Friends of the Heysen Trail

Waite
2016-08-07
The Walk starts from the eastern end of Hartley Grove, at the bottom of Wild Dog Glen. The loop walk is a great introduction to bushwalking and offer great views over Adelaide.

Optional, at the end of the walk, we can have a drink or light refreshments at Edinburgh hotel (7 High Street, Mitcham).

Dashwood Gully to Mylor
2016-08-07
A picturesque walk through gently undulating farmland, the northern blocks of Kuitpo Pine Forest and through the historic Jupiter Creek Goldfields.

Walkers should bring a torch/headtorch for this walk.

Sturt Gorge
2016-08-14
This is a walk to explore the western end of Sturt Gorge. If the water level is not too high we will descend to the floor of the valley and cross the river several times to make our way to see the series of small falls between steep sided rock cliffs. It is a spectacular sight. Most of the walk should be easy but 10% requires good concentration and good footwear with excellent grip because it can be steep and slippery in places. Walking poles and some experience is recommended. In the event of a high river level we will wander the trails at higher levels. If you haven’t walked in this area before you will be amazed at the rugged beauty of the gorge nestled between the neighbouring suburbs.

The walk will start at 9:00 with an expected finish around 12:00

Bring morning tea and snacks and walking poles if you have them.

This walk was originally scheduled for 10th July but was cancelled due to a damaging wind risk alert by the Bureau of Meteorology. Better luck this time!

Scott Creek
2016-08-14
A hilly walk of approximately 16km through both the eastern and western sections of this beautiful park. Although much of the walk utilises fire tracks, come prepared for some cross country hiking. Gaiters and boots with good grip will mean a more comfortable walk. Hiking poles are highly recommended.

General ‘what to bring’ reminders: hiking poles, lunch (and something like bubble wrap to sit on), nibbles, water, first aid kit, camera, hat, gloves and protective wet weather gear.

Belair National Park
2016-08-16
This walk in the Belair NP begins in its upper reaches where few visitors to the park would venture. South Australia’s oldest park offers great walking opportunities and this walk displays some of its best features.

The walk contains some hilly sections but walkers of average fitness will find the 10 kms well within their capability.

Kapunda to Hamilton to Peters Hill
2016-08-20 - 2016-08-21
Saturday will be a pleasant walk following backroads, tracks and fence lines through the undulating farmland of the Lower North.

On Sunday we follow backroads and road reserves of open scrubland, before a short climb up Peters Hill, where walkers are rewarded with pretty vistas over the farmlands of the lower Mid North

Mayo Gorge to Parachilna Gorge
2016-08-20 - 2016-08-28
End to End 6 commenced walking the Heysen Trail on Sunday 17 April 2011 with 49 walkers. This is the final set of walks ending at the Parachilna Trailhead on Saturday 27 August 2016.

This is a multi-day walk. Registration requires payment of the END TO END EXTENDED WALK FEE. If you don’t have a Golden Boots card you will also be required to pay the daily walk fee ($8 x 6 walks). Accommodation and meal costs are not included. Those registering are invited to travel on the bus, at no extra cost, from Adelaide to Rawnsley Park and return. If you choose to drive your own vehicle to the base location at Rawnsley Park the bus fee remains the same. Accommodation and meal arrangements are the responsibility of each person registering.

Group meals are planned for –

WEDNESDAY 24 AUGUST – BBQ at the camp kitchen at Rawnsley Park Caravan Park. Please bring a salad or dessert to share. A geologist will give a talk about the area (gold coin donation).

SATURDAY 27 AUGUST – Woolshed Restaurant – 2 courses – $48 – please book and pay when registering. Dress – Dressy.

If you are unable to walk for the specified 6 walk days comprising this multi-day event and you still wish to register, contact the Friends’ office during operating hours.

BASE LOCATION: RAWNSLEY PARK – http://www.rawnsleypark.com.au/

SATURDAY 20 AUGUST

For those travelling by bus, the departure time is 9.30 am from the Central Bus Station, 85 Franklin Street, Adelaide. Please be at the bus station at 9.00 am for loading. Additional pickup at Port Wakefield Road in front of City Dismantlers at Bus Stop 26 at about 9.45 am. ETA Rawnsley Park is 4.30 pm

SUNDAY 21 AUGUST (Walk 1) – MT LITTLE STATION TO MORALANA DRIVE

This long section of the Trail (just over 30 kms) follows picturesque Mernmerna Creek and Slaty Creek to the Red Range campsite. After which it becomes a pretty walk with gentle undulations, along creeklines and through native pine woodlands, in the shadow of Elder Range and Mt Aleck.

MONDAY 22 AUGUST (Walk 2) – MORALANA DRIVE TO WILPENA

This is one of the very special walks of the Trail, starting with a pretty creek walk through Black Gap, before climbing the Pound Range to Bridle Gap, where a look back provides spectacular views of Elder Range. Entering Flinders Range National Park, it is a pleasant stroll across Wilpena Pound to complete the day.

TUESDAY 23 AUGUST (Walk 3) – WILPENA TO BUNYEROO

This walk is entirely within the 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.

WEDNESDAY 24 AUGUST – REST DAY

THURSDAY 25 AUGUST (Walk 4) – BUNYEROO TO TREZONA

In this section walkers climb from Bunyeroo Valley, up to Yanyanna Hut, passing several vantage points along the way that provide superb photo opportunities of the ranges behind. Continuing along Yanyanna Track, the trail passes old settlers’ huts before entering the geologically significant Trezona area.

FRIDAY 26 AUGUST (Walk 5) – TREZONA TO AROONA HUT

This section starts with a pleasant walk along Brachina and Enorama Creeks past the Golden Spike and other significant geological sites, before climbing to cross the ABC Range, where spectacular views of the Heysen Range unfold.

SATURDAY 27 AUGUST (Walk 6) – AROONA HUT TO PARACHILNA GORGE

This final section of the trail follows Aroona Valley to the watershed dividing it from the Parachilna Creek catchment to the north. It then follows the valley between ABC Range and Heysen Range, past abandoned mines to the final stile at the Parachilna 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.

There will be a celebration at the end of the walk followed by a celebration dinner at the Woolshed Restaurant. Dress is ‘dressy casual’.

SUNDAY 28 AUGUST

Bus returns to Adelaide leaving Rawnsley Park at 8.30 am.

ETA Adelaide – 3.30 pm approx

THEME – Red shirt for the final day’s walk.

Yurrebilla Trail Minus 1
2016-08-21
This walk, the last of the 4 walks on the Yurrebilla Trail Minus 1, starts at the Eagle on the Hill Mountain Bike Park on Old Mt Barker Road and continues down the road. We will get spectacular views over the city as the trail continues downhill and into Waite Conservation Park then along the top of the historic grand estate, â€˜Carrick Hill’ before descending to McElligots Quarry and then down to Brownhill Creek Recreation Park, along Pony Ridge Road, and enter Belair National Park. We then wander along Wilyawa Track and Workanda Track, through Echo Tunnel then pass Playford Lake before leaving the park and finishing at Belair Railway Station.

There will be cold beer, champers and soft drinks available for purchase at $2 a can or glass at end of walk,

It would be wonderful if walkers could bring a plate of snacks to share

Horrocks Pass to Broadview, Alligator Gorge to Horrocks Pass
2016-08-27 - 2016-08-28
Saturday – Horrocks Pass to Broadview

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. At the end of the day there is a 3km from the Trail to Broadview HS where the cars will be parked.

Sunday – Alligator Gorge Rd to Horrocks Pass

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.

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.

Blewett Springs
2016-08-28
This is a loop walk, alternating between walking through the native flora of the Blewitt Springs and Manning Reserves and lovely overviews of the surrounding vineyards and hills.

This walk will take approximately 3 hours. You will need enclosed walking shoes/boots as we will be going through scrub, as well as water and a hat.

There will be morning tea at the end of the walk, with Tea and Coffee provided.

Mt Hayfield
2016-08-28
This walk takes in sections of the Mount Hayfield forest including the pine and native forest areas. It provides some stunning views over Yanakalilla and the coast around Normanville.

This is a very strenuous walk.

Waitpinga to Tugwell Road
2016-08-28
One of the most spectacular sections of the trail. Leaving the Waitpinga campground the trail slowly climbs its way along sandy tracks through the coastal scrub of Newland Head Conservation Park before wending its way along dramatic clifftops towards Victor Harbor.This part of the walk offers great coastal views which may include sightings of whales, dolphins, seals and the endangered white bellied sea eagle.

At Kings Beach the trail leaves the coast to begin its long journey north initially along roads and an uncleared road reserve up to and past Newland Hill before finishing at the junction of Tugwell & Halls Creek Rds

Lavender Federation Trail Scenic Road to Webb Gap
2016-09-03
Continuing north on Scenic Road we come to Inspiration Point Lookout with great views.

We move down and on through Peppermint Springs Station.

Just beyond we pass a patch of preserved Peppermint Box Gums with the shrub and ground layers still in tack as has been for many centuries. We come across two quality information boards for the LFT & HT and then it is up and over Webb Gap.

I have arranged with the bus company that weather and conditions permitting, we will approach Bluff Range from the west reaching Scenic Road near where we turned off from it last month before the decent to our cars. This will save the climb back up to Scenic Road which we would have to do otherwise.

Mt Lofty circle
2016-09-04
A comfortable walk across Cleland Conservation Park following contour paths below the summits of Mount Lofty and Bonython. There will be views looking over the city and a variety of wild flowers to see. Descending, we will then track along Piccadilly Valley for a climb back to the ridge line via Rhododendron Gully in the Botanic Gardens.

Mylor to Cleland
2016-09-04
Although the most populous section of the trail, it still retains a rural feel as walkers pass through the parks and bushland of Bridgewater, Mt George Conservation Park, Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens and Cleland Conservation Park.

Raeville to Locks Ruin to Bowman Park
2016-09-10 - 2016-09-11
SATURDAY 10 September 2016

This walk follows dirt roads into the small town of Georgetown and beyond past Hiskeys Hut. The trail then follows undulating fencelines through Sams Hills.

SUNDAY 11 September 2016

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.

Saturday night – BBQ at Gladstone Caravan Park. BYO meat, drinks, plates, cutlery, glass plus either a salad or dessert to share (one between 2 people will be sufficient).

THEME – The theme for Saturday night, 17 May, is anything that begins with “G”. Looking forward to see what you come up with.

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.

Cox's Scrub
2016-09-11
Gentle bushland which has escaped clearing apparently as it was no good for farming. It was used for keeping bees as the wild flowers are abundant. The sugar gums which are not native to the area attract both birds and bees. Views of the surrounding country.

Morning coffee at the Quarry

Lunch by The Finniss River

Approx 10 ks, some sandy tracts,

Horsnell Gully
2016-09-11
Gully hopping from Horsnell into Gandys, up and down.

One of Adelaide’s hidden bushlands.

Up the waterfall track

Peters Hill to Gerkie Gap to Webb Gap
2016-09-17 - 2016-09-18
On Saturday…

A pleasant walk along back roads through undulating farmland to the southern end of Tothill Range, taking in the town of Marrabel and its memorial to the famous buckjumper ‘Curio’.

On Sunday…

This section of the trail follows the Tothill Ranges, which boast the largest remaining section of remnant scrub in the area and are one of the delights of the Mid-North. There are pleasant vistas over the surrounding farmland, with constant reminders of 19th century optimism and 21st century technology.

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.

Anstey Hill Recreation Park, Vista
2016-09-18
Ã pleasant walk through and around the Anstey Hill Recreation Park, named after an early road in the area built by George Alexander Anstey, a pioneer pastoralist & horticulturalist in Adelaide.

Starting from Gate 6 a gradual rise leads us to the Newmans Nursery ruins where we veer southwards to climb towards the southern boundary of the park past the water treatment before skirting the boundary to the eastern edge and a walk through bushland and open space where the odd western grey kangaroo is likely to be seen.

The walk then wends its way along various tracks past old quarries and mines in the northern section of the park before following a narrow track down to the Boundary Track, along which we may observe some native orchids. After a short time on the Boundary track we then have a steady climb up the Wildflower walk where at the top we may again find some more orchids. We then walk down the Ridge Top walk to re-join the Boundary track and a short walk back to our cars.

Morialta
2016-09-18
A walk around the lesser trodden tracks of Morialta.Approx 25kms this walk is for those who don’t mind testing out their stamina and lung capacity.A good level of fitness will be required to complete this walk in approx 6-7hrs

Bring morn tea,lunch and energy snacks.

Walking Poles recomended

Broadview to Woolshed Flat to Quorn
2016-09-24 - 2016-09-25
Saturday – This section of the trail climbs through grazing land and natural scrub to Mount Brown, where walkers are provided with spectacular views of the northern Spencer Gulf from the viewing tower. A pretty single file descent leads Waukarie Creek and a classic Flinders Ranges creek walk.

Sunday – 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.

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.

Para Wirra
2016-09-25
This is a loop walk skirting Humbug Scrub Conservation Park and then going into Para Wirra National Park. Though mainly undulating there is some walking on tracks alng creek beds and the final section has a moderate up and down to the cars.

CAN BE SLIPPERY WHEN WET. GOOD BOOTS RECCOMENDED.

Tugwell Road to Inman Valley
2016-09-25
Having left the coast the trail enters the South Mount Lofty Ranges for what is a gently undulating walk through native bushland and private grazing land along quiet country roads and attractive road reserves. A number of the short climbs during the walk offer some classic Fleurieu farmland views.

Some parts of the walk can be a little wet and boggy but native orchids, grass trees and abundant birdlife more than compensate for any adverse conditions under foot.

Chamber Gully loop
2016-09-25
A loop walk starting with a long climb to Greenhill Rd., follow the Wine Shanty to Mt. Lofty,then to Eagle on the Hill and back to the start.

22km / approx.5hr

Hahndorf - Bridgewater
2016-09-27
This walk follows the Pioneers Women’s Trail from where it begins in Hahndorf to a short distance beyond Bridgewater.

More information on this historic trail is available at https://www.walkingsa.org.au/walk/find-a-place-to-walk/pioneer-womens-trail-verdun-to-beaumont/

(Note that the downloadable map shows the trail starting at Verdun.)

Lavender Federation Trail Webb Gap to Manoora
2016-10-01
I AM SORRY TO SAY THIS WALK HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO BUS NOT BEING ABLE TO GET US NO OUR STARTING PLACE.

WE WILL COMPLETE THIS WALK IN EARLY NEXT YEAR.

Final walk on the Lavender Trail for this year.

We leave the Tothills behind us as we move west. We pass a wind farm and on to Waterloo and then Manoora.

Mt Barker
2016-10-02
From Laratinga Wetlands on Mount Barker Creek our ultimate destination is the Mount Barker summit. On a clear day views can be seen over the Lower Lakes of the Murray 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 which offers a trail through open woodland. The understorey has a sparse layer of shrubs amongst which can be found a variety of native ground-cover and bulbous flowering plants.

Cleland to Montacute Heights
2016-10-02
This spectacular section of the trail passes through the native bushland of cleland, Horsnell Gully and Morialta Conservation Parks and along roadsides, providing frequent vistas over Adelaide and the Hills.

Wandallah to Newikie Creek to Dares Hill Summit Road
2016-10-08 - 2016-10-09
SATURDAY 8 OCTOBER 2016

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 9 OCTOBER 2016

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 – Farrell Flat

THEME FOR THE WEEKEND – B (as in bikini, beach, bowling etc)

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.
