Friends of the Heysen Trail

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.

Three Gullies
2018-06-27
Up Horsnell Gully, Down into Gandys before up into Slapes where rollercoasters along.

Chambers Gully
2018-06-24
A loop walk taking in Chambers Gully, the Wineshanty track,Eagle on the Hill and the Bullock Track returning to Chambers

Blewitt Springs
2018-06-24
This is a loop walk, alternating between walking through the native flora of the Blewitt Springs and Manning Reserves and lovely overviews of the surrounding vineyards and hills.

This walk will take approximately 3 hours. You will need enclosed walking shoes/boots as we will be going through scrub, as well as water and a hat.

There will be morning tea at the end of the walk, with Tea and Coffee provided.

Pewsey Vale to Tanunda
2018-06-24
This is a long though comfortable section of the trail that begins through the northern section of Mt Crawford forest before venturing into the native bushland of Kaiser Stuhl Con. Park with its unusual weathered rock features. Panoramic vistas over the Barossa Valley and its vineyards are amongst the highlights of this walk.

The trail skirts the small township of Bethany before moving into Tanunda,crossing the main road then onto a footbride over the North Parra River for the final few kilometers through the surrounding vineyards.

Hallet Cove Conservation Park and surrounds
2018-06-17
This walk will center on exploring the Hallet Cove Conservation Park which is a geological wonder and first attracted the attention of scientists in 1877.

There is a wave cut rock platform of folded ancient rock, a deeply scratched glaciated pavement and many examples of rocks and boulders that have been dropped by the glacier that was here in the last ice age. Aborigines also lived here during the last ice age! We can view the wave cut platform from the clifftop level and we will also descend to sea level using an open tread staircase, weather permitting. The craggy cliffs and wild rocky beach are worth seeing. If open tread stairs terrify you you can stay on top and admire the views while we explore.

The coastal scrub is of interest too as many of the plants grow in the Flinders Ranges and can be seen along the northern Heysen Trail.

There are plenty of things to explore nearby such as wetlands, a river mouth, a lake, cliff top walk and a grassy foreshore which has recently been graced with a war memorial to commemorate the Anzacs at Gallipoli Cove.

Expect some hills and rough ground.

Bring snacks for morning tea, water and sunscreen.

The BoatShed Cafe serves great coffee and pizza if you are tempted to stay for lunch.

Recommend good walking shoes and wind protection jacket.

Walk start 930am expected finish 1230pm.

Mt Compass to Kyeema
2018-06-17
Pretty Dairy pastures of Mt Compass and Nangkita provide the backdrop for the 1st section of the walk.The trail then leads through Finnis & Mt Magnificent CP’s where a short hike off the trail rewards walkers with specky views of the Fleurieu.Depending on the weather a wade across a ford may be on the cards.

Black Hill
2018-06-17
Starting at the wildflower garden we will walk through Wadmore Park before climbing to the summit of Black Hill. There are many tracks in the Black Hill Conservation Park and we will use some of them on our walk today.

Burra to Wandallah to Newikie Creek
2018-06-16 - 2018-06-17
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 Burra to Wandallah 16Kms

This section of the Trail goes through historic Burra, passing the old Redruth Gaol and other reminders of a bygone era. The trail then takes walkers over the exposed hills of the North Mount Lofty Ranges.

Day 2 Wandallah to Newikie Creek 22Kms

This remote and very undulating section gives walkers their first introduction to the grazing lands beyond Goyders Line.

Anstey Hill
2018-06-13
A lovely figure of eight walk through the picturesque bushland of the Anstey Hill Recreation Park.This walk offers some lovely views over the surrounding countryside and includes a number of worthwhile climbs.

Mack Creek
2018-06-10
Circular walk through a valley of magnificent Red River Gums. Following Mack Creek and a meandering bush track.

Could have some challenges for new walkers… inclines and that it is a circular walk.

Cobbler Hill to Tapanappa
2018-06-10
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 CP.

Bowman Park to Mt Zion to Wirrabara Forest to Block 9 Rd
2018-06-09 - 2018-06-11
On Saturday …

Beginning as a pleasant walk along the Crystal Brook, past the southern most hills of the Flinders Ranges, the Trail gradually climbs to the top of the range to reveal views over Port Pirie and Spencer Gulf.

On Sunday …

For most of this section the trail follows gravel roads and a rollercoaster firetrack through natural bushland towards the TV tower at The Bluff where walkers are rewarded with spectacular views of the gulf and beyond.

On Monday …

This section provides a very diverse range of scenery, beginning with the dense natural scrub, ridgelines and spectacular vistas of the Telowie Gorge Conservation Park, then descending to a narrow single file track along a very pretty creek line, before emerging into walk alongside pine forests.
