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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.
Winter 2017
Issue 144
June 2017
Highlights include:
- AGM Reports
- Mid-North Branch
- Two "through-hikes"
- End-to-End Maintenance
Response from the Friends of the Heysen Trail about the Proposed Bundaleer and Wirrabara Greenways
The ownership and management of the Bundaleer and Wirrabara Forests may soon change, following the Mid North Forests Future Strategy which commenced after the devastating bushfires of 2013 and 2014.
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.
We have some concerns with regard to the proposed changes, which we have outlined in our submission below. 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.
Submit your feedback via yoursay.sa.gov.au/greenways by COB Monday 12 June 2017.
- in the online discussion
- emailing to DPTI.CommunityRelations@sa.gov.au
- mailing to GPO Box 1533, Adelaide SA 5001
Our first End to End Maintenance program weekend
The Friends new End to End Maintenance program commenced on the Mother’s Day weekend with a two day camp based at Cape Jervis. Twelve volunteers plus the section leader Albert Schmidke and his colleague, Richard Triggs worked on the Trail between Cape Jervis and Tapanappa in Deep Creek Conservation Park.
The weather was perfect for maintenance work although the chill breeze later in the afternoon was piercing. As a result we had two full days of hard work maintaining the trail. There was plenty of pruning, plating and posting – large amounts of undergrowth needed to be cut back, many old plates had faded and needed to be replaced and several new marker posts were erected to help walkers on their way.
As a result, the first two sections on the trail are in good order and ready for the onslaught from End to End 12 this coming weekend.
Working through two End to End sections in the one weekend proved to be a considerable challenge. While the team coped very well and the majority of the planned maintenance work was completed, some sections were a little light on as far as pruning is concerned.
The team celebrated on the Saturday night with a very pleasant dinner in the Cape Jervis Tavern. Seven local guests attended the dinner in an effort to build relationships with local communities. Their responses were very positive which suggests that this initiative may assist us to enhance the reputation of the Trail and generate positive local interest.
Overall the feedback from all of the volunteers and our dinner guests has been very positive. We have received several constructive suggestions about how we can improve arrangements for our maintenance next camp to be held on June 17 and 18..
For that trip we will be moving along the trail from Tapanappa to Waitpinga. If you are interested in joining the maintenance group for that weekend, you can check the details and register via the Walk Calendar on our website.
For more information on the End to End Maintenance can be found in this bulletin