Friends of the Heysen Trail

Onkaparinga Orchids
2022-10-16
A slow walk along some of the tracks of Onkaparinga National Park.

We will be stopping to admire the lovely orchids which are in flower.

During this circular walk we will also see the river and gorges from above.

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 2 End Week 6.5
2022-10-16 - 2022-10-19
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.
Three days walking to complete Year 2, so Year 3 gets us back on track.
We walk from Murraytown to Mount Zion over three days, based at Wirrabara.
It is not one for the unfit or the faint hearted.
You will need an above normal level of fitness.
We will only be using the bus for days 2 and 3 for drop-off in the morning only.
Day 1 Murraytown to White Park Road will be an afternoon walk, using a car shuffle.
Day 2 White Park Road to TV Track and is the start of two hard days walking. takes us over the reroute through Robin Pole’s property and past the Friend’s new tank, finishing on Go Cart Track with a steep climb up Sheepyard Track to reach the ridge.
Day 3 TV Tower to Mount Zion is another hard walk with lots of ups and downs along Go Cart Track

FOHT Council
2022-10-19 17:30 - 19:30, 2022-11-16 17:30 - 19:30 (Australia/Adelaide)
Friends of Heysen Trail Council Meeting from 5.30pm to 7.30pm in the Friends Office at Epworth House

Council is the elected body charged with oversight of the Friends programs and finances.

Current Committees and other interested members are welcome.

Please notify our Office Volunteers in advance if you wish to attend so that access can be arranged as the building is not open to public after hours.

Walking SA AGM
2022-10-20 18:30 - 20:00
Friends of Heysen Trail is a major organisational member of Walking SA the peak body for walking and organiser of the annual Hiking Expo. FOHT members are encouraged to attend its Annual General Meeting.

Please register for free ticket

Walking SA AGM 2022

Walk The Yorke – Gym Beach-Pondalowie-Marion Bay
2022-10-22 - 2022-10-23
Experience spectacular scenery along this section of the trail as we pass through the Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park. Native fauna including emus, kangaroos, goannas and many bird species abound.

Walkers are exempt from paying entry but all vehicles entering the park are required to purchase an entry permit. Details about how this can be done will be made available prior to the walk.

Saturday…

From Gym Beach we follow the Gym Beach Road inland for a few hundred metres before taking the Gym Beach Hiking Trail toward Browns Beach. This takes us through local scrub and vegetation, skirting local farm lands.

The route continues inland along the road past the Shell Beach turnoff before heading to the coast at Royston Head and then on the beach to Pondalowie.

Sunday…

Today’s section will be inland, following fire trails through the thick untouched bush lands, past one of the many lakes in the park to finish the day at Marion Bay.

From Inneston to Stenhouse Bay it follows the Thomson-Pfizner Plaster Trail, the route of an old wooden railway line.

Innes National Park from Gym Beach (Saturday and Sunday’s walks) is one of the Hero walks of the WTY.

Suggested accommodation – Marion Bay.

A dinner to celebrate completion of the Trail will be held on Saturday night. Monies for this will be collected as part of the registration.

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.

Sturt Gorge
2022-10-23

Wild South Coast Way On The Heysen Trail
2022-10-23 - 2022-10-28
Immerse yourself in 6 walks along the new Wild South Coast Way on the Heysen Trail (WCSW) between Cape Jervis and Victor Harbor. Absorb rugged coastlines, dense native vegetation and expansive views in a small group.

An introduction on Sunday afternoon will include insight into Ngarrindjeri connection to Deep Creek and a short walk followed by sundowner drinks & nibbles. Experienced Walk Leaders will guide walks from Monday to Friday following the WSCW along this dynamic coastal stretch of Heysen Trail.

A solid level of fitness is necessary for walking over consecutive days on a Class 4/5 Trail: these are challenging walks between 5-6 hours with some steep climbs and descents through gullies, rough, narrow and uneven tracks, occassional rock scrambling, creek crossings and along cliff edges.

As it is a linear trail, walkers will need to drive themselves to the end location for the walk, from where a bus will take them to the start of the walk. Registered walkers will be provided with daily meeting points. A celebratory dinner in Victor Harbor will conclude the event.

Participants must register for the full walk program $320 – package includes walk fees, bus costs, sundowner drinks and final night dinner. Note that “Golden Boots” does not apply for this event. Participants will need to book personal accommodation.

Torrens Linear Trail - Lockleys
2022-10-27 18:00 - 19:30
A relatively easy lead into the Summer walk season. This walk winds along the River Torrens linear path. An easy 6 km walk, with no hills.

Take a relaxed winding pathway right along the River Torrens and enjoy the wildlife, reed beds and gum trees abundant with birdlife.

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/ Black Hill
2022-10-29
A challenging loop walk in and around Morialta Conservation Park with a short sharp venture into Black Hill Conservation Park for good measure, prior to a climb up the Chapman Track.There will be a variety of climbs, some quite steep, throughout the walk. A tough long walk, but a great way to farewell the walking season.

If you are not prepared for a long challenging walk please do not register for this walk.

The walk may altered on the day depending on the weather 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.

Walk 6-E2E16 Tugwell Rd to Inman Valley
2022-10-30
An undulating walk.

This section follows country roads, farm fence lines and attractive road reserves.

Native orchids, grass trees, abundant bird life and classic Fleurieu farmland views make this a walk to remember.

Warriparinga Wetlands
2022-11-02 18:00 - 20:00
This walk starts at the Warriparinga Wetlands and follows the Flinders train line, to the old Mitsubishi site, now the Tonsley Innovation District, and then the Sturt Linear trail.

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 3-Tappanappa- Balquhidder
2022-11-06
A picturesque section highlighting the diversity of the Heysen Trail. Photo opportunities abound, and you might even spot a whale.

This walk starts with spectacular views to Tunkalilla Beach followed by a picturesque walk through dense bushland before a steep descent to Boat Harbor Beach.

The very testing 4km walk along Tunkalilla Beach is followed by a very steep climb up to Balquhidder which makes it a unique and very memorable section of the Heysen Trail.

Social : End of year Drinks at finishing location.

Fitness: 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.

Port Adelaide Three Bridges
2022-11-09 18:00 - 19:30
Walk the three bridges of Port Adelaide, the oldest, the ugliest and the newest and see some remnant mangrove in the Port River. An easy amble around Port Adelaide ending in dinner at the Birkenhead Tavern, if you wish

Explore Adelaide
2022-11-12
This fantastic mostly flat 12 – 16k trail starter has lots of variety.

• Using the southern Adelaide circuit, and Torrens River to link up is 16km.

For those who have walking difficulty there are a couple of opportunities to Shorten your walk.

The Park Land Path Ring Route is a series of connected walking and cycling trails which loop the city of Adelaide .

We can shorten our walk back to our cars by tram at Botanic or 16k via the River Torrens.

There are playgrounds, parks, lakes, picnic areas, also the West tc Cemetery plus kiosks along the route.

Many sections of the trail are bitumised (but not all sections) which makes them suitable for wheelchair and pram accessibility. Where there are steps, there are also ramp options.

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.

Xmas Bash 2022
2022-11-13
The Friend’s End of Year Bash; a family affair, at the Karka Pavilion, Belair National park.

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

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

Sunday 13th November 2022, Midday to 4.30pm

Please mention at the entry gate at Belair National Park that you are attending a Friends of Heysen Trail function at Karka Pavilion, you will then be directed to the venue.

This year will be a bring your own everything event.

And bring your partner/spouse and family.

No refunds, as there’s no cost!

O'Halloran Hill
2022-11-16 18:00 - 19:30
Details to come.
BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Old Noarlunga morning
2022-11-17 08:00 - 10:00
Short & Sharp: A brisk morning wake up walk taking in the lower reaches of the Onkaparinga River and with a serious climb to deliver views across to the coast. While its only about 4kms – approx 2 hours – it offers an uphill challenge and some steep narrow sections. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen/hat and a snack. Gaiters are recommended given warmer weather creates potential for snakes in long grass.

We’ll linger in the park by the river for morning tea at the finish.

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 Sturt River
2022-11-20
This walk will have an early start, as the weather can be hot.

So it’s a 7.30am start.

On 20 November, the temperature in Adelaide typically ranges from 14°C to 23°C and is rarely below 10°C or above 31°C.

We will walk approximately 7.5klms upriver this includes 9 river crossings, a side trip to the top of the Sturt dam, then onto the 9th crossing.

So a total of 15klms and a possible 18 river crossings.

Should the river be too high to cross, there are walking trails up on the high side of the Gorge we will use.

Wear Gaiters if you have them ( last time I was there the undergrowth was quite thick ), Hiking poles will assist you, & drinking water pus a few snacks are all you need .

This walk will not be cancelled due to temperatures, as we should finish about lunchtime.

We’ll before the heat of 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.

Springfield/Urrbrae walk
2022-11-23
This is a rather hilly suburban hike through leafy Springfield, skirting Carrick Hill, Waite Conservation Park and UofA Waite Campus.

There are rewarding views over the city to the coast if the weather is clear.

Dinner after the walk at the Edinburgh Hotel. Bookings essential.

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 Planning Meeting & Volunteers 'Thank You Gathering'
2022-11-29 18:00 - 21:00
This is an ‘invitation only’ event for Walk Planning and to Thank our many Volunteers across the Friends.

1. 6pm The Walk Leader’s Planning meeting is to prepare the Walk Program for 2023 Walk Season.
Walk Leaders are invited to attend so we can share plans, identify walks they’d like to lead and map the walk program for 2023.

2. 7-9pm The Annual Volunteers Thank You Get Together.
This is the evening that the Friend’s Council and Committee Chairs recognise your fantastic contribution to the Heysen Trail and the Friends activities.

Walk Leaders and Volunteers will receive an invite with a booking link from the Chairs of the Committees that they contribute to.

Registration is essential for catering – please note in comments if you have specific dietary requirements.

Tennyson/ Grange
2022-11-30
Anticlockwise circuit linking the principal attractions of the contiguous coastal suburbs. Anticipate a relatively long walk at a brisk pace.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Anstey Hill
2022-12-07
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).

Please comply with all COVID-19 practices.

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
2022-12-07 17:30 - 19:30
Friends of Heysen Trail Council – final meeting for 2022.

Brownhill/ Springwood
2022-12-14
Exploring trails in the Mitcham / Brown Hill area, we will ascend Brown Hill, taking our time for breaks and to admire the city views, before venturing into Springwood Park to follow the trail down the eastern side of Brown Hill, some sections of long grass, narrow trail, steep decline and loose underfoot. Crossing Brownhill Creek we join the Wirraparinga Loop for a pleasant (and flat) return back to our cars.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Cobbler Creek
2023-01-04
Join us for a twilight walk around Cobbler Creek Reserve & Recreation Park. The walk looks at some of the historic parts of the park and reserve with ruins, bridges and the old well. There are some up and down sections and a couple of hills.

Due to new year and length of walk, there will not be an organised meal after this walk, instead we will have a snack break on the walk.

Please comply with all COVID-19 practices.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Wild Dog Glen
2023-01-11 18:00 - 20:00
A walk into the hills above Mitcham.

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

Burnside
2023-01-19
Details to come.

A comparatively comfortable loop walk starting from the entrance to Brock Reserve on Dashwood Road following the Pioneer Womens Trail up past the Glen Osmond Golf Course prior to taking a detour off the Trail rejoining the Trail further up towards Eagle on the Hill to then return back to near the golf course before crossing over into Themeda Reserve for a pleasant descent adjacent to Hayward Drive. After the second crossing of Hayward Drive there is a short sharp climb back into Mount Osmond Reserve up the “Zig-Zag for the return down to the cars.

This is not an arduous walk but the descent in Themeda Reserve can be tricky if wet.

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BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Semaphore South
2023-01-25 18:00 - 20:30
Well Christmas and the New Year frivolities will be over.

So now is the time to start walking again.

This 9 -10klm walk takes in some foreshore reserves plus a section of the lake at West Lakes before hitting a sandy beach, then walking the Tennyson dunes.

There is time to visit a beautiful lookout with hills and ocean views.

All this and still time to catch the Semaphore road cafes before they close.

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.

Mystery Walk-Eastern Side of Morialta.
2023-02-01
A relatively comfortable walk along some less traveled trails in the eastern section of Morialta. There are a couple of short sharp climbs, which can be tricky under foot, All in all a walk to ensure you look forward to dinner 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.
