Trail Closures during the Fire Danger Season

The threat of bushfire affects large areas of south-eastern Australia.

The 1200km Heysen Trail is closed during times of high fire risk – called “Fire Danger Season”.

Dates are declared annually by the SA Country Fire Service (CFS) – falling between November and April. CFS dates override over any dates on printed maps or local Heysen Trail signage. The Trail crosses several Fire Ban Districts.

Declared Fire Danger Season Dates 2024-2025

The CFS Chief Officer has declared the Fire Danger Season dates for 2024/2025: www.cfs.sa.gov.au.It is essential to check the CFS end of season dates closer to April 2025.

Exceptions for Walking

The Wild South Coast Way on the Heysen Trail (between Cape Jervis and Victor Harbor) is open  all year round – except that closures apply on days declared as Catastrophic fire danger: https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/wild-south-coast-way/accommodation

Walking trails in National/Conservation Parks, Forestry SA forests & SA Water reservoirs are open all year – but check for local closures. Camping is available year round at booked National Park sites. Forestry sites and other Heysen Trail huts/hike-in sites are closed in fire danger season.

Parks and Forestry alerts state that Walkers “are responsible for checking” fire danger season and other trail closure advices as different rules may apply locally:

• Parks NPWS:  https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/know-before-you-go/closures-and-alerts
• Forestry SA: https://www.forestrysa.com.au/before-you-visit/forest-closures-and-alerts/
• SA Water: https://www.reservoirs.sa.gov.au/conditions-of-entry

Ongoing access to the Heysen Trail depends upon continued co-operation with private landholders and support from Parks SA, ForestrySA and SA Water so it’s essential to adhere to closures.