Friends of the Heysen Trail

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 (Australia/Adelaide)
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).

E2E16 Cobbler Hill to Tapanappa
2022-07-10
A bus is hired for End-to-End walks. Each walker will need to pay the bus fee in addition to their walk payment.
Although relatively short, this section of the trail offers spectacular scenery, including a magnificent waterfall, as walkers follow narrow tracks through the dense native scrub of Deep Creek Conservation Park.

Mt Crawford/Warren CP
2022-07-16
Starting at Mt Crawford Forest Information Centre, we skirt around the edges of Warren Reservoir before climbing up into Warren Conservation Park. From there we head in a southerly direction along the Heysen Trail. Joining up with the Tower Loop Trail, we head back to Tower Hill for panoramic views over the area. Following sections of the Heysen Trail on and off back to the cars, including a lovely boardwalk section.

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

Murraytown-Melrose-Ali Gorge Rd
2022-07-16 - 2022-07-17
WEEEKEND BASED IN MELROSE *****PLEASE NOTE WALKS BEING DONE OUT OF ORDER******

SAT 16TH-This is a long and difficult section of the Trail that starts with the ascent of Mt Remarkable {961mtrs} a climb of 600mtrs over 7.5kms to reach the summit.Keep an eye out for the wreckage of a light plane that crashed on a scree slope some years ago This is the easy bit before a long steep descent drops us back into the spectacular creek lines and valley’s of the Mount Remarkable National Park .A day of hard Hill walking sees the walk end at Alligator Gorge Rd .MOST GROUPS HAVE TAKEN 9HRS TO DO THIS WALK IN THE PAST.IF YOU ARE UNWELL OR HAVE AN INJURY PLEASE WITHDRAW FROM THIS WALK AS GETTING SOMEONE OUT OF HERE WILL PROVE VERY DIFFICULT .We will start in two groups before walking as one from the top of the Mountain .The slower group will start at 6;30am followed by the faster group at 7am SHARP .If you’re not there at these times we will leave and will not be phoning people to see where they are .HEAD TORCHES WILL BE REQUIRED FOR THESE EARLY STARTS .Bus being caught at end of day .

PLEASE LEAVE 6;30am OR 7am IN NOTES TO LEADER UPON REGISTERING TO LET US KNOW WHICH GROUP YOU’RE STARTING WITH IN THE MORNING.IF YOU NORMALLY WALK IN THE BACK GROUP YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO START AT 6;30AM.

Sun 17th -A leisurely walk today along lightly undulating backroads after yesterday’s slog .This section provides pleasant vistas over surrounding farmland and finishes in the shadow of Mt Remarkable.Be sure to check out the old Quarry on the way into Melrose and the famous Redgum dividing one of the backstreets .

Please wear a mask and sanitise hands upon boarding the bus .

If you only want to walk one of these days please ring the office to register.

PLEASE FIND AND READ ALL DETAILS .

Hahndorf Loop Walk
2022-07-17
Starting promptly at 8am. This 14-15k walk has a bit of everything, a couple of hefty hills, a wet creek crossing, (A small towel may be handy ), walking some beautiful forest trails, a stunning Ridge top walk, a general store for a coffee and cake stop at the half way point, then we finish off by walking Hahndorfs main st back to our start point.

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 Creek - Belair Loop - Trail Starter
2022-07-17
This loop hike traverses along Brownhill Creek Rd, then onto the Yurebilla Trail up and into Belair National Park.

We will continue up to the Waterfall lookout for morning tea.

Please note there are a few hills to test your stamina.

Trail starter experience is 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.

EE15 Walk 10 - Kyeema-Dashwood Gully Rd
2022-07-23
The walk starts off in the dense native bushland of Kyeema Conservation Park, and then the plantations of Kuitpo Forest. The walking here is gently undulating sandy trails.

We do cross over a couple of main arterial roads where care needs to be taken.

We then exit Kuitpo Forest onto Stagecoach road for the run home.

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.

Willunga Basin Trail
2022-07-23
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 5: Today the 21km walk leaves from Onkaparinga National Park, winding its way through beautiful Hardy’s Scrub, then travels some road reserves with a swoop across the interesting Gemtree Winery wetlands before a few quiet back roads take us into Willunga. Terrain is relatively flat with an occasional undulation.

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.

Sea To Summit
2022-07-24
This iconic Adelaide walk winds its way from the coast through urban landscapes, a series of recreation parks & reserves, even passing a Buddhist stupa to the highest point in the Ranges with rewarding views overlooking the city.

This is a long day and a demanding walk. A reasonable walking pace is required for the whole day. If you are unsure of walking this distance or haven’t been walking plenty of hills, best not to start here.

A bus will be used to ferry us back to cars at end of day.

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

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

E2E11 'The long, last training walk'
2022-07-24
A long loop walk from Brock Reserve, Beaumont commencing with a steady climb up past Mt Osmond golf course then continuing along the Pioneer Womens Trail to Crafers. From there will head north through Cleland Conservation Park as far as Greenhill Road before dropping down to Bartrills and then climbing up around Sugarloaf Hill and down the Winter Track to leads us back into Glen Osmond Reserve for the final few kiolmetres to the 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.

Para Wirra
2022-07-28
Para Wirra Conservation Park is located in the Northern Mt. Lofty Ranges. The walk commences in an area known as Mack Creek, upon joining the trail along side the creek be prepared for several water crossings [ if there has been recent rains.] Entering the main section of the park we join the ridge top with good views and onto the Devils Nose look out. Descending down through the gum trees we reach the South Para River and several old mine shafts. A slow climb out of the valley,[with well placed seats to rest] and we are on the opposite side of the ridge. With more views we walk through the native vegetation and reach a popular picnic area and then onto our cars. The park is home to over 100 bird species and emus are often seen.

Ali Gorge Rd-Horrocks Memorial-Broadview
2022-07-30 - 2022-07-31
Weekend Based in Melrose **** PLEASE NOTE WALKS BEING DONE OUT OF ORDER***

SAT 30TH-Starting with a tough climb out of Horrocks Pass to the ridge .Walkers are immediately rewarded with Spectacular scenery in all directions .Spencer Gulf to the west and Willochra Plain to the east .The trail traverses exposed gibber littered hills making good sturdy footwear a must .Keep an eye out for Ripple rocks that line the edge of the trail early on .The trail undulates across the top of the hills all day before we leave the Heysen for a 2;5km walk out through private property back to the cars .A tough but very enjoyable walk.

Sun 31st-Leaving Alligator Gorge Rd the trail leads walkers over Lavender Peak before descending to Stony Creek Campsite.Take time to admire the giant redgums we walk among after passing the camp . Tracks ,back rds and a rough and ready track alongside Horrocks Pass sees us back at our cars near the memorial to John Horrocks.

IF YOU ONLY WANT TO WALK ONE DAY PLEASE RING OFFFICE TO REGISTER.

WEAR MASK AND SANITISE UPON BOARDING THE BUS .

PLEASE FIND AND READ ALL DETAILS
