Dean's Decision
2026-08-30
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.

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 00:00 - 23:59 (Australia/Adelaide)
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

A Mountain and Two Gorges Extended Weekend
2026-09-10 00:00 - 2026-09-14 23:59
This extended walk will explore the ‘hubs’ of the Mt Remarkable National Park.

Namely Mt Remarkable, Mambray Creek (Hidden Gorge) and Alligator Gorge.

As there is a wedding in Melrose on Friday accommodation is tight for the first 2 nights so we base in Wilmington 24 km north of Melrose.

Accommodation options include:

Stony Creek Bush Camp Caravan Park

Located 3 km out of Wilmington the property has 4 Ensuite Cabins (former mining camp dongas) double bed, shower and toilet. No cooking facilities. Plus 4 Bunk cabins, communal bathroom and 40 powered and unpowered camping sites also available. There is a large camp kitchen and fire pits so plenty of opportunity to socialize of an evening. Talk to Wayne on 0488 156 850

Beautiful Valley Caravan Park

On the outskirts of Wilmington the caravan park has a range of basic older style cabin options available, some have cooking facilities, in others you will need to rely on the camp kitchen for your cooking needs. Not all are ensuite. Plus powered and un powered camp sites. Check the configurations with Stefan when you call to book on 8667 5197

For those with fancier tastes may find what they want at the Spear Creek Holiday Park 8317 1315 where there are 2 self contained 2 bedroom bungalows available for our dates and in a quick search online I found some Airbnb’s around the area.

Saturday Night

There will be a pub meal on Saturday night.

Our Hikes

Friday

Mount Remarkable Summit Hike 16Km

Our first hike will cover familiar territory for most as we undertake a loop trail to the top of the 960 metre high Mount Remarkable with an extension on the Melrose Nature Hike to end the day.

Saturday

Hidden Gorge 18 Km

Starting at Mambray Creek this is a circuit hike starting with a steady 5k climb with views over Spencer Gulf. We then head down and through Hidden Gorge with amazing steep red cliffs and rock formations. Leaving the gorge, we follow the creek out through native pine forests to the cars.

Sunday

Alligator Gorge 9 Km

This is a circuit hike along the full length of Alligator Gorge, including the Terraces and the Narrows.

Once again, our hike begins with a steady climb along a fire track where you can clearly see damage and natures recovery from the March 2025 fires. At the top we head down the Terraces and through the Gorge and through the narrows before a short climb back to our cars.

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.

FOHT Council Meeting
2026-09-16 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-10-21 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-11-18 17:30 - 19:30
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 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 00:00 - 23:59
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.

Coastal Series - O'Sullivan's Beach to Maslin's Beach
2026-10-17
Coastal Series walk 5-7 0ver two days

These walks follow the spectacular coastline from O’Sullivan’s Beach to Sellicks Beach

The walks may include some Beach Walking, Scrub Walking & Pebble Beach Walking

Saturday 17th – O’Sullivan’s Beach to Frank Milton Reserve, Maslin’s Beach – 15 km

Walks 5 & part of Walk 6

Sunday 18th – Frank Milton Reserve, Maslin’s Beach to Sellicks Beach – 17 km

part of Walk 6 & Walk 7

Register for walks Separately through the Walk Calender

Meeting at end point and carpooling to start.

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.

Coastal Series - Maslin's Beach to Sellicks Beach
2026-10-18
Coastal Series walk 5-7 0ver two days

These walks follow the spectacular coastline from O’Sullivan’s Beach to Sellicks Beach

The walks may include some Beach Walking, Scrub Walking & Pebble Beach Walking

Saturday 17th – O’Sullivan’s Beach to Frank Milton Reserve, Maslin’s Beach – 15 km

Walk 5 & part of Walk 6 –

Sunday 18th – Frank Milton Reserve, Maslin’s Beach to Sellicks Beach – 17 km

part of Walk 6 & Walk 7

Register for walks Separately through the Walk Calender

Meeting at end point and carpooling to start.

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.

John's Magical Meander
2026-10-25
