2. Mapsheet 1D – Mount Magnificent summit loop, August 2023

View pdf map showing re-route

A recent addition to the trail in the Mount Magnificent Conservation Park has created a loop allowing walkers easier access to the summit of Mt Magnificent. The 3.5 km loop follows the Parks SA ‘Mount Magnificent Loop Trail’.

Prior to the change, north bound walkers were able to access the summit by taking the spur 500 metres west of the Mt Magnificent Rd. This old spur is remains in place.

To create the loop, Parks rangers marked a second (eastern) spur approximately 100 metres west of the park entrance off Mt Magnificent Rd. In addition to being marked as the Mt Magnificent Loop, this part of the trail also has the traditional red coloured Heysen Trail arrows.

Walkers heading in a south- north bound direction will take the new spur trail to the south. This part of the loop heads south gradually getting closer to the road before turning west to join the original spur just below the summit. The short but steep climb to the summit (380 metres above sea level) affords a magnificent view!

Walkers then return to the trail proper by turning around to descend to the the loop and this time following the old spur trail north.

Walkers not intending to do the loop walk have the option of the shorter east to west section of the original trail. This 500 metre section of the trail is now marked with black arrows as an alternative Heysen Trail route.

Download gpx file for loading onto your GPS unit

3. Mapsheet 1D: Re-route at Kyeema – exit off Woodgate Hill Rd, December 2022

View pdf map showing re-route

The Heysen Trail has been permanently re-routed through Kyeema Conservation Park, parallel to Woodgate Hill Road but completely within the Park boundary.

Northbound, it enters the Park through the gate at the junction of Woodgate Hill and Blackfellows Creek Roads (Mapsheet 1D and Southern Guidebook Map 2.8,  Grid Ref 909 942). The new route runs along the southern boundary of the Park until it re-joins the main Trail at Grid Ref.  899 943, near the Kyeema car park.

This re-route greatly improves walker safety by eliminating the undulating walk along Woodgate Hill Rd. It also provides a much more enjoyable walk through the park.

Walkers should exercise caution when crossing Woodgate Hill Road near the junction with Blackfellows Creek Road.

We appreciate the assistance of the Parks SA Rangers who helped with the route selection and trail marking.

Download gpx file for loading onto your GPS unit

4. Mapsheet 1D and 2A: Re-route at Chookarloo Campground, Kuitpo Forest, January 2023

View pdf map showing re-route

This is a minor but permanent re-route of the Trail near Chookarloo Campground at Kuitpo Forest.

The new route directs walkers away from the Kuitpo Tree Climb and associated car park. Northbound, it deviates from the Trail at the Avenues Picnic Ground (Mapsheet 2A & Southern Guidebook, Map 2.9 at Grid Ref. 916 015), runs parallel with Black Nursery Road for 200 metres before crossing the road. The new trail then enters the forest at GR 918 015. After a short meander through a dense eucalypt forest, it rejoins the Trail just to the north of the Tree Climb area.

The two hike-in campsites at Chookarloo have been closed, but the other 21 campsites in this campground are available for hikers.

Walkers should be aware of increased road traffic when crossing Black Nursery Road and should avoid entering the Tree Climb facility and walking under the high ropes course. There is now a cafe at the the facility and walkers are welcome to take a break and tarry a while at the cafe. Please walk around the high ropes apparatus when accessing the cafe.

Download gpx file for loading onto your GPS unit

5. Mapsheet 1D and 2A: Alternate Route at Knott Hill Plantation (Kuitpo Forest ), April 2023

View pdf map showing re-route

Walkers now have the option of two routes through Knott Hill Plantation. The re-route affects both Mapsheets 1D & 2A.

The original route via Knott Hill planation

Following the completion of a logging operation commenced in September 2021, the original trail has been restored.

This route heads westwards along Wicks Road before heading northwards towards Stagecoach Lane (6km).

The new optional route following sections of the Onkeeta & Willunga Basin Trail

The new route involves a walk further to the east.

It departs the main Trail at grid reference 898 027 and follows the Onkeeta and Willunga Basin Trails northward. It skirts along the eastern side of the forest before rejoining the main trail on Stagecoach Lane  at grid reference 904 054. The distance for this option is 3.5 kms

This additional route is designed to avoid sections of the Knott Hill plantation which may be logged from time to time.

It is marked as an alternative route, and will remain available in the event of future logging operations nearby.

Download gpx file for loading onto your GPS unit