Friends of the Heysen Trail

FOHT Council Meeting
2023-03-15 17:30 - 19:30, 2023-02-15 17:30 - 19:30 (Australia/Adelaide)
Friends of Heysen Trail Council Meeting

Head 4 The Hills- walk 2
2023-03-12
Walk 2 of 3

Our walk will start promptly at 7.30am.

An easy relaxed 10-11k mostly flat walk, will see us enjoying some of the best scenery that our beautiful city can offer.

This easy section is just stunning, we will enjoy the lovely gardens planted by our Adelaide city council gardeners, stunning views of Adelaide Oval and the new Casino hotel, plus the remodelled railway station entrance & convention centre deck.

To get the most out of these views we will cross the Torrens weir to Pinky flat, so that we get the best scenery possible.

Then cross Adelaide’s Gold plated foot bridge, back to our trail.

You must have your bus pass with you as we return to our start by bus and tram .

Any concerns call me Bill, on 0466 981 945

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.

Heysen Trail Maintenance - Volunteering
2023-03-03 09:30 - 11:30
Information Session for Section Leaders and budding trail volunteers

Purpose: an opportunity to see first hand some of the activities needed to produce stiles, markers, toilets, tanks shelters and other infrastructure that we provide and install along the trail and an insight into our trail maintenance safety, training and obligations with the Department of Environment and Water.

DATE CHANGE DUE TO EXTREME HEAT on 24 Feb

Shepherds Hill
2023-03-01
A quiet evening amble around Shepherd Hill Recreation Park, a small patch of green in suburbia offering views of the surrounding Adelaide plains, coastline and hills. Mostly flat easy walk with a few “ups”. Join us for dinner afterwards (optional) at Balthazar Cafe, Pasadena Green Shopping Centre.
The carpark is located off Ayliffes Road, easier access to avoid the concrete ups and downs (South Road maze) is to travel south via Goodwood Road/Fiveash Drive/Ayliffes Road.

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

Happy Valley Reservoir
2023-02-22
If you haven’t yet had a look at the Happy Valley Reservoir, this will be a great opportunity. This walk will focus on the east side of the dam and be mostly under tree cover, with lovely views of the Happy Valley reservoir.

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.

Pt Noarlunga: River & Beach Wander
2023-02-21 08:00 - 10:00
MORNING wander through the local area of Port Noarlunga before following the lower reaches of the Onkaparinga River, crossing a footbridge and through dunes to the river mouth then concluding with a stroll along the beach. Approx 6km subject to weather.

Please ensure you bring water, hat and sunscreen. Bathers & towel may also be useful to cool down at the end. There are coffee shops and a couple of local art galleries if that is of interest.

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

Sturt River
2023-02-19
This walk will have an early 7am start, because of the time of year, and it will be very much weather dependent.
Please check the Heysen hot weather policy. (I will also message if we cancel)

I’ve been in that Gorge during winter and it is always warm and humid in there, so it’s an early start and temperature dependent.

We will walk approximately 7.5 klms 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.

Wear long Gaiters & long trousers if you have them, last time I was there the undergrowth was quite thick. Hiking poles will also assist you.

Drinking water, pus a few snacks are all you will need.

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

Belair
2023-02-16
Details to come.

A loop walk within the delightful Belair National Park that includes a couple of hills, to help with your fitness for the forthcoming walking season, and some sections of rocky track. The walk will not going near any of the Public Toilet facilties within the park.

There will be a short morning tea break during the walk so please bring some snacks & a drink.

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

Mt Barker Wetlands
2023-02-15 18:00 - 20:00
The walk will take us from the township of Mount Barker to the Laratinga Wetlands … around the wetlands … and back again.

For those interested in birds the wetlands will provide an opportunity to see quite a few.

After the walk a dinner will be held at the Barker Hotel, near the meeting place.

Head 4 The Hills 1
2023-02-12
WALK 1 is Sunday 12th February
This is your opportunity to experience our beautiful Torrens Linear Park.

Henly beach to Thebarton 10+ klms

This walk is the one that has a few sections that most closely resemble the fantastic dirt trails that we usually walk on out in the bush.

The day I did a test walk, frogs croaking and bird life abounded.

At the finish of the walk we have a 20 approx, minute walk to the bus stop on Henley Beach Rd to catch a bus back to Henley South.

The good news is that there is a cafe half way along our walk out, that is open on a Sunday.

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.

Christies to O'Sullivan Beach and return
2023-02-08
A beach walk from Christies Beach to O’Sullivan Beach Boat ramp and back. The walk from Christies Creek outlet (UBD Map 185, F6) is a leash free area for dogs, and don’t our 4 legged friends love it! So bring along your dogs if they are capable of walking 5 km with you.

Shoes/sandals/thongs are not essential. We will be walking along the beach for 2.5 km each way, 5 km in total. Bring your cossies/bathers if you would like to go for a swim after the walk. High tide is at 7.33 pm on this day. We may have to take a short detour to the path on the Esplanade to get around some rocks at the Christies Beach Sailing Club/Surf Lifesaving Club boat ramp if the tide is in too far.

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.

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.

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.

.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

FOHT Council
2022-11-16 17:30 - 19:30
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.

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!

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.

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
