Friends of the Heysen Trail

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.

Cape Jervis to Cobbler Hill
2018-05-06
E2E13 is the 13th group to walk the Heysen Trail starting at Cape Jervis and finishing at Parachilna Gorge 6yrs later.

From the Cape Jervis trailhead, this section follows sandy coastal tracks and exposed coastal hillsides, providing spectacular views over Backstairs Passage to Kangaroo Island.

Walkers are often rewarded with sightings of seals and dolphins. At Blowhole Beach the trail enters Deep Creek Conservation Park to begin the long climb through native bushland to Cobbler Hill.

Please note that the bus does not take you from Adelaide to the start of the walk. The arrangement is that you will drive to near the walk and the bus assists with transporting you from the meeting location to the start of the walk.

Further information about the meeting location will be provided after you have registered for the walk.

Mt Pleasant
2018-05-06
An attractive walk through pine and native forest, with a short but easy uphill slog to take in a magnificent panorama of Mount Crawford forest.

Cleland Conservation Park
2018-05-09
A pleasant loop walk through the northern section of Cleland Con. Park that offers some delightful views over Adelaide. There are a series of climbs and descents to test your early season fitness.

Mitcham Hills
2018-05-13
A loop through the south-eastern foothills around Carrick Hill. We will follow the Yurrebilla Trail into the Waite Conservation Reserve which protects an important remnant of Grey-box Woodland. As we climb above the Adelaide Plains there are panoramic views across the nearby stately homes to the city and the sea. There will be a morning-tea break on Wylie’s Ridge before proceeding toward Eagle on the Hill and then returning via the trig point atop Brownhill.

Carrick Hill
2018-05-13
This is a walk that will take us to the Eastern end of Brownhill Creek, through private property, exiting on the Mt Barker Road near Eagle on the Hill from where we will head for the Waite Conservation Reserve and back to Carrick Hill. Reasonable amount of motivation required to tackle a number of undulations! Pray for cool, dryish weather. As usual walking boots with good grip, hat, sun cream, walking sticks, 2 L water, morning tea and lunch packed. This walk is suitable for people with recent walking experience. About 15 kms.

Great North Walk
2018-05-15 - 2018-05-31
The Great North Walk is a walking track which runs from Sydney to Newcastle in New South Wales. The main track, 250 kilometres in length, runs between the Obelisk in Macquarie Place in Sydney to Queens Wharf Tower in Bicentennial Park in Newcastle and is well sign-posted. There are many “side tracks” which link the track to populated areas along the length of the walk. The walk includes a huge variety of wildlife and scenery.

Accommodation is in high quality cabins, with plenty of options for singles or couples.

Approximate cost of the walk will be $1,600.

This includes accommodation and charter bus but excludes meals and travel to or from Sydney.

Block 9 Rd to Murraytown to Melrose
2018-05-19 - 2018-05-20
On Saturday … Block 9 Rd to Murraytown…

This section starts in the Wirrabara pine forest with there are some testing climbs. After leaving the forest the rest of the day is spent walking along back roads and road reserves through undulating farmland.

On Sunday … Murraytown to Melrose…

A leisurely walk, predominantly along lightly undulating back roads, this section provides pleasant vistas over the surrounding farmland and finishes in the shadow of Mt Remarkable.

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.

Hahndorf - Heysen extension
2018-05-20
The walk begins at the Bridgewater Mill and follows the Heysen Trail spur mainly along back roads into Verdun. Then its on to Hahndorf passing “The Cedars”, the home of the late Sir Hans Heysen. (Refer Southern Guide, Map 3.3 or Map Sheet 2A.

We will be catching the #864 Adelaide Metro bus from Hahndorf to Bridgewater. The fare is $3.50, or free for Seniors Card holders.

Waitpinga Clifftops
2018-05-20
One of the most spectacular sections of the trail. Leaving from Kings Head, Waitpinga the trail slowly winds its way along dramatic clifftops towards Newland Head. From this point we return along the clifftops back to King Head. This walk offers spectacular coastal views which may include sightings of whales, dolphins, seals and the endangered white bellied sea eagle.

There will be a car pool.

Myponga to Mt Compass (End to End 12)
2018-05-20
After a short road walk the trail enters YulteC/P where some lovely native bush and testing undulations are encountered.The trail then crosses open farming land gradually climbing to Mt Cone which offers distant views.The walk finishes off with more road walking.

Para Wirra
2018-05-27
A loop walk, South Para Grand Hike, thru natural vegetation. From Devils Nose lookout there is splendid views across the valley. Walking on through beautiful gum trees we stop at the South Para River. A slow climb out of the valley, with well placed seats, soon sees us back on top of the opposite side ridge. Continuing on via good tracks we will stop at a nice place for lunch before a short walk back to the cars.

Para Wirra is May’s “park of the month”

Entry to park is free

Onkaparinga Baker Gully
2018-05-27
This loop walk is a combination of several trails in the Onkaparinga National Park Upper Gorge. The trails included are the Nature Trail, Echidna Trail and Bakers Gully Track. The walk has some steep sections and you will be rewarded with great views over the Gorge. We will be going down on the Gorge Trail which will take us to a beautiful rock pool, with a sheer cliff face plunging into water.

The total distance is 13 km. The walk will take around 4 hours. Optional we can go at the end to a bakery in Claredon.

Mt Crawford to Pewsey Vale
2018-05-27
The trail has recently returned to the original route that climbs Mt Crawford. After descending via a forest track to Mount Rd it then makes its way up and over the pretty Wirra Wirra Peaks.

After leaving the forest another recent reroute takes you west along Tower Road and then north on Wirra Wirra Road past Corryton Park homestead. Quiet dirt roads and a tree studded road reserve complete the day.

Burra Rd to Worlds End to Burra
2018-06-02 - 2018-06-03
Note: 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 2nd June 2018: Burra Road to Worlds End 17kms

The trail crosses undulating farmland before entering the scrubland of the Hallelujah Hills. The day finishes with an easy stroll to Worlds End Gorge.

Sunday 3rd June 2018: Worlds End to Burra 25kms

Although primarily a long flat, treeless walk, along dirt roads and road reserves, this section provides walkers with a perspective on the landscapes of the Trail. The final few kilometres provide pleasant views over the historic Burra township.

Morialta/Montacute
2018-06-03
This is a circular walk in the Black Hill & Morialta Conservation Parks with a fair amount of climbing involved and one creek crossing. The terrain is rocky in parts. We will climb either the Main Ridge Track or the Amber Gully Track. After morning tea, there will be the walk up Chapmans Track as well. Pray for dry weather!
