Latest update to the Heysen Trail gpx and Interactive Map

With the opening of the walk season approaching, we have updated the Heysen Trail gpx file to include all re-routes since the last version of the consolidated gpx file was released in August 2023.

The reroutes have been added to the downloadable GPX file (version 4.7 released 6/2/2024) and the Interactive Map as displayed on Friends of the Heysen Trail website.

You can find instructions for downloading the updated file onto your GPS unit on the Maps & GPS page.

The reroutes have had a very minor impact on the Heysen Trail Distances.

Please note the the revised gpx file does not include temporary reroutes such as :

• Those frequently established around Forestry SA logging operations in the Kuitpo and Mt Crawford Forest reserves (Mapsheets 1D, 2A & 2D)
  
• The Maryvale reroute, south of Hamilton (Mapsheet 3B)
• The Goyder Windfarm reroute, east of Huppatz Hut (Mapsheet 3D

Cessation of our re-route and trail closure email subscription service

Due to a major cost increase imposed on us by a third party supplier, we have been forced to review the manner in which we advise members and walkers of changes to the trail closure periods and updates to the website gpx files.

We have now suspended the issue of notifications to subscribers by email. We are examining alternative arrangements as part of our website review project. As an interim measure we will advise you of trail changes using our  website banner alert/messaging system.

If you are not already aware, the banners appear at the top of every page of our website. As an example there is currently a banner in place to advise walkers of the closure of the trail over the Fire Danger Season. The headline notice includes a link to a website news item which provides further information.

Improvements to the Walk Selector pages

Walkers are advised to that following recent improvements to our website,  the Heysen Trail Walk Selector pages now include:

• Re-routes – all current re-routes (permanent and temporary) are listed for each of the 61 ‘day walk’ sections from Cape Jervis to Parachilna.
  Before before setting out on any walk, you should check the relevant Walk Selector page to make sure you are aware of any recent trail changes.
• Vehicle access to End to End points – there are a limited number of ‘End to End’ start and finishing points that do not have close access to a public road.
  In those cases, the Walk Selector pages now include an advisory note to independent/through walkers wishing to get vehicle access to End to End points.

This is a summary of the latest permanent reroutes of the Heysen Trail that have been undertaken by the Trail Development Committee in consultation with the Department of Environment & Water (DEW).

The reroutes have been added to the downloadable GPX file (version 4.4 released 7/8/2023) and the Interactive Map as displayed on Friends of the Heysen Trail website.

You can find instructions for downloading the updated file onto your GPS unit on the Maps & GPS page.

The following re-routes and updates have been added:

1. Mapsheet 1A – Reroute around Tapanappa Campsite for the Wild South Coast Way
2. Mapsheet 1A-1B – The Wild South Coast Way spur trail from Kings Beach to Victor Harbor
3. Mapsheet 1C – Reroute at Robinson Hill/Jaggers Block, September 2022
4. Mapsheet 1D – Reroute at Kyeema – exit off Woodgate Hill Rd, December 2022
5. Mapsheet 1D and 2A – Reroute at Chookarloo Campground, Kuitpo Forest, January 2023
6. Mapsheet 1D and 2A – Alternate Route at Knott Hill Plantation (Kuitpo Forest), April 2023
7. Mapsheet 2D – Reroute at Old School House, Mt Crawford Forest, July 2023
8. Mapsheet 4B – Realignment of the trail east of Mt Bryan, September 2022
9. Mapsheet 8C – Yuluna realignment, Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park, April 2023

Please note the the revised gpx file does not include temporary reroutes such as :

• Those frequently established around Forestry SA logging operations in the Kuitpo and Mt Crawford Forest reserves (Mapsheets 1D, 2A & 2D)
  
• The Maryvale reroute, south of Hamilton (Mapsheet 3B)
• The Goyder Windfarm reroute, east of Huppatz Hut (Mapsheet 3D

Walkers are advised to check the Heysen Trail Reroutes page before setting out on any walk to make sure you are aware of any recent trail changes.

The reroutes have also had a very minor impact on the Heysen Trail Distances.

A collection of re-routes and corrections of the trail path in the downloadable GPX file and Interactive Map.

These re-routes have also had a minor +3km impact on the Heysen Trail Distances.

The following re-routes, updates and corrections have been added::

1. Mapsheet 2B – minor correction of display of trail route around Morialta Barns
2. Mapsheet 2D – reroute of trail along Tower Rd/Ross Fire Track to take the trail off Wirra Wirra Rd
3. Mapsheet 3A – minor correction of display of trail route to show it following Roennfeldt Rd near Sturt Highway
4. Mapsheet 3B – minor, display Marrabel ‘Walk-in’ site on download files
5. Mapsheet 4A – show reroute of trail through the southern part of Caroona Creek Conservation Park, and more accurate alignment in the northern part of the Conservation Park
6. Mapsheet 5A – minor, display Bundaleer Sports ground campsite on download files
7. Mapsheet 5B – show reroute of trail through main street of Crystal Brook
8. Mapsheet 5B – show reroute of trail north of Bowman Park
9. Mapsheet 6A – show reroute of trail in Wirrabara forest approaching Block 9 Road
10. Mapsheet 6A – minor, display White Park Tank on download files. This tank will be installed in June 2022.
11. Mapsheet 6B – minor realignment of route along the Pine Track
12. Mapsheet 6C – minor correction of display of trail route approaching Horrocks Pass, and more accurate alignment along the pass.
13. Mapsheet 6D – include alternate Heysen Trail route of the The Dutchmans Stern Hike.