The Friends of the Heysen Trail

Carrick Hill
2017-04-09
This area offers a number of pleasant walking possibilities for anyone wishing to walk in a group on designated tracks. I will adapt the walk depending on the fitness level and walking experience of the group and the weather. Comfortable walking shoes,(no high heels), walking poles if needed, water ( about one and half litres), hat, suncream and snacks for morning tea and lunch. I plan to finish the walk by about 1.00 pm.

Bridgewater /Mt George
2017-04-30
It is loop of about 8 kms.from Bridgewater to Mount George Conservation Park and then back to Bridgewater oval.Very pleasent walk,ideal to start the year walks and to share a coffee after.
Children are welcome.Weather wont be an issue.

Mount Lofty Loop Walk
2017-05-07
A loop walk on the Heysen Trail taking in the Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens, the winding fire tracks of Cleland Conservation Park, and the summit of Mt Lofty.
From Mount Lofty summit, after admiring panoramic views over Piccadilly Valley and Adelaide City, will walk on the Heysen Trail to Mount Lofty Botanic Garden upper car park.
After meandering through the garden, enjoying its tranquillity, will exit via lower car park, and return to Mount Lofty. The last section of the walk is a bit challenging as you climb St. Michael Hill.
A nice coffee at Mount Lofty Summit restaurant will end up a very pleasant day.

Ambers Gully
2017-05-14
We will make our way leisurely uphill on the Yurrebilla Trail to take in the scenic view from the Sugarloaves lookout, then descend via fire track with views over NE Adelaide.

Warren Bonython Foundation - Walk for the Heysen
2017-05-21
Experience the Mount Crawford pine forest and native scrub and have fun while supporting the Warren Bonython Heysen Trail Foundation’s 2017 fundraising efforts. The foundation supports the improvement of facilities and the environment on the Heysen Trail & other walking trails.
Three Walk Options: 5km, 8km, 15km.
Walks depart from and arrive to the Fromm’s Farm picnic area. Walks are designed to suit all ages and standards of walking fitness. After the walk grab a sausage off the BBQ at the Fromm’s Farm picnic area, or bring your own picnic while enjoying some cool blues with â€œThe Bluesersâ€. The picnic area features a larger shelter shed, picnic tables, 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 sartorial contribution on the day.
Tickets:
$25 for adults, $5 for children, $50 for families
Book online at: http://bit.ly/WFH-sc-FoHT
Get Tickets

Willunga
2017-05-28
May is South Australia’s History festival month, and this walk allows us to enjoy the historic township of Willunga. We start at the old courthouse at Willunga. Winding our way through the streets past several National trust buildings before joining the Shiraz trail and into vineyard and farm countryside. This is a circular walk, most of the walk is fairly level until we turn back toward Willunga where a couple of inclines provide a lovely view to the coast.
On our return, the National trust courthouse will be open so that you have the opportunity to visit. Bring $5 for the entry fee to courthouse and slate museum. Morning tea refreshments will also be provided.

Stirling
2017-06-04
Come with me on this gentle walk through the back streets and lanes of Stirling where the aroma of a cappucino lingers in the air. Pray for dry weather, otherwise we will be singing in the rain. We will stop in Stirling for coffee and pastry, so bring along your wallets. Shoes with good grip and walking sticks will be very useful. If rain is forecast, bring a raincoat too. This time of year, a pair of gloves and a binny could come in handy.

Crafers Hills
2017-06-11
Walk commences adjacent to one of the many nineteenth century sandstone quarries that provided building stone for some of the grand homes surrounding Mount Lofty. Crossing over the ridge-line to the summit our path descends through Stringybark forest toward a tributary of First Creek. From the valley there is a gradual rise through stratas of different vegetation as we make our way up to Measdays landing for a short break. The return leg takes us past some of the historic buildings in Crafers village.

Belair
2017-06-18
A loop walk combining several of the marked trails in Belair National Park. We will pass through Echo Tunnel and pass Upper and Lower Waterfalls, and come down Saddle Hill Track, which is a little steep. So bring a torch or headlamp if you have one. Walking Poles are a distinct advantage for coming down steep hills, particularly if wet. Trail Starter experience is preferred, as the walk is likely to take up to 4 and a half hours. The walk may be shortened in inclement conditions. If the weather is fine, the coffee and food van may be open adjacent to the Adventure Playground, we will pass through here a couple of times. We won’t have morning tea here though, so bring your own. Optional lunch at the Belair Hotel afterwards. Please contact the walk leader on 0421 177 822 for any queries, or if you are running late or cannot walk on the day.

Mt George
2017-06-25
This walk is generally easy going with one steep section rising to Mount George over some rocks. From Mount George there is an excellent view of the valley and surrounding countryside
where we will have morning coffee.
Then we will explore Timber-cutters trail, coming down Cascade Trail and having lunch at The Terry Lavender Memorial.
Distance about 10 ks

Chambers Gully/Cleland Conservation Park
2017-07-02
A loop walk covering parts of the Wine Shanty Track, Nursery Loop, Gunblower Track, Kirang Track and Bartril Spur Track. Optional lunch after the walk at Cleland Wildlife Park Cafe. Contact the leader on 0421 177 822 for any queries, or if you are unable to walk on the day.

Mylor to Aldgate Circuit
2017-07-09
Come along and walk some little known tracks around Aldgate Creek using the Bandicoot Trail and linking with back roads to the Heysen Trail as it parallels the Strathalbyn Road and then traverses the Mylor Conservation Park.

Glen Osmond Mines Tour
2017-07-23
A challenging walk through the mining history of the Glen Osmond area. We start with a body-warming climb to the smelter chimney, followed by a scramble across the hillside to the Wheal Gawler and Wheal Watkins mines. Then an easy return to the cars.

Cobblers Creek
2017-07-30
We will combine two walks in the park: the Babbler Loop in the southern section and Porosa Hike in the northern region.

Onkaparinga
2017-08-06

Anstey Hill
2017-08-13
This walk will explore the eastern section of Anstey Hill RP before visiting the Newman’s Nursery historic site, thence the old silver mine site and return to the start.

Willunga to Old Noarlunga
2017-08-20
The original title of this walk: Willunga to Old Noarlunga, would have made this walk a Trailwalker walk of about 24 kms. In order to remain within the recommended guidelines of a Trailstarter walk (3 to 4 hours), I have shortened the walk to finish at Moana instead of Old Noarlunga. A leisurely 14 kms walk amongst McLaren Vale vineyards on mostly off road sealed bicycle paths. Refreshments at end of walk by the beach in Moana. Bring the usual morning tea and lunch and keep an eye on the weather forecast.

Mt Barker
2017-08-27
Commencing from Laratinga Wetlands on Mount Barker Creek our ultimate destination will be the summit of Mount Barker. On a clear day views are available south-east over the Murray’s Lower Lakes and west over the Onkaparinga Valley to Mount Lofty. Walking will be on the verge of some minor country roads until we reach the Conservation Reserve where we can revert to a path through open woodland. The understorey displays a sparse layer of shrubs amongst which can be found a variety of native orchids, ground-cover and bulbous flowering plants.

Sturt Gorge
2017-09-03
This walk commences on the easterly side of the Sturt Gorge Recreation Park. Views across to the Sturt Dam and city. We then drop down to river level and stop for a morning tea break before following along the Sturt River. We will cross the river at several points, so sturdy (preferably waterproof) footwear is a must. Coffee and Tea provided after the walk.

Newland Head
2017-09-10
The flora and the scenery on this walk are spectacular.
It is just about my favourite spring walk and I am always delighted by the chance to see some rare coastal heath in flower.
There are magnificant views so dont forget camera &/or binoculars. Bring rain, wind and sun protection as well as lunch, snacks and a minimum 1 litre of water.
This walk is about 13km but it is relatively flat and easy and it will include a morning tea stop and a lunch stop. Start time 9am, finish approx 1.30pm.
Optional after walk tea and coffee at a cafe in Victor Harbour.

Morialta Conservation Park
2017-09-17
This walk takes us through Morialta Conservation Park along bush and fire tracks in the eastern section of the park. There are a few small hills to climb however the terrain is mostly undulating. Great views over Adelaide. We may see some orchids and the spring wildflowers are definitely out. The walk commences at 9.00 am and will finish at approximately 12.30 pm and is about 10 Km.

Trott Park
2017-10-01
We start from the midst of the suburbs, before descending into a hidden gully and along the Field River. Our journey then leads us through some little known ruins where we discover a part of our early colonial mining past. Find out about our early history, and uncover a connection to the Heysen Trail.
Tea and Coffee provided afterwards.

Wittunga Gardens
2017-10-08
Walking along well made trails with great views of Adelaide. We are mostly in Shephards Hill recreation park then a short scramble over the train line and up the hill to Wittunga Gardens. Here we can have morning tea while enjoying the Flora. Bring your snacks and a drink.

Para Wirra
2017-10-15
A loop walk with a steady but not steep climb with views of Adelaide, Koalas and our native bushland

Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park
2017-10-22
A lovely walk through this significant area of nature conservation. Great views of the coast and Willunga hills. If time permits we may exit the park and walk along Aldinga Beach before re-entering the park. The walk is a true Trail Starter walk with virtually no hills.

Onkaparinga River National Park
2017-10-29
The new ridge walk Punchbowl Link Trail and Nature walk

Cleland Special
2018-04-08
A nice little saunter around the southern end of the park to kick the season off.A couple of undulations to get the heart pumping but nothing to strenuous.

Hiking Expo walk into expo: Cemetery, Barr St Mitcham to Gums Oval
2018-04-15
This is one of two hikes that the Friends of the Heysen Trail are guiding from further afield into the Hiking Expo in Belair National Park.
Starting from the cemetery at Mitcham, walking up through the foothills and quiet gullies of Randall Park and through the quiet back streets of Belair. From Belair train station, the walk will enter the National Park passing through majestic endangered ecosystem of grey box woodland.
The hike is along walking trails and some roads. The hike is one-way and you will need to make your own arrangements to return home after the walk reaches the Expo site. You could organise a group car shuffle with friends (leave a car at each end), or you could arrange to have family or friends meet you at Gums Oval and take you back. You could also use public transport, walking to a bus stop or Belair train station. There will most probably a 10 seat shuttle bus available to take you back to the start for a small fare.

Hiking Expo walk into expo: Colebrook Reconciliation Park to Gums Oval
2018-04-15
This is one of two hikes that the Friends of the Heysen Trail are guiding from further afield into the Hiking Expo in Belair National Park.
Starting from the memorial for the stolen generation at Colebrook Blackwood Reconciliation Park, the walk wanders through the Wittunga Botanic Garden, and then past the cottage garden of the historic Gamble Cottage. The route includes some of the Sea-to-Summit trail and the Adelaide 100 concept trail.
The hike is along walking trails, reserves and footpaths. The hike is one-way and you will need to make your own arrangements to return home after the walk reaches the Expo site. You could organise a group car shuffle with friends (leave a car at each end), or you could arrange to have family or friends meet you at Gums Oval and take you back. You could also use public transport, walking to a bus stop or Belair train station. There will most probably a 10 seat shuttle bus available to take you back to the start for a small fare.

Beaumont
2018-04-22
This walk commences at Brock Reserve, Dashwood Road, Beaumont. It is about 14km and commences along part of the Pioneer Women’s Trail and passes through Cleland to Cleland Wildlife Reserve. It then proceeds through Chambers Gully and makes it’s way back to the start.
Bring water and snacks for morning tea.
Be at the start by 7:45am so we can commence the walk by 8am.
We should be back at our cars by noon.
