Friends of the Heysen Trail

A Pilgrimage to The Cedars
2023-09-24
This journey will take us along the Heysen Trail Spur to the Cedars near Hahndorf.

The Cedars was the home of Sir Hans Heysen. We will spend sometime here, taking a guided tour of the family home and the studio that belonged to Heysen and that of his daughter Nora.

We can enjoy the gardens and follow the artists walk to find some of Heysen’s favoured painting spots. (Your entry fee is being collected as a bus fare)

Those with a sweet tooth may choose to indulge in a Devonshire Tea prior to our tour this must be booked as part of the registration process and paid on the day.

We will connect to the Pioneer Women’s Trail on our return journey.

As with any Pilgrimage you must follow the path and the path on this occasion does involves some road walking, some busy, some quite and some road reserves.

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.

Mark Oliphant Conservation Park
2023-10-01
An undulating loop walk in the delightful Mark Oliphant Cons. Park that includes a variety of worthwhile climbs and possibly some off track adventures. 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.

Inman Valley to Myponga - E2E17
2023-10-08
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.

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

Kuitpo Forest Trail Walker
2023-10-08
Enjoy this 23.2-km loop trail near Kuitpo, South Australia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 – 7 hours to complete. Elevation gain approx. 650m.

This is a mighty walk through the forest and hills that make up Kyeema Conservation Park and Christmas Hill Forest Reserve, located about 40 or so km south of the SA capital of Adelaide.

Bring snacks, morning tea, lunch and additional snacks for afternoon tea just in case we take more time than expected.

This hike is for experienced hikers or those hikers who wish to increase their fitness by taking on a longer distance hike.

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'
2023-10-10 18:00 - 21:00 (Australia/Adelaide) | Woodville Bowling Club, 25 Oval Ave, Woodville, SA, 5011, Australia
This is an ‘Invitation only’ event for Walk Planning and to Thank our many Volunteers across the Friends.

Venue: Woodville Lawn Bowling Club.

1. 6pm – The Walk Leader’s Planning meeting is to prepare the Walk Program for 2024 Walk Season.
Walk Leaders are invited to attend so we can share plans, identify walks they would like to lead and map the walk program for 2024.

2. 7pm-9pm – The Annual Volunteers Thank You Get Together.
This is the evening that the Friends 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.

Volunteers and Walk Leaders – please ignore the opening of booking time displayed above. Bookings for this event CLOSE at 5.00pm on October 5th.
Please register as soon as you can to assist with catering arrangements.

The system doesn’t have an easier option for Invitation Only events.

EE15 Walk 18 - Pewsey Vale to Tanunda
2023-10-14
Walk Details: 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.

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.

Bundaleer Reservoir to Curnows Hut to Raeville with End to End 14
2023-10-14 - 2023-10-15
Bundaleer Reservoir to Curnows Hut – Passing Bundaleer Reservoir and the permanently flowing Bundaleer Creek, the Trail joins the Bundaleer northern intake channel at the aqueduct. After leaving the channels at the weir it follows Never Never Creek past remnant Yacca forests and grazing land towards Bundaleer Forest
Curnows Hut to Raeville – This is a diverse walk through native scrub, Bundaleer pine forest and farmland. The ridgetops and testing climbs reward walkers with spectacular panoramic views. Note that the re-route of the trail established in April 2021 to follow the Bundaleer Greenway has been removed. The original trail from Curnows Hut to New Campbell Hill has been reinstated.
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-Cape Jervis (Week 9)
2023-10-14 - 2023-10-22
End 2 End Minus start their final week along the Trail with six days walking. After three years along the Trail, with some Covid related hiccups, we are on the final push.
Based at Victor Harbor and using the “Dad Joke” infested Gavin, as our “tranporteur exceptionnel” for the entire week we should endure an exceptional week of walking, with a celebratory dinner in Victor Harbor on our final night.
The leadership team will be providing a BBQ on Tuesday night, in conjunction with the Talent Quest, prior to our rest day. BYO drinks, the rest will be provided.
The theme for the week is “Naughty-cal”.
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.

Wine Shanty/Cleland
2023-10-14 09:00 - 12:30
The Wine Shanty Hike is a 10km loop bushwalk through the eastern section of Cleland Conservation Park.

We will walk through Stringybark forest along sections of the Heysen and Yurrebilla Trails.

The walk combines some steep climbs with gentler sections – we will do it in the direction that best suits a Trail Starter.

Morning tea will be a short diversion to the cafe (and facilities) at the Cleland Wildlife 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.

Cleland/ Montacute
2023-10-15
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 Parks and 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.

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.

Orchid Walk
2023-10-15
This walk will focus on looking at and photographing wildlife, particularly orchids in Hardys Scrub, Onkaparinga River National 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.

FOHT Council Meeting
2023-10-18 17:30 - 19:30, 2023-11-15 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.

Onkaparinga Recreation Park Walk
2023-10-21 08:30 - 12:30
A loop walk exploring both sides of the Onkaparinga River. We will see plenty of birdlife, and maybe a kangaroo or 2 or more. We may also see some model aircraft flying, and if very lucky, may see some light planes take off or land at the airstrip adjacent to the river. We will also cross to the western side of the railway bridge, and see Pingle Farm ruins. There is a large housing development on the southern side of the ruins, which is taking away grazing territory of the kangaroos. The walk is 100% on flat ground, with a few small bumps in the track, you can’t really call them hills!

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.

Hallet Cove to Brighton Jetty via the Board Walk
2023-10-22
The perfect trail starter.
Also known as the Marion Coastal Walking Trail, the Hallett Cove Boardwalk is a popular clifftop boardwalk between Marino Rocks, and Hallett Cove, we will be extending this walk, to Brighon, making a 10klm walk.
This walk has unbeatable
views of the coastline, we, will-take a small detour, to see the geographical wonder known as “Sugar Loaf,” – a rock formation that resembles a giant lump of hard refinedsugar. It is a cone shape because of the erosion caused by rain and wind over the last few thousand years. The layers tell us that around 280 million years ago southern Australia was covered by an ice cap but melted 10 million years after that.

By finishing at Brighton, we will be spoiled for choice, in coffee shops and eateries.

Please indicate if you are joining us for a social coffee, at the finish of our walk.
The question asks re a meal, but our intention is a coffee.
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 South Coast Way on the Heysen Trail
2023-10-22 - 2023-10-27
Immerse yourself in 6 walks along the new Wild South Coast Way on the Heysen Trail (WCSW) between Cape Jervis and Victor Harbor. Absorb 75km of rugged coastlines, 7 beaches, dense native vegetation and expansive views in a small group.

A Sunday afternoon introduction will include an overview of Ngarrindjeri connection to Deep Creek and a short 4km walk-to-a-view followed by sundowner drinks & nibbles. Walk Leaders with experience of the terrain will guide longer day walks 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 with rough, narrow and uneven tracks, a bit of rock scrambling, creek crossings and along cliff edges. Note: you shouldn’t rely on access to exit points as there are few available.

As it is a linear trail, walkers will 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 more detail and 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. “Golden Boots” does not apply for this event. Participants will need to book personal accommodation.

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.

Onkaparinga Horseshoe
2023-10-25
Follow the curve of the River, then up the hill for a view of the coast before return to Old Noarlunga Hotel for dinner.
Contact no 0481064367
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.

Myponga/Mt Compass
2023-10-29
Note: This is the walk that was originally scheduled for Sunday June 26th.
Walkers who registered for the June walk (including those who withdrew from that event and didn’t apply for a refund) have had their registrations transferred to the new date.

After a short road walk, the trail enters the small but picturesque Yulte Conservation Park after a steady climb you have a challenging steep descent where walking poles, if you have them, will be put to good use.

After emerging from the bushland, the trail crosses open farmland continuing along Lawless Rd (and past the Myponga Pistol Club firing range), and gradually climbing to Mt Cone, passing interesting 2 tier tree plots dotted about the hills and from the top of the ridge you are presented with distant views over Victor Harbor to the South before finishing with a road walk to Mt Compass.

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.

Morialta Cons. Park.
2023-10-29
Walk Cancelled However Another 24km Trailwalker Around Mount Bold Reservoir Has Been Scheduled

Scott Creek
2023-10-29
This is a very hilly walk in the east side of Scott Creek Conservation Park. Be prepared for steep inclines and descents. This is a trail starter length at 8.5km but a trail walker fitness level. Walking poles highly recommended. Lovely views through to the coast on a fine 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.

Mount Bold Reservoir and Rocky Creek Kuitpo loop
2023-10-29
This walk starts near Rocky Creek Hut and winds it way through Kuitpo Forest North followed by a few kms on orienteering trails and a short off-trail section before making our way to Mount Bold Reservoir and some steep descents very challenging climbs but the views are amazing. After the half way mark the tough stuff is over and the second half is reasonably flat and goes through pine forest and bushland and again makes use of orienteering trails and goes off-trail so gaiters are a good idea for this walk.

There will a short break for morning tea as well a longer break for lunch.

Walk Difficulty – Trail Walkers 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.

Ambers Gully
2023-11-01
Join us for a twilight walk around Amber’s Gully where we hope to see some wildlife and views.

The first 2 km of this hike is uphill, with some steep sections before we flatten out and walk downhill.

Walk may vary depending on the weather.

Those interested in dinner after the walk, we will be going to Cafe Va Bene at Campbelltown.

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 Parklands, of Adelaide
2023-11-04
Do you want to get that Christmas feeling? Well ,This fantastic almost flat,14+k trail starter has lots of variety.
This Park Land Loop Route, is a series of connected walking and cycling trails which loop the city of Adelaide .
There are playgrounds, parks, lakes, picnic areas, also walking through the West tc Cemetery, plus there are kiosks along the route.

As a bonus, the annual Christmas pageant, will be getting organised as we walk along South Tce, Giving a great opportunity to see the floats, bands, clowns, etc close up and fresh).

By us using the southern Adelaide circuit, and Torrens River to link up it is approximately 14+klm.
( Note the city centre, will be very busy)
We will stop at lovely coffee shop half way though our walk.
We can shorten our walk back to our cars by tram at the railway station or do the14k via the River Torrens.

At the end of our walk please join us for a social coffee and chat.
The question asks re a meal, but the intention is a social coffee.

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 Bridges Walk Port Adelaide
2023-11-08 18:00 - 20:00
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.

Optional dinner afterwards at the British Hotel.

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.

Twilight Circuit of West Lakes
2023-11-15
This 10klm twilight walk takes us around the southern lake and over the pedestrian bridge of the Northern Canal system.
This is not a very challenging walk, rather a fun social walk to help keep our system moving.
For those of us just starting on your walking journey, it is an easy, flat ,10k , with just a little bit of distance.
After our walk we will have a social coffee and chat.
Please indicate if you are joining us.
The question asks re a meal, but our intention is just a coffee.
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.

North Adelaide Botanic Gardens
2023-11-19 08:00 - 17:00
This walk is a 8.7km loop walk starting at North Adelaide. We head east on the footpath along Bundeys Road 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 the start.
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.

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 with History
2023-11-22 17:30 - 19:30
Join us for a twilight walk in the gorgeous Seacliff and Brighton area. The walk will take 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.

End of Year Bash 2023
2023-11-26 12:00 - 16:30 | Main Pavillion, Belair National Park
Please note a change in details regards facilities at the Main Pavilion, Details in Event Meeting Location below.

The Friend’s End of Year Bash; a family affair, at the Main 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 26th November 2023, Midday to 4.30pm

Main Pavilion, Belair National Park

What to bring: BYO food, drinks, chairs (there are some bench seats in the Pavilion), cutlery, drinkware or anything else you need to share the day with walking friends and your families.

Cost and Booking: There is no charge for this event but you need to book so we can give Belair National Park some idea of numbers.

The 2024 Calendar will be available for collection or purchase at this event.

Park entry fees are waived for attending members and guests. On entry, just mention you are with Friends of the Heysen Trail.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Warriparinga Wetlands
2023-11-29 18:00 - 19:30
This walk begins at the Warriparinga Wetlands, home of the “living Kaurna” cultural centre. The Aboriginal Kaurna words Warri Parii mean “windy place by the river”, and we will take some time to enjoy the newly installed art works scattered around the grounds. We then follow the Flinders train line track to the old Mitsubishi factory, now transformed into the Tonsley Innovation district, and it’s the indoor garden, before joining the Sturt Linear trail back to our cars.

Optional dinner at Flagstaff Hill Hotel

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
2023-12-06
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.
