Friends of the Heysen Trail

TS Belair Loop
2025-10-19
We will explore the western end of the park making a figure 8 loop of about 11 km along three different trails. This will take us past grey box woodlands, heritage sites and along Minnow creek. Some undulations but with plenty of flatter sections also. Some sections along Minnow creek can be wet and muddy underfoot. As the weather is warming up please bring plenty of water and protect yourself from the sun. Bring a snack as we will stop about half way for morning tea. There are plenty of toilets along the way.

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.

TW Sturt Gorge Cascades
2025-10-25
A loop walk with plenty of river crossings and rock scrambling. A short detour to view the picturesque Cascades. Some short but steep inclines and declines made worth the effort with this walk through the stunning Sturt Gorge. Be prepared to get your feet wet if the river level is up. Please note this is a hard loop walk of about 13km and recommended for those with Trail walker experience. Anticipate 4-5 hrs.
Phone/text Melanie 0411 408 287 if unable to attend or delayed on the day.
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.

TW Cobbler Hill - Tapanappa
2025-10-26
This section of the trail offers spectacular scenery as you walk along narrow single file tracks through the dense native scrub. Several steep and slippery sections over rocks are present as you frequently make your way down to, and up from gullies and creeks and past a waterfall within Deep Creek 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.

TS From Skye
2025-10-26
An undulating walk from Skye up a fire track past the entrance into Horsnell Gully Cons. Park prior to following the Heysen Trail into Cleland National Park where it does a loop including a climb of Mt Bonython before retracing our steps back to Skye. There are a couple of worthwhile climbs throughout the walk.

There will be a short break for morning tea.

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.

TW Tapanappa - Balquhidder
2025-11-09
This walk starts with several km’s of road walking before a picturesque route through bushland before a steep, and likely slippery descent onto the rocky shoreline of Boat Harbor Beach. Spectacular views towards and along Tunkalilla Beach can be viewed through this part. After Boat Harbor Beach, we will make our way onto and along the soft sand of Tunkalilla Beach for approx 4km, followed by the infamous Balquhidder Hill. Sensational views back to the west will reward you at the top. This is followed by undulating hills, and a road walk back to the cars. Dolphins and other marine life along this section have been occasionally spotted by previous End-End groups.

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.

TS Linear Park / Black Hill CP( morn)
2025-11-10
There’s a reason that I love Black Hill CP. Not only is it in my back yard, but also there are so few flat sections of trail within the park. You’re either climbing or descending, and I love that.

We start with a walk along Karrawirra Parri (River Torrens) before walking a loop in Black Hill CP. Then a straightforward section back along the river to the cars.

Or more precisely, some flat walking along the upper reaches of the Linear Trail. Then a short rocky climb past the waterfall on Ambers Gully Trail. We then have a very long climb up Ambers Gully Track with gradients alternating between moderate and steep. There are a few flat spots on this climb, and we will stop at each of them. At the top we turn left onto Main Ridge track and after another short climb are met with an amazing view out over the Adelaide Plains. Here we might play a game of “can I spot my house”. The descent from here is quite steep in places although on the steepest section, we are aided by walking on concrete blocks providing plenty of grip. Then it’s back to the start alongside the river.

This might all sound like a lot of work, and maybe it is. But the walk is only 10.5k. So, the suffering is only short lived.

A coffee meetup post walk for those who wish to join me.

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.

SW Three Bridges Walk Port Adelaide
2025-11-12 18:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Adelaide)
Walk the three bridges of Port Adelaide – the old, the new and the ugly!

An easy walk around the Port River where the only undulations are walking over the bridges.

Keep your eye out and you might spot a dolphin or two.

Optional dinner afterwards at Port & Vine.

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.

SW Mt Osmond
2025-11-16
Commencing from Brock Reserve the walk climbs steadily up to the Mt Osmond Golf Course offering some panoramic views over Adelaide, then skirts the northwestern boundary of the course before crossing Mt Osmond Road into Gully Reserve and then into Themeda Rserve for a tricky descent on a narrow and often slippery path and couple of road crossings prior to a short sharp climb back into Mt Osmond Reserve. From there it is a gentle descent back to the cars,

After the walk you may like have coffee at the Ballaboosta Cafe on the corner of Waterfall and Glyburn Roads, Burnside.

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.

SW River Torrens Lockleys to Sea
2025-11-19
*** There are problems with the payment system on the website, meaning that some people have been unable to register. If this has affected you, please ring the FoHT Office on 82126299 10:30am-2:30pm Mon-Fri to register. ***

An easy 6 km walk, with no hills. We follow the River Torrens Linear Trail from Lockleys to the Sea and back. Enjoy the river, wetlands and abundant birdlife. If the conditions are right, there should be a nice 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.

FoHT Council Meeting
2025-11-19 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.

SW Wild Dog Glen
2025-11-26
After parking at the carpark on Waite Road, we will walk through Waite Conservation Reserve and then make the reasonably steep climb up Wyllie Hill. We will then walk along sections of the Old Coach Road and the Yurrebilla tracks passing Netherby Spur and Harold’s Lookout. Wild Dog Glen is a 5.5 km loop trailstarter/twilight summer walk. Walking poles recommended.
This hike is considered moderately challenging with some steep climbs, it will take between 1.5 – 2 hrs to complete. This hike provides some stunning views of Adelaide City and surrounding suburbs.
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.

TW Cape Jervis - Cobbler Hill
2025-11-30
*** There are problems with the payment system on the website, meaning that some people have been unable to register. If this has affected you, please ring the FoHT Office on 82126299 10:30am-2:30pm Mon-Fri to register. ***
Commencing at Cape Jervis, the coastal scenery along this region of the Fleurieu Peninsula is spectacular, and is a lovely walk along the first section of the Heysen Trail. The trail begins with a meander along sandy coastal tracks and exposed hillsides, with views of Kangaroo Island and the Southern Ocean over your right shoulder. On occasions, walkers are often rewarded with sightings of seals & dolphins. The trail progressively develops several undulations further along as you approach Blow Hole Beach within the Deep Creek National Park. The walk ends with a much-anticipated hill climb for approx. 2km through native vegetation back to the vehicles.

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.

SW Anstey's Hill
2025-12-03
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.

TS Mylor Loop (morn)
2025-12-06
A 10km along the Heysen Trail, through Mylor Conservation Park and Aldgate Valley.

Walking the Aldgate Valley Nature Walk between Mylor and Stirling Cemetery, and returning via the Heysen Trail between the cemetery and Mylor.

Walking uneven surfaces and undulating conditions

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.

SW Cobbler Creek - Porosa plus
2025-12-11 18:00 - 19:45
A good walk – not too long, but challenging in parts.

Well worth the visit, as Cobbler Creek contains the largest remaining stand of the endangered mallee box grassy woodland on the Adelaide plains, making it an important conservation area.

From the meeting place, we have a pleasant walk along the footpath adjacent to the Golden Grove Park and a quiet residential street before entering Cobbler Creek Recreation Park. Initially we will follow a comfortable walking trail before we take a sharp descent on a rugged trail to meet the Porosa Trail next to Cobbler Creek.

We continue along the creek on a narrow track, through bushland – the gums here are up to 150 years old. The track heads west, initially overlooking the creek. Further on we will have evening views over the Salisbury plain, Torrens Island and Barker Inlet.

After the Porosa turns east, we have a short climb to Teakles Ruin. A bit further on is the view over Greenwith and the Mt Lofty Ranges

From there we depart the Porosa to take the Valley Circuit on our way back to the car park.

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.

TS Reservoir & Park
2025-12-14
Commencing at one of the many entrances to the Happy Valley reservoir we will walk through a section of wooded area before leaving the reservoir and entering Minkarra Park with its wonderful river red gums and blue gums. A short section of road walking and then we re enter the reservoir. The reservoir and park are both known for their abundance of wildlife.

Please note if the weather forecast is above 30 degrees this walk may be shortened.

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.

Linear Park Trail (Morning)
2025-12-16
If you are looking for The Two Billabong Walk that was previously listed for this date, it will now be held on 9 March 2026. Significant vegetation management work is currently being conducted at one of the sites, resulting in the change of dates.

A flat, but scenic walk along the Linear Park Trail from Klemzig into the CBD, and then through to the Adelaide Central Market. It’s surprising how far you can walk into the city before it is apparent that you are indeed, in the state capital.

We will spend some time in the market (coffee anyone?) before walking back to Currie Street to catch the O’Bahn back to Klemzig Interchange. Have your Metro Card or Senior’s Card at the ready.

Lots of history to share during this walk.

I’m now off to the doctors. This is the flattest walk I have ever led. There must be something wrong with me.

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.

Crafers and Cleland
2025-12-17
A walk in the southern end of Cleland along bush and service tracks. This walk has a few undulations to get the blood flowing but nothing too taxing. Walking boots or sturdy sandshoes are a must and if you usually use walking poles feel free to bring them along. The walk is about 7kms long and will take 2 hrs. Optional meal at the Jimmies Restaurant Crafers 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.

Amy Gillett Bikeway( Mt Torrens to Birdwood)
2026-01-14
Originally scheduled for 7 Jan but moved because of extreme heat forecast.

Come on out and walk the newest section of the Amy Gillett Trail. Mt Torrens to Birdwood. The pathway follows the alignment of the former Mt Pleasant railway line ensuring that the gradients are very gentle. We will have views out over grazing land, vineyards and be constantly surrounded by beautiful old gum trees.

The flies are plentiful and persistent so repellent, or a fly net is recommended. (Or perhaps I should have showered before I ventured out. Nah. I’m blaming the cows and the horses in the adjacent paddocks). Hiking boots and walking poles are not required for this walk.

Upon returning to Mt Torrens there will be the option of staying on for lunch at the Mount Torrens Hotel. I had lunch there mid October and can affirm that they serve good honest country pub food and local beers and wines. Let me know if you are staying for lunch when registering so that I can make a booking.

If you are wanting to come out for this walk but do not fancy the drive though the hills, I have room for 4 extra walkers with me. Text me once you have the registration confirmation email and I will confirm your seat and send you the meeting point in Hope Valley. Keep in mind though, that I will be staying for lunch so not an option if you are wanting to head off straight after the walk.

See you there.

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.

Famous Faces and Commemorative Places
2026-01-14 18:00 - 19:30
This walk reveals the history behind our statues and memorials in the parklands between North Terrace and lower North Adelaide, some old and some new.

Coastal Series Outer Harbour to Sellicks Beach -Walk 1 - Outer Harbour to Semaphore South
2026-01-16
We have a Beautiful Coastline, so why don’t we walk it.

Join us to do 7 Coastal Walks from Outer Harbour to Sellicks Beach

Held Friday am from 16th Jan to 27th Feb

Registrations open for Walks 1-4 Friday 19th Dec

(Register for each individual walk)

Registrations open for Walks 5-7 Friday 30th Jan

Section 1 – 8.5km Outer Harbour to Semaphore South

The walks may include some beach walking.

Meeting at end point and carpooling to start.

Option of Post walk Coffee

“Walkers decision in regards to Algae Bloom”

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.

Summertown( morn)
2026-01-18
An undulating walk on and around some back roads and reserves in Summertown offering pleasant views over the surrounding countryside, before and after a foray along some tracks in the northeastern part of Cleland National Park. There are a number of worthwhile climbs during the walk, though nothing too hard.

Those interested can join me for a coffee in Uraidla 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.

Evening Coast
2026-01-21
Evening foreshore stroll, that can vary depending on the weather. Plan to walk to the West Beach wet lands and along the Patawalonga before finishing at West Beach Surf-lifesaving bistro for dinner

TS Carrick Hill Loop (morn )
2026-01-22
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.

Coffee after walk at Carrick Hill cafe

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.

Coastal Series Outer Harbour to Sellicks Beach - Walk 4 - Brighton to Hallett Cove
2026-01-23
CHANGE TO THE SEQUENCE OF WALKS
The sequence of walks has been changed due to a conflict with the Tour Down Under
We have a Beautiful Coastline, so why don’t we walk it.

Join us to do 7 Coastal Walks from Outer Harbour to Sellicks Beach

Held Friday morning from 16th Jan to 27th Feb

Registrations open for Walks 1-4 open Friday 19th Dec

(Register for each individual walk)

Registrations open for Walks 5-7 open Friday 30th Jan

Section 4 – 10 km Brighton to Hallett Cove

This walk includes stairs, assents & descents, swing bridges

Meeting at end point and carpooling to start.

“Walkers decision in regards to Algae Bloom”

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
2026-01-25
This is a lovely 11km loop walk around the reservoir. There are usually lots of kangaroos. It takes between 2 1/2 to 3 hours. It is mainly flat with a few easy ups and downs. We will meet at the main entrance (southern end) off Chandlers Hill Rd. Gates open at 7:30 and we will leave promptly at 8 or before if everyone is there. Bring plenty of water and be sun safe

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 debri Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Marino to Hallett Cove return
2026-01-31
E2E 16’s Training Walk – others Welcome

We will walk from Marino to Hallett Cove

Morning tea at Hallett Cove and then return to Marino

This walk includes stairs, assents & descents, swing bridges

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.

Office Information Day 2026
2026-02-02 09:00 - 13:30
Join the office volunteers for the annual Information Day.
There will be time to catch up with other volunteers who work on other days and for members who may like to volunteer in the office and get an idea how we support the Friends, by giving back to the organisation.
Learn about the plans for the Friends for 2026 AND most particularly the new website.
The office will be the frontline of queries when launched, there will be plenty of time for questions and answers.
We will also review how the office functioned over 2025, how we make it better, what needs modifying or changing.

Coastal Series Outer Harbour to Sellicks Beach - Walk 2- Semaphore South to West Beach
2026-02-06
CHANGE TO THE SEQUENCE OF WALKS
The sequence of walks has been changed due to a conflict with the Tour Down Under
We have a Beautiful Coastline, so why don’t we walk it.

Join us to do 7 Coastal Walks from Outer Harbour to Sellicks Beach

Held Friday am from 16th Jan to 27th Feb

Registrations open for Walks 1-4 Friday 19th Dec

Registrations open for Walks 5-7 Friday 30th Jan

(Register for each individual walk)

Section 2- 11km Semaphore to West Beach

The walks may include some beach walking.

Meeting at end point and carpooling to start.

Option of Post walk Coffee

“Walkers decision in regards to Algae Bloom”

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 & History Walk
2026-02-11 17:30 - 19:00
Join us for a twilight walk in the gorgeous Seacliff & Brighton areas. The walk takes 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.
