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) will be open all year round except that it will be closed on days of catastrophic fire danger. Parks website should also be checked on days of extreme 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(the Southern Guide from Cape Jervis to Spalding and the Northern Guide from Spalding to Parachilna Gorge) were superseded by eight map sheets.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
Sections of the Heysen Trail in the Mt Lofty fire district now closed over the Fire Danger Season 2021/22
With the commencement of the Fire Danger Season in the Mt Lofty Ranges Fire Ban District on December 1st, many sections along the entire length of the Heysen Trail are now closed. The closed sections, mainly those on private property will progressively open during April/May 2022.
Walkers are requested to not access the trail where it traverses private property. Some other sections of the trail will remain open provided there is not a total fire ban in operation.
The Wild South Coast Way can be walked on any day except those of catastrophic fire danger
Posted in Trail Status (Open/Close)
The Friends Office Closure
The Friends
The Office will be closed from 2.30 pm this Friday, Dec 10th 2021 and reopen on Tuesday 1st February 2022.
If you have ordered a 2022 Calendar you can collect it before the Office closes. You can still purchase a copy from our online store.
The online shop will remain open over the break but deliveries may take longer.
Posted in Merchandise
2022 Heysen Trail Calendar available for immediate delivery.
The 2022 Heysen Trail Calendar will be in our Office on Friday 19th November and available for immediate delivery. Value priced at $12.00/copy. Make sure you order a copy for yourself and as a Christmas gift.
Posted in Merchandise
Our 2021-22 Summer walks commence this week.
Daylight saving is here and with the approach of warmer weather, our evening walks are about to start. We also have some longer walks earlier in the day.
Posted in Walks & Events
Heysen Trail closure dates over the 2021-2022 Fire Danger Season
The CFS has announced the 2021/2022 Fire Danger Season dates for all of 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 Sunday November 1st 2021.
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
