Earlier start to the 2026-2027 Fire Danger Season to restrict access to the Heysen Trail between Wirrabara and Parachilna.
The SA Country Fire Service (CFS) has declared the Fire Danger Season will start early in the Flinders district. This means that access to the Heysen Trail north of Wirrabara will be closed to walkers commencing from Thursday October 15, 2026..
The Heysen Trail is closed during the Fire Danger Season. As the trail passes through several fire ban districts, the trail closures will now commence progressively from Thursday October 15, 2026.
A wet winter has encouraged vegetation growth. Expected increased temperatures for spring have brought the fire season forward in this area.
At this stage there has been no announcement for the Mid North and Mt Lofty District, so the trail south of Wirrabara remains open for the present. However you should check the CFS website for any further announcements.
Some sections of the trail remain open over the Fire Danger Season
During the declared fire danger season some sections of the Heysen Trail remain open to walkers. They are principally the sections of the trail that are not on private land. These include public roads, Conservation Parks and Reserves, Forests and vacant land.
The Wild South Coast Way on the Heysen Trail between Cape Jervis and Victor Harbor will remain open during the Fire Danger Season for the Mt Lofty Ranges region, but will be closed on days of Catastrophic fire danger.
Please note that Conservation Parks and Reserves and Forests are closed on days of Total Fire Ban. The CFS publishes these bans, as does the Bureau of Meteorology. In addition, the media also broadcast weather reports including fire ban information.
If you want to walk on the trail, check which Fire District you will be in. The Fire Districts and closure dates are listed on the Fire Danger Season page of the Friends website.
We strongly advise you to respect the rights of landholders. Please restrict any activity which may increase the risk of fire in this period.
Details of the Fire Ban Districts can also be found on the Interactive Map on the Friends website.