Friends of the Heysen Trail

End of Year Bash, BBQ + Band at Belair National Park
2017-12-03
Come and Rock and Roll to foot-tapping band “Raunchy Sugar” at the green surroundings of Karka Pavilion in Belair National Park, Upper Sturt Road, Belair. https://goo.gl/maps/nguzMrCm8uM2

Sunday 3 December, midday to 4.30pm $20 per person

Park entry fees are waived for attending members. Please mention at the entry gate at Belair National Park that you are attending a function at Karka Pavilion, you will then be directed to the venue.

Befores, BBQ and artisan bread will be provided.

Bring a Salad or Dessert to share, bring chair or rug, glass, plates & cutlery.

Bring your partner/spouse and family.

BYO Wine, beer or soft drinks.

No refunds!

Thai on Hutt (Thai on neck or Hutt on Head)
2017-12-06
You should by now realize that my twilight walks are an excuse in sharpening the appetite for what is to follow. I will therefore lead you, not quite to perdition, but on a reasonably stimulating ramble in the Eastern Parklands of Adelaide and follow the meandering Torrens river through Hackney and Gilberton, before returning in time for a 7.30 to 7.45 pm dinner rich in redolent flavours at the Kin Kin Thai eatery on Hutt St. Are you game?

Lynton
2017-12-13
A pleasant loop on trails through the Lynton and Sleeps Hill Reserves offering some enjoyable climbs and rewarding views to the gulf & over suburban Adelaide.

Christmas Light
2017-12-20
Westminster School annual light display, as the lights are not turned on until 8 pm this will be a walk with a difference!

We will stroll through The Oakland’s Wetlands, walk along the Linear Track to The Marion Hotel, have a leisurely tea there.

Leave about 8pm, walk to Westminster school, there we will see thousands of fairy lights in Christmas scenes, the beauty of the stained glass window in The Chapel, carols will be playing and Santa Claus maybe there.

Walk is suitable for children

Chambers Gully
2018-01-03
Starting from Chambers Gully carpark on Waterfall Gully Road, enjoy the walk through the cool sanctuary of Chambers Gully. Watch out for cockatoos, butterflies, koalas and bandicoots as you follow the track fringed with ferns.

A fairly steep climb takes you to the ridge, which provides splendid views of the city and coast.

5.45pm for a 6.00pm sharp start

The ground is quite uneven so wear sturdy walking boots, and if you use them bring your poles if you want

Join us for a meal afterwards at Cascada Cafe – 540 Glynburn Road, Burnside. This is optional.

Contact Caroline Prescott on 0448 315 054 – if you can’t make it.

Living in the Port
2018-01-10
Port Adelaide is a special place. Not just another suburb, it is a place with a distinct history and a distinct character. It was the colony’s industrial centre, a heart of industry, and a community with a strong identity.

Through historic images and local stories learn about Port Adelaide’s history, major landmarks, colourful characters and significant events.

We will be using an app put together by the History Trust of SA to negotiate this historic part of Adelaide.

This will be a rambling walk and depending on our progress we may or may not cover the full distance.

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/living-in-port/id1038758145?mt=8

Greek on Brompton
2018-01-17
You would not believe how the area of Brompton and Bowden, once the industrial sink hole of Adelaide, has changed over the last four or five years. This walk will appeal to those with sensitive souls and a keen eye for public art. A small army of anonymous artists have created quirky surprises over the years. Leave your boots behind and embark on a journey of discovery. I will hand out photocopies of the itinerary of this History and Public Art tour. Bring your reading glasses.

And for an appropriate finale, we will dine at the Greek Restaurant La Taverna in its new location on Port Road. Your reading glasses will also be useful here!

It appears that Wed 17 Jan will be a hot and muggy day (37ËšC), so bring along some water.

Port Noarlunga river and beach wander
2018-01-24
Explore historical locations within the town, then around the lower river estuary before crossing the mouth to return along the beach. Precise route will be adapted to weather on the day. Swim and sunset optional extras.

On registration please indicate if you wish to stay on for dinner watching the sun go down so a booking may be made.

South Eastern Parklands
2018-01-31
Come and explore Adelaide city’s south eastern corner and its surrounds. This walk will take us along cosmopolitan Hutt Street, through Tuthangga (Park 17) adjacent a historic carriageway and then along the western edge of Victoria Park / Pakakanthi (Park 16). We’ll then cross Wakefield Street into Ityamai-Itpina (Park 15) and then walk back along East Terrace (the only street in Colonel Light’s plan that wasn’t straight), past historical olive groves and grand homes, both old and new.

The Red Moon -Total eclipse of the moon
2018-01-31
Tonight is a total eclipse of the moon in and well worth celebrating with friends. The sun sets at 8:23pm and the moon rises at 8:11. It is a blue moon! At 10:18 the moon is getting red as the partial eclipse is happening. At 1121 the total eclipse begins and it reaches maximum at 1159….So that’s the technical bit.

I suggest we meet for a meal and or drinks at our own expense at a seaside hotel around 8pm and watch the sunset. Then have a beach wander in the light of the full moon before heading up the hill away from the street lights to watch at least some of the eclipse. Bring chairs, warm clothes, binoculars and a good yarn or two. We will have the cars nearby so people can leave at anytime they like. Bring a torch so you in case you need it but by then our eyes will be well adjusted to the dark.

Summertown
2018-02-14
A comfortable walk in and around Summertown at the top of Greenhill Road that includes a couple of short climbs,a short stint on the Heysen Trail and brief time along the northeastern edge of Cleland Con. Park.

Wild Dog Glen
2018-02-21
A walk into the hills above Mitcham.

Steep and challenging in parts

Onkaparinga - Punchbowl Link
2018-03-01
Exploring one of the new trails in Onkaparinga River National Park, the walk will follow a loop through remnant grey box and wattle, finishing by strolling down to the viewing platform that showcases the Onkaparinga gorge. Subject to weather and time it may be an option to take a side route down to the waterhole. Expect kangaroos and birds.

Western Torrens Linear Walk
2018-03-07
This walk winds along the River Torrens linear path.

Mawson Lakes
2018-03-15
Yes, you read it correctly. This is another Thursday night Twilight walk.

Join us for a stroll around the township now located on the property once owned by the pioneering landholders, the Elder family.

There might not be too many hills in the vicinity but we will encounter bird life as we meander along a section of the Dry Creek trail and the Sir Douglas Mawson Lake.

Bistro on Hyde Park
2018-03-21
A brisk one hour walk along the leafy and gracious streets of Millswood, King Park and Unley Park will alleviate any guilt feelings about weight gained chez Mulots, Hyde Park, where I have booked an evening meal for 7.00 pm.

A small piece of La Douce France has been recreated by the pastry Chef AndrÃ© and his wife Annette. They will both cater exclusively for us in their bakery.

AGM Friends of the Heysen Trail
2018-03-23
Friends of the Heysen Trail and Other Walking Trails Inc AGM 2018

7.30pm on Friday 23rd March 2018.

Thebarton Community Centre

cnr Ashwin Parade and South Road, Torrensville

(turn off to carpark 100 metres prior to Ashwin Parade, heading north on South Road)

Guest Speaker: Sean Benz (DEWNR) Senior Ranger, Visitor Experiences to speak on Park of the Month.

Hear about our Association’s activities in 2017 and plans for 2018.

Meet your council (they are the people who make the decisions) and find out what we intend to do to further develop, maintain and promote the use of the Heysen and other walking trails.

Please bring a plate of supper to share.

Cleland
2018-04-08
On this walk there will be (unfortunately) a few hills to climb, but fear not, your caring walk leader will leave his whip at home! A bit of soreness can be expected on Monday morning given the long summer break from walking that most of us have had. Cleland Conservation Park has a fair variety of tracks and I will tailor the walk to suit the group. As usual, wear comfortable footwear with good grip, bring along your walking sticks and two litres of water + morning tea and lunch. I plan to finish the walk by about 1.30 to 2.00 pm (on Sunday).

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, Opening of the Bushwalking Season
2018-04-15
An expo to celebrate the start of the South Australian bushwalking season. With the arrival of cooler autumn weather, hiking is an ideal outdoor activity. South Australia’s bushwalking clubs and Walking SA are coming together to celebrate the occasion with a unique day in Belair National Park. Expo of walking tours, walking destinations, outdoor retailers, walking clubs, free entry.Guided hikes ranging from 45mins to 3 hours, including child-friendly and Accessible options. Walks will depart every 10 minutes from 9:30am to 1pm.You can secure a place on a specific guided walk by registering online from Monday 19th March, or just arrive on the day and choose a guided walk to join.The Friends are hosting 10 of the guided walks, and two Extended Walks from further afield into the expo site: 8am: Cemetery, Barr St Mitcham to Gums Oval10am: Colebrook Reconciliation Park to Gums OvalFind out more at walkingsa.org.au/expo

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.

Gear Information Night - Scout Shop
2018-04-19
The Scout Shop has offered an information night specifically for members of the Friends of Heysen Trail. Staff will provide an overview of gear for hiking and camping: how to choose the right boots for you; what socks; layering clothes for all weathers; daypacks/water options; lightweight tents; maps and GPS. Special discount on the night for FOHT members.

Boot Camp
2018-04-22
If you think climbing up to Mt Lofty from Waterfall Gully is somehow akin to conquering Everest, it’s time to “Toughen up Princess”. Leave your tiaras, tight shorts and tank tops behind, grab your trekking poles and come and see what Cleland really has to offer. There’s plenty of ups and downs following little used and disused tracks with some bushbashing chucked in.

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.

Warren Bonython Heysen Trail Foundation - Walk on the Heysen Trail and BBQ picnic
2018-04-29
Experience local parks and native scrub and have fun while supporting the Warren Bonython Heysen Trail Foundation’s 2018 fundraising efforts.

The Foundation supports the improvement of facilities and the environment on the Heysen Trail & other walking trails.

Four walk options from 5km to 17km.

Walks depart from 9.00 am. Arrive in time to register before your walk.

All walks depart from and arrive back to the Bridgewater Oval. Walks are designed to suit all ages and standards of walking fitness.

Bring the family for a great day out in the Adelaide Hills.

After the walk grab a BBQ meal (included in registration fee) at the Bridgewater Oval, or bring your own picnic. The picnic area includes the football club rooms, 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 yellow sartorial costuming on the day.

Tickets:

$30 for adults, $5 for children, $60 for families

Book here : https://www.stickytickets.com.au/62874/walk_for_the_heysen_2018.aspx

Lavender Trail Opening Walk
2018-05-05
A stroll through the back roads around the Clare region. A short distance on sealed then unsealed roads and across Neagles Rock Reserve and into the Clare township.

This is a return hike. We should arrive in Clare for the official opening of the last section of the Lavender Trail then we will return to our cars parked on Spring Gully road. If time/interest permits we can add a walk into Spring Gully Conservation Park.

The total distance is around 16 kms.

Gerkie Gap to Webb Gap to Burra Road
2018-05-05 - 2018-05-06
This is a 2 day Walk if you would like to register for one day only please contact the Friends of the Heysen office on 8212 6299.

Saturday 5th May 2018: Gerkie Gap to Webb Gap 18kms

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.

Sunday 6th May 2018: Webb Gap to Burra Road 23kms

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

Summertown / Mt Lofty
2018-05-06
A circular walk using tracks, lanes and country roads through the pretty Piccadilly valley and then into the top of Cleland Conservation Park and returning to the start.

Depending on the weather conditions the area should be a mass of autumn colours.

The walk will be approx. 20km with several steep climbs.

Nuggett Rd to Mt Crawford
2018-05-06
The walk will start from where the Trail crosses Nuggett Rd,our finishing point for last year.Depending upon how close the bus can get to the trail there may be a walk in of around 1-1.5 klms

After a few kilometres of road walking the trail enters the spectacular Warren Con Park, climbing steadily through dense bushland.Sections of open grazing land follow offering panoramic views before heading back into the forest and the return to the cars.

This is a quite long though picturesque and diverse walk to start the season.
