Friends of the Heysen Trail

Balquhidder to Waitpinga
2018-07-29
Picturesque farmland, unspoilt sandy beaches, rocky headlands and the chance to spot whales characterise this section of the Trail.

Anstey Hill
2018-07-29
A loop walk through and around the picturesque bushland of Anstey Hill Recreation Park The walk will offer some lovely views of the surrounding countryside and a number of worthwhile climbs.

Weather permitting there will be some off track scrambling to add to everyone’s enjoyment.

Anstey Hill - but Gently
2018-07-29
This loop walk through Anstey Hill Recreation Park is on mainly good tracks with lovely scenery. Good chance of seeing koalas, kangaroos and plenty of birds. There are a number of climbs and descents. We will be passing the old ruins of Newman’s Nursery established in the 1850’s, then up to the Lookout and continue to finish the loop.

Lavender Trail Martindale Hall to Watervale
2018-08-04
A pleasant hike through the sleepy village of Mintaro, open farm land finishing between rows of vineyards just north of Watervale.

The vineyard is part of the Quelltaler Winery.

Hallett to EE George Quarry to Spalding Rd
2018-08-04 - 2018-08-05
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 online registering system will only allow you to register for both days.

Day 1 Saturday 4th August 2018 20kms

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.

Day 2 Sunday 5th August 2018 19kms

Most of this section is section is spent walking south, initially along the crest of Brown Hill Range, following the remnants of an old 1840s stone wall (the longest in SA). The last 5-6 KMS follow rural back roads to the main spalding to Burra road

Mylor - Aldgate Circuit
2018-08-05
Come along and walk some little known tracks around Aldgate Creek using the Bandicoot Trail and linking back roads to the Heysen Trail as it parallels the Strathalbyn Road and then traverses the Mylor Conservation Park.

Montacute Conservation Park
2018-08-05
This circular walk through the rugged hills of Montacute Conservation Park is challenging, but rewarding with excellent views.

Waite / Brownhill Creek
2018-08-08
After a wander through the Waite Arboretum and campus we enter into the Waite Conservation Reserve with a sharp climb up Wild Dogs Glen before largely following the Yurrebilla Trail all the way down to Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. A short stint along Brownhill Creek Road is followed by a steep climb up to Brownhill Trig then onto Wylies Corner and a walk along the Boundary track prior to heading back to a descent of Wild Dogs Glen and the walk back to the cars.

The walk includes 3 worthwhile climbs and some good views over the city and surrounding countryside.

Moralana Drive to Parachilna Trailhead
2018-08-11 - 2018-08-18
End to End 8 commenced walking the Heysen Trail on Sunday May 12th 2013 with 76 walkers. This is the final set of walks ending at the Parachilna Trailhead on Friday 17 August 2018.

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 5 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 15 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).

FRIDAY 17 AUGUST – Woolshed Restaurant Approx 6pm – 2 courses – $55 – please book and pay when registering. Dress Code- Black Tie/Dressy.

If you are unable to walk for the specified 5 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 11 AUGUST

For those travelling by bus, the departure time is 9.00 am from the Central Bus Station, 85 Franklin Street, Adelaide. Please be at the bus station at 8.45 am for loading.

ETA Rawnsley Park is 4.30 pm

SUNDAY 12 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 13 AUGUST (Walk 2) – 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

TUESDAY 14 AUGUST (Walk 3) – 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.

WEDNESDAY 15 AUGUST – REST DAY

THURSDAY 16 AUGUST (Walk 4) – 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.

FRIDAY 17 AUGUST (Walk 5) – 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 approx. 6pm. Dress Code is ‘Black Tie/dressy

SATURDAY 18 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.

Waitpinga to Tugwell Rd
2018-08-12
One of the most spectacular sections of the Trail, walkers follow sandy tracks through the coastal scrub of Newland Head Conservation Park, and dramatic clifftops towards Victor Harbor. Here whales have been sighted, as well as seals, dolphins and the endangered white bellied sea eagle. At Kings Beach the Trail leaves the coast following roads and an uncleared road reserve to begin the long journey north.

Sturt Gorge
2018-08-12
This is a walk to explore the western end of Sturt Gorge. 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. 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 9:30 with an expected finish around 12:30.

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

Myponga
2018-08-12
A rare walk through rugged Myponga Conservation Park, visiting the trackless eastern edge and waterfall.

Only short but steep gullies and off track walking make it a challenge

Horrocks Pass to Broadview to Woolshed Flat
2018-08-18 - 2018-08-19
On 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.

On Sunday … Broadview to Woolshed Flat …

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

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.

Bridgewater - Mt Lofty Summit
2018-08-19
A hike along the Heysen Trail – starting from the Bridgewater oval, the trail takes up past the iconic Bridgewater Inn and follows the old mill run to Cox Creek. After passing through the second of two tunnels the trail enters Mt George Conservation Park with it’s dense tall forest. After walking through Stirling Golf Course the trail passes the Scout’s Woodhouse Activity Centre, then follows quiet country lanes past Piccadilly houses, before ascending to the summit of Mt Lofty. After a break for refreshments at the summit we will return to Bridgewater.

Mylor to Cleland
2018-08-19
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 C/P and Cleland.A few undulations towards the end of the walk will make you feel alive.

Shepherd Hill
2018-08-19
Walking along well made trails with great views of Adelaide. This involves some short hill climbs. We are mostly in Shephards Hill recreation park then a short scramble over the train line and up the hill to Wittunga Gardens. Here we can have morning tea while enjoying the Flora. Bring your snacks and a drink.

If you register and are unable to come on the day please advise me 0402 036 296.

Kapunda to Hamilton to Peters Hill
2018-08-25 - 2018-08-26
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.

On Saturday: A pleasant walk following back roads, tracks and fence lines through the undulating farmland of the Lower North.

On Sunday: This section of the Trail follows back roads and road reserves of open scrub land, before a short walk up Peters Hill, where walkers are rewarded with pretty vistas over the farmlands of the lower Mid North.

We will have a BBQ at the caravan park on the Saturday evening. Please bring your own meat, and a salad or sweet to share. If you would like to join in some fun, the self-appointed social committee suggest a low fuss theme for the weekend. As we are going to KAPunda, bring along a Krazy KAP (or not so crazy cap/hat) to wear at the BBQ.

Mount Hayfield
2018-08-26
This walk takes in sections of the Mount Hayfield forest including the pine and native forest areas. It provides some stunning views over Yankalilla and the coast around Normanville.

This is a very strenuous walk.

Scott Creek
2018-08-26
The walk starts on the Bandicoot Tk on the eastern side of Scott Creek C/P.Following fire tracks for most of the walk in and around beautiful native bushland.We have a few undulations but nothing to sinister

Lavender Trail Watervale to Spring Gully
2018-09-01
A great mixture of vineyards and bush land also including a stretch of the Reisling trail.

Passing through the old towns of Watervale and Penwortham first settled in 1847 & 1839 respectively. There may be an opportunity to explore some historic buildings along the way.

Spalding Rd to Chlorinator to Curnows Hut
2018-09-01 - 2018-09-02
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 online registering system will only allow you to register for both days.

Day 1 Saturday 1st September 2018 21kms

This is a very flat, but unique walk that follows the Freshwater intake channel for Bundaleer Reservoir, only leaving it for a few km to go through Spalding. Walkers will see some fascinating examples of engineering from the early 1900’s.

Day 2 Sunday 2nd September 2018 17kms

Passing Bundaleer Reservoir and the permanently flowing Bundaleer Creek, the Trail joins the Bundaleer northern intake channel at the aqueduct. After leaving the channels at the weir it follows Never Never Creek past remnant Yacca forests and grazing land towards Bundaleer Forest.

Onkaparinga River National Park
2018-09-02
Walking along ridge tracks including Punchbowl Link and Nature Walk. Great views of the Onkaparinga Gorge and orchid spotting.

Mount Crawford
2018-09-02
20km loop around Mt Crawford Forest, including the climbs up Mt Crawford, Little Mt Crawford and to the fire tower on Tower Hill.

Pine and native forests, with as little road walking as we can manage.

Deep Creek - Aaron Creek circuit
2018-09-07
Explore the grassland and kangaroos with great views across to the Pages then traverse part of the Heysen Trail down to Eagle Waterhole and Aaron Creek. Some slippery surfaces and slight climb but not a hard walk.

Tugwell Rd to Inman Valley
2018-09-09
This section follows country roads, farm fencelines, forest trails and attractive road reserves. Native orchids, grass trees, abundant birdlife and classic Fleurieu farmland views make this a walk to remember. Take time out to explore the views from the Robinson Hill Camp Site.

Deep Creek
2018-09-09
A lovely walk taking in a section of the Heysen trail and the Deep Creek Circuit Hike.Following the Heysen from Tappanappa to Trigg Campground then onto the circuit trail,waterfalls coastal views and some heartstarting hills all make this a Crackin walk.

Barossa Goldfields
2018-09-09
We will visit the ruins of the historic Barossa Goldfields; thence a casual walk back to the start following the Lady Pearce Circuit Hike in the northern area of Parra Wirra Conservation Park.

Lunch at Tenafeate Wines on Gawler One tree Hill Road for those interested.

Belair
2018-09-12
A loop walk commencing from near the caravan park on Brown Hill Creek Road then through Mitcham General Cemetery prior to climbing through Randell Rark and out onto the streets of Belair for a short stint before moving into Belair National Park. From the railway station entrance to the park our time in Bslair will include a climb up Saddle Hill Track before wending our way back onto the Yurrebilla Trail and out of the Park for the descent down to Brown Hill Creek Road.

After a short time on Brown Hill Creek Road we will climb to the top of Brown Hill prior to descending back through McElligotts Reserve and onto the cars.

This walks offers 3 testing climbs so pleased be prepared.

Dutchmans Stern to Eyre Depot; Quorn to Dutchmans Stern
2018-09-15 - 2018-09-16
On Saturday…Dutchmans Stern to Eyre Depot…

This is a deceptively tough walk with a bit of everything – undulating firetracks with spectacular views, a rocky gorge and a gibber strewn floodplain.

On Sunday … Quorn to Dutchmans Stern…

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.

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.

Cleland to Montacute Heights
2018-09-16
A spectacular section of the trail passing through the native bushland of Cleland , Horsnell Gully and Morialta Conservation Parks.A long tough day with plenty of undulations, making it one to remember.
