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Introduction to Walk Leader Training Night. Tuesday 2nd Oct 2018.
Have you ever thought you’d like to become a Walk Leader with the Friends of the Heysen Trail?
Well, here’s your chance to see what goes on, on and off the trail.
In a low key evening we will run through the basics of being a leader and how you can get involved.
Being a walk leader is a rewarding way of sharing your favourite walks with others and a great way to get involved with the Friends.
So if this is something you’d like to hear more about, we’d love to see you on the night.
The evening is the first step in joining our team of walk leaders. We will offer further support and assistance and help you plan and lead walks.
If you are interested come on and give it a try.
How
Just go to the walks calendar on the website and register as you would for a normal walk.
Where
Woodville Bowling Club, Oval Avenue, Woodville South.
When
Time-7.00 to 9:30pm, including a Tea Break.
If you have any questions, please send an email to the Office and one of the leaders will contact you.
Leave only footprints, take only photographs
Leave only footprints ….
Heysen Trail walkers are well aware of the general principles related to walking which are captured by the expression “leave only footprints, take only photos”.
Many sections of the trail traverse National and Conservation Parks. It is therefore a useful reminder that the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 includes regulations about activities in parks that the general public must comply with.
Disregarding these regulations may result in park users being issued a fine.
The following extracts of these regulations are particularly relevant to us:
15 – Fires
- A person must not, without the permission of the relevant authority, light, maintain or use a fire in a reserve in contravention of a ban or restriction imposed by the relevant authority.
16 – Possession and use of chainsaws
- a person must not, without the permission of the relevant authority, have control of, carry or use a chainsaw in a reserve.
26 – Bringing animals into reserve
- Subject to this regulation, a person who has control of an animal must not, without the permission of the relevant authority, bring it into a reserve or permit it to enter a reserve.
30 – Interference with earth etc
A person must not, without the permission of the relevant authority—
- remove from a reserve any-
- soil, rock, mineral or similar material; or
- wood, mulch or other dead vegetation; or
- fossil or archaeological remains; or
- dig or otherwise intentionally disturb any soil or similar material in a reserve; or
- intentionally disturb any-
- wood, mulch or other dead vegetation in a reserve; or
- fossil or archaeological remains in a reserve.
Need more information?
Before you head off to a park, you can find further information about at the What you need to know section of the Department for Environment & Water website.
Of particular interest to walkers are the sections outlining the rules about the use of BBQs and lighting campfires and which parks dogs are permitted.
Spring 2018
Issue 149
September 2018
Highlights include:
- Orchids - Hidden Gems of the Trail
- The Great North Walk
- Navigating Steep Terrain
- History of the Heysen
Installation of Trail Counters to Improve Data on Number of Walkers
Illustration of trackside placement
A disguised tracker unit
The Friends will be installing 3 TRAFx infrared trail counters along key sections of the Heysen Trail.
The devices count the number of trail uses giving us comprehensive data about trail use.
The TRAFx device is very compact with an unobtrusive design, which reduces risk of vandalism. They will be concealed to further prevent them being stolen or vandalised. It only uses standard AA alkaline batteries and has very long battery life.
Their placement location is yet to be decided, we’ll provide updates as we progress the planning and rollout.
In addition, there are similar trail counter in Warren Conservation Park, at the Watts Gully trailhead, which is monitored by the Walking Trails Support Group with data collated by Walking SA.
Heysen Trail closure through the Buckaringa Sanctuary, Friday 15th June to Monday 18th 2018
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 15 June to Monday morning 18 June 2018.
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.
Winter 2018
Issue 148
June 2018
Highlights include:
- Reconciliation on the Kokoda Trail
- Hiking with children
- Within Moroccan walls
Mapsheet 2D: Re-Route returning the trail to Tower Hill, avoid closed Freemans Hut, and Re-Route near Mt Crawford Summit, April 2016 (updated May 2018, updated November 2021)
View pdf map showing re-route
- Freemans Hut on the Heysen Trail near Mt Crawford has been closed due to a land sale, and the trail re-routed to continue north along the Wirra Wirra Peaks ridge line.[update May 2018] The trail has been re-routed away from Tower Road, to the east to follow Wirra Wirra Road to the north to meet Corryton Road.
[update November 2021] Following successful negotiations with landholders in the area, the Heysen Trail has returned to the route initially adopted in 2016 following the closure of the trail to Freemans Hut.
After the descent from the Wirra Wirra peaks, the trail again follows Tower Road in a northerly direction for a kilometre. It then crosses a fence into private property. The trail follows the fenceline for another kilometre before reaching the summit of Tower Hill, which affords spectacular views in all directions.
The trail continues along the fenceline until reaching the Ross Fire Track where it turns in an easterly direction along an unmade road reserve. This section of the trail continues until it leaves the road reserve at the junction of Wirra Wirra, Trial Hill and Corryton Park Roads.
- [update May 2018] The Heysen Trail climbs over the summit of Mt Crawford. There is now a river crossing on stepping stones near the base of the summit. When river water levels are high, use the route west over the road bridge.
Download gpx file for loading onto your GPS unit.
This re-reoute applies to these 2 sections:
View all re-routes for the Mapsheet 2: Kuitpo Forest to Tanunda (Sept 2014)
Re-Route returning the trail to Tower Hill, avoid closed Freemans Hut, and Re-Route near Mt Crawford Summit, April 2016 (updated May 2018, updated November 2021)
View pdf map showing re-route
- Freemans Hut on the Heysen Trail near Mt Crawford has been closed due to a land sale, and the trail re-routed to continue north along the Wirra Wirra Peaks ridge line.
[update May 2018] The trail has been re-routed away from Tower Road, to the east to follow Wirra Wirra Road to the north to meet Corryton Road.
[update November 2021] Following successful negotiations with landholders in the area, the Heysen Trail has returned to the route initially adopted in 2016 following the closure of the trail to Freemans Hut.
After the descent from the Wirra Wirra peaks, the trail again follows Tower Road in a northerly direction for a kilometre. It then crosses a fence into private property. The trail follows the fenceline for another kilometre before reaching the summit of Tower Hill, which affords spectacular views in all directions.
The trail continues along the fenceline until reaching the Ross Fire Track where it turns in an easterly direction along an unmade road reserve. This section of the trail continues until it leaves the road reserve at the junction of Wirra Wirra, Trial Hill and Corryton Park Roads.
- [update May 2018] The Heysen Trail climbs over the summit of Mt Crawford. There is now a river crossing on stepping stones near the base of the summit. When river water levels are high, use the route west over the road bridge.
Download gpx file for loading onto your GPS unit.
View all re-routes for the 2014 Southern Guidebook, 6th Edition
Walk for the Heysen 2018.
Walk for the Heysen
Sunday 29 April 2018
Bridgewater Oval, Mount Barker Road, Bridgewater
Walk on the Heysen Trail and BBQ picnic
Walk for the Heysen – experience local parks and native scrub and have fun while supporting the Warren Bonython Heysen Trail Foundation’s 2018 fundraising efforts. The foundation supports the improvement of facilities and the environment on the Heysen Trail & other walking trails.
- Four walk options from 5km to 17km.
- Walks depart from 9.00 am. Arrive in time to register before your walk.
- All walks depart from and arrive back to the Bridgewater Oval. Walks are designed to suit all ages and standards of walking fitness.
- Bring the family for a great day out in the Adelaide Hills.
After the walk grab a BBQ meal (included in registration fee) at the Bridgewater Oval, or bring your own picnic. The picnic area includes the football club rooms, toilets and parking.
In keeping with the tradition of the Warren Bonython Memorial Walk conducted by the Friends of the Heysen Trail in 2013, the theme for the day will be yellow.
A prize consisting of a Heysen Trail merchandise pack (value $100) is up for grabs to the best yellow sartorial costuming on the day.
Tickets
$30 for adults, $5 for children, $60 for families
Book online here.
You may also choose to make a one-off donation to the Foundation through the Foundation’s web site: Warren Bonython Heysen Trail Foundation
The Foundation is registered as an environmental charity and donations are tax deductible.
Autumn 2018
Issue 147
March 2018
Highlights include:
- 2018 AGM
- A Stroll in the Red Centre
- Trail Tips
- South of the Heysen
- How to Use Walking Poles
Honorary Membership – know someone who has served the Friends well?
Jamie Shephard, Honorary Member.
Do you know someone who warrants Honorary Membership of the Friends?
Have they made an outstanding contribution to the Friends or to the Heysen Trail?
Now is the time for you to make sure their efforts are recognised.
You can nominate them for Honorary Membership of the Friends of the Heysen Trail & Other Walking Trails Inc.
Please email your nominations to Julian Monfries, Chair, Honorary Membership sub-committee of the Council.
In your nomination please include the following information:
- The name of your nominee,
- The classification of the award you are nominating them for,
- A summary of their contribution to the Trail or the Friends and how they qualify for the award,
- Your name and contact information
The sub-committee will consider all submissions and then make recommendations to Council. Succesful candidates will be presented to the full membership at the next Annual General Meeting to be held on 23rd March 2018.
Please submit your nominations by the end of January, 2018.
Guidelines for Honorary Membership (Distinguished Service)
- normally at least 10 years of paid membership as an ordinary, Family or life member;
AND
- at least 6 years of substantial voluntary contributions to the Association,
- Including especially one or more of:
- Membership of Council
- Chair of the various sub-committees
- Regular Walker Leadership roles
- Maintenance Section Leader or Volunteer
- Office Volunteer
Guidelines for Honorary Membership (Exceptional)
Substantial and sustained contribution to promotion, development and/or maintenance of the Heysen Trail, or the Association other than as a paid member or volunteer though, for example, public service support, media support etc.
The Great North Walk – May 2018.
Directions for the walk in the Lane Cove National Park
The Great North Walk
Bookings for the Friend’s extended walk for 2018 open on February 1st 2018.
The route map.
Join us as we walk the iconic 250 km trail from Sydney to Newcastle.
The Great North Walk is a wonderful trail following many tracks through a magnificent array of natural and urban environments.
Created in 1988, as an Australian Bicentennial project, the Great North Walk is rich in the history of New South Wales. Follow the links for more information about the walk.
The Friends will be exploring this long-distance Trail over 17 days in May 2018.
You can find out more about this walk from Peter Solomon using the email link given in the walk description on the Friends walk calendar.
To secure accommodation, bookings need to be made early. Make sure you don’t miss out on this great walk.
Summer 2018
Issue 146
December 2017
Highlights include:
- A KI Extension Part 2
- Entrancing Jatbula
- Twin Peaks of Ladakh
- 55 day trek for charity
- Trekking in Transylvania
The Friend’s Trail Maintenance Shed Open Day – Saturday November 25, 2017.
Inside our Maintenance Shed at Cobbler Creek
Did you know the Friends of the Heysen Trail operates a Maintenance Shed at the Cobbler Creek Recreation Park?
Wondering what goes on behind the scenes of the Trail Development and Maintenance program?
Did you know we have a working partnership with the Work for the Dole scheme to produce toilets and platforms?
Come along to the Friend’s Shed Open Day
- Find out more about the infrastructure and maintenance program.
- Socialise with like-minded members, free BBQ and drinks on offer.
Details and how to register…
When Saturday November 25 2017, 11.00am to 2.00pm.
| Where | ‘The Shed’, Cobbler Creek Conservation Park, east of the intersection of Smith and Bridge Rds, Salisbury East. |
All you need to bring is a chair and hat. BBQ and drinks will be supplied
We have work ready to do now:
By Christmas we will have 3 new toilets and 15 camping platforms ready to install at a range of locations along the trail.
- Are you interested in helping with the installation project? You don’t need to be highly skilled, although some lifting work may be involved.
- Would you like to be notified of future maintenance events ( i.e. weekday or weekend trail trips, our End to End Maintenance weekends and shed work days)? We have a range of work to be done including ‘lighter’ jobs such as pruning along the trail and painting huts.
Do you have home handy person/building skills?
Our Hut Maintenance Co-ordinator needs more assistance.
If you are a skilled home handyperson or tradesperson and are willing to participate in one or two maintenance trips per year with a small group, please put your name on the list below. Typical work includes carpentry, painting, roofing, plumbing, glazing and plastering.
If you can help in any of these areas, please let us know.
You can leave your name to enter your availability preferences and interests/skills and we will add you to our Maintenance Volunteers mailing list.
This is your chance to ‘give a bit back to the trail’.
Continuation of feral animal control affects tracks in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park
Feral animal control continues in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.
A number of tracks within the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, will remain closed each night over the next 12 months. 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.
The evening closures will continue through to Sunday, 30 September 2018.
Closure times
As daylight hours vary over the period of the control program, there are a range of closure times. They are:
- Saturday, 30 September to Thursday, 30 November 2017 8.30pm to 5.00am
- Thursday, 30 November 2017 to Wednesday 31 January 2018 9.00pm to 5.00am
- Wednesday 31 January 2018 to Wednesday, 28 February 2018 8.30pm to 5.00am
- Wednesday, 28 February 2018 to Monday, 30 April 2018 8.00pm to 5.00am
- Monday, 30 April 2018 to Tuesday, 31 July 2018 6.00pm to 5.00am
- Tuesday, 31 July 2018 to Sunday, 30 September 2018 6.30pm to 5.00am
Tracks and walking trails will remain open outside of these times.
The Heysen Trail will remain open at all times, 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.
The tracks that will be closed at night include –
- Trezona Track
- Mount Sunderland Track
- Rifle Range Track
- Old Blinman Track
- Jones Camp Track
- Telegraph Track
- St Mary Peak outside trail
- Cooinda Track
- Pound Gap Track
You can get further information on the feral animal control program and the nightly trail closures from the Natural Resources, SA Arid Lands website or by phoning the office on (08) 8648 5344 or 0428 116 035.
Spring 2017
Issue 145
September 2017
Highlights include:
- Cape Jervis to Wilpena
- Record Heysen Run
- Murray Meander
- A KI Extension
Buckaringa Sanctuary closure due to feral animal control, Friday 29th September to Monday 2nd October 2017
The Heysen Trail passes through Buckaringa Sanctuary
The Buckaringa Sanctuary will be temporarily closed at the end of this month. As the Heysen Trail passes through the sanctuary, walkers need to consider the closure if planning to walk in the area.
The next planned closure is:
- Friday 29 September to Monday 2 October 2017.
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 .
Heysen Trail reroute around Sampson Flat fireground removed.
Heysen Trail near the Sampson Flat fireground
Heysen Trail route restored near Chain of Ponds and Kersbrook
The temporary reroute of the Heysen Trail due to the Sampson Flat fireground has finally been removed. The last section of the trail through the Mt Crawford Forest near Chain of Ponds and Kersbrook has now been restored.
The devastating fire in the January 2015 resulted in a substantial reroute of the trail. Following work by Forestry SA to clear areas of the forest, the trail has been progressively returned to the original route.
However, until this week the reroute included an extended road walk along South Para Rd near Chain of Ponds and Kersbrook.
The restoration of the trail also includes a small realignment at Chain of Ponds. The trail has been improved and re-routed where it crosses North East Road.
The minor reroute can be viewed:
Proposed Upgrade of South Coast Heysen Trail – Feedback Sought
A proposal is under consideration to upgrade the Heysen Trail on the southern Fluerieu Peninsula (67km / 5 days), which will encourage walkers to visit the area, in particular tourists from outside the region.
Feedback is being sought from the public, walkers and potential tourism and adventure operators. The survey will take approx 10 minuntes to complete, or 22 minutes if reading the additional supporting proposal.
About the Upgrade Proposal
Various combinations of walk options will allow for day walkers, 1-2 day walkers, 5-day walkers and a 1-day Accessible trail, with walkers camping on the trail or staying in accommodation nearby. Tourism operators will be able to offer transport services, either daily or the start and end of multi-day walks.
At the core of the product will be a through walk commencing from Cape Jervis and providing access to four exclusive camping sites at Eagle Waterhole, Tapanappa, Balquhidder and Newland Head. These sites will include camping platforms, shelter, toilets and water tanks. Through walkers can tailor their walk, exiting the trail after any of the day walk stages. Tourism operators will add value through the provision of transport, accommodation and other services to day and multi-day walkers.
To provide a ‘softer’ recreational experience for day visitors to the region, or those passing through on their way to Kangaroo Island, and perhaps to encourage new walkers to the region and park, it is proposed that an extensive re-development of the Heysen Trail between Cape Jervis and Fishery Beach (4km one-way, 8km return) will be undertaken to provide a Class 1 trail with boardwalk, viewing platforms and interpretation that will provide an Accessible trail for prams and those with mobility aids including wheelchairs. A boardwalk will be constructed with viewing platforms at points of significant interest in association with appropriate interpretation.
An extension of this upgraded trail onwards to Blowhole Beach (11km walk from Cape Jervis) as a Class 2 trail which will cater for all-terrain wheelchairs, which will be available for hire from the Sealink terminal for visitors with significant physical disabilities. This section will again be suitable for recreational walkers as a two-way linear walk from Cape Jervis or a one way walk with a pick up at the Cobbler Hill camp ground, which will be upgraded to allow cars and buses to park safety.
The proposal is an initiative of the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) and the District Council of Yankalilla, and supports tourism and nature based recreation in regional South Australia.
Provide feedback about this proposal at deepcreek.questionpro.com.
Changes to walk booking arrangements – Golden Boots and Multiwalk Cards
We have recently made changes to our walk booking arrangements. The major change was to discontinue the sale of Multiwalk passes.
Council recently approved changes to walk booking arrangements to simplify our website redevelopment project. In addition to the discontinuation of multiwalk passes Golden Boots passes can now be used on Twilight walks.
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).
The concessional rate of $1 per walk for walkers under the age of 18 years will remain in place.
We have advised existing Multiwalk passholders of transitional arrangements available to them until the time that their Multiwalk pass would have expired.
We trust you will appreciate the exceptional value available through the purchase of a Golden Boots pass and the convenience of having to pay only once a year for the cost of your walks.
If you have any questions about these changes or problems registering for your next walk, please contact the Office.