Jupiter Ck/ Kuitpo
2024-09-07
Crossing open farmland we follow the Heysen Trail south before entering Jupiter Creek Gold Diggings.Remnants of yesteryear can still be seen as we pass through, and you may even see a hopeful prospector trying their luck. From there we work our way into Kuitpo Forest to follow big open trails, before retracing our footsteps back to the 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.

Mylor to Cleland - EE17
2024-09-08
Although the most populous section of the trail, it still retains a rural feel as walkers pass through the parks and bushland of Mylor, Bridgewater, Mt George Conservation Park and Cleland National Park.

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.

O'Halloran Hill
2024-09-08
Up and down rolling hills on well made tracks, with plenty of coastal views.

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 to Mt Lofty
2024-09-14
Sad to announce that this walk has been cancelled due to family commitments.

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.

Locks Ruin to Bowman Park to Mt Zion (Walks 37&38)
2024-09-14 - 2024-09-15
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.

Please note these walks are being done out of order

Walk 38 – Saturday – Bowman Park to Mt Zion: Following the closure of the trail along the Crystal Brook, north of Bowman Park, this section now commences with a road walk continuing along Bowman Park Road past Bowman Park, turning north east along Huddleston Road. The Trail then turns north up Head Road, where it now turns back away from the road (new re-route).

After Hughes Gap the Trail meets the southern most hills of the Flinders Ranges.

Walk 37 – Sunday – Locks Ruin to Bowman Park: An easy walk, predominantly along roads and road reserves, this section takes us through the town of Crystal Brook, then follows the Crystal Brook itself to historic Bowman Park.

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.

Lavender Trail E2E4 Glen Turret Rd, Dutton, Smith Rd
2024-09-14 - 2024-09-15
Sections of our hikes this weekend are in remote areas as we move further north away from greener pastures.

These areas are very nice to hike through and shows well the variety of terrain the LT has to offer.

It is important to carry sufficient water and provisions this weekend and good footwear. We have two full days of varying terrain including a good climb (150mtrs elevation) on Sunday up Leake Lookout to give us great views to the East and the Murray flood plains and west over the South Mount Lofty Ranges. We decent through wooded scrub following a wide creek showing large wombat burrows and more wooded areas.

Walk Difficulty – The Lavender 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.

Chambers Gully
2024-09-14 09:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Adelaide)
A pleasant walk in sections of the Burnside walk reserve and Cleland National Park.

There are a few climbs to the high point of Long Ridge and another to the lookout, but they are rewarded by a ‘dress circle’ view over Adelaide.

Depending on the track conditions on the day we will do a loop walk along the Burnside Quarry, Burnside, Long Ridge & Bartrill Spur tracks.

If it isn’t too windy, our morning tea break will be at the Long Ridge Lookout.

Keep your eyes out to see koalas, wallabies, cockatoos.

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.

End to End 18 Waitpinga to Tugwell Road (Walk 5)
2024-09-15
One of the most spectacular sections of the Trail. Walkers follow sandy tracks through the coastal scrub of Newland Head Conservation Park, and will have dramatic clifftop views 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 northward inland.

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.

Willunga Basin Trail - Willunga to Sellicks Hill
2024-09-15
WALK 6: Commencing this 19km walk in Willunga we take a long slow climb along Delabole Road and Range Road toward Mt Terrible for some wondertul views across the wine region and basin. More beautiful ocean views on the descent and finishing at Sellicks Hill. We celebrate with a drink at the Victory Hotel.

The 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.

FOHT Council Meeting
2024-09-18 17:30 - 19:30, 2024-10-16 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.

North Adelaide, Torrens, Botanic Gardens Loop
2024-09-19 08:30 - 12:00
This walk is a (approx.) 9 km loop walk starting at North Adelaide. We meet on Kingston Terrace East and make our way south to Bundeys Road past Park 9, 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 finish at the Lower North Soldiers Memorial Gardens near the roundabout of MacKinnon Parade and Finniss Street.
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. Parking then a short distance away.

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.

Anderson Loop Trail
2024-09-21
Come for a walk along the Anderson Loop Trail through the Bennett’s Forest, which is part of the Mount Crawford Forestry area. We will walk through areas of commercial pine forest and native scrub with good views across the landscape from elevated spots along the way. As this walk is challenging in places, some bushwalking experience and fitness is recommended. Note: if travelling from Adelaide to the meeting location via the SE freeway then through Balhannah, Oakbank, Woodside, etc, allow extra time for road works on Onkaparinga Valley Road.

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.

Best of Sections 4 & 5 on the Heysen
2024-09-21
Let’s forget about road walking. By joining parts of walks 4 & 5 of the Heysen Trail together and you will get to experience the rolling green hills, beaches and the towering Waipinga cliffs. It’s a longish day on the trail but a great walk .

We will car shuffle to the start 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.

Hamilton to Peter’s Hill to Gerkie Gap (Walks 21 & 22)
2024-09-21 - 2024-09-22
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.

Saturdays Walk Details: Hamilton to Peters Hill 16km

This section of the Trail follows backroads and road reserves of open scrubland, before a short up Peters Hill, where walkers are rewarded with pretty vistas over the farmlands of the lower Mid North

Sundays Walk Details: Peters Hill to Gerkie Gap 18km

A pleasant walk along back roads through undulating farmland to the southern end of Tothill Range, taking in the town of Marrabel and its memorial to the famous buckjumper ‘Curio’.

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.

Lobethal Bushland
2024-09-28
Pleasant circular walk in Lobethal Bushland Park just outside of Lobethal. The trails in the park were through heritage-listed bushland but the park was burnt out in the December 2019 Adelaide Hills bushfire. Through the care of passionate volunteers, the park has been remarked and has experienced incredible regrowth. There are also exciting signs that kangaroos, echidnas and bird life have returned. We will walk through trails which had been burnt but are now almost overgrown from regrowth on the trees, bushes and undergrowth. Slopes are mostly gradual. A good walk for new walkers and families, with toilets and a picnic/bbq area at walk completion.

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.

Dutchmans Stern to Eyre Depot & Quorn to Dutchmans Stern
2024-09-28 - 2024-09-29
Saturday Walk 49: Dutchman’s Stern to Eyre Depot 21km – This is a deceptively tough walk with a bit of everything – undulating fire tracks with spectacular views, a rocky gorge and a gibber strewn floodplain.

Sunday Walk 48: Quorn to Dutchman’s Stern 16km – 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.

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.

End to End 18 Tugwell Road to Inman valley (Walk 6)
2024-09-29
An undulating walk with steep descent into creek crossing.

This section follows country roads, farm paddock fence lines, forest trails and road reserves. Native orchids, grass trees, abundant birdlife and classic Fleurieu farmland views make this a pleasant walk to remember.

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.

Cleland to Montacute Heights - EE17
2024-09-29
This is a spectacular section of the Heysen trail as it passes through the native bushland of Cleland National Park, Horsnell Gully and Morialta Conservation Parksand along roadsides, providing frequent vistas over Adelaide and the Hills.

Many ascents and steep descents can be expected, and the walk length is 26km’s.

This is considered quite a demanding walk.

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.

Gandy's Gully
2024-09-29
foothills walk with steep up and downs on the edge of Slapes Gully. Some rough, made tracks. one or two downs where you can practice your pole techniques.

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.

Glenthorne and surrounds
2024-09-29
Exploring the wider sections of Glenthorne National Park including O’Halloran Hill and Hessing Crescent Reserves crossing under the Southern Expressway x3 . Distance approx 18 km Total elevation gain 330 mt. Arrive 0820 for 0830 start

ROADWORKS MAJORS ROAD SUN 29 SEPT
Due to Majors Rd onramp construction there will be a closure of a section of Majors Road from Saturday 28 September to Sunday 13 October.

This will affect the access to the meeting point at the Sam Willoughby BMX Park on Majors Road particularly walkers travelling from the eastern end of Majors Road ie from South Road.
If you are travelling from the northern suburbs on South Road or Southern Expressway you will need to exit at Seacombe Road, travel west on Seacombe Road , south on Brighton/Ocean Boulevard, turn off(East) at Majors Road. This will take 15 mins + expect delays.

Please allow extra travelling time to negotiate any diversions in your route to arrive by 0820.

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.

Gerkie Gap to Webb Gap to Burra Road (Walks 23&24)
2024-10-05 - 2024-10-06
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.

Mt Crawford Forest Reserve
2024-10-06
Come along and walk the Tower Hill Track via Warren Reservoir in the Mt Crawford Forest Reserve. Following bush / forest back roads, you will be rewarded with stunning scenery and views over the area and maybe even an encounter with the local wildlife.

As this is an undulating walk (i.e. up and downs), some bushwalking experience and basic fitness is recommended.

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 Nature walk
2024-10-12 08:30 - 12:00
A leisurely walk (Trail Ramble) around Belair National Park, looking at the wildlife and spring flowers and hopefully some late native orchids.

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.

Montacute Heights to Cudlee Creek - EE17
2024-10-13
After an initial road walk, the trail crosses Montacute Rd and makes a very long steep descent to Sixth Creek before a long climb out through Montacute Conservation Park and Mt Crawford Forest Reserve. A pleasant walk past the private gardens along Holland Creek Road completes the section.

The section between the Montacute Conservation Park and Snake Gully Road (Cudlee Creek) was devastated in the Dec. 2019 Cudlee Creek bushfire. Fortunately the section was reopened to walkers in April 2021.

Forestry SA advised that as of 17th May 2021, Grandpas Camp has been fully assessed and it is considered safe for use.

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.

Inman Valley to Myponga (Walk 7)
2024-10-13
A very undulating walk. Majestic gums line roadsides leading to testing climb up Sugarloaf Hill where walkers are rewarded with spectacular rural views.

The trail then leads into Myponga Conservation Park for more views and some more testing undulations. Pretty farmland and quiet country roads complete this section.

There is a 1km walk to the cars after leaving the trail on Yulte Road.

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.

Cleland Loop
2024-10-19
So, we are now at the end of the Winter walking season. Your trail hardened and as fit as you have been all year. Let’s finish this season with a bang.

We will meet at Measday’s Lookout, and then make our way down to the valley floor. And then it is straight into the ascending till we are just short of the summit.

And then we will go back down.

And when we are neither up nor down,

We will turn around,

And head for the summit again.

But not all the way.

Expect 22k and enough vertical metres climbed to ensure that you sleep well that night. Pace will be moderate except on the steeper climbs (of which there are several) when you will walk at your own pace. We will wait for you.

You will finish the walk tired but exhilarated. So much so that you will want to rush home to book onto my next Cleland adventure on the following weekend.

Contact me on 0412228631 for further information, or if you are running late on the day.

Cheers.

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 CP
2024-10-20
This 14.3km trail will take us through the predominantly stringybark forest woodland with moderately difficult ascends and descends. The trail will take approximately 4-1/2 hrs to complete. We may spot some blue wrens, grey fantails, and kangaroos and echidnas.

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
2024-10-26
After meeting at Measday’s Lookout, we will head down to, and then along Waterfall Gully Drive. A climb up Pengana to find the Stueb Track to the summit. And then it’s all downhill and back to the cars.

Expect no more than 15k and just the one hill of consequence.

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.

Sturt Gorge
2024-10-27
Linear walk using public train services to walk from the upper reaches of Sturt Gorge, down river.
We will catch a train at Goodwood. Alight at Coromandel Valley and walk into the gorge following the river trail to Flinders University where we will catch a train back to Goodwood.
This is a rugged walk with multiple river crossings which can be wet if the river is high. Walking poles are very useful for the downhill sections and the crossings. Not a long walk, but technically challenging with potential river crossings

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.
