Friends of the Heysen Trail

E2E15 Walk #57 - Moralana Drive to Walk #61 - Parachilna Gorge Trailhead
2026-08-16 - 2026-08-23
This is the final week of End-to-End 15’s six-year journey on the Heysen Trail. We begin on Sunday 16th August and end with a celebratory dinner on 22nd August before heading home on 23rd August.

EE15 Walk program: Week 2

Sunday 16th August: Travel to Rawnsley Park Station

Monday 17th 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.
Tuesday 18th 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.
Wednesday 19th 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.
Thursday 20th August: Rest day
Subject to change if weather affects walking days.
Friday 21st 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.
Saturday 22nd 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 kilometers taken to get here, and the friendships made along the way.
Celebrations Drinks, Photo’s and Certificate Presentations will take place at the Trail Head or at the Restaurant if weather not suitable.
Saturday Evening 22nd 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.
Sunday 23rd August: Travel home.

Important information
Please carefully read the information below relating to our walks.
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.

Walk Day Bus Travel

The bus will be taking us from Rawnsley Park Station (from either of 2 designated locations in Rawnsley Park Station) to the walks each day and then returning us back to those locations. Further details will be provided after you have registered for our final week on the Trail.

Bus Travel from and to Adelaide

Most walkers will need to arrange their own transport from home to and from Rawnsley Park station at the start and end of the week, 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 11/08/2026 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

FOHT Council Meeting
2026-08-19 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-09-16 17:30 - 19:30 (Australia/Adelaide)
Friends of Heysen Trail Council Meeting
The Friends encourages engagement and interaction across our membership/volunteers. Committees and Members are welcome to attend; if interested please register so our Secretary is aware to expect extra people.

E2E18 Hamilton- Peters Hill- Gerkie Gap (Walks 21 & 22)
2026-08-22 - 2026-08-23
NOTE – If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOHT office (once
bookings have opened) to register for that day’s walk. The on-line registration
system will only allow you to register for both days.

Saturdays Walk Details: Hamilton to Peters Hill 16km

This section of the Trail follows backroads and road reserves of open scrubland, before a short up Peters Hill, where walkers are rewarded with pretty vistas over the farmlands of the lower Mid North

Sundays Walk Details: Peters Hill to Gerkie Gap 18km

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’.

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.

Henley Beach
2026-08-23
Details to come.

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.

TW Sturt Gorge River Trail Loop
2026-08-23
We start by walking on some trails in a gully at the northern side of Sturt Gorge, before ascending to a ridge track with undulations. We then descend to the river and start walking the River Trail. We follow the River Trail (with a small detour to the dam wall) until Murrays Hill Road, with multiple crossings of Sturt River via rocks, some rock scrambling and plenty of ups and downs. We then return to the cars via some Craigburn Farm tracks (including the lake) and some fire tracks. Interesting rocks in the gorge, scenic trees and river, plenty of birdlife and the possibility of kangaroos or koalas. If the river level is too high for the crossings, we will walk an alternate route.

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.

E2E16 Woolshed Flat- Quorn- Dutchmans Stern
2026-08-29 - 2026-08-30
Based In Quorn

NOTE – If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOHT office (once bookings have opened) to register for that day’s walk. The on-line registration system will only allow you to register for both days.”

Saturday Walk 47: Woolshed Flat to Quorn – 14km + 2km – A steady climb to start the day takes walkers to the top of the range and views over Picchi Richi Pass. After following the ridgeline for a few kilometres, the trail descends into the pass again, the remainder of this walk is spent following the historic Picchi Richi railway line, passing the remnants of deserted sidings and settlements.

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.

E2E17 Bundaleer Reservoir - Lang Rd - Locks Ruin
2026-08-29 - 2026-08-30

Chambers Gully
2026-08-30

Dean's Decision
2026-08-30

Wine Shanty
2026-09-05

EE19 Pewsey Vale-Tanunda-Kapunda
2026-09-05 - 2026-09-06
NOTE: If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOHT office (once registration has opened) to register for that day’s walk. The on-line registration system will only allow you to register for both days.

NOTE: These walks are being walked out of order, so that the harder walk is on Saturday.

Saturday 5th September: Tanunda to Kapunda (24.5km)

You’ll travel along back roads and road reserves past iconic Barossa Valley vineyards and wineries. The small town of Greenock is a gateway into the cropping and grazing land of the Lower North and you’ll have a long but mainly flat walk with pleasant vistas and changing seasonal colours.

Sunday 6th September: Pewsey Vale to Tanunda (24km)

This is an easy section of the Trail that runs through the northern part of Mount Crawford Forest and through the native bushland of Kaiser Stuhl Conservation Park with its unusual weathered rock features. You’ll see panoramic vistas over the Barossa Valley and the Lower North.

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.

E2E 20 Tapanappa - Balquhidder
2026-09-06
Walk 3 Tapanappa to Balquhidder

This walk starts with several km’s of road walking before a picturesque route through bushland before a steep, and likely slippery descent onto the rocky shoreline of Boat Harbor Beach. Spectacular views towards and along Tunkalilla Beach can be viewed through this part. After Boat Harbor Beach, we will make our way onto and along the soft sand of Tunkalilla Beach for approx 4km, followed by the infamous Balquhidder Hill. Sensational views back to the west will reward you at the top. This is followed by undulating hills, and a road walk back to the cars.

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 Barker
2026-09-06

Mambray Creek Extended Weekend
2026-09-10 - 2026-09-14
Just the whet your curiosity this extended walk will will explore the ‘hubs’ of the Mt Remarkable National Park. Namely Mambray Creek, Alligator Gorge and Mt Remarkable. We will base in Melrose. More details early May.

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.

E2E16 Dutchmans Stern- Eyre Depot- Warren Gorge
2026-09-12 - 2026-09-13
Based Quorn

NOTE – If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOHT office (once bookings have opened) to register for that day’s walk. The on-line registration system will only allow you to register for both days.”

Saturday Walk: Dutchman’s Stern to Eyre Depot

A deceptively tough walk with a bit of everything – undulating firetracks with spectacular views, rocky gorge walking and then 5km traversing the gibber strewn floodplain to Eyre Depot.

Sunday Walk: Eyre Deot to Warren Gorge 1.7 km walk in + 8.9km walk + 4.9km walk out + 1km to bus (16.5Km)

After a 1.7 km walk-in to rejoin the trail at the Eyre Depot monument, walkers follow a track to head back into the range, before entering 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. At GR 795 346 (Peter’s Corner) we leave the trail and enter a spur – tight creek line, quickly climbing to a saddle, approx. 1 km. It crosses a 4WD track on the saddle and descends along a spur to another creek and a very pretty gorge. It stays in the creek line, leaving it only briefly to negotiate a gate and then returns to creek bed into Warren Gorge.

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.

E2E17 Locks Ruin - Bowman Pk - Mt Zion
2026-09-12 - 2026-09-13
Note: These walks are out of order and has the shorter distance on Sunday.

Saturday 12th September: Bowman Park to Mt Zion 20km

There’s quite a bit of road walking for this section which begins on Bowman Park Road. At Hughes Gap you’ll come to the southern-most hills of the Flinders Ranges. After a gradual climb to the top of the range you’ll be rewarded with views of Port Pirie and Spencer Gulf.

Sunday 13th September: Locks Ruin to Bowman Park 16km

An easy walk, predominantly along roads and road reserves, this section takes you through the town of Crystal Brook, then follows the Crystal Brook itself to historic Bowman Park.

NOTE – If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOHT office (once bookings have opened) to register for that day’s walk. The on-line registration system will only allow you to register for both days.

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.

Walk The Yorke Corney Point to Gym Beach
2026-09-12 - 2026-09-13
Car pooling will be used over the two days of hiking. More details to come.

Day one: Section one Corney Point to Gleeson Landing (20.5 km)

Day two: Section two Gleeson Landing to Gym Beach (22 km)

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.

Belair Orchid Ramble
2026-09-13
Wallflower Donkey orchids

A leisurely walk (Trail Ramble) around Belair National Park, looking at the wildlife, spring flowers and some late native orchids.
We will be guided by FoHT member Cindy Anderson, a knowledgable orchid enthusiast.

Depending on the extent of the floral display we will have breaks to view them and take photos.

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.

E2E18 Gerkie Gap-Webb Gap- Burra Rd (Walks 23 & 24)
2026-09-19 - 2026-09-20
NOTE – If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOHT office (once

bookings have opened) to register for that day’s walk. The on-line registration

system will only allow you to register for both days.”

Special Note: These walks are being done out of order

Saturdays Walk Details: Webb Gap to Burra Road – 23km

The trail continues along the Tothill Range, providing expansive views over the surrounding farmland and Apoinga Lagoon. A sharp climb after Huppatz Hut provides walkers with a taste of things to come in future walks.

Sunday’s Walk Details:

Gerkie Gap-Webb Gap – 18km

After a climb through Gerkie Gap to the eastern side, this hugs the Tothill Ranges, before climbing back over the range, just north of Smith Hill, where we continue the journey northward through open scrubland along the western flank of the range.

The Tothills provide the largest remaining section of remnant scrub in the area and are one of the delights of the Mid-North providing pleasant vistas over the surrounding farmland, with constant reminders of 19th century optimism and 21st century technology.

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.

HEYSEN HIGHLIGHTS ( Walks 17 and 18)
2026-09-19 - 2026-09-20
Mt Crawford to Pewsey Vale to Tanunda

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.

Wine Shanty/ Mt Bonython
2026-09-20

Ohalloran Hill
2026-09-20

Melanie's Meander
2026-09-27

Crafers Brownhill Loop
2026-09-27

Walk The Yorke Gym Beach to Marion Bay
2026-10-03 - 2026-10-04
Car shuttles will be involved over the two days, however a local 12 seater bus may be available to assist with logistics. More details to come.

Day one: Gym Beach to Pondalowie (17.7km)

Day two: Pondalowie to Marion Bay (22 km)

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.

Lobethal
2026-10-04

EE19 Kapunda-Hamilton-Peters Hill
2026-10-10 - 2026-10-11
NOTE: If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOHT office (once registration has opened) to register for that day’s walk. The on-line registration system will only allow you to register for both days.

Saturday 10th October: Kapunda to Hamilton (24km)

A pleasant walk following backroads, tracks and fence lines through the undulating farmland of the Lower North.

Sunday 11th October: Hamilton to Peters Hill (17km)

This walk follows backroads and road reserves through open scrubland before a short hike up Peters Hill where you’ll be rewarded with pretty vistas over the farmlands of the lower Mid North. Lunch at Marschalls Hut gives the opportunity to explore the history of the area.

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.

E2E 20 Balquhidder- Waitpinga
2026-10-11
Walk 4 Balquhidder to Waitpinga

A short road walk , then after passing Balquhidder station, we make our way down to the coast while taking in the views offered by the Southern Ocean .

As you come down off the beach be prepared to take your shoes off to cross the creek as it can be knee deep at times .

The walks takes us along Parsons and Waitpinga beaches and finishes at the Waitpinga carpark next to the Newland head Conservation Park.

This is a spectacular walk and on occasions dolphins and whales have been spotted.

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.

Scott Creek
2026-10-11
This challenging walk takes you through the eastern side of Scott Creek Conservation Park, an area known for its diverse flora and fauna. The trail features steep inclines and descents, requiring a good level of fitness and physical preparation. As we navigate the hilly path, we are rewarded with breathtaking views, on clear days, of the distant coastline. While the walk is challenging, the views and the natural bush make it a rewarding experience.

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.
