The Friends of the Heysen Trail

Spalding Rd to Bundaleer Reservoir and EE George Quarry to Spalding Rd with End to End 14
2023-09-02 - 2023-09-03
Saturday Spalding Rd to Chlorinator – This is a very flat, but unique walk that follows the Freshwater intake channel for Bundaleer Reservoir, only leaving it for a few km to go through Spalding. Walkers will see some fascinating examples of engineering from the early 1900s.
Sunday EE George Quarry to Spalding Rd – Most of this section is spent walking south, initially along the crest of Brown Hill Range, following the remnants of an old 1840s stone wall (the longest in SA). It is quite an undulating walk, with little shelter from the elements, however the views make up for any discomfort. The last 5-6 km follow rural back roads to the main Spalding to Burra road.
Walk Difficulty – The Heysen Trail walks are demanding and suitable for experienced walkers who have walked regularly in various terrain consisting of long-distance trails with some steep inclines/declines, irregular surface with loose uneven, slippery base. They have a walking time of about 5 to 7 hours and will require a good degree of physical fitness.
BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Bundaleer Reservoir to Curnows Hut to Raeville with End to End 14
2023-10-14 - 2023-10-15
Bundaleer Reservoir to Curnows Hut – Passing Bundaleer Reservoir and the permanently flowing Bundaleer Creek, the Trail joins the Bundaleer northern intake channel at the aqueduct. After leaving the channels at the weir it follows Never Never Creek past remnant Yacca forests and grazing land towards Bundaleer Forest
Curnows Hut to Raeville – This is a diverse walk through native scrub, Bundaleer pine forest and farmland. The ridgetops and testing climbs reward walkers with spectacular panoramic views. Note that the re-route of the trail established in April 2021 to follow the Bundaleer Greenway has been removed. The original trail from Curnows Hut to New Campbell Hill has been reinstated.
Walk Difficulty – The Heysen Trail walks are demanding and suitable for experienced walkers who have walked regularly in various terrain consisting of long-distance trails with some steep inclines/declines, irregular surface with loose uneven, slippery base. They have a walking time of about 5 to 7 hours and will require a good degree of physical fitness.
BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Raeville to Locks Ruin to Bowman Park
2024-05-04 - 2024-05-05
Raeville to Locks Ruin -This walk follows dirt roads into the small town of Georgetown and beyond past Hiskeys Hut. The trail then follows undulating fence lines through Sams Hills.
Locks Ruin to Bowman Park – An easy walk, predominantly along roads and road reserves, this section takes us through the town of Crystal Brook, then follows the Crystal Brook itself to historic Bowman Park.

Walk Difficulty – The Heysen Trail walks are demanding and suitable for experienced walkers who have walked regularly in various terrain consisting of long-distance trails with some steep inclines/declines, irregular surface with loose uneven, slippery base. They have a walking time of about 5 to 7 hours and will require a good degree of physical fitness.
BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Mt Zion to The Bluff Lookout (Wirrabara Forest Nursery) & Bowman Park to Mt Zion
2024-06-01 - 2024-06-02
Saturday Walk 39: Mt Zion to The Bluff Lookout – 22kms
For most of this section the trail follows gravel roads and a rollercoaster firetrack through natural bushland towards the TV tower at The Bluff where walkers are rewarded with spectacular views of the gulf and beyond.

Sunday Walk 38: Bowman Park to Mt Zion – 20kms
Following the closure of the trail along the Crystal Brook, north of Bowman Park, this section now commences with a road walk continuing along Bowman Park Road past Bowman Park, turning north east along Huddleston Road. The Trail then turns north up Head Road, continuing until Pipeline Road, which it then follows until reaching Head Road and following that to the Wilkins Highway and Hughes Gap. After Hughes Gap the Trail meets the southern most hills of the Flinders Ranges and the Trail gradually climbs to the top of the range to reveal views over Port Pirie and Spencer Gulf.
Optional Saturday Night Dinner 6:30pm at the North Laura Hotel refer to meal details below
Walk Difficulty – The Heysen Trail walks are demanding and suitable for experienced walkers who have walked regularly in various terrain consisting of long-distance trails with some steep inclines/declines, irregular surface with loose uneven, slippery base. They have a walking time of about 5 to 7 hours and will require a good degree of physical fitness.
BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

The Bluff Lookout (Wirrabara Forest Nursery) to White Park Road to Murraytown
2024-06-15 - 2024-06-16
Saturday – This provides a very diverse range of scenery. After re-joining the Trail, walkers again follow the ridgeline along fire access tracks through the dense natural scrub of the Telowie Gorge Conservation Park and enjoy views over Port Germein and across the gulf to Whyalla and Port Bonython. After turning off and descending steeply from the ridgeline the Trail follows Sheepyard Track ascending to Rocky Ridge then turning north through old harvested pine forest allowing expansive views to the Gulf, following a steep climb to Sugargum Lookout.
The trail continues following the Wirrabara Greenway through a private property to end at a new location – the junction of White Park & Yellow Cutting Roads.
Sunday – Following the reroute of trail in in April 2021 of the section immediately to the south (Walk 40 commencing in Wirrabara Forest), the start point of this section has been relocated to commence at White Park Rd.

This section starts at the junction of White Park & Yellow Cutting Rds. The day is spent walking along back roads and road reserves through undulating farmland.
Walk Difficulty – The Heysen Trail walks are demanding and suitable for experienced walkers who have walked regularly in various terrain consisting of long-distance trails with some steep inclines/declines, irregular surface with loose uneven, slippery base. They have a walking time of about 5 to 7 hours and will require a good degree of physical fitness.
BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Melrose to Alligator Gorge Road & Murraytown to Melrose
2024-07-06 - 2024-07-07
Saturday Walk 43: Melrose to Alligator Gorge Rd – 26kms
This is a very long and difficult (but memorable) section of the Trail that starts with the ascent of Mt Remarkable, and continues through Mt Remarkable National Park before emerging on Alligator Gorge Road.

Sunday Walk 42: Murraytown to Melrose – 17kms
A leisurely walk, predominantly along lightly undulating back roads, this section provides pleasant vistas over the surrounding farmland and finishes in the shadow of Mt Remarkable.

Walk Difficulty – The Heysen Trail walks are demanding and suitable for experienced walkers who have walked regularly in various terrain consisting of long-distance trails with some steep inclines/declines, irregular surface with loose uneven, slippery base. They have a walking time of about 5 to 8 hours and will require a good degree of physical fitness.
BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Horrocks Pass to Broadview & Alligator Gorge Rd to Horrocks Pass
2024-08-03 - 2024-08-04
Saturday -Horrocks Pass to Broadview – 22km – Starting with a tough climb out of Horrocks Pass to the ridge, the Trail traverses exposed, gibber littered hills and farmland. Walkers are rewarded with views over the Willochra Plain and Spencer Gulf.
Sunday – Alligator Gorge Rd to Horrocks Pass – 15km – The trail initially leads over Lavender Peak to picturesque Stony Creek campsite. From there, tracks, back roads and a walk next to a busy highway take walkers to the memorial to explorer John Horrocks.
Walk Difficulty – The Heysen Trail walks are demanding and suitable for experienced walkers who have walked regularly in various terrain consisting of long-distance trails with some steep inclines/declines, irregular surface with loose uneven, slippery base. They have a walking time of about 5 to 8 hours and will require a good degree of physical fitness.
BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Broadview to Woolshed Flat to Quorn
2024-08-31 - 2024-09-01
Walk 46: Broadview to Woolshed Flat 21km – This section of the trail climbs through grazing land and natural scrub to Mount Brown, where after a very “testing” ascent, walkers are provided with spectacular views of the northern Spencer Gulf from the viewing tower. A pretty single file descent leads down to Waukarie Creek and a classic Flinders Ranges creek walk.

Walk 47: Woolshed Flat to Quorn 14km – A steady climb to start the day takes walkers to the top of the range and views over Pichi Richi Pass. After descending into the pass again, the Trail follows the historic Pichi Richi railway line, passing the remnants of deserted sidings and settlements.
Walk Difficulty – The Heysen Trail walks are demanding and suitable for experienced walkers who have walked regularly in various terrain consisting of long-distance trails with some steep inclines/declines, irregular surface with loose uneven, slippery base. They have a walking time of about 5 to 7 hours and will require a good degree of physical fitness.
BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Dutchmans Stern to Eyre Depot & Quorn to Dutchmans Stern
2024-09-28 - 2024-09-29
Saturday Walk 49: Dutchman’s Stern to Eyre Depot 21km – This is a deceptively tough walk with a bit of everything – undulating fire tracks with spectacular views, a rocky gorge and a gibber strewn floodplain.
Sunday Walk 48: Quorn to Dutchman’s Stern 16km – This section of the trail passes the outskirts of Quorn before climbing gradually towards The Dutchmans Stern. Taking a detour off of the Heysen Trail to walk the 6 km Dutchmans Stern loop will provide a memorable highlight.

Walk Difficulty – The Heysen Trail walks are demanding and suitable for experienced walkers who have walked regularly in various terrain consisting of long-distance trails with some steep inclines/declines, irregular surface with loose uneven, slippery base. They have a walking time of about 5 to 7 hours and will require a good degree of physical fitness.
BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

E2E14 Eyre Depot - Morelana Drive
2025-06-07 - 2025-06-15
The first week of End to End 14’s final two weeks on the Heysen Trail starting at Eyre Depot trekking through to the walkout from the trail to Morelana Drive.
We have six days of memorable walking with highlights including the gradual climb through the range and walk along the creek line from Eyre Depot, the climb up and over Mt Arden with its panoramic vistas, traverse of Buckaringa Gorge and the spectacular views from Jarvis Hill (truly one of the “WOW” moments on the trail). Further details are below in “Walk Specifics”.
Travel to Quorn Sat 7th June
1st Walk Sun 8th #50: Eyre Depot to Warren Gorge 13.2km – After climbing back into the range, walkers enter Depot Creek which winds its way northwards. The gradual climb up the winding creek bed with its waterfalls and rocky sections can make progress very slow. After climbing back into the range, walkers enter Depot Creek which winds its way northwards. The gradual climb up the winding creek bed with its waterfalls and rocky sections can make progress very slow. Walkers can choose to use the spur trail to Warren GorgeWe exit via the spur trail to Warren Gorge.
2nd Walk Mon 9th #51: Warren Gorge to Buckaringa Gorge 21.9km – Starting from Warren Gorge we will use the scenic spur trail to meet the through-trail at Peter’s Corner and head north towards Mount Arden South campsite. Just north of the campsite the trail leaves the creek to climb the exposed Mount Arden summit for spectacular 360 degree views. The trail then follows the main ridgeline before descending down to a pretty but rugged creek to exit at Buckaringa Gorge.
3rd Walk Tue 10th #52: Buckaringa Gorge to Calabrinda Creek 22km – This is a predominantly flat walk below rocky outcrops. The trail then leads across Willochra Plain to Partacoona Station.
Re-Locate to Hawker Wed 11th
4th Walk Thu 12th #53: Calabrinda Creek to Jarvis Hill 26.5km – This is a long but fairly fast walk, initially along vehicle tracks, then over open grazing land along the face of Yappala Range and past the historic Mt Elm school site to Jarvis Hill carpark.
5th Walk Fri 13th #54: Jarvis Hill to Leigh Creek Rd (Old Wonoka) 10km – One of the gems of the Trail, this ridge walk provides spectacular views and many photo opportunities. It is a short walk,but may still take up to 4 -5 hours because of the terrain and photo stops.
Note: we skip Walk #55: Leigh Creek Rd (Old Wonoka) to Mt Little Station in this first week and come back to it on our final week of walking in August
6th Walk Sat 14th #56: Mt Little Station to Moralana Scenic Drive 32.4km – This section of the Trail follows picturesque Mernmerna Creek and Slaty Creek to the Red Range campsite. Continuing on north from the campsite is an easy and pretty walk with gentle undulations, along creeklines and through native pine woodlands, in the shadow of Elder Range and Mt Aleck. However, the overall walk is long and cannot be shortened as there are strictly no public access entries or exits as the section is encompassed by Private Property.
Travel Home Sun 15th

NOTE ON THESE WALKS: YOU WILL LIKELY ENCOUNTER ROUGH, ROCKY, UNEVEN, SLIPPERY, MUDDY WHEN WET TRACKS, OLD FENCING, CLAMBERING ALONG CREEK LINES, EXPOSURE TO THE ELEMENTS (HOT& COLD) ARE ALL THINGS THAT MAY BE EXPERIENCED ON THIS WEEK OF WALKING
YOU ARE REQUIRED TO BRING: – APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR AND CLOTHING, PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT, MORNING TEA, LUNCH, SNACKS, ELECTROLYTES. MINIMUM OF 2-3LTRS WATER. “”ALWAYS CARRY A GOOD RAINCOAT “”
PLEASE BRING A BOOT BAG AND SPARE SHOES TO GET CHANGED INTO AT END OF DAY IF WET WEATHER SETS IN. THIS WILL ENSURE BUS DOESN’T FILL UP WITH MUD. THIS CAN BE LEFT IN THE HOLD UNDER BUS.
THIS IS A MULTI DAY WALK. REGISTRATION REQUIRES PAYMENT OF THE FULL BUS FEE. WALK FEES ALSO APPLY UNLESS YOU HAVE PURCHASED GOLDEN BOOTS. ACCOMMODATION AND MEAL COSTS ARE NOT INCLUDED
You will need to organise your own Accommodation at Quorn and Hawker. Our base will be Quorn from Saturday June 7 to Wednesday morning check-out on June 11 when will be transferring to Hawker on that day and we will be based at Hawker until Sunday June 15.
Those registering are invited to travel on the bus, at no extra cost, from Strathalbyn or Crafers or Adelaide to Quorn, then Hawker and return. If you intend to travel on the bus from and to Adelaide PLEASE ADVISE in the “INCLUDE A NOTE” COMMENTS SECTION when Registering. You will get further details under “Event Meeting Location” when you book.
For the trip from Adelaide the Bus is capable of taking up to 20 passengers and with luggage. So be early to indicate your interest.
Those traveling by Bus are asked to pack all clothing, food etc into suitcases, eskies, cardboard boxes or plastic containers, to ensure that luggage can be stacked on top of one-another without fear of it being squashed
If you choose to drive your own vehicle to Quorn & Hawker, you are still required to pay the full Bus Fee.
On Walking Days the bus drops us off at the walk start and collects us from the walk finish – further details can be found under “Meeting Location” when you book.
Group Functions: Welcome Drinks planned for Saturday 7th 4:00pm Quorn Thompson Memorial Playground and a group dinner is planned for Hawker Hotel Thursday June 12 – please select if you wish to attend them.
Please Note: A week or so after registering you will be advised of TRAINING walks you may like to join as preparation for our week of walking in June.
Should you need to withdraw from any walk please advise Mark Fletcher 0402085880 CALL or TEXT

Walk Difficulty – The Heysen Trail walks are demanding and suitable for experienced walkers who have walked regularly in various terrain consisting of long-distance trails with some steep inclines/declines, irregular surface with loose uneven, slippery base. They have a walking time of about 5 to 7 hours and will require a good degree of physical fitness.
BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

E2E14 Leigh Creek Rd. (Old Wonoka)- Parachilna Gorge Trailhead
2025-08-09 - 2025-08-17
This is the final week of End-to-End 14’s seven-year journey on the Heysen Trail. We begin on Saturday 9 August and end with a celebratory dinner on 16 August before heading home on 17 August.
Walk program
9 August Travel to Rawnsley Park Station
10 August
Walk 55: Leigh Creek Rd (Old Wonoka) to Mt Little Station 17 km
This is a classic Flinders Ranges walk which we spend in Wonoka Creek, the site of several major floods.
Walk 56 was completed in June.
11 August
Walk 57: Moralana Scenic Drive to Wilpena 16 km
One of the very special days on the Trail starts with a pretty creek walk through Black Gap before climbing the Pound Range to Bridle Gap for spectacular views of Elder Range. We then enter Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park for pleasant stroll across Wilpena Pound.
12 August
Walk 58: Wilpena to Bunyeroo 20 km
This pretty walk is entirely within the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, with much of the day spent following the Wilcolo Track between the ABC range and the towering peaks of Wilpena Pound.
13 August: Rest day
We may need to change the rest day subject to weather. Expect an E2E 14 Social Committee event in the evening – details to follow.
14 August
Walk 59: Bunyeroo to Trezona 15 km
We climb from Bunyeroo Valley up to Yanyanna Hut with opportunities for great photos of the ranges. Continuing along Yanyanna Track, the Trail passes old settlers huts before entering the geologically significant Trezona area.
15 August
Walk 60: Trezona to Aroona Hut 18.5 km
Our day starts with a pleasant walk along Brachina and Enorama Creeks, past the Golden Spike and other significant geological sites before we climb to cross the ABC Range with spectacular views of the Heysen Range.
16 August
Walk 61: Aroona Hut to Parachilna Gorge Trailhead 18 km
Our final day on the Trail follows Aroona Valley to the watershed dividing it from the Parachilna Creek catchment to the north. We then follow the valley between the ABC and Heysen Ranges, past abandoned mines to the final stile at the Northern Trailhead.
This walk is a pleasant amble, perfect for reflecting on the years and kilometres taken to get here, and the friendships made along the way.
16 August
Black Tie event at the Woolshed Restaurant Rawnsley Park 7.30 pm
After such a long journey this is the opportunity to don your dinner suits and evening gowns, or your best attire, to celebrate the end of our epic journey in style!
Please indicate whether you are attending the dinner via the Meal RSVP “Yes” in the dropdown check box and if you have any non-walking guests that plan to attend the dinner please let us know in the “Include a Note” text box. Menus and the cost will be advised once available and if your plans change, just let us know.
17 August
Travel home.
Important information
Please carefully read the important information relating to our walk.
Walking conditions
This section of the Trail is suitable for experienced multi-day trail walkers who are physically fit. We will be walking from five to seven hours each day, along rough, rocky and at times slippery or muddy track with some steep inclines and declines. We will also be clambering along creek beds. Weather conditions may vary from quite warm to cold and wet.
Biosecurity
Please thoroughly clean your footwear, clothes, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris.
Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed of in a landfill garbage bin.
What to wear and bring each day
You must wear appropriate clothing and footwear to avoid jeopardising your safety and the safety of the group. You will not be allowed to join the walk unless you are appropriately dressed and prepared.
Please be sure to wear/bring:

Appropriate hiking boots/shoes and clothing including a hat and good rain gear
Sunscreen
Morning tea, lunch and snacks
At least 2 litres of water
A personal first aid kit including your regular medication, band-aids, blister packs, analgesics, anti-inflammatory medication and electrolytes
A boot bag and spare shoes for the bus
Face masks and hand sanitiser for the bus trips (optional)

Find out more at heysentrail.asn.au/appropriate-clothing
Accommodation
We will be based at Rawnsley Park Station. You need to organise your own accommodation & meals at Rawnsley Park Station or nearby.
Travel
Our bus will take you to and from Rawnsley Park Station to the starting/finishing point of the walk each day. Further details will be provided after you have registered for our final week on the Trail.
Most walkers will need to arrange their own transport to and from Rawnsley Park station at the start and end of our trip, however the bus can carry up to 20 people to and from Strathalbyn or Adelaide to Rawnsley Park Station. There is no extra cost for this, but places are limited. If you would like to travel on the bus please register early and comment in the “Include a Note” section indicating that you want to travel on the bus. Please pack your belongings in stackable containers.
Cancellation & Refunds
Refunds will be given only if you cancel before registrations close on 05/08/2025 2:30 pm. To cancel your registration log into your account and go to Manage Walk Registrations, or notify the office no later than 2.15pm on the day registrations close. Please cancel your registration as early as possible so that other people can join the walk.
View our Cancellation and Refund Policy at heysentrail.asn.au/cancellations
