Office Closure Over Christmas

Our office is closed over the Christmas period, from Dec 13th, to give our volunteers a well-earned break. We’ll reopen on Tuesday 21st January. You can still register for walks online during this time.

Billionaire Kerry Stokes in talks to buy coastal land to reroute Heysen Trail

Click on image to view larger imagePlans are afoot to re-route a section of the Heysen Trail near Balquhidder Station and Tunkalilla Beach to take in more of the spectacular coastline.

An article on news.com.au (and in today’s Advertiser) has brought to light that billionaire Kerry Stokes is in “secret talks” with the state government to buy a parcel of coastal land at Tunkalilla Beach.

The Advertiser quotes Mr Stokes as saying “This is an amazing part of South Australia and I am looking forward to ensuring its heritage and also opening up the Heysen Trail.”

“We were approached by the department to extend The Heysen Trail and create some hard-stand facilities for youth engagement.”

The re-route of the Heysen Trail along the coast through Balquihidder Station is something we’ve been keen on for a while. A re-route and upgrade of the Heysen Trail along the South Coast could see the Trail become a significant drawcard for walkers both locally, nationionally and internationally.

We welcome the prospect of improved facilities for people of all ages to hike the highlight section of the Heysen Trail South Coast from Cape Jervis to Victor Harbor.

Walking SA Newsletter

Click on image to view larger imageFind out about what is happening over at Walking SA in their latest newsletter:

  • Report from the new Board
  • Introducing the People of the Transitional Board
  • Report of the Structural Review of Walking SA by BDO
  • Lavender Federation Trail Volunteers Win Awards
  • Walking with the Kangaroo Island Walking Club

View the newsletter at www.walkingsa.org.au

2014 Heysen Trail Calendars now available for pick-up

Click on image to view larger imageThe calendars have been printed and delivered to the office. Postal orders will go out tomorrow, and other orders can be collected from the office (it’s not too late to pay for it to be posted).

The shop is open from 10.30am until 2.30pm Monday to Friday, closing for Christmas from Friday 13th December until Tuesday 21st January 2014.

Some limited stock remains for sale at $18 a copy. Contact the office to purchase one.

Showcasing photographs of SA’s iconic hiking trail – the 1,200km Heysen Trail, the calendar is an A4 landscape wall calendar, unfolding to A3 with a month to an opening.

Book launch: Walking with Warren – during one half life

Click on image to view larger imageBook launch: “Walking with Warren – during one half life” by author Terry Kreig.

Sunday 1 December 2013, 4pm at the Fullarton Park Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton.

Official launch by Alice Bonython. Screen presentation of some of Warren’s exploits and 30 minute Super8 movie film shot during Warren’s and Terry’s walk around Lake Eyre in 1982.

If possible, please RSVP early this week to patez1@yahoo.com

Twilight Walk Calendar & Walk Season Calendar released

The Twilight Walk Season calendar has been released.

http://bit.ly/twilight-walks-2013-4

1.5 to 2 hour walks on Wednesday evenings, close to Adelaide. Meeting at 6pm, followed by a meal if you wish. Next one on 27th Walk the beach from Semaphore to Fort Largs, check out the fort and the Snakepit and then amble back along the boardwalk to Semaphore for dinner at the Semaphore Pub. http://bit.ly/1bLAhS9

End-to-End Walk Season Calendar for April to Nov 2014 released.

http://bit.ly/End-to-End-2014

A new End-to-End 9 group will start at Cape Jervis on May 19. Bookings will open 4 weeks prior.

Complete the entire Heysen Trail. There are approximately sixty day walks involved, spread over six years. The southern walks, from Cape Jervis to Kapunda, are held on one Sunday per month during the walk season. Due to the greater travelling distances involved, from Kapunda northwards, the walk is held over a weekend.

TrailStarter and TrailWalker 2014 Walk Season calendar released, from April to November 2014.

http://bit.ly/TrailWalker-TrailStarter-2014

TrailStarter walks introduce people to bushwalking, for those who are not regular walkers and those who have not walked in a group previously or who want a shorter walk. Walk time of about 3 to 4 hours and will generally be not too physically demanding.

TrailWalker walks are reasonably demanding and for walkers who have walked regularly in various terrain. They have a walking time of about 5 to 6 hours and will require a high degree of physical fitness.

Last Chance to Pre-Order 2014 Calendar of the Heysen Trail

Click on image to view larger imageLast chance to pre-order your copy of the 2014 Calendar of the Heysen Trail now for $15. At the end of the week pre-orders will close, and the calendars will retail for $18.

Showcasing photographs of SA’s iconic hiking trail – the 1,200km Heysen Trail, the calendar is an A4 landscape wall calendar, unfolding to A3 with a month to an opening.

Released in late November at $18, last chance to pre-order for $15.

Pre-order at www.heysentrail.asn.au/calendar/

End of Year Bash, BBQ + Band

Click on image to view larger imageCome and see your President boogie to the tune of the foot-tapping Bogaduck Band at the beautiful Paxton Winery in McLaren Vale.

Befores, bbq and artisan bread provided. Wine for purchase by the bottle or glass, cash only, no BYO. Bring beer or soft drink, bring Salad or Dessert to share, chair or rug, plates & cutlery.

Paxton Winery, Lot 100 Wheaton Road, McLaren Vale

Success of the Day on the Heysen Trail – the Warren Bonython Memorial Walk

Click on image to view larger imageWhat a success Sunday was, 556 people hiking along the 60 sections of the 1,200km Heysen Trail. Every section of the trail was walked on the day, and with such a fine weekend plenty of other people out hiking the trail too.

Thanks to all leaders, members and guests, for being involved. It was wonderful to meet new people and have them raving about the county we walked through. Simon Bonython walked in his father’s footsteps, completing the Cleland to Norton Summit walk.

A big thanks to the organising committee led by Simon Cameron, and all the members who jumped on board to make this event a big success. 18 months in the planning, and a fantastic outcome.

A great celebration of Warren Bonython’s life and the Heysen Trail.

View a collection of photos up and down the trail on Facebook (no Facebook account required): https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.627709787273187.1073741834.106108449433326

Now Selling Online: Multi-Walk Cards and Golden Boots Cards

We are now selling Multi-Walk Cards and Golden Boots Cards online during walk registrations.

The cards are virtual. As you use trips off of your Multi-Walk Card those trips will be debited. When you have insufficient trips remaining to participate in a walk you are registering for you will be prompted to purchase a new card, and a new card of five trips will be credited to your account. Cards will no longer be issued as paper cards.

If you have any questions, please contact the office.