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 2023-2024
The CFS Chief Officer has declared the Fire Danger Season dates for 2023/2024: www.cfs.sa.gov.au.It is essential to check the CFS end of season dates closer to April 2024.
| Fire Ban District | Fire Danger Season | |
|---|---|---|
| From | To | |
| Mount Lofty Ranges | 15 November 2023 | 30 April 2024 |
| Adelaide Metropolitan | 15 November 2023 | 30 April 2024 |
| Mid North | 1 November 2023 | 30 April 2024 |
| Flinders | 16 October 2023 | 15 April 2024 |
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/park-closure-descriptions
- 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.