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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
More trees on the Heysen Trail – thank you to our volunteers.
Thank you to the many volunteers who have helped plant trees on the Heysen Trail. The efforts of the Greening Committee and volunteers since 2013 are visible in a number of locations along the trail.
As an example of their work, the trees planted at Worlds End a few years ago can now actually be seen along the road at Duttons Trough (south of Burra).
Most of the trees are still only about knee high but they are starting to stand out from the other roadside vegetation. The best of the trees is scarcely large enough to hide behind (although the photo shows Neil is having a good try!). It has almost doubled in size over the last twelve months.
Our tallest tree, the Worlds End Wonder, is 1.75m and has shot up recently.
The good rains we’ve had over the last 12 months have helped, but the trees have also benefited from special care and supplemental watering provided by the Greening Committee.
In addition to Duttons Trough, the Greening Committee has also managed plantings at Centennial Drive in the Mount Crawford Forest, Hiskeys Hut and along the Bundaleer Channel reserve south of Spalding.
This year we are planting at Lights Pass on the Lavender Federation Trail.
Thanks again to the Greening volunteers and End to End walkers who have helped. Your efforts will be appreciated by walkers in the years ahead.
Registrations have opened for the first End to End Maintenance Weekend
Registrations have opened for the first Heysen Trail End to End Maintenance (E2EM) week-end to be held at Cape Jervis on 13th & 14th May.
If you are interested in helping out on the trail, you can register on the Friends website in the same way as you would for a walk.
We appreciate the contribution you will be making to maintaining the trail, so registration is free.
You may have already seen the earlier news item on End to End Maintenance weekends. If not, check it out now to find out more about the program.
There will be more End to End Maintenance week-ends throughout the walking season. These are now listed on the walks program on the website.
If you want any more information on the weekends, please contact the Office.
The Friends elect their first female President
Our new President, Melanie Sjoberg, walking the trail.
At the Friends Annual General meeting last Friday, the Friends welcomed Melanie Sjoberg to the role of President.
Melanie is a dedicated walker and in addition brings with her a wealth of organisational and negotiation skills. She recently retired from the position as Director in the Office for the Public Sector SA Govt.
Melanie completed walking the Heysen Trail in August 2014 with our E2E 4 group. Since then she has continued her connection with the Friends by joining the Lavender Federation Trail walks.
Melanie has provided the following thoughts on her role:
“As I follow a long line of dedicated people, I’m conscious of the challenges but also proud to be the first woman President. I am committed to the beauty and diversity of the Heysen, hence enthusiastic about its continued prominence as an SA icon. On that basis I’m open to any thoughts, ideas or feedback members may wish to share.”
If you wish to pass on any comments or ideas to Melanie, you can do so by sending her an email at the Friends office, heysentrail@heysentrail.asn.au.
Melanie has taken the reins from our Past President (and now Vice President) Robert Alcock. Robert also spoke at the AGM about the many memories he has of the friendship he developed and the many walks undertaken during his 6 year term. Robert’s contribution was heartily acknowledged by those in attendance.
So thank you Robert and congratulations Melanie – welcome to the position of President of the Friends of the Heysen Trail and other Walking Trails.
Autumn 2017
Issue 143
February 2017
Highlights include:
- 10 Peaks Challenge
- KI Wilderness Trail
- Tramping the Leatham (NZ)
Vale Jamie Shephard, past President of Friends of the Heysen Trail
Vale Jamie Shephard, past President of Friends of the Heysen Trail
The Friends of the Heysen Trail are saddened by the passing of our highly esteemed past President Jamie Shephard 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.
End-to-End Maintenance Weekends
Commencing in 2017 we will be rolling out a new maintenance program for the Heysen Trail aimed at:
- Maintaining the Heysen Trail at a consistent, high standard;
- Assisting section leaders with their maintenance responsibilities;
- Developing our relationships with landholders and others along the trail;
- Providing FOHT walkers with a different rural weekend experience.
The Concept
- A specific schedule of weekend trips each month of the walking season;
- Involving small groups of up to 10 volunteers per weekend.
- Provides a maintenance program for the whole trail over a five year cycle;
- Focus on trail basics – signage, stiles, obstacles (eg rocks, fallen trees);
Individual Requirements
- Basic handyperson skills are desirable, not essential (training can be provided);
- A good level of physical fitness and willingness to participate.
Participation
- Aim to share the load between a larger group of volunteers so that individuals (particularly leaders) would attend just one or two weekends per year;
- Section leader involvement is keenly sought;
- Accommodation allowance and Saturday night meal will be provided by FOHT
What next
Early in the New Year, you will be able to view maintenance walks program in our Walks Calendar under the new walk grade End-to-End Maintenance.
If you would like to be involved, or have an interest, please contact the Heysen Trail office.
Summer 2017
Issue 142
December 2016
Highlights include:
- Tie-Dye for CanTeen
- A Night Climb in Bali
- End-to-End 6 finishes
- Adelaide100 walk takes shape
Park Closure – 24/11/2016 to 1/12/2016 Telowie Gorge Conservation Park and Napperby Block (Mount Remarkable National Park)
Telowie Gorge Conservation Park and Napperby Block (Mount Remarkable National Park) will be closed from 6am Friday, 24 November 2016 to 6pm Thursday, 1 December 2016.
The purpose of the park closure is to ensure the safety of the public during a pest control program within the parks during the period indicated.
The Heysen Trail passes along the eastern edge of these parks. Hence do not divert from the Heysen Trail and attempt to enter these parks at those times. The Go Cart Track Shelter is alongside the Heysen Trail and within the Telowie Gorge Conservation Park, so this shelter may be closed during these times.
The Heysen Trail in areas outside of conservation parks, forests and public roads are currently closed anyway due to the Fire Danger Season beginning in the Flinders on 4th November 2016.
The parks are north of Crystal Brook and to the west of the Wirrabara Forest.
For Heysen Trail (HT) users:
- Napperby Block is on HT Map Sheet 5B
or on HT Northern Guide Map 2.5 - Telowie Gorge CP is on HT Map is Sheet 5B & 6A
or on HT Northern Guide Map 2.6-2.7. - The Go Cart shelter is on HT Map Sheet 6A
or on HT Northern Guide Map 2.7
Read more on the National Parks closure page.
Night time caution on the Heysen Trail due to feral cat control in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park
A number of tracks within the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, will be closed each night over the next 11 months.
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 commence on Thursday, 3 November 2016 and will continue through to Saturday, 30 September 2017.
As daylight hours vary over the period of the control program, there are a range of closure times. They are:
- Thursday, 3 November to Wednesday, 30 November 2016 8.30pm to 5am
- Wednesday, 30 November 2016 to Tuesday 31 January 2017 9pm to 5am
- Tuesday, 31 January 2017 to Tuesday, 28 February 2017 8.30pm to 5am
- Tuesday, 28 February 2017 to Sunday, 30 April 2017 8pm to 5am
- Sunday, 30 April 2017 to Tuesday, 31 July 2017 6pm to 5am
- Tuesday, 31 July 2017 to Saturday, 30 September 2017 6.30pm to 5am
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.
Walkers camping in the park 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
Further information on the feral animal control program and the nightly trail closures can be obtained from the Natural Resources, SA Arid Lands or by phoning them on (08) 8648 5344 or 0428 116 035.
Our Wednesday evening Twilight Walks start on November 2nd.
Daylight saving is here and with the approach of warmer weather, our Wednesday evening Twilight walks are about to start.
Walks commence at 6pm and are 1.5 to 2 hours in duration. They are designed to be quite relaxed and often followed by an optional dinner
Cost is $5 per walk, MultiWalk (although not Golden Boots) passes are accepted.
Register online or via the office.
Check out some of the upcoming walks below, or view the full program.
Marino sheep walk
6pm Wed 2nd November
Agricultural qualifications not required for this walk. In addition to seeing sheep you will explore secret gullies, cliff top paths, artworks, parks, lighthouse, amazing rocky beach and stunning city and sea views. End the evening with dinner, if you wish.
Thai on Hutt
6pm Wed 9th November
Richard has found a short walk through the eastern parklands on level ground! Stop for a Thai dinner and then walk back to your cars. Sounds like a treat.
Fifth Creek Wade
6pm Wed 16th November
A pleasant amble along fifth Creek, from its beginning at the Torrens to where we leave it at Black Hill. Dinner at the Rezz Hotel.
Western Torrens Linear Park
6pm Wed 23rd November
This walk takes us along the River Torrens linear path. Optional dinner at the Lockleys Hotel.
Friends win awards at Walking SA Awards Presentation
President Robert accepts the Walking SA Award
The Friends won an award on Thursday night at the Walking SA Awards for South Australia, for our work on the HeysenTrail and for our End-to-End walking program.
Special Recognition Award – Organisation – http://bit.ly/2dyLYCo
Two of our members also won Walking SA Awards for Longstanding Contribution – Individual. Colin and Julian were awarded for an enormous amount of work they have put in over many many years.
Storms damage some sections of the Heysen Trail
The Heysen Trail near Kings Beach – photo by Martin Chapman.
Walkers are advised that some sections of the Heysen Trail have suffered damage during the recent weather events.
As a result
- Tappanappa Campground in Deep Creek Conservation Park (Heysen Trail Southern Guide Book Map 1.3 and Sheet Map 1A) and
- Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park (Southern Guide book Map 4.3 and Sheet Map 2D)
are closed until further notice. Refer to the Parks closures webpage for the latest information.
Walkers need to take care on the trail and particularly near the following locations:
- Kings Beach (near Encounter Bay) – Southern Guide Book Map 1.5 and Sheet Map 1B.
- Giles Conservation Park (near Ashton) – Southern Guide Book Map 3.4 and Sheet Map 2B.
While conditions are generally expected to improve over the next week, it may be sometime before the necessary work can be completed on these sections.
If you find any damage on the trail, please report it to the Friend’s office. To assist our Trail Development volunteers, please advise
- the location and map reference,
- describe the nature of the work required (i.e. marker post has been knocked over) and
- if possible, send a photo.
Adelaide Hills flood damage closes some walking trails.
Flood damage to Montacute Road (picture courtesy of ABC News).
The heavy rains that fell in the Adelaide Hills last week have damaged some popular walking trails and restricted access to several parks.
The lower section of the Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty trail is closed and may take several months to repair. Alternative access points to the Mount Lofty trail can be found here: Cleland Conservation Park – Waterfall Gully.
While some of the damage has already been repaired, the following parks are also currently affected:
Walkers are advised to check the Park closures listing before setting out to walk in parks in the hills.
Montacute Road at Athelstone and Waterfall Gully Road at Burnside remain closed while repair works continue. Waterfall Gully Road is currently restricted to local traffic only, although it is expected to reopen within a few days.
You can check the current road access at Traffic SA road closures.
Park Closure – The Telowie Gorge Conservation Park and Napperby Block (Mount Remarkable National Park) 23 Sept 2016 to 29 Sept 2016
Telowie Gorge Conservation Park and Napperby Block (Mount Remarkable National Park) will be closed from 6am Friday, 23 September 2016 to 6pm Thursday, 29 September 2016
The purpose of the park closure is to ensure the safety of the public during a pest control program within the parks during the period indicated.
The Heysen Trail passes along the eastern edge of these parks. Hence – Do not divert for the Heysen Trail and attempt to enter these parks at those times.
Especially Relevant – The Go Cart Track Shelter is alongside the HT and within the Telowie Gorge Conservation Park. This shelter may be closed during these times.
The parks are north of Crystal Brook and to the west of the Wirrabara Forest.
For Heysen Trail (HT) users:
Napperby Block is on HT Map Sheet 5B
or on HT Northern Guide Map 2.5
Telowie Gorge CP is on HT Map is Sheet 5B & 6A
or on HT Northern Guide Map 2.6-2.7.
The Go Cart shelter is on HT Map Sheet 6A
or on HT Northern Guide Map 2.7
Please direct any enquiries to Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources Northern & Yorke. (08) 8841 3400.
Vale Honorary Member Jim Crinion
Jim Crinion
The Friends are saddened to report the death of Honorary Member Jim Crinion. Jim joined the Friends at the initial meeting in June 1986. At that meeting Jim was appointed Chairman of the Steering Committee, tasked with setting up the Friends of the Heysen Trail and Other Walking Trails. Once the Friends were established, Jim continued on as Council member and is well known for leading the original Greening Group which did many years of work, especially with plantings around the Kapunda area. These trees have grown are now enjoyed by todays walkers
An enthusiastic walker in Australia and in many other countries, Jim is also remembered for his popular books of walks – “Adelaide and Country Walks”.
Spring 2016
Issue 141
September 2016
Highlights include:
- Mera & Island Peaks
- Vladislav’s Heysen Hike
- Mt Aspiring National Park (NZ)
Heysen Trail closure in Mt Brown & Dutchmans Stern Conservation Parks from Thursday 1st to Friday 9th September.
The Dutchmans Stern and Mt Brown Conservation Parks will be closed from 6pm on Thursday 1 September 2016 until 6am on Friday 9 September 2016.
The purpose of the closure is to ensure the safety of the public during a pest control program within the parks during the period indicated.
The Heysen Trail passes through these parks, so you are warned not to attempt to enter them at those times.
The Mount Brown Conservation Park is located between Wilmington and Quorn:
- Chapter 3, map 7 of the Northern Guidebook and
- Mapheet 6C, Wirrabara Forest to Dutchmans Stern Conservation Park.
The Dutchmans Stern Conservation Park is just north of Quorn and can be found on the following maps
- Chapter 4, map 2 of the Northern Guidebook and
- Mapheets 6D, Wirrabara Forest to Dutchmans Stern Conservation Park and
7A, Dutchmans Stern Conservation Park to Mernmerna Creek.
Signs will be placed at points where the Heysen Trail enters the parks during the closure.
Please direct any enquiries to Natural Resources, Northern & Yorke.