Check back here anytime to catch all the latest news from the Friends, updates on Trail reroutes and closures ahead of your hike, and see what adventures are coming up with the Friends.
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We have recently made changes to our walk booking arrangements. The major change made was to discontinue the sale of Multiwalk passes. 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). Golden Boots will now be accepted for our Wednesday Twilight walks.
The State Government is proposing to use the Recreational Greenways Act 2000 to protect the Heysen and Mawson Trail networks for recreational access in perpetuity for use by walkers and/or cyclists. This will create a greenway over sections of the Heysen and Mawson Trails within Wirrabara and Bundaleer Forests that are proposed to be sold to private parties. Our main concerns relate to the proposed change to the route in Bundaleer that removes the section walked from Curnow’s Hut to New Campbell Hill and consequently removes the extensive views across the Spencer Gulf as well as extending the distance.
A team of volunteers has made a successful start to our new End to End Maintenance program, working on the Heysen Trail between Cape Jervis and Tapanappa.
Thank you to the many volunteers who have helped plant trees on the Heysen Trail. At Duttons Trough the trees can now be seen above other vegetation.
At the Friends Annual General meeting last Friday, Melanie Sjoberg was elected as our new President. Melanie becomes our first female President. Melanie is a dedicated walker having completed the Heysen Trail with E2E 4 in August 2014. Congratulations to Melanie and thank you to Robert Alcock, our retiring President.
The Friends of the Heysen Trail are saddened by the passing of our highly esteemed past President Jamie Sheppard on 27 December, 2016. Jamie was active in all facets of the walking community, and a most generous host of social functions for the members. Jamie will be remembered as a true gentleman and friend to all who knew him, and he will be very sadly missed in the wider community.
The End to End Maintenance program is a major project to upgrade the Heysen Trail.
Friends of the Heysen Trail win an award at Walking SA Awards Presentation night
Storms have damaged some sections of the Heysen Trail. Walkers are urged to take care and report any damage to the Friend's office.
Recent heavy rains and flood damage in the Adelaide Hills have closed several roads and popular walking trails including the Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty track.
The Friends of the Heysen Trail report the death of Honorary Member Jim Crinion.
From August to October, walkers in South Australia need to be careful of dangers posed by bees. You may find bee hives around canola and other flowers. Avoid walking close to the hives. View our tips for hiking near bees.
