has announced the 2025/2026 Fire Danger Season dates for the Fire Ban Districts in SA. Many sections of the Heysen Trail are closed during the Fire Danger Season. As the trail passes through several fire ban districts, the trail closures commence progressively from Saturray November 1st.
Posted in Trail Status (Open/Close)
Friends of the Heysen Trail 2026 calendar available now. Only $14!
You can pick up copies of the calendar from the office for only $14.00. Alternatively order from our on-line shop with postage only an additional $6.60.
Posted in Merchandise
The Friends Office holiday closure – 2.30pm Friday December 12th 2025
The Friends of the Heysen Trail office will close over the Christmas and New Year period at 2.30pm on Friday, December 12th 2025. Normal office operations will recommence on Tuesday, February 2nd 2026. 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
Heysen Trail Closure – Cudlee Creek
Section 15 of the Heysen Trail, specifically the segment between Union Bridge and Tippett Road in Cudlee Creek, is now closed. This closure is effective as of 5pm on Friday the 8th of August 2025 and will remain in place indefinitely.
Hikers will need to use Gorge Road and Tippett Road through this section to rejoin the existing trail. Please take care walking on these roads.
Posted in Mapsheet 2: Kuitpo Forest to Tanunda (Sept 2014), Trail Status (Open/Close)
Vale David Rattray OAM
The Friends mourn the death of David Rattray, one of our treasured volunteers, who died on July 16th 2025, at the age of 77 years.
Posted in AGM & other organisation meetings
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
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 Building33 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
