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(the Southern Guide from Cape Jervis to Spalding and the Northern Guide from Spalding to Parachilna Gorge) were superseded by eight map sheets.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
The Friends of the Heysen Trail 2023 calendar – final call for photos
The Friends of the Heysen Trail 2023 calendar is currently being compiled and we need your photos. Submit some of your photos for the calendar to be in the running for a free copy.
Get your entry in before the closing date of Monday 26th September.
Posted in Walks & Events
Bio Security alert – Be aware of the potential dangers of Foot & Mouth Disease
With the increasing risk of F&MD being introduced to Australia, it is essential that walkers take precautions to combat the potential spread of this and other soil borne diseases. Walkers are asked to clean footwear and equipment to eliminate the chance of spreading disease.
Posted in Hiking the Trail, Trail Status (Open/Close)
Temporary closure of the Heysen Trail in the Montacute Conservation Park, 25th-29th July 2022
Walkers are advised of the upcoming temporary closure of the Heysen Trail in the Montacute Conservation Park.
A pest control program will be undertaken in the park and on adjoining private propertyon Monday 25th to Friday July 29th 2022.
Posted in Trail Status (Open/Close)
Heysen Trail closure through the Buckaringa Sanctuary, Friday 26th to Monday 29th August 2022.
The Heysen Trail through the Buckaringa Sanctuary will be closed to walkers from the evening of 26th August to 8.00am on 29th August 2022. The closure is due to a feral animal control program being conducted in the area.
Posted in Trail Status (Open/Close)
Heysen Trail closure – Caroona Creek Conservation Park: May 25th-27th 2022.
The Heysen Trail through the Caroona Creek Conservation Park will be closed from 6.00 am Wednesday 25th May to 6.00 pm on Friday 27th May 2022. This is due to a feral animal control program being conducted by Parks SA. Walkers are advised to avoid the area.
Posted in Trail Status (Open/Close)
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
