Friends of the Heysen Trail

Seacliff-Belair
2022-05-29 07:30 - 14:00 (Australia/Adelaide)
This walk will predominately follow the ‘Sea to Summit’ trail. Commencing from Seacliff, winding from the coast through urban landscapes & streets, several recreation parks, and concluding at Belair.

This walk includes several steep undulations, small creek crossings with associated slippery surfaces & rocks. It will be expected you can comfortably walk at a reasonable pace for the duration of this walk.

A bus will be used to transport us from the meeting location to the start of the walk.

It is requested you undertake a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) on the morning prior this walk. If you test Positive, please notify the walk leader so they are aware you will not be attending.

PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU USE HAND SANITIZER PRIOR TO BOARDING AND WEAR A FACE MASK THROUGHOUT THE BUS TRIP.

Cleland CP
2022-06-04
We will be hiking a number of tracks in the Cleland Conservation Park.

This will be a loop walk. Distance approx. 12km. It will include a couple of hills so you can practice and get your fitness up.

We will stop for morning tea so please bring along snacks.

Will take us approx. 3 – 3 1/2 hours.

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.

Eyre Depot - Mt Little Station
2022-06-04 - 2022-06-12
The first of our final two weeks on the Heysen Trail starting at Eyre Depot trekking through to the walkout from the trail to Mt Little Station. Six days of memorable walking with highlights including the gradual climb through the range and walk along the creek line from Eyre Depot, the climb up and over Mt Arden with its panoramic vistas, traverse of Buckaringa Gorge and the spectacular views from Jarvis Hill (truly one of the “wow” moments on the trail).

This is a multi-day walk. Registration requires payment of the FULL BUS FEE ( assumes all walkers have a Golden Boots card). Accommodation and meal costs are not included.

Accommodation will be at Quorn from Saturday June 4 to Wednesday June 8 (check-out), transferring to Hawker on that day and at Hawker until Sunday June 12.

Those registering are invited to travel on the bus, at no extra cost, from Adelaide to Quorn, then Hawker and return to Adelaide. If you intend to travel on the bus from and to Adelaide PLEASE ADVISE in the COMMENTS SECTION when Registering.

The Bus is capable of taking up to 20 passengers and luggage. So be early to indicate your interest.

Those traveling by Bus are asked to pack all clothing, food etc into suit cases, eskies, cardboard boxes or plastic containers, to ensure that luggage can be stacked on top of one-another without fear of it being squashed

If you choose to drive your own vehicle to Quorn & Hawker, you are still required to pay the Bus Fee. Please note there are no other Fee options for this event.

Group meals are planned for Tuesday June 7 and Saturday June 11.

An EARLY REGISTRATION LINK will offered to all regular End 2 End 11 walkers on Wednesday 13th April, three weeks prior to public opening of registration for the event.

Please Note: Upon registering you will be advised of THREE TRAINING walks you may like to join as preparation for our week of walking in June. There is no fee for these walks.
Information about the Training walks will be included in the Meeting Location section of the Registration Confirmation email for the Eyre Depot to Mt Little walk.

Black Hill
2022-06-05
This walk is ideal for walkers in need of a bit of a challenge and to develop techniques for rough tracks, steep inclines and declines. Walking poles and boots with good ankle support are recommended. You will be rewarded with some lovely views over Adelaide and wildflowers. The walk is only about 18kms but is quite demanding. It is not suitable for inexperienced walkers.

Morialta CP
2022-06-08
A loop walk around Morialta Conservation Park with a variety of climbs and descents, maybe including Chapmans track.

This walk is graded as Trail Walker and only register if you have the experience required.

Sturt River
2022-06-08
This is a 14 to 15klm one way walk.
We will walk the full length of the beautiful and rugged Sturt River Gorge..

There are 9 or 10 river crossings on this walk, so toss in a towel to maybe dry your feet.

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-Tuscany Loop
2022-06-11
Starting from Mt Lofty Summit we head down to Wine Shanty, up Pimpala and climb back to the Summit. Simple, straightforward walk. Maybe autumn leaves. Ideal if you are new to walking or returning from injury.

Scenic Rd-Tothill Belt Rd-Manoora
2022-06-11 - 2022-06-12
Saturday’s walk continues along the little used Scenic Road with panoramic views to the east and continues through farmland to intersect with the Heysen Trail at Webb Gap with a few more kilometres to follow. This walk includes some hard climbing.

On Sunday we pass though more beautiful bush and farming land, walking very close to the wind turbines, with views of the Tothill Ranges. We then continue on to Manoora.

This is the Queen’s birthday long weekend so our “theme” for this walk “King, Queen, Prince, Princess”.

Dinner on the Saturday night at the Rising Sun Hotel in Auburn. Support persons welcome.

If you only wish to walk on one day of the weekend you will need to ring the office to register.

Burra Rd to Worlds End to Burra to Wandallah
2022-06-11 - 2022-06-13
Note well: we are walking this weekend out of the normal order

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

Sunday – Burra to Wandallah: This section of the Trail goes through historic Burra, passing the old Redruth Gaol and other reminders of a bygone era. The trail then takes walkers over the exposed hills of the North Mount Lofty Ranges. Office please note, no bus fee for Sunday walk, we will be using a car shuffle

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

If you would like to register for only one or two of the walk days, PLEASE call the office to register after registrations open

Accommodation recommended in Burra

The theme for the weekend is ‘Royal’

Sturt Gorge
2022-06-12
We will walk into the gorge with views of the city until we reach the Sturt River. There we follow along the beautiful River trail to the base of the Sturt Dam, before joining back to our starting point via Magpie Creek trail. We will be traversing water several times and will include rock hopping/clambering in parts. The terrain is challenging and will include some steep sections, good balance and fitness is required. It is not a beginner walk. Depending on river level and weather conditions this walk may need to be changed 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.

Cleland
2022-06-16
The walk will start on the Steub walking trail which climbs through forest woodland with wonderful views over the southern ridges and out over the Adelaide plains until we reach the Mount Lofty Summit. From the summit we will take tracks less used until joining the popular Wine Shanty trail and on to the perimeter of the wildlife park. Taking our time we will hopefully spot some of the animals before returning to the start. At the completion of the walk you may wish to visit the cafe for coffee or lunch.

This walk does include some hill climbs.

Inman Valley to Myponga
2022-06-18
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 high degree of physical fitness.

Majestic gums line roadsides leading to the 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 testing undulations. Pretty farmland and quiet country roads complete this section. This is a reasonably tough 19kms so Trail Walker level experience and fitness is required.

Wirrabara Forest-White Park Rd-Murraytown
2022-06-18 - 2022-06-19
Sat -A long STEEP ascent following the Apricot Track( to get the heart pumping) leads us back onto the Heysen trail following high ridgelines with spectacular views of surrounding countryside .We then drop down on a single file track through dense scrub to a small creek line before climbing out into more open country.The walk concludes passing through private farming land with some great scenery along the way ,and a few more undulations.

IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY DONE SOME LENGTHY WALKS THIS YEAR,PLEASE DON’T MAKE THIS YOUR FIRST ONE!!!

Sun -A more sedate walk today following back roads and road reserves through undulating farmland. Finishing off just outside Murraytown

***Please use hand sanitiser and mask upon boarding the bus*** Weekend based in Laura or surrounds.

If you only want to walk on one day please ring office to register.

Sat Dinner at Wirrabara Bowling Club.THEME – ON THE FARM (6 for a 6.30pm start)

PLEASE FIND ALL DETAILS BELOW

End 2 End Minus 2 Week 4.5
2022-06-18 - 2022-06-22
This was to be a short week of three walking days, in Nukunu country, to get our timetable back on track, following the vicissitudes of Covid.
Unfortunately, due another Covid attack, we will still be three walking days behind.
We are based at Crystal Brook for 5 days.
Day 1 Walking from Mount Zion to Bowman’s Hut along a reroute necessitated by the Trail being pushed off the Crystal Brook north of the town. A day of road walking ;-(.
Day 2 Bowman’s Hut to Locks Ruin via a realignment down the main street of Crystal Brook and more roads.
Day 3 Locks Ruin to Raeville, via Hiskeys Hut and more road walking.

Onkaparinga
2022-06-19
A Trail Starter in length, but with uneven, rocky,slippery and undulating tracks.

A circular walk in a small area of the Onkaparinga National Park passing through areas of native bush, including pink gum and grey box woodland. This area is a habitat for kangaroos,koalas,echidna and many birds. We may also see some orchids. As we walk along some sections of the ridge there are good views of the gorge.

Brownhill Creek -Belair Loop
2022-06-22
This 15km loop hike climbs up from Brownhill Creek Recreation Park and along the Yurrebilla Trail into Belair National Park. Following the Yurrebilla we pass Belair Railway Station to follow local roads into Randell Park, a former quarry, providing views over the Adelaide Plains. Finally it returns through the Mitcham Cemetery to Brownhill Creek . Please note there are a few hills to test your stamina with some especially long & steep. Trailwalker experience is essential.

EE15 Walk 9 - Mt Compass-Kyeema
2022-06-25
The pretty dairy pastures of Mt Compass and Nangkita provide the backdrop for the first section of this walk.
Back roads then lead walkers up a steady incline through to Finniss Conservation Park and into Mt Magnificent Conservation Park, where a short steep hike off the main trail which rewards walkers with spectacular views from Mt. Magnificent over the southern Fleurieu Peninsula.

A combination of native bushland then back-road walking completes the day.

Please read all of the details for this walk and be aware of the Weather cancellation Policies .

Also take the time to read Risks and Obligations you agree to when registering for this walk and that you are capable of doing this 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.

Willunga Basin Trail
2022-06-25
The Willunga Basin Trail winds its way around and across the Willunga Basin for 130km: taking walkers through a diverse landscape of bushland, forests, vineyards, almond groves, parks and beaches. It links the townships of McLaren Vale, McLaren Flat, Kangarilla, and Willunga to the suburbs of Aldinga, Port Willunga, Maslin Beach, Moana and Seaford. It has been created and developed by volunteers and we’ll cover the loop over 6 walks.

WALK 3: We will be walking through more remote parts of Onkaparinga National Park, to Kangarilla. The walk is 17km with some steady hills.

Bring sufficient water, morning tea and lunch.

Please be aware of FOHT weather policies regarding cancellation of walks and adherence to Covid requirements. THIS WALK WILL USE A BUS so participants should use hand sanitiser and wear a face mask throughout the bus trip.

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.

Women's Pioneer Trail
2022-06-25
The Pioneer Women’s Trail is a track that was used in the 1800’s for the women and girls to make the trip on foot to Adelaide where they would sell their produce. They would carry baskets of vegetables and dairy produce, and after selling it in Adelaide, they would return with their purchases and two bricks each for building their church.

This walk is along country roads, laneways, and trails through the Adelaide Hills including Bridgewater and along Cox Creek. We pass through Mt George and Cleland Conservation Parks before descending to Beaumont House.

There are a number of up and down sections for this walk.

This walk involves bus transport – please ensure that you use hand sanitizer prior to boarding and wear a face mask throughout the bus trip. Please note that the bus is not optional, this must be paid for as part of the registration.

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 The Yorke – Black Point-Pt Vincent-Stansbury
2022-06-25 - 2022-06-26
Saturday…
A bus is hired for End-to-End walks. Each walker will need to pay the bus fee in addition to their walk payment
The whole section from Pine Point to Port Vincent provides some of the best views along the Trail.
Between Port Julia and Port Vincent the trail runs along high cliffs and walkers need to keep clear of the edges.

The Northern Walking Trail in Port Vincent is one of the Hero walks of the WTY.

There are significant Aboriginal sites and burial sites along this part of the trail, which are highlighted with interpretive signs.

Sunday…

This section is predominantly gravel path with a section of beach walk that is subject to tidal influences.

The Stansbury Coastal Walking Trail is one of the Hero walks of the WTY.

Suggested accommodation – Port Vincent

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.

Belair National Park
2022-06-26 07:30 - 13:30
A loop walk with several generous undulations throughout the National Park.

Dares Hill Rd - Hallet Take 2
2022-07-02
After being blown off the Mountain last year we return for another crack at the highest peak in the Mount Lofty Ranges{932mtrs}We pass Mt Bryan East Schoolhouse while walking a long section of road before our steep ascent over Mt Bryan. If weather permits there’s outstanding 360deg views from the top .Following undulations across the top we fall back into surrounding farmland before more road walking into Hallett .*****This is a demanding walk so if you haven’t been walking plenty of hills best not start here.******

Please note-We will be car shuffling to the start of the walk and again at the end of walk to retrieve cars .

Cleland- Crafers Loop
2022-07-02
From the Summit, we will walk down Chinaman’s and then work our way back up on the Crafers side of Cleland. We will seek out the steeper slopes to ensure that our legs, lungs and hearts get a decent workout. And remember that there is coffee available back at the Summit which makes it all worth while. About 12k or so.

Mt Crawford
2022-07-02
A loop walk with steep climbs over Mt Crawford and Little Mt Crawford rewarding with excellent views. Then onto tracks through forest areas including a platform walk.

This walk is graded as Trail Walker and only register if you have the experience required.

Pewsey Vale to Tanunda with End To End 14
2022-07-03
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 high degree of physical fitness.

This section of trail that runs through the northern section of Mt Crawford forests and through the native bushland of Kaiser Stuhl Conservation Park with its unusual weathered rock features. Panoramic vistas over the Barossa Valley and Lower North are a highlight.

Mark Oliphant Conservation Park
2022-07-03
We will hike the Mark Oliphant Conservation Park for a distance of approx. 12 kms of undulating native scrub. Including a morning tea break, we should finish in about 3 – 3½ hours.

I think this is a hidden gem. Not a park that is used very much and so nice and quiet (at this stage). There is work being undertaken at the main entrance to the park to accommodate more parking as sections of this park are included in the Adelaide 100 Trail. We will hike around the work being undertaken and check out how far along they are.

We will walk past a waterfall (one of the typical SA waterfalls shown on the map that I have never seen any water in) however as we are hiking this area in July, you never know!

If you have time you are more than welcome to join me after the hike at Red Cacao, Unit 3/41 Mount Barker Rd, Stirling SA 5152 for a coffee/hot chocolate or whatever you prefer. There is parking at the back of the café, turn onto Pomona Road and then right at the big P for parking sign.

We meet at 8.15am for an 8.30am start.

Don’t forget to check the weather and wear appropriate clothing. Check out the Friends of the Heysen website for what to bring for day hikes.

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
2022-07-09
The Willunga Basin Trail winds its way around and across the Willunga Basin for 130km: taking walkers through a diverse landscape of bushland, forests, vineyards, almond groves, parks and beaches. It links the townships of McLaren Vale, McLaren Flat, Kangarilla, and Willunga to the suburbs of Aldinga, Port Willunga, Maslin Beach, Moana and Seaford. It has been created and developed by volunteers. The Friends program covers the loop over 6 walks.

WALK 4: Today the walk leaves from Ironbark picnic area, meandering through Kuitpo Forest – a gentle rise to Mt Wilson and descending to McLaren Flat. Terrain follows forest tracks and road reserves: the 19km includes an occasional undulation but no major climbs.

Bring sufficient water, morning tea and lunch.

Please be aware of FOHT weather policies regarding cancellation of walks and adherence to Covid requirements. THIS WALK WILL USE A BUS so participants should use hand sanitiser and wear a face mask throughout the bus trip.

Note that to participate in this walk you need to pay for the bus whether you’re using it or not .

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.

Manoora-Mintaro-Penwortham
2022-07-09 - 2022-07-10
Saturday’s walk takes us through picturesque backroads leading to Martindale Hall which appeared in the film Picnic at Hanging Rock. We will keep a close eye on all walkers past this landmark! We then continue on to Mintaro. The next section includes a steep walk to high ground below Mount Horrocks with spectacular views. We then head down into Watervale for lunch and then walk along the Riesling Trail into Penwortham.

As we are entering Clare Valley wine country the theme for the weekend is “Red and White”

We will be based at Clare this weekend with optional dinner at the Clare “middle pub” Hotel on the Saturday night.

If you wish to walk on only one day of the weekend you will need to contact the office to register.

Dares Hill Summit Rd to Hallett to EE George Quarry
2022-07-09 - 2022-07-10
Saturday – Dares Hill Summit Rd to Hallett: The trail takes walkers past the historic Mt Bryan East School, before beginning the climb up Mt Bryan, which is the highest point of the Mt Lofty Ranges. Walkers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Mid-North from the summit and as they descend through grazing and farming land towards Hallett.

Sunday – Hallett to EE George Quarry: A gently undulating walk, mainly along rural back roads and road reserves. The seasonally changing hues of the surrounding farmland make this a unique and pleasant walk.

If you would like to register for only one of the walk days, PLEASE call the office to register after registrations are open

Accommodation recommended in Burra

Theme for the weekend “The Letter E”

Beaumont to Lofty
2022-07-10
This walk is ideal for walkers who need to get a few kms into their legs. It is about 26kms and includes a few hills and rough tracks to improve your stamina and walking techniques. Walking poles and boots with good ankle support are recommended. It takes in part of the Pioneers Womens Trail, Mt. Lofty Botanic Gardens and Cleland Recreation Park. The up hills are out of the way by lunchtime leaving a gentle stroll back to the cars after that.
We will probably make Cleland Wildlife Reserve in time for lunch and a coffee (if you feel inclined).
