The importance of fresh water is abundantly clear for most of this section of the Trail which follows the Freshwater intake channel for Bundaleer Reservoir, only leaving it for a few kilometres to go through the township of Spalding. You’ll also see some fascinating examples of engineering from the early 1900s.
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Bundaleer Reservoir
Passing Bundaleer Reservoir and the permanently flowing Bundaleer Creek, the Trail joins the Bundaleer northern intake channel at the aqueduct. After leaving the channels at the weir you’ll follow Never Never Creek past remnant Yacca forests and grazing land towards Bundaleer Forest.
Tapanappa
Along this picturesque section you’ll experience the diversity of the Heysen Trail as you pass through native bushland, walk along the beautiful Tunkalilla Beach, view lush farmland, climb Balquhidder and see some very memorable hills. You might even spot a whale!
Tugwell Road
Along this part of the Trail you’ll be following country roads, farm fence lines, forest trails and attractive road reserves. Native orchids, grass trees, abundant birdlife and classic Fleurieu farmland views make this a walk to remember. Take time out to explore the great views from the Robinson Hill Camp Site.
Inman Valley
Majestic gums line the roadsides leading to the climb up Sugarloaf Hill where you’ll be rewarded with great rural views. The Trail then heads into the spectacular Myponga Conservation Park for more views and some testing undulation. Pretty farmland and quiet country roads complete this section.
Dashwood Gully
This picturesque walk takes you through gently undulating farmland, the northern parts of Kuitpo Pine Forest and through a significant site in South Australia’s gold rush history, the Jupiter Creek Goldfields.
Mylor
Although this is the most populated section of the Trail it retains a rural feel as you pass through the parks and bushland of Bridgewater, Mount George Conservation Park, Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens and Cleland National Park.
Cleland
This spectacular section of the Trail passes through the native bushland of Cleland National Park, Horsnell Gully and Morialta Conservation Parks and along pleasant roadsides, giving you the opportunity to take in spectacular views over Adelaide and the Hills.
Montacute Heights
After an initial road walk the Trail makes a very long and steep descent to Sixth Creek before climbing again through Montacute Conservation Park and Mount Crawford Forest Reserve.
The section between the Montacute Conservation Park and Snake Gully Road (Cudlee Creek) was devastated by bushfires in 2019. Fortunately the vegetation is gradually returning and you’ll enjoy a pleasant walk past pretty private gardens along Holland Creek Road as you complete your walk.
Cudlee Creek
Along this part of the Trail you’ll be led through the rolling hills of the Southern Mount Lofty Ranges and sections of Mount Crawford Forest. You’ll enjoy outstanding views as you climb towards Mount Gould.