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Heysen Trail closure through the Buckaringa Sanctuary, Friday 13th September to Monday 16th September 2019.
Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby at Buckaringa Wildlife Sanctuary in the Flinders Ranges.
The Buckaringa Sanctuary will be temporarily closed during the second weekend in mid September . As the Heysen Trail passes through the sanctuary, we advise walkers to consider the closure if planning to walk in the area.
The planned closure is:
- Friday evening 13th September to Monday morning 16th September 2019.
The closure is because the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) will be undertaking feral animal control in the sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to many Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies.
The sanctuary is located between Quorn and Hawker. You can find it on map 6, chapter 4, of the Heysen Trail Northern Guidebook and on Sheet Map 7b – Dutchmans Stern Conservation Park to Mernmerna Creek.
AWC will place closure signs at all entry points to the sanctuary to warn walkers of the danger.
Spring 2019
Issue 153
August 2019
Highlights include:
- Wading Through Canyons: National Parks of Southwest USA
- We Can’t Stop Here! The Heysen Trail Beyond Parachilna
- The Camino Inglés
- Cleaning Gore-Tex Jackets
- Botanic Thoughts on Mt Remarkable
Tanks-the unreliable water supply for walkers
One of the many tanks along the trail installed and maintained by the Friends of the Heysen Trail
Heysen Trail walkers are reminded that in some locations on the trail, the supply of water can’t be guaranteed
Walkers, especially through walkers, need to be aware that water and its quality cannot be guaranteed along the Trail.
Whilst we endeavour to have up to date information on water levels on all our tanks, due to the remote location of some, this is not always possible.
Be prepared
- Plan for your walk, by checking the location of tanks along the trail
There are approximately 70 publicly accessible water tanks and supply points along the trail, not including addition sources in the towns the trail passes. Generally you will pass at least one water point a day.
You can find a list of these water sources in the Accommodation list on the Friends website. By conducting a ‘Water tank’ & ‘Water only location’ search on that page, you will find the water points along your intended route.
- Look at what other walkers have reported about each of the water supplies.
Read any comments that have made by other walkers about the tanks and campsites. You will find them at the bottom of each page of the campsite and tank tank location description.
As the trail heads into the more remote and arid areas in the north, the water supply is less reliable. Read what other walkers have posted recently and as a back up, carry enough water to last into the next day if you’re unsure.
Send us reports on the condition of tanks, campsites and the trail.
You can help other walkers and our Office volunteers keep a track of water supplies. Tell us about tank water levels and quality in the ‘Leave a Reply’ section on the relevant Accommodation listing.
If you see maintenance work that needs attention, you can also report that to our Trail Development team. Post a comment and we will get the problem assessed and fixed as soon as possible.
If you have any questions or information that will assist us in maintaining the trail, you can also contact the Friend’s Office.
We trust this will help you and fellow walkers enjoy the trail.
Re-route to Kapunda Square, June 2019
View pdf map.
The Heysen Trail has been re-routed to take the trail into central Kapunda, to the newly constructed Kapunda Town Square (corner Main St and Crase St), and to be closer to bakeries, coffee shops, the camping ground and caravan park.
In July 2020 the route has been tweaked: heading north, the main trail continues along Cameron St, Branson Crescent and Crase St. An short alternative option is from Cameron St, along Mine St, then Whittaker St turning on to Crase St.
Download gpx file.
View all re-routes for the 2014 Southern Guidebook, 6th Edition
Mapsheet 3A and 3B: Re-route to Kapunda Square
View pdf map.
The Trail has been rerouted to go through the Kapunda Town Square (corner Main and Crase Streets) close to bakeries, coffee shops, the camp ground and caravan park.
Heading north, the Trail continues along Cameron Street, Branson Crescent and Crase Street. A short alternative option is from Cameron Street, along Mine Street, then Whittaker Street turning on to Crase Street.
Download gpx file.
This re-reoute applies to these 2 sections:
View all re-routes for the Mapsheet 3: Tanunda to Burra (May 2015)
The Friends welcome Joshua West as a new Ambassador for the Heysen Trail.
The Friends of the Heysen Trail are pleased to announce that Joshua West (also known as Trekking West) has accepted our invitation to act as a voluntary Ambassador for the Heysen Trail.
Josh joined the Friends prior to his journey through-walking the Heysen in 2018. His main aim in doing so was to raise awareness and funds for the Black Dog Institute.
During the walk he shared his photos, videos and experiences via Facebook and a daily blog on his website.
His blog continues to be available to inspire and help others who are encouraged to walk the trail.
Relive Josh’s Heysen Trek
Josh’s Daily Diary reports are descriptive and contain some wonderful photos of his adventure on the trail. Read from the comfort of an armchair, they will put you in the boots of an inspirational Heysen Trail walker.
Josh is not one to rest after his Heysen achievement, He is currently walking the Camino de Santiago.
As an Ambassador for the Heysen, Josh will continue to promote walking this fabulous long-distance trail. The Friends appreciate his support in meeting our goals of expanding interest, knowledge and engagement with the trail.
In addition to the Friends website, anyone with a desire to explore long-distance Heysen hiking can check out Josh’s detailed information at www.trekkingwest.com/
Winter 2019
Issue 152
June 2019
Highlights include:
- Reconciliation on the Heysen
- How to take better photos on the trail
- The John Muir Trail: North America’s most famous hiking trail
- The Great South West Walk
- 2019 Walks Programme
- Native Plants on the Heysen
Heysen Trail closure – Caroona Creek Conservation Park: June 4-7 2019.
Caroona Creek Conservation Park : www.visitburra.com
The Heysen Trail through the Caroona Creek Conservation Park will be closed from 6.00 am Tuesday 4th June to 6.00 pm on Friday 7th June, 2019. We advise walkers to avoid the area during this period.
Parks SA has advised us that the purpose of the closure of the entire conservation park is to protect public safety during an Aerial feral animal control program.
The Caroona Creek Conservation Park is located approximately 40 kms north of Burra between Newikie Creek and the Dares Hill Summit Road.
Other park closures
Other parks affected by the closure are:
- Red Banks Conservation Park
- Mimbara Banks Conservation Park
- Hopkins Creek Conservation Park
If you have any enquiries about the control program or the park closures, please contact the Natural Resources Centre Northern and Yorke on (08) 8841 3400.
You can find further information on the Parks SA Alerts page.
The Friends’ Walking with Children Policy
The Friends of the Heysen Trail supports broad involvement in our walking program and offers various levels of walks to assist people to engage in walks with nature:
- TrailStarter grade walks 3-4 hours for those wishing to build skills and strength;
- Trailwalker grade walks 5-7 hours over more varied terrain for those seeking challenges; and
- End-to-End programs taking up to 6 years to cover the 1200km Heysen
The Friends of the Heysen Trail recognises that some members may wish to be accompanied by their children on suitable walks. The Friends takes its responsibility for the safety of the group, walk leaders and family with children seriously and has had regard to the relevant legislation and guidelines related to Working with Children. Consequently, the Friends sets out the policy guide to clarify how the organisation will help ensure we meet those commitments.
The Policy Guideline was adopted by FoHT Council 15 May 2019.
Grounded in Truth Walking Together.
Serpents Tongue, Ochre Point, Moana – Tjilbruke Trail south of Adelaide. Tjilbruke Trail info kaurnaculture.wordpress.com
Grounded in Truth Walking Together:
Friends of the Heysen Trail recognise and respect National Reconciliation Week – 27 May to 3 June 2019.
The Friends is proud to commence a process of re/learning stories of Aboriginal connection along the 30+ years of the Heysen Trail.
We respect the traditional owners past and present and respect their continued relationship to country.
The following articles from recent issues of the Trailwalker magazine outline some initiatives that the Friends are undertaking.
Reconciliation
Read about Reconciliation from End to End 8 walker Mark Waters.
A Shared Journey to Reconciliation
Mark Waters, then State Manager Reconciliation SA, gave a presentation to the Friends’ Council in December 2018.
Friends of the Heysen Trail and Reconciliation
Since Mark’s presentation in December, Council has introduced plans to bring recognition and respect to the Traditional Owners of the land on which the Heysen Trail passes.
These initiatives are still being discussed with Aboriginal Elders, Reconciliation SA and the Department for Environment and Water (DEW).
In her President’s Report of the last issue of Trailwalker (Autumn 2019), Melanie Sjoberg introduced draft wording for an Acknowledgement to Country which End-to-End groups can use as they traverse Aboriginal country on the trail. That Acknowledgement, while still under discussion with Traditional Owners/Native Title Holders.
The Friends also have formed a Reconciliation Committee whose members will meet with Aboriginal stakeholders, Reconciliation SA and DEW to discuss opportunities for sharing stories along the Heysen Trail.
The theme for this year’s National Reconciliation Week (31 May – 3 June) is Grounded in Truth – Walk Together in Courage. This theme has resonance for the Friends and all users of the Heysen Trail.
Heysen Trail closure through the Buckaringa Sanctuary, Friday 31st May to Monday 3 June 2019.
Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby at Buckaringa Wildlife Sanctuary in the Flinders Ranges.
The Buckaringa Sanctuary will be temporarily closed this weekend. As the Heysen Trail passes through the sanctuary, we advise walkers to consider the closure if planning to walk in the area.
The planned closure is:
- Friday evening 31st May to Monday morning 3rd June 2019.
The closure is because the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) will be undertaking feral animal control in the sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to many Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies.
The sanctuary is located between Quorn and Hawker. You can find it on map 6, chapter 4, of the Heysen Trail Northern Guidebook and on Sheet Map 7b – Dutchmans Stern Conservation Park to Mernmerna Creek.
AWC will place closure signs at all entry points to the sanctuary to warn walkers of the danger.
Animals are Cute, especially New Born Lambs
Please don’t interfere with livestock.
We all know how cute young animals are, especially new born lambs frolicking after their mums.
It can be distressing for walkers on the Heysen Trail to see what look like abandoned lambs, wandering along the trail.
It is tempting to “rescue” them! Please don’t!
Rarely do the mothers abandon their young, however if you pick them up, they almost certainly will.
Please leave all livestock alone when hiking the Heysen Trail.
Trail Development volunteers putting your walk fees to work.
Trail Development – the Hallett Railway Station Hut makeover – April 2019
Trail Development volunteers at work improving facilities on the Heysen Trail.
While the fire danger season limits the Friends’ of the Heysen Trail walking activities, over summer Trail Development volunteers have been putting your walk fees to work.
The Trail Development Committee has been planning and undertaking a range of projects along the trail to improve facilities and add to your walking experiences. This necessary work was undertaken by volunteers using funds raised from the Friends’ membership subscriptions and walk fees.
Makeover of the Hallett Railway Station Hut
Peter Simons (Trail Infastructure Co-ordinator) and a dedicated team of volunteers have recently completed a major project at Hallett.
A year or so ago the ceiling of the hut was collapsing and the hut was in need of lot of work. As you can see from the photo above, the ceiling has been replaced, a new combustion heater has been fitted, a stainless steel sink has been installed and the hut has been repainted.
Toilet installed at Bundaleer Weir campsite
The new toilet at Bundaleer Weir campsite.
In March another group under the direction of Colin Edwards (Trail Development Co-ordinator) and Peter Simons installed a new toilet at the Bundaleer Weir campsite.
We were very fortunate to have had assistance from Mr Rob Hammat the landowner on the adjoining property. Without the use of his digger, the working party may still be there digging holes – the earth was rock hard!.
It is great to get assistance such as that from Mr Hammat (as we also do from many other enthusiastic landholders).
This is the first of three toilets constructed at the Cobbler Creek shed. We expect Bundaleer Weir will be a popular stopover for independent walkers and also our End to End groups. Plans are underway to install the other two toilets. More news on that later
Camping benches/platforms installed at Wandallah and Webb Gap campsites.
Wandallah shelter and new camping bench – Feb 2019
In February the first two of ten camping benches that have been constructed at Cobbler Creek were also installed.
The benches are for sitting, sorting and cheffing!
For day walkers a nice place to sit for morning tea or lunch.
For through walkers a place off the ground to spread and sort their gear and cook.
The benches make for a bit of comfort along the trail – as you can see, there wasn’t a lot else nearby to choose from.
They are not meant as a sleeping platform.
Are you interested in assisting with Trail Development?
If you want to assist with any Trail Development activities including the Friends’ Shed Days or upcoming ‘End to End’ Trail Maintenance trips, you can check the events listed on the Friends Walk Calendar
Book Launch: Heysen Highlights Sunday 14 April
During this Sunday’s Hiking Expo in Belair National Park we’ll be officially launching our Heysen Highlights: A companion guide to the Heysen Trail book.
The book will be launched by John Schutz, Chief Executive of Department for Environment and Water, as part of the Hiking Expo ceremonies at 12noon.
Author Simon Cameron will be on hand to sign any copies purchased on the day. Simon joined the Friends of the Heysen Trail in 2001, the same year that he started walking the Trail. He has never stopped walking it. As anyone who has had the joy of walking with Simon will known, there is so much to see and so much to discover along the Trail that there never will be a reason to stop.
In this companion guide the Heysen Trail is broken into 58 sections, for each day there is an overview of what to expect and what to look out for when hiking. By explaining the historical context, of the Aboriginal people, European explorers and settlers and the development of the trail, walkers can enrich their experience of the trail and its landscape.
Hearing about Reconciliation from E2E8 walker Mark Waters
We were privileged at the December meeting of Council to have the opportunity to hear a presentation about Reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people from one of our members. Mark Waters completed the trail with E2E8 in August and worked within Reconciliation SA for eight years. The presentation initially arose from members of E2E8 asking questions about what Aboriginal country we cross as we walk along the trail. This led the group to decide to commence its walks with an Acknowledgement of Country. It seems awareness was growing among Friends as similar discussions had occurred during a couple of other E2E walks I joined last year. Mark took the initiative to write to the Friends about generating a broader discussion.
The Reconciliation SA website outlines the following information:
‘Reconciliation’ is about Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians talking, walking and working together to overcome the reasons that there is division and inequality between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. Reconciliation has both symbolic and practical elements. A spirit of goodwill, mutual respect and recognition of the effects of colonisation on Australia’s first people are the symbolic cornerstones of reconciliation effort.
In South Australia, an Acknowledgement of Country is a way of showing respect and awareness of Aboriginal owners of the land on which a meeting or event is being held, and of recognising the continuing connection of Aboriginal peoples to their Country. It is a demonstration of respect dedicated to the traditional custodians of the land or sea where the gathering of participants is being conducted. Government agencies and community organisations are adopting the practice of acknowledging the traditional custodians of Country at events, ceremonies, meetings and functions.
Awareness about Aboriginal history in SA and connection to country has grown since the Heysen Trail was developed 30 years ago. Council members were very interested and receptive to the discussion and felt that it was a good opportunity for the Friends to consider how we can understand more about the deep history of the areas we traverse. This is likely to be an ongoing conversation within the Friends and will also be raised at our next meeting with senior officers from the Department for Environment and Water, as owners of the trail.
Our new book Heysen Highlights includes a map identifying Aboriginal language groups along the Heysen Trail. Members are strongly encouraged to find out more and to consider showing respect through an Acknowledgement of Country at relevant times during the walk season. Council will provide further information about the Aboriginal lands that the trail traverses and a guide for appropriate words that may be used by walking groups.
Melanie Sjoberg
President, Friends of the Heysen trail
Friends of the Heysen Trail – Walk Fee increase 2019
For well over 10 years the Friends has maintained a standard walk fee for its End to End, Trail Walker and Trail Starter walks.
Despite extensive commitment by so many of our volunteers, the broader cost of living is having an impact and costs of running the organisation are growing: office rent, administration & insurance.
New fees for walks conducted after 1 May 2019.
On that basis, the Friends Council has determined an increase to walk fees will apply for the 2019 walk season as follows:
- Casual walk fee – new rate of $10 will apply to walks scheduled on or after 1 May 2019.
- Golden Boots Card – new fee of $75 will apply to any purchase on or after 1 May 2019.
The changes have been made administratively on the website. Members won’t need to do anything different when registering for a walk.
Twilight walk fees will not change.
Members with a current Golden Boots card will be able to continue to use that until it reaches the expiry date. In other words, any Golden Boots card purchased on or before 29 April 2019 will apply until the relevant expiry date during 2019 – 20.
Friends’ Volunteers will continue to be issued with a Golden Boots card to use during the walk season in recognition of the time and commitment given to the Friends and the Heysen Trail.
Join the Friends before May 31, 2019
Join the Friends of the Heysen Trail before 31st May and win.
Financial members of the Friends of the Heysen Trail support the ongoing maintenance and greening of South Australia’s premier walking trail; participate in an extensive 2019 walks programme and receive the quarterly full-colour 32-page Trailwalker magazine.
If you join the Friends of the Heysen Trail between 1st March and 31st May 2019 your name goes into the draw to win a 2-day guided walk on the Heysen Trail and overnight accommodation at Heysen’s Rest B&B, Myponga*. The accommodation includes complimentary beer and wine, and provisions for a cooked breakfast; drop off at the end of your guided walk and pick up next morning from your accommodation.
One year’s membership costs only $25 single, $40 family and $10 student. The easiest way is to join on-line. Simply go to the membership page of the Friends of the Heysen Trail website for more information and to join.
Our website also has more information about the Heysen Trail, Friends activities and our walking program.
*The prize must be redeemed in the 12-month period following the closing date of the competition. Accommodation is limited to two adults, although the winners can bring family and guests on the guided walk. Competition closes Friday 31st May 2019. The winner will be notified after the draw in the Friends of the Heysen Trail office at Suite 203 Epworth Building, 33 Pirie Street, Adelaide 5000.
Autumn 2019
Issue 151
March 2019
Highlights include:
- Tothill Range: Jewel of the Mid-North
- Boot Blues! Choosing the best walking boots
Closures of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park to affect Heysen Trail walkers.
Feral animal control continues in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.
The Department for Environment & Water has advised that there will be a series of closures affecting the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park over the coming months.
The Park closures are for the purpose of undertaking and monitoring a pest control program. The first closure will occur next week and will affect Heysen Trail walkers.
As we are now in the fire danger season, walkers should be aware that most sections of the Heysen Trail are closed. However, as the Trail passes through the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, walkers would normally still have access, unless a total fire ban has been announced for the day.
The list of closures that will affect Heysen Trail walkers are as follows:
-
6.00am Monday February 18 to 9.00pm Saturday February 23rd 2019
During the closure, there some areas of the park will remain open. Refer to the Parks Alert page for further information about this closure.
-
6.00am Tuesday March 19 to 9.00pm Thursday March 21st 2019
Again there will be some areas of the park that will remain open. Refer to this Parks Alert page for further information about the March closure
-
Evening/night time closures will continue through to Monday, 30 September 2019.
A number of tracks within the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, will remain closed each night until the end of September 2019. The current feral animal control program has been extended, so walkers are advised to exercise caution in the area.
The purpose of the extended closures is to ensure the safety of the public during a feral cat control program to be conducted after dark. The aim is to protect the populations of recently reintroduced Western Quolls and Brushtail Possums.
Closure times
As daylight hours vary over the period of the night time control program, there are a range of closure times. They are:
- Thursday 31 January 2018 to Thursday, 28 February 2018 8.30pm to 5.00am
- Thursday, 28 February 2018 to Tuesday, 30 April 2018 8.00pm to 5.00am
- Tuesday, 30 April 2018 to Wednesday, 31 July 2018 6.00pm to 5.00am
- Wednesday, 31 July 2018 to Monday, 30 September 2018 6.30pm to 5.00am
The list of trails and tracks that will be closed can be found here. The tracks and walking trails will remain open outside of these times.
During the period of the evening/night closures, the Heysen Trail will remain open. However walkers must:
- remain in designated campgrounds and huts, or
- camp within 20 metres of the Heysen Trail within the park after dark.
If you are camping in the park, you may see spotlights and occasionally hear firearms in the distance at night. The Rangers have advised that the control program will not take place in the vicinity of campgrounds or huts.
Further information
You can get further information on the feral animal control program and these trail closures from the Natural Resource Centre – Port Augusta.
Phone: (+61 8) 8648 5300
Summer 2019
Issue 150
December 2018
Highlights include:
- Heysen Highlights - the perfect Companion Guide and Christmas gift
- End-to-End Highlights
- Twilight Walk Programme
- The Salkantay Trek
- Walking the Channel Islands