Month: August 2017

Proposed Upgrade of South Coast Heysen Trail – Feedback Sought

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Feedback sought on Heysen Trail South Coast Proposed UpgradeA proposal is under consideration to upgrade the Heysen Trail on the southern Fluerieu Peninsula (67km / 5 days), which will encourage walkers to visit the area, in particular tourists from outside the region.

Feedback is being sought from the public, walkers and potential tourism and adventure operators. The survey will take approx 10 minuntes to complete, or 22 minutes if reading the additional supporting proposal.

About the Upgrade Proposal

Various combinations of walk options will allow for day walkers, 1-2 day walkers, 5-day walkers and a 1-day Accessible trail, with walkers camping on the trail or staying in accommodation nearby. Tourism operators will be able to offer transport services, either daily or the start and end of multi-day walks.

At the core of the product will be a through walk commencing from Cape Jervis and providing access to four exclusive camping sites at Eagle Waterhole, Tapanappa, Balquhidder and Newland Head. These sites will include camping platforms, shelter, toilets and water tanks. Through walkers can tailor their walk, exiting the trail after any of the day walk stages. Tourism operators will add value through the provision of transport, accommodation and other services to day and multi-day walkers.

To provide a ‘softer’ recreational experience for day visitors to the region, or those passing through on their way to Kangaroo Island, and perhaps to encourage new walkers to the region and park, it is proposed that an extensive re-development of the Heysen Trail between Cape Jervis and Fishery Beach (4km one-way, 8km return) will be undertaken to provide a Class 1 trail with boardwalk, viewing platforms and interpretation that will provide an Accessible trail for prams and those with mobility aids including wheelchairs. A boardwalk will be constructed with viewing platforms at points of significant interest in association with appropriate interpretation.

An extension of this upgraded trail onwards to Blowhole Beach (11km walk from Cape Jervis) as a Class 2 trail which will cater for all-terrain wheelchairs, which will be available for hire from the Sealink terminal for visitors with significant physical disabilities. This section will again be suitable for recreational walkers as a two-way linear walk from Cape Jervis or a one way walk with a pick up at the Cobbler Hill camp ground, which will be upgraded to allow cars and buses to park safety.

The proposal is an initiative of the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) and the District Council of Yankalilla, and supports tourism and nature based recreation in regional South Australia.

Provide feedback about this proposal at deepcreek.questionpro.com.

Changes to walk booking arrangements – Golden Boots and Multiwalk Cards

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We have recently made changes to our walk booking arrangements. The major change was to discontinue the sale of Multiwalk passes.

Council recently approved changes to walk booking arrangements to simplify our website redevelopment project. In addition to the discontinuation of multiwalk passes Golden Boots passes can now be used on Twilight walks.

When registering for walk, walkers now have the choice of  using:

  • the casual walk fee option of $8 per walk or
  • a Golden Boots pass (unlimited walks over 12 months at a cost of $60).

The concessional rate of $1 per walk for walkers under the age of 18 years will remain in place.

We have advised existing Multiwalk passholders of transitional arrangements available to them until the time that their Multiwalk pass would have expired.

We trust you will appreciate the exceptional value available through the purchase of a Golden Boots pass and the convenience of having to pay only once a year for the cost of your walks.

If you have any questions about these changes or problems registering for your next walk, please contact the Office.