North Adelaide Botanic Gardens
2023-11-19 08:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Adelaide)
This walk is a 8.7km loop walk starting at North Adelaide. We head east on the footpath along Bundeys Road then follow the River Torrens north. We cross the river at the Swing Bridge before heading back towards the Hackney Bridge. From here we cross the river and head into Botanic Park then into the Botanic Gardens. We follow a meandering path through the Gardens before emerging at the Friends Gate. From here we head west through Botanic Park to Frome Road, then head north into Park 11 before heading east to the start.
The walk is essentially flat, with some gentle climbs and a swing bridge.

Morning tea will be at one of the nearby cafe’s at the end of the walk.

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.

Seacliff Breeze with History
2023-11-22 17:30 - 19:30
Join us for a twilight walk in the gorgeous Seacliff and Brighton area. The walk will take in historic sites including Kingston House, Dunluce Castle and the Tjilbruke Monument. An easy flat walk with the opportunity to see a magnificent sunset as we stroll back along the beach to the Esplanade Hotel in Seacliff.

Optional dinner at Seacliff Hotel.

End of Year Bash 2023
2023-11-26 12:00 - 16:30 | Main Pavillion, Belair National Park
Please note a change in details regards facilities at the Main Pavilion, Details in Event Meeting Location below.

The Friend’s End of Year Bash; a family affair, at the Main Pavilion, Belair National Park.

All Friends of the Heysen Trail are invited, with their families.

Get your End to End group and/or walking friends organised and be there.

Sunday 26th November 2023, Midday to 4.30pm

Main Pavilion, Belair National Park

What to bring: BYO food, drinks, chairs (there are some bench seats in the Pavilion), cutlery, drinkware or anything else you need to share the day with walking friends and your families.

Cost and Booking: There is no charge for this event but you need to book so we can give Belair National Park some idea of numbers.

The 2024 Calendar will be available for collection or purchase at this event.

Park entry fees are waived for attending members and guests. On entry, just mention you are with Friends of the Heysen Trail.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Warriparinga Wetlands
2023-11-29 18:00 - 19:30
This walk begins at the Warriparinga Wetlands, home of the “living Kaurna” cultural centre. The Aboriginal Kaurna words Warri Parii mean “windy place by the river”, and we will take some time to enjoy the newly installed art works scattered around the grounds. We then follow the Flinders train line track to the old Mitsubishi factory, now transformed into the Tonsley Innovation district, and it’s the indoor garden, before joining the Sturt Linear trail back to our cars.

Optional dinner at Flagstaff Hill Hotel

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.

Anstey Hill
2023-12-06
Join us for a twilight walk around Anstey’s Hill Recreation Park where we hope to see some local wildlife and venture up a couple of hills.

Walk may vary depending on the weather.

Those interested in dinner after the walk, we will be going to the Fox and Firkin hotel (no bookings required and outdoors seating possible depending on weather).

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.

Happy Valley Reservoir
2023-12-13
This walk will focus on the east side of the dam and be mostly tree cover, with lovely view of the Happy Valley Reservoir

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
2023-12-13 17:30 - 19:30, 2024-02-21 17:30 - 19:30, 2024-03-20 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.

Tennyson / Grange
2023-12-20 18:00 - 20:30
Duration – Not more than two and a half hours. If a majority response from participants is that conditions are unfavourable, the walking distance will be reduced. Please assemble early to ensure a prompt departure by 1800 hours.

Distance – Seven kilometres; therefore unsuitable for children and pets.

Walk description – A clockwise walking loop of surprising contrasts between the coast and near-inland.

Leader – Lyndon Grimmer.

Suggested items – Hat, sunscreen, water, and sandshoes. Please no thongs or sandals.

Meal option afterwards.

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.

Historical Walk Glenelg
2024-01-03 17:30 - 19:30
A gentle 1.5 – 2 hr loop walk through the suburb of Glenelg to the foreshore taking in the historic Mansions of Glenelg.

Option to join in for a dinner at The Glenelg Club restaurant after the walk.

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.

Cobbler Creek
2024-01-10 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for a twilight walk around Cobbler Creek Reserve & Recreation Park. The walk looks at some of the historic parts of the park and reserve with ruins, bridges and the old well. There are some up and down sections and a couple of hills.

Dinner location Village Tavern, Golden Grove.

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.

Morialta Morning
2024-01-14 08:00 - 17:00
A figure of 8 walk in the eastern section of the Conservation Park commencing from an entrance off Colonial Drive. The walk includes a number of short sharp climbs and a couple of tricky little descents on shifting surfaces. Though not a long walk it should help clear away some of the cobwebs after the festive season.

As this walk will only take around two and half to three hours to complete there won’t be a break for morning tea. Though it would be worthwhile to bring a snack to chew on the go to maintain energy levels.

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.

Wild Dog Glen
2024-01-17 17:30 - 19:30
Netherby Spur and Harold’s Lookout via Yurrebilla and Wild Dog Glen is a 5.5 km loop trailstarter/twilight summer walk.

We will walk through Waite Conservation Reserve, climbing up the side of Wyllie Hill, then following the Yurrebilla Trail and Old Coach Road along with other short tracks.

This hike is considered moderately challenging with some steep climbs and takes between 1.5 – 2 hrs to complete. This hike provides some stunning views of Adelaide City and surrounding suburbs.

We will go to the Edinburgh Hotel after the walk.

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.

Cleland Loop Morning Dew
2024-01-21 08:15 - 17:00
Walk Cancelled – Hoping to reschedule in the near future.

Update – Re-route due to Track Closure Cleland NP

Please note due to a current closure of the Bartil Spur Track for upgrade works, Gate 9 is currently closed, so we can’t do the route described below.

Proposed Re-route:

Meet and start as noted below. We will go via the Burnside Track, up the “Goat Track” (at Gate 9), then the Long Ridge Lookout, follow the Long Ridge Track up to the Cleland carpark (toilet and snack stop). Then follow the Perimeter Track (anti-clockwise) around Cleland before stopping at the Cleland Cafe. After the break, back on the Long Ridge Track, then the Winter track onto Waterfall Gully Road. A short road walk then brings us back to the start.

NB – Slightly shorter than planned, now with a short section along the road.

Original Route:

Starting at the gate just off Waterfall Gully Road, we follow the gently climbing Burnside Quarry Track, then the Chambers Gully Track in an easterly direction. We take a left to include the Kilto Loop (a little up and down) before re-joining the Chambers Track once more. After an hour or so (from the start) we arrive adjacent to Greenhill Road, (that’s the hard work done) and take the Wine Shanty (for 1hr 15minutes or so) meandering past the Pillbox, Pimpala, Yerang and Lodge Tracks before turning right and heading into the Cleland Wildlife Park Cafe (via the carpark toilets) for a well earned morning tea stop. Refreshed we head out of the park and find our way through the carpark onto the Long Ridge track, and gently descend towards the Long Ridge Lookout. We take the left fork before the lookout and follow the narrow path as it descends around the knoll, and after a hard left at the bottom, taking us back onto the Burnside Quarry Track. From here its a few minutes back to the start, approx. 12.7kms in total.

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.

Semaphore Hysterical Walk
2024-01-24 18:00 - 20:00
Walk the back streets of Semaphore and hear some of the stories and history of this old part of the Port Adelaide region. The walk is very easy and will start and finish outside the Exeter Hotel.

Port Noarlunga Wander
2024-01-31 18:00 - 19:45
Wander historic Port Noarlunga – Tainbarang to Kaurna First Nations people – before following the lower reaches of the Onkaparinga River. We’ll cross a footbridge and through dunes to the river mouth, concluding with a stroll along the beach for glimpses of the reef and aquatic reserve. Approx 6km subject to weather.

Please ensure you bring plenty of water, hat and sunscreen. Bathers & towel may be useful to cool down at the end. We’ll finish at a local pub for drink or dinner for those interested.

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 Leaders Planning Lunch
2024-02-04
If you lead a Day walk last year or intend to lead one in 2024, you are invited to the planning lunch. The walk program will be open for allocation. Plus Q & A to deal with all your questions. Followed by a fun Heysen Quiz. Start 11am, Lunch 1pm
Lunch will be provided, a la Carte pre-order. Buy your own drinks

Mansions and Parklands
2024-02-07
Time – 1800 to 2000 hours; Note: Sunset at 2017 hours.

Duration – Not more than two hours. If a majority response from participants is that conditions are unfavourable, the walking distance will be reduced. Please assemble early to ensure a prompt departure by 1800 hours.

Distance – About seven kilometres; therefore unsuitable for children and pets.

Walk Description – A clockwise loop on both sides of a principal road, generally known as the Inner Ring Route. Upmarket private real estate to the north. Revegetated public land to the south.

Leader – Lyndon Grimmer.

Suggested items – Sandshoes, hat, sunscreen, and water.

Meal option afterwards.

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.

Carrick Hill Morning Loop
2024-02-14 07:30 - 10:00
A pleasant, scenic 8km loop walk with great city views.

Initial short steep climb to the Yurrebilla trail then onto the Waite Conservation Reserve Sheoak Loop Trail.

There will be some undulations along the way……..

Morning tea break at the old quarry, complete the loop then we return via the Carrick Hill track.

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.

Full Moon Walk Glenelg by Night
2024-02-21 18:00 - 21:00
Taking advantage of the full moon, we will meet for dinner at Fuego by the Sea, 9 Barcoo Rd, West Beach (next to Adelaide yacht club) and then walk it off exploring the Esplanade and Patawalonga.

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.

Wonder Walls of Port Adelaide
2024-02-28 17:45 - 19:30
Walk the back streets of Port Adelaide viewing the street art that has been painted over the years.

It will be a wonder if we don’t get lost!!
There is an App which can be downloaded which will be used throughout the walk.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.specialistapps.pae

Trail Development & Maintenance Leaders Meeting
2024-03-05 09:45 - 15:00
Trail Development & Maintenance Leaders Meeting

Getting Ready for 2024!! Gathering at Belair.

Who needs to register?

Trail Development Committee Members,
Maintenance Section Leaders,
Project Activity Leaders &
Shed Volunteer Crew.

Combined session to coordinate our annual works program, exchange ideas and clarify any issues around the database or policies and interaction with DEW. Program outline will be provided closer to the day.

If you’re interested in supporting our volunteer trail work, although not currently a trained Section/Activity Leader please contact TDC Coordinator Paul Bond: paulb.heysen@gmail.com

Ansteys Hill
2024-03-06 18:00
Join us for a twilight loop walk around Anstey’s Hill Recreational Park – includes some hills, superb views over the Adelaide plains, where we hope to see some local wildlife.

Those interested in dinner after the walk we will be going to the Fox and Firkin Hotel – outdoor seating possible depending on weather.

Contact Karin on 0448 125 592 if you require clarification or additional information.

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.

Wild Dog Glen
2024-03-13 17:30 - 19:30
A walk into the hills above Mitcham.

Steep and challenging in parts (Widely regarded as the hardest of the summer twilight walks)

Please note the 5.30 start time … to enable us to complete the walk before sunset.

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.

Great South West Walk
2024-03-16 - 2024-03-23
Come and join us for a week of hiking the interesting bits of the Great South West Walk. Saturday 16th to Saturday the 23rd March 2024
Two days of travel and 6 days of hiking fun. Plus a rest day with a planned adventurous/fun activity.

Travel to Portland is in your own vehicle, but we will be transported to and from each walk from the NRMA Portland Bay Holiday Park (cliff-top caravan park). Phone 03 5523 1487

Once you have booked onto the walk if you contact this caravan park and mention you are a part of Friends of the Heysen Trail group walking the GSWW They are offering us 7 nights for the price of 6. Also they are placing a hold on cabins for a short time, to assist us. The park has a camp kitchen plus a regular evening fire pit.

On the final Saturday morning as you drive home you may like to join us to see some additional sites in Mount Gambier.

Contact Bill on 0466981945 Paul on 040878772 if you have any queries.

11klms A1 loSome of what we might encounter are – The Blowhole Lookout, Petrified Forest, Bridgewater Bay, Seals, Whales, Dolphins, Cape Nelson – coastal cliffs, diverse birdlife, picturesque walks, Gannets, Cape Nelson Lightstation, Soap Mallee, Rufous Bristlebirds. See Victoria’s floral emblem – pink or white heath, Old timber milling history signs, colourful fungi (autumn and winter growing), Surry River, Rufous Fantail, Rose and Pink & Robins.

A much needed, fun-rest day. Then, a one day walk in Rain forest where you will likely come across animal scats and scratching (Echidna & Potoroo) in the soil along the track edge, Powerful Owls roosting in Blackwood trees, Potoroo (dusk to dawn), Bleeding trees with scratched sap patches – feed posts for gliders. Signs of past fires: Silver Banksia – older woody cones burnt and open/closed, Different seed pods and how they may have responded to bushfire, Blackened bark and fresh green growth of forests regenerating from bushfire, Older trees and burnt bark, Hollows burnt out to create homes for wildlife to shelter or breed in.

Cost is $180 per person. Be quick to book as numbers are limited due to coach size.

A private Facebook group “GSWW with the F.O.H.T” has been created to enable photos to be shared after the walk. This group can also be used before the walk by people wanting to share accommodation, cars, etc.

SPECIAL CANCELLATION POLICY – If you cancel less than 60 days prior to the walk you will not receive any refund unless the vacancy is filled by another. If you are not happy with this policy then please do not book this walk.

Walk Difficulty – The GSWW 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.

SPECIAL RISK – a risk we do not encounter in South Australia that you will have on the GSWW is leeches. Leeches are abundant in the forest sections. An application of insect repellent that contains DEET is also a handy way of warding off the parasites or if you avoid DEET products then a eucalyptus or tea tree based spray will be good protection also.

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.

Kingston Park Sea View
2024-03-17 09:00 - 12:00
Setting off from Historic Kingston house we pass by the Tjilbruke monument and wind our way through the Kingston Coastal reserve before heading south on the Marino Coastal trail taking in the views to Pt Stanvac. Retracing our steps and heading northwards views to Brighton, Holdfast Bay and beyond. Winding up the streets to Marino Conservation Park again with superb southern and northern coastal views to the Marino Lighthouse with a brief stop to enjoy coastal and city views. Heading downwards across Bandon Tce Reserve and Barton Gully back to Kingston House.

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.

Seacliff to Hallett Cove
2024-03-20
Please note that this is a morning walk.

This used to be one of the best urban coastal walks. Until part of the trail was closed because of safety concerns. Some of that closed section is now open again and so it once again makes for a good preseason workout. There is still a section to detour around but that is OK. A mix of hard surface, boardwalk and trails.

There are toilets at each end of the walk. Opportunity for post walk coffee and chat,

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.

Cleland Morning Dew - Take 2
2024-03-22 08:00 - 11:30
Meet and start as noted below. This is a training walk of approx. 13.1 kms, that includes a steady climb of approx. 347m over 7kms with great views of the city. We will go via the Burnside Track, up the “Goat Track” (at Gate 9), then the Long Ridge Lookout, follow the Long Ridge Track up to the Cleland carpark (toilet and snack stop). Then follow the Perimeter Track (anti-clockwise) around Cleland before stopping at the Cleland Cafe. After the break, back on the Long Ridge Track, then the Winter track onto Waterfall Gully Road. A short road walk then brings us back to the start.

If you have only been walking on the flat over summer, this is an opportunity to brush up on your walking skills both up and down.

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.

Willunga Basin Trail - Sellicks Beach to Moana
2024-03-24
WALK 1: Sellicks Beach to Moana is approx 22km. This is a beautiful walk which involves a variety of cliff and beach walking and as well as a nice section through the Aldinga Scrub.

The whole Willunga Basin Trail winds its way around and across the beautiful Willunga Basin for 130km – taking walkers through a diverse landscape of bushland, forests, vineyards, almond groves, parks, hills and beaches. Walk the complete trail over 6 walks or come and join us for any of the individual sections.

Bring sufficient water for the day plus morning tea and lunch.

This walk will use a bus to take us to the start of the walk and please note that to participate in the walk you need to pay for the bus whether you are using it or not. Please also be aware of FoHT weather policies regarding cancellation of walks.

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.
