Friends of the Heysen Trail

Wandallah to Newikie Creek to Dares Hill Summit Road
2017-05-27 - 2017-05-28
Saturday 27th May 2017

This remote section of the Heysen Trail gives walkers their first introduction to the grazing lands beyond Goyders Line. After Wandallah Shelter walking is undulating until turning east toward Sugar Loaf Range. The track then turns to the north where Newikie Creek is reached via White Hill Road and Black Jack Shelter. This is an exposed and undulating walk with some very nice views.

SUNDAY 28th May 2017

This section passes through Caroona Conservation Park and Tourilie Gorge, which is one of the lessor known gems of the Trail. Look out for the remnants of an old bullock cut through the gorge.

SATURDAY EVENING MEAL – Royal Exchange Hotel 6.pm Payment direct to the hotel on the night

THEME FOR THE WEEKEND – Autumn

NOTE – If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOHT office to register for that days walk. The online registering system will only allow you to register for both days.

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.

Shepherds Hill/Mitcham
2017-05-28
Enjoying the views from Adelaide.s inner foothills. Incorporating Shepherds Hill Rec park, Waitiparinga and Mitchum trails. Not a long walk, but plenty of leg work. Mostly on well made trail with only one brief off track hill scramble.

Finishing mid afternoon for a debrief at the Tonsley Hotel for those interested.

Mt Compass to Kyeema
2017-05-28
Starting from the Old Dairy Factory, 1.5 south of Mt Compass the trail crosses the Victor Harbor Rd before moving through the dairy pastures of Mt Compass and Nangkita. Then it follows undulating back roads past a section of the Finniss River before a climb along the boundary of the Finniss Con. Park and up over more dairy pastures prior to entering into the Mt Magnificent Con. Park, where a short hike off the main trail to the summit rewards walkers with spectacular views over the southern Fleurieu Peninsula.

Upon leaving the park the trail crosses over Blackfellows Creek Rd into a short section of native bushland before finishing the day with a road walk surrounded by open grazing land.

Lavender FederationTrail - Manoora to Mintaro
2017-06-03
Manoora to Martindale Hall Mintaro.

Summertown/Mt Lofty
2017-06-04
A circular walk using tracks, lanes and country roads through the pretty Piccadilly valley to Mount Lofty, returning via the top tracks of Cleland Conservation Park, back into the valley and returning to the start.

Walk will be approx.20km with 2 steep climbs.

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.

The Nugget Road to Mt Crawford
2017-06-04
This section combines several sections of Mt Crawford pine forest and native bushland of Warren Conservation Park and Little Mt Crawford to provide a picturesque and diverse walk.

After rejoining the trail from The Nugget Road, the trail takes us through Mt Crawford pine forest and native bushland. The trail then enters the spectacular Warren Conservation Park, climbing steadily through dense bushland. Open grazing land with panoramic views follows before heading back into the forest.

Eyre Depot to Mt Little Station (Mayo Gorge)
2017-06-10 - 2017-06-18
Six days walking from Eyre Depot to Mayo Gorge.

See Heysen Trail Book Northern Guide Maps 4.3 to 5.3. Start/finish points and distances are given for each day below.

NOTE – If you wish to walk on only some of the days, please contact the FOHT office to register for those days. The online registering system will only allow you to register for all walking days.

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.

Warren
2017-06-11
The Warren Conservation Park, north of Kersbrook, has some rugged areas of natural bush land which we will explore until the South Para River. I expect to finish the walk by about 2.00 pm (on the same day), so you will need to bring food for morning tea and lunch, and about two litres of water. Some of the tracks are rocky and /or covered with the treacherous green algae and in damp weather could be slippery, so bring along walking sticks and raincoat if it is going to rain.

Wirrabara Forest to Block Nine Road to Murraytown to Melrose
2017-06-15 - 2017-06-17
SATURDAY 10th JUNE

This section provides a very diverse range of scenery, beginning with the dense natural scrub, ridgelines and spectacular vistas of the Telowie Gorge Conservation Park, then descending to a narrow single file track along a very pretty creek line, before emerging into walk alongside pine forests.

SUNDAY 11th JUNE

This section starts in the Wirrabara pine forest with there are some testing climbs. After leaving the forest the rest of the day is spent walking along back roads and road reserves through undulating farmland.

MONDAY 12th JUNE

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.

THEME: ROYALTY AS ITS THE QUEENS BIRTHDAY WEEKEND

NOTE – If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOHT office to register for that day. The online registering system will only allow you to register for both walking days.

Worlds End to Burra to Wandallah
2017-06-17 - 2017-06-18
On Saturday…

Although primarily a long, flat, treeless walk, along dirt roads and road reserves, this section provides walkers with a perspective on the diversity of landscapes of the Trail. The final few kilometres provide pleasant views over the historic Burra township.

On Sunday…

This section of the Trail goes through historic Burra, passing the old Redruth Gaol and other reminders of a bygone era. The trail then takes walkers over the exposed hills of the North Mount Lofty Ranges.

NOTE – If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOHT office to register for that days walk. The online registering system will only allow you to register for both days.

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.

Waitpinga Loop Walk
2017-06-18
One of the most spectacular sections of the trail. Leaving from Kings Head, Waitpinga the trail slowly winds its way along dramatic clifftops towards Newland Head. From this point we return along the clifftops back to King Head. This walk offers spectacular coastal views which may include sightings of whales, dolphins, seals and the endangered white bellied sea eagle.

Walk Specifics

Approx 15.5km/5.5hours

Risks:

Hazards Some loose surfaces, tree roots , steep ups & downs

Requirements:

Wet weather clothes. Sun hat, sunscreen, morning tea & lunch, 2 litres water, sturdy good grip walking shoes/boots

Experience:

Trail walking experience to complete a 5 hr walk

Caroline’s phone number: 0448 315 054

Cobbler Hill to Tapanappa
2017-06-18
Although relatively short, this section of the trail offers spectacular scenery, including a magnificent waterfall, as walkers follow narrow tracks through the dense native scrub of Deep Creek CP.

Distance -13kms

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

Morialta
2017-06-25
A walk taking in some of the more challenging hills around Morialta CP.A good test for your fitness levels.

Kyeema to Dashwood Gully
2017-06-25
The dense native bushland of Kyeema Conservation Park, the plantations of Kuitpo Forest and pretty back roads make this a pleasant and reasonably easy winter walk.

Lavender Trail - Mt Beevor - Bondleigh Rd to Diggers Rest spur trail Tungkillo Road
2017-07-01
Starting on Bondleigh Rd we follow Gum Gully Creek. There can be boggy ground and thick vegetation. From there is a slow ascent to Mt Beevor. Spectacular view is a worthy reward for the climb.

From there we walk 2kms downhill to the intersection of the main trail and the Diggers Rest spur trail.

Diggers Rest is 1 km along the spur trail, and is an access point on the Tungkillo-Dawsley Rd, 4 km north of Harrogate.

It may be advisable to all meet at Harrogate and travel by convoy to the destination point.

(Please note we will be finishing this walk 3kms shorter than when we fist did this hike. The finish will be on Virgo Road,

LT Map 2 3192 1345)

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.

Mt Crawford to Pewsey Vale
2017-07-02
A mandatory walk up to the top of Mt Crawford, then the track follows forest edges and roadsides, the trail then makes its way up over the pretty Wirra Wirra Peaks, where we come to a re-route, unfortunately we are unable to visit Freemans Hut on the Heysen Trail near Mt Crawford as the hut has been closed due to a land sale. After the Wirra Wirra Peaks we walk up to the Tower then follow the farm tracks and fire tracks through spectacular open big gum grazing land. Quiet dirt roads and tree studded road reserve to complete the day.

Melrose to Alligator Gorge Road to Horrocks Pass
2017-07-08 - 2017-07-09
SATURDAY JULY 8th

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 JULY 9th

The trail initially leads over Lavender Peak to picturesque Stony Creek campsite. From there, tracks, back roads and a busy highway take walkers to the memorial to explorer John Horrocks.

THEME: AUSTRALIAN CHARACTERS

NOTE – If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOHT office to register for that day. The online registering system will only allow you to register for both walking days.

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.

Anstey Hill
2017-07-09
A loop walk through and around the Anstey Hill Recreation Park. Starting from Gate 6 the walk includes a number of worthwhile climbs & descents as it wends its way throughout the Park

A number of the recently opened tracks in the Park we be included in the walk.

Worumba Station
2017-07-14 - 2017-07-16
26 ks east of Hawker the Worumba range includes Mt Plantagenet and Mt Craig. Rugged creeks and ranges offer interesting walk opportunities.

Staying at well maintained, cosy shearers quarters right in the heart of the range.

In honour of Bastille day the theme for the weekend is Revolution and the flavour distinctly French.

Dinner Friday, Saturday and Sunday

3 nights twin share accomodation

Walking Saturday and Sunday

drive home Monday

Montacute
2017-07-16
A number of steep hills both up and down will be tackled on this walk which is estimated to be about 19 kms. Comfortable walking boots with good grip and walking sticks recommended. We will be walking up and along Big Range. Carry about 2 litres of water, morning tea and lunch, and rain gear depending on weather forecast.

Tapanappa to Balquhidder
2017-07-16
A picturesque section highlighting the diversity of the Heysen Trail. Walkers traverse native bushland,a long sandy beach,lush farmland and some very memorable hills.Photo opportunities abound and you may even spot a whale.

Dares Hill Summit Road to Hallett to EE George Quarry
2017-07-22 - 2017-07-23
On Saturday…

The trail takes walkers past the historic Mt Bryan East School, before beginning the climb up Mt Bryan, which is the highest point of the Mt Lofty Ranges. Walkers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Mid-North from the summit and as they descend through grazing and farming land towards Hallett.

On Sunday…

A gently undulating walk, mainly along rural back roads and road reserves. The seasonally changing hues of the surrounding farmland make this a unique and pleasant walk.

NOTE – If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOHT office to register for that days walk. The online registering system will only allow you to register for both days.

Montacute
2017-07-23
This will be a challenging walk with plenty of hills. We use some of the Heysen Trail, and also Fox Creek Trails in this loop walk through Montacute Conservation Park.
