The Heysen Trail
Interactive Map
View Interactive Map showing the Heysen Trail with accommodation options, re-routes, Fire Ban Districts and Tourism Regions.
The Heysen Trail
South Australia’s 1,200km Heysen Trail extends from Cape Jervis, on the Fleurieu Peninsula, to Parachilna Gorge, in the Flinders Ranges, traversing coastal areas, native bushland, rugged gorges, pine forests, vineyards, rich farmland and historic towns.
Catering for both the serious backpacker walking the complete trail, and for the day walker who might choose to do short walks along different sections of the The Heysen Trail, the trail is managed by a partnership between:
- the volunteers of the Friends of the Heysen Trail,
- the Department for Environment & Water (DEW), and
- a number of volunteer walking clubs, landholders and individuals.
When to Hike
The Heysen Trail is generally open between April and November. During the summer Fire Danger Season, much of the trail is closed.
The first 80km section of the Heysen Trail between Cape Jervis and Victor Harbor (the new Wild South Coast Way on the Heysen Trail) is open all year round, except that it will be closed on days of catastrophic fire danger. The Parks website should also be checked on days of extreme fire danger or total fire bans.
Re-Routes
Due to maintenance or access issues it is occasionally necessary to re-align sections of the Heysen Trail.
Service Directory
List of services along the Heysen Trail: supermarkets, general stores, medical services, internet access, payphones and post offices.
Maps
Map sheets and guidebooks published by the Department for Environment and Water (DEW). From September 2014, the two guidebooks (the Southern Guide from Cape Jervis to Spalding and the Northern Guide from Spalding to Parachilna Gorge) were superseded by eight map sheets. Buy online now from $15 with postage from $3.80.
GPS Files
Download the GPX or KML waypoint data files to load onto your GPS unit for use as a navigational aid when walking the Heysen Trail.
Huts & Camping
Scattered along the Heysen Trail are numerous campsites, huts, shelters, caravan parks, hotels and bed & breakfasts. View accommodation options.
The Friends
The Friends of the Heysen Trail
The not-for-profit organisation the Friends of the Heysen Trail maintains the Heysen Trail in partnership with the Department for Environment and Water (DEW).
A regular walking program occurs year-wide, with different grades of walks catering for beginners to experienced walkers.
A comprehensive walking programme with various grades of walks is organised, social gatherings are held, and members are kept up to date with activities by means of the Trailwalker magazine which we publish three times a year.
Working groups carry out routine trail maintenance activities, as well as approved special projects such as installation of water tanks, and structures such as boardwalks.
Upcoming Walks
News
Bookings for the next ‘End to End’ walk from Cape Jervis open at 7.00am on Tuesday 11th March 2025
The next series of the Friends 'End to End' walks along the Heysen Trail is scheduled to commence from Cape Jervis on Sunday May 18th 2025
Registrations for the first walk open at 7.00am sharp Tuesday 11th March.
Posted in Events
Heysen Trail closure – Advance Notice – May & June 2025
The Friends of Heysen Trail have received advance notice of closures planned for May & June 2025.
Posted in Trail Status (Open/Close)
Heysen Trail closure dates over the 2024-2025 Fire Danger Season
The CFS has announced the 2024/2025 Fire Danger Season dates for all of the Fire Ban Districts in SA. Many sections of the Heysen Trail are closed during the Fire Danger Season. As the trail passes through several fire ban districts, the trail closures commence progressively from Tuesday October 15th 2024
.
Posted in Trail Status (Open/Close)
HEYSEN TRAIL – NORTHERN TRAILHEAD REJUVENATION
Friends of Heysen Trail members & supporters are invited to Parachilna Gorge on Monday September 2nd to help celebrate completion of the Northern Trailhead Rejuvenation Project.
Posted in Heysen Trail, Trail Development
Heysen Trail through the Buckaringa Sanctuary Closed in August and October 2024
The Heysen Trail through the Buckaringa Sanctuary will be closed to walkers in August and in October 2024. The closure is due to a feral animal control program being conducted in the area.
Posted in Trail Status (Open/Close)
Trailwalker Magazine
The magazine published by the Friends of the Heysen Trail in April, August & December. Download the latest Trailwalker issue. View all Trailwalker magazines.
End-to-End Walks
End-to-end walks are for those wishing to complete the entire Heysen Trail. As the schedule and trail logistics are done by the Friends they are easy for walkers to participate in.
Contact
Suite 203, 2nd Floor Epworth Building33 Pirie Street, Adelaide, South Australia 5000
Australia Phone (08) 8212 6299 heysentrail@heysentrail.asn.au Open Mon-Fri 10.30am - 2.30pm View shop/office map
