Friends of the Heysen Trail

Mylor to Cleland
2018-08-19
Although the most populous section of the trail,it still retains a rural feel as walkers pass through the parks and bushland of Bridgewater,Mt George C/P and Cleland.A few undulations towards the end of the walk will make you feel alive.

Bridgewater - Mt Lofty Summit
2018-08-19
A hike along the Heysen Trail – starting from the Bridgewater oval, the trail takes up past the iconic Bridgewater Inn and follows the old mill run to Cox Creek. After passing through the second of two tunnels the trail enters Mt George Conservation Park with it’s dense tall forest. After walking through Stirling Golf Course the trail passes the Scout’s Woodhouse Activity Centre, then follows quiet country lanes past Piccadilly houses, before ascending to the summit of Mt Lofty. After a break for refreshments at the summit we will return to Bridgewater.

Horrocks Pass to Broadview to Woolshed Flat
2018-08-18 - 2018-08-19
On Saturday … Horrocks Pass to Broadview…

Starting with a tough climb out of Horrocks Pass to the ridge, the Trail traverses exposed, gibber littered hills and farmland. Walkers are rewarded with views over the Willochra Plain.

On Sunday … Broadview to Woolshed Flat …

This section of the trail climbs through grazing land and natural scrub to Mount Brown, where walkers are provided with spectacular views of the northern Spencer Gulf from the viewing tower. A pretty single file descent leads Waukarie Creek and a classic Flinders Ranges creek walk

NOTE – If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOHT office to register for that days walk. The online registering system will only allow you to register for both days.

Myponga
2018-08-12
A rare walk through rugged Myponga Conservation Park, visiting the trackless eastern edge and waterfall.

Only short but steep gullies and off track walking make it a challenge

Sturt Gorge
2018-08-12
This is a walk to explore the western end of Sturt Gorge. Most of the walk should be easy but 10% requires good concentration and good footwear with excellent grip because it can be steep and slippery in places. Walking poles and some experience is recommended. If you haven’t walked in this area before you will be amazed at the rugged beauty of the gorge nestled between the neighbouring suburbs.

The walk will start at 9:30 with an expected finish around 12:30.

Bring morning tea and snacks and walking poles if you have them.

Waitpinga to Tugwell Rd
2018-08-12
One of the most spectacular sections of the Trail, walkers follow sandy tracks through the coastal scrub of Newland Head Conservation Park, and dramatic clifftops towards Victor Harbor. Here whales have been sighted, as well as seals, dolphins and the endangered white bellied sea eagle. At Kings Beach the Trail leaves the coast following roads and an uncleared road reserve to begin the long journey north.

Moralana Drive to Parachilna Trailhead
2018-08-11 - 2018-08-18
End to End 8 commenced walking the Heysen Trail on Sunday May 12th 2013 with 76 walkers. This is the final set of walks ending at the Parachilna Trailhead on Friday 17 August 2018.

This is a multi-day walk. Registration requires payment of the END TO END EXTENDED WALK FEE. If you don’t have a Golden Boots card you will also be required to pay the daily walk fee ($8 x 5 walks). Accommodation and meal costs are not included. Those registering are invited to travel on the bus, at no extra cost, from Adelaide to Rawnsley Park and return. If you choose to drive your own vehicle to the base location at Rawnsley Park the bus fee remains the same. Accommodation and meal arrangements are the responsibility of each person registering.

Group meals are planned for –

WEDNESDAY 15 AUGUST – BBQ at the camp kitchen at Rawnsley Park Caravan Park. Please bring a salad or dessert to share. A geologist will give a talk about the area (gold coin donation).

FRIDAY 17 AUGUST – Woolshed Restaurant Approx 6pm – 2 courses – $55 – please book and pay when registering. Dress Code- Black Tie/Dressy.

If you are unable to walk for the specified 5 walk days comprising this multi-day event and you still wish to register, contact the Friends’ office during operating hours.

BASE LOCATION: RAWNSLEY PARK – http://www.rawnsleypark.com.au/

SATURDAY 11 AUGUST

For those travelling by bus, the departure time is 9.00 am from the Central Bus Station, 85 Franklin Street, Adelaide. Please be at the bus station at 8.45 am for loading.

ETA Rawnsley Park is 4.30 pm

SUNDAY 12 AUGUST (Walk 1) – MT LITTLE STATION TO MORALANA DRIVE

This long section of the Trail (just over 30 kms) follows picturesque Mernmerna Creek and Slaty Creek to the Red Range campsite. After which it becomes a pretty walk with gentle undulations, along creeklines and through native pine woodlands, in the shadow of Elder Range and Mt Aleck.

MONDAY 13 AUGUST (Walk 2) – WILPENA TO BUNYEROO

This walk is entirely within the Flinders Ranges National Park with much of the day spent following the Wilcolo Track between the ABC range and the towering peaks of Wilpena

TUESDAY 14 AUGUST (Walk 3) – BUNYEROO TO TREZONA

In this section walkers climb from Bunyeroo Valley, up to Yanyanna Hut, passing several vantage points along the way that provide superb photo opportunities of the ranges behind. Continuing along Yanyanna Track, the trail passes old settlers’ huts before entering the geologically significant Trezona area.

WEDNESDAY 15 AUGUST – REST DAY

THURSDAY 16 AUGUST (Walk 4) – TREZONA TO AROONA HUT

This section starts with a pleasant walk along Brachina and Enorama Creeks past the Golden Spike and other significant geological sites, before climbing to cross the ABC Range, where spectacular views of the Heysen Range unfold.

FRIDAY 17 AUGUST (Walk 5) – AROONA HUT TO PARACHILNA GORGE

This final section of the trail follows Aroona Valley to the watershed dividing it from the Parachilna Creek catchment to the north. It then follows the valley between ABC Range and Heysen Range, past abandoned mines to the final stile at the Parachilna Trailhead. This walk is a pleasant amble, perfect for reflecting on the years and kilometres taken to get here, and the friendships made along the way.

There will be a celebration at the end of the walk followed by a celebration dinner at the Woolshed Restaurant approx. 6pm. Dress Code is ‘Black Tie/dressy

SATURDAY 18 AUGUST

Bus returns to Adelaide leaving Rawnsley Park at 8.30 am.

ETA Adelaide – 3.30 pm approx

THEME – Red shirt for the final day’s walk.

Waite / Brownhill Creek
2018-08-08
After a wander through the Waite Arboretum and campus we enter into the Waite Conservation Reserve with a sharp climb up Wild Dogs Glen before largely following the Yurrebilla Trail all the way down to Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. A short stint along Brownhill Creek Road is followed by a steep climb up to Brownhill Trig then onto Wylies Corner and a walk along the Boundary track prior to heading back to a descent of Wild Dogs Glen and the walk back to the cars.

The walk includes 3 worthwhile climbs and some good views over the city and surrounding countryside.

Montacute Conservation Park
2018-08-05
This circular walk through the rugged hills of Montacute Conservation Park is challenging, but rewarding with excellent views.

Mylor - Aldgate Circuit
2018-08-05
Come along and walk some little known tracks around Aldgate Creek using the Bandicoot Trail and linking back roads to the Heysen Trail as it parallels the Strathalbyn Road and then traverses the Mylor Conservation Park.

Hallett to EE George Quarry to Spalding Rd
2018-08-04 - 2018-08-05
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 online registering system will only allow you to register for both days.

Day 1 Saturday 4th August 2018 20kms

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.

Day 2 Sunday 5th August 2018 19kms

Most of this section is section is spent walking south, initially along the crest of Brown Hill Range, following the remnants of an old 1840s stone wall (the longest in SA). The last 5-6 KMS follow rural back roads to the main spalding to Burra road

Lavender Trail Martindale Hall to Watervale
2018-08-04
A pleasant hike through the sleepy village of Mintaro, open farm land finishing between rows of vineyards just north of Watervale.

The vineyard is part of the Quelltaler Winery.

Anstey Hill - but Gently
2018-07-29
This loop walk through Anstey Hill Recreation Park is on mainly good tracks with lovely scenery. Good chance of seeing koalas, kangaroos and plenty of birds. There are a number of climbs and descents. We will be passing the old ruins of Newman’s Nursery established in the 1850’s, then up to the Lookout and continue to finish the loop.

Anstey Hill
2018-07-29
A loop walk through and around the picturesque bushland of Anstey Hill Recreation Park The walk will offer some lovely views of the surrounding countryside and a number of worthwhile climbs.

Weather permitting there will be some off track scrambling to add to everyone’s enjoyment.

Balquhidder to Waitpinga
2018-07-29
Picturesque farmland, unspoilt sandy beaches, rocky headlands and the chance to spot whales characterise this section of the Trail.

Dashwood Gully Rd to Mylor
2018-07-29
A picturesque walk through gently undulating farmland and the northern blocks of Kuitpo Forest.After exiting Jupiter Creek Goldfields we pass through more farmland then finish the day off with roadwalking into Mylor.

Coxs Scrub
2018-07-22
Meander through the native low, dense shrubland of Cox Scrub Conservation Park viewing many indigenous flora species and perhaps the odd marsupial along a mixture of single file walking trails and sandy fire tracks.

Black Hill
2018-07-22
This 18 km walk includes a good rocky climb, a steep slippery descent and at least 2 steady climbs requiring endurance. A good walk for developing walking techniques.

Bring plenty of water, morning tea and lunch to enjoy on the trail.

Tanunda to Kapunda
2018-07-22
A walk along back roads and road reserves past vineyards and wineries of the Barossa Valley, through the small town of Greenock then into the rolling cropping and grazing land of the lower north including a gentle climb toward Belvidere Trig.Leaving the farmlands the trail becomes a minor road finishing with a gradual climb into Kapunda passing the Old Kapunda mine-the site of the first significant copper mine in Australia.

Pleasant vistas and changing seasonal colours make this an enjoyable walk.

Melrose to Aligator Gorge Rd to Horrocks Pass
2018-07-21 - 2018-07-22
On Saturday … Melrose to Alligator Gorge…

This is a very long and difficult (but memorable) section of the Trail that starts with the ascent of Mt Remarkable, and continues through Mt Remarkable National Park before emerging on Alligator Gorge Road.

On Sunday … Alligator Gorge to Horrocks Pass…

The trail initially leads over Lavender Peak to picturesque Stony Creek campsite. From there, tracks, back roads and a busy highway take walkers to the memorial to explorer John Horrocks.

NOTE – If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOHT office to register for that days walk. The online registering system will only allow you to register for both days.

Belair Railway Tunnels
2018-07-15
As the railway line winds it’s way through Belair National Park it passes through two small tunnels. This extended walk will visit the entrance and exit of both tunnels (including the disused Long Gully platform) utilising a number of main tracks and smaller less known paths. An interesting variation on the usual National Park stroll.

Kyeema to Dashwood Gully Rd
2018-07-15
The dense native bushland of Kyeema CP,the plantations of Kuitpo Forest and pretty backroads make this a pleasant winter walk.

Bridgewater - Mt George circuit
2018-07-15
Stunning landscapes will delight your eyes during this 9km walk through the Adelaide Hills in the Bridgewater and Mount George area.

The three hour walk gives you the opportunity to explore the Mount George Conservation Park, as we meander past pretty Cox Creek to the summit of Mount George and a nearby rocky outcrop with a lookout providing magnificent views over Bridgewater to Mt Lofty. There is a short climb to the summit but it’s not that difficult and you will be well rewarded with the views.

Shepherds Hill
2018-07-11
A walk along various trail running through the Shepherds Hill Recreation Park, Watiparinga & Ashby Reserves. Includes a few ups & downs , some rock scrambling and a little off track adventure, all in picturesque surroundings.

Chambers Gully
2018-07-08
A loop walk, starting at Cleland Wildlife Park Carpark, onto Wine Shanty Track and Bartril Spur, back to Cleland. A somewhat challenging walk for the person just starting out bushwalking, some Trail Starter experience will be an advantage. There are some steepish hills, particularly going downhill from Greenhill Road.

An optional lunch at Jimmies Restaurant in Crafers after the walk. Located next door to The Crafers Hotel.

Rain is forecast, so please contact the leader on 0421 177 822 if you decide to withdraw after registrations have closed.

Tappanappa to Balquhidder
2018-07-08
A picturesque section highlighting the diversity of the Heysen Trail, walkers traverse native bushland, a long sandy beach, lush farmland and some very memorable hills. Photo opportunities abound, and you might even spot a whale.

Beaumont/Cleland
2018-07-08
This is a 27 km walk from Beaumont along the PWT, through Cleland to Mt. Lofty Botanic Gardens then up the back of Mt. Lofty and down to Cleland wildlife Park for lunch before heading back to Beaumont. It is ideal training for E2E groups coming up for long walks. It includes a few nice hills and some lovely walking tracks.

Newikie Creek to Dares Hill Summit Rd to Hallett
2018-07-07 - 2018-07-08
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 online registering system will only allow you to register for both days.

Day 1 Saturday 7th July 2018 25.5kms

This section passes through Caroona Conservation Park and Tourillie Gorge. Part of the will be along the ruins of an old “highway” through the gorge. Look out for old retaining walls and the hand dug rock cutting.

Day 2 Sunday 8th July 2018 20kms

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.

Onkaparinga
2018-07-01
Walking sections of various trails of the Onkaparinga River National Park. Highlights will be a waterfall, ruins and views across the gorge. Weather permitting we will walk along the river.

Lobethal Bushland Park
2018-07-01
This is a pleasant walk in a park on the fringe of Lobethal. The walk is through a forest of fern and towering stingy bark gums, with some open areas. Slopes are mostly gradual, with an optional climb to a viewing tower. A good walk for new walkers and families, with a picnic area on completion.
