Brownhill Creek Loop
2023-03-22
Please join me for a twilight hike around Brown Hill and along Brownhill Creek.

We will hike approx. 6km which should take under 2 hours.

We will meet at 5.45pm for a 6pm start.

The hike will start off with an upward climb to get the heart pumping, to reach wonderful views if the weather is kind to us, of the city. Then we hike across private land, so we will stay on the tracks, make sure we close gates as needed and be mindful to stay away from any cattle we come across, until descending to Brownhill Creek, where we walk along the creek, crossing this a couple of times until back to our cars.

For those who would like to grab a bite to eat afterwards, we will head to the Edinburgh Hotel, 1-7 High Street, Mitcham for dinner.

Please ensure you have all the necessary gear, good hiking shoes/boots and poles in case it rains as we are descending down tracks that could get slippery if wet.

Hiking in March, means unpredictable weather so don’t forget your rain coat and a torch as the sun will be setting earlier then.

Also, check the weather, if the forecast is for a very hot night, above 32 degrees at that time, or there is Extreme or Catastrophic fire ban declared, or severe thunderstorms, the hike will be cancelled.

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.

Marion Historical Walk
2023-03-29 18:00 - 19:30 (Australia/Adelaide)
Living Kaurna Cultural Centre, Warriparinga

This walk takes us through the backstreets of Marion following parts of the Village Heritage Trail. We will then walk to the Warriparinga Wetlands and return following the Sturt River.

Join us for dinner afterwards at the Marion 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.

Crafers Sunset/Night Walk
2023-04-01
This walk will finish in the dark.

This walk in the dark trek, is timed so we can enjoy the sunset, and then take advantage of the wonderful pizza restaurant at Crafers after our hike.

Our walk will leave promtly from Crafers at 5pm – allowing 2hrs to summit.
( be aware it will be cold up there )

For the walk down, headlamps will be required.
A hiking pole will also assist you to not have a stumble.

The Trip down the mountain will start no later than 7.15pm it takes1.5 hrs to reach our start point.

This will place us at the pizza restaurant at 8.45pm.
Just in time to enjoy our freshly cooked late night supper.

Sunset is at 7.15 pm.
Kitchen in the restaurant will cook our meals @8.45pm.

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.

Hiking Expo 2023
2023-04-02
WALKING SA Annual Hiking Expo to launch the Walking Season

Main Oval, Belair National Park

End to End Minus 2 Catch up Walk
2023-04-02 08:30 - 13:30
Our final Minus 2 get-together walk, using the trails around Belair National Park, culminating at the Hiking Expo 2023, Main Oval, Belair, celebrating the opening of the walking season, where we will have lunch and loiter a while, before returning to our cars.
The walk will use the trails and roads of the National Park, including Echo Tunnel.
Better bring a torch, if you’re afraid of the dark.
Water and morning snack will also be a good idea.
Lunch if you like, however there will be food at the Expo.
A chance to get together with your colleagues from 2022 and the leaders.
Chance to discuss meals, accommodation, transport and just chat.
Bring your questions which we endeavour to answer, as we go along.
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.

Annual General Meeting 2023
2023-04-05 18:30 - 20:00
Friends of the Heysen Trail and other Walking Trails Inc – Annual General Meeting 2023

Onkaparinga 3 Rivers
2023-04-13
Onkaparinga 3 River Crossings: A scenic exploration of Onkaparinga National Park on some lesser known trails and criss-crossing the river in 3 places – bring spare socks just in case. We sample the Willunga Basin Trail in one part and finish with a strenuous climb out of the gorge to complete 14km. Anticipate 4-5 hours. Please note this is a hard loop walk with no easy exit points – experience necessary.

Wet weather: in the event of rain prior the trail will potentially be slippery in places and the river crossings may have some water.

Reminder: FOHT hot weather policy – walk will be automatically cancelled if BOM 4pm/ABC 7pm the day prior predicts 32 degrees or greater.

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 - Sellicks to Moana
2023-04-16
The Willunga Basin Trail winds its way around and across the beautiful Willunga Basin for 130km – taking walkers through a diverse landscape of bushland, forests, vineyards, almond groves, parks and beaches.

Walk the trail over 6 walks or walk any of the individual sections.

WALK 1: Sellicks Beach to Moana Beach approx 22km. This involves a variety of cliff and beach walking as well as a section through the Aldinga Scrub.

Bring sufficient water for the day, morning tea and lunch.

Please be aware of FOHT weather policies regarding cancellation of walks. This walk will use a bus to take us to the start of the walk and please note that to participate in the walk you need to pay for the bus whether you are 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.

FOHT Council Meeting
2023-04-19 17:30 - 19:30, 2023-05-17 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.

Gandys Gully
2023-04-23
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.
Bush trails, with steep sections. Good training area for walking poles.

Head 4 The Hills -3.
2023-04-29
Walking 11- 12k to the base of the Mt Lofty Ranges.
This section explores some of the most beautiful foothills and gullies alongside the Torrens river, with lots of interesting / stunning photo opportunities.
At the completion we will use Adelaide Metro to return to our vehicles.
So a bus pass or seniors card is essential.
After the walk, register your interest, for a celebratory coffee/snack, at the Dutch Pantry, 700mtrs from our parking spot.

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.

Warren Tower (CANCELLED)
2023-04-30
Come along for a walk in the Warren Conservation Park, which includes sections of the Heysen Trail and a rich diversity of native scrub. Some open country, which is adjacent to the fire watch tower, provides 360 degree extended views over the Adelaide 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.

Kuitpo Forest a different approach.
2023-04-30
Starting and finishing in Kangarilla this walk will incorporate sections of the Willunga Basin, Heysen and Onkeeta trails as well as forest trails through the Bone Gully and Knott Hill sections of Kuptio Forest.

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.

Webb Gap- Pewsey Vale (wk 7)
2023-04-30 - 2023-05-07
Week 7 sees Minus Two finishing the Tothills and crossing over to the Peters Hill salient, on the Light Range, via Marrabel.
Then on to Kapunda and Greenock and into the Barossa valley ending our extended walking week at Pewsey Vale.
Day One starts at Web Gap, where 2022 finished, walking along the western face of the Tothills, then crossing to the eastern side via the Smith Hill camp, before crossing the Tothills for the final time through Gerkie Gap.
Day 2 continues from Gerkie Gap along the interestingly named Aunt Sues Road (who was she) across the valley to finish the day just under Light Range and Peters Hill.
Day 3 starts with a climb to Peters Hill and a visit to Marschalls Hut, just off the Trail and morning tea, We then climb up to Peters Hill for the expansive views over Riverton and beyond, to the west. A potentially very windy walk, before dropping down onto Heysen Road and finally to Hamilton.
Day 4 has the group mainly on back roads and over Lights Hummocks past the Friends campsite and finally into Kapunda, our base for the past days.
Day 5 is our rest day and moving day to Tanunda.
Day 6 starts from the centre of Kapunda, passing via the Friends oldest greening project on Hanke Creek Road and the tallest trail marker, into the vineyards around Greenock, under the Sturt Highway and finally into Tanunda for a well-deserved icecream.
Day 7 we leave Tanunda past the many vineyards into Bethany and the slow climb up to Rifle Range Road, beside Schlenke Gully and into the Kaiser Stuhl Conservation Park. If time permits, we will take the alternative Trail to the newly renovated Rossiter Hut, through the Mount Crawford Forest to our finishing point for Week Seven at Pewsey Vale.
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 15 - Cudlee Creek to Nugget Rd
2023-05-06
THIS IS AN UPDATED DOCUMENT please read NEW MEETING DETAILS

Walk Details: The trail leads walkers through the rolling hills of the South Mt Lofty Ranges and sections of Mt Crawford Forest. The climb towards Mt Gould provides outstanding views.

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.

Newikie Creek to Dares Hill Summit Rd and Wandallah to Newikie Creek with End to End 14
2023-05-06 - 2023-05-07
For E2E14’s first up walks for this year, these are 2 difficult and long, but very beautiful walks

Saturday 25.5km – This section passes through Caroona Creek Conservation Park and Tourilie Gorge, which is one of the lesser known gems of the Trail. Look out for the remnants of an old bullock track cut through the gorge.

Saturday Night Meal Option – 6:30pm Royal Exchange Hotel see details below

Sunday 22km – This remote and very undulating section across grazing lands beyond Goyders Line.

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.

Second Valley: A tale of two trails
2023-05-07
The Wilampa Trail & Jones Journey trails in Second Valley Forest were officially opened in December 2021 by Forestry SA and The District Council of Yankalilla.

Covering a network of fire tracks through pine plantations and hardwood forests and beside farmlands this walk combines the two trails.

A pleasant 14km walk on undulating terrain, nothing daunting, so great if you are new to hiking or if your legs have been a little bit dormant over summer.

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 National Park
2023-05-07 08:00 - 14:00
Belair is the second national park established in Australia and it has a lot to offer. Most visitors only get to see small sections. This walk takes you along some paths that you may not have seen before. It presents a nice mix of trails that may surprise you. So easy to access from Adelaide but you will soon forget how close we are to civilisation. Hopefully this walk will inspire you to revisit some of these trails in future at your leisure.

The walk is about 18km so you should bring morning tea and a light lunch.

It is classified as a Trail Walker so some rough tracks and inclines will be encountered – necessitating good walking boots, rainwear and water.

Contact me on the day on 0400320943 if necessary.

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.

Waite
2023-05-09
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.

A picturesque loop walk in and around the Waite Conservation Park and includes a couple of climbs, and offers some lovely views over Adelaide.

As the walk will finish before lunch you need only bring some morning tea.

Murraytown to Melrose to Aligator Gorge Rd
2023-05-13 - 2023-05-14
STOP PRESS: The theme for the weekend is *** Flower ***

Please note, this weekend will be run out of the usual order. If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the office to register when registrations open.

Saturday: Melrose to Alligator Gorge Rd. 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.

Sunday: Murraytown to Melrose. A leisurely walk, predominantly along lightly undulating back roads, this section provides pleasant vistas over the surrounding farmland and finishes in the shadow of Mt Remarkable.

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.

Warren Tower Walk (rescheduled)
2023-05-14

Belair Valley
2023-05-14
This approximately 11 klm walk is in our oldest national park.
While the majority of our walk is on the numerous trails provided, we will for a short distance be on some rough tracks with some interesting hills.

Old government house is there, plus the native plant nursery.

At completion of the walk we will go to the nearby Shoak Cafe for a social catchup & coffee.

This is not compulsory.

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.

E2E17 - Cape Jervis to Cobbler Hill
2023-05-14
This is the first walk for the new End to End 17 group.
After you register for this walk you will receive an email inviting you to attend one of two introductory walks to be held before this walk.
The introductory walks will give you a chance to assess your fitness and to raise any queries you might have before you embark on the Heysen Trail.
Those people who successfully register for this walk will also be given priority access to register for the subsequent E2E17 walks, and an invitation to attend an information night at Exurbia.

Commencing at Cape Jervis, the coastal scenery along this region of the Fleurieu Peninsula is spectacular, and is a lovely walk along the first section of the Heysen Trail. The trail begins with a meander along sandy coastal tracks and exposed hillsides, with views of Kangaroo Island and the Southern Ocean over your right shoulder. On occasions, walkers are often rewarded with sightings of seals & dolphins. The trail progressively develops several undulations further along as you approach Blow Hole Beach within the Deep Creek Conservation Park. The walk ends with a much-anticipated hill climb for approx. 2km through native vegetation back to the vehicles.

A bus will transport us from the vehicles to the start of the walk.

Please note: the bus does NOT transport walkers from Adelaide to the walk.

After registration, walkers will be given directions to drive their vehicle to the meeting point, which will be at the END point of the day’s walk. The cars remain at the meeting location, and the bus transports the group from the cars to the walk start point. From there, the group walks back to the cars.

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.

Willunga Basin Trail - Onkaparinga NP to Kangarilla
2023-05-14
The Willunga Basin Trail winds its way around and across the beautiful Willunga Basin for 130km – taking walkers through a diverse landscape of bushland, forests, vineyards, almond groves, parks and beaches.

Walk the trail over 6 walks or walk any of the individual sections.

WALK 2: We will be walking through the more remote parts of Onkaparinga River National Park (gate 20) to Kangarilla. The walk is 17km with some steady hills.

Bring sufficient water for the day, morning tea and lunch.

Please be aware of FOHT weather policies regarding cancellation of walks. This walk will use a bus to take us to the start of the walk and please note you need to pay for the bus whether you are 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.

Sturt Gorge
2023-05-20
This circular walk through the rugged Sturt Gorge is challenging, but rewarding with excellent views and interesting terrain.

There a number of very steep climbs on this walk and only register if you have done the training required. it is a good area to practice pole use and I am happy to assist upon request.

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/ Myponga
2023-05-21
Walk Details: 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 2km 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.

In The Suburbs
2023-05-21
This walk starts from a garden park in Aberfoyle Park, continues through a section of Happy Valley reservoir, enters bushland in Flagstaff Hill before following a creek line back to the start.

Walking on a mix of trails, fire tracks and footpaths we link three suburbs together.

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 CP
2023-05-23
A loop walk around Morialta Conservation Park with a variety of climbs and descents, maybe including Chapmans track.

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

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
2023-05-25
A tough loop walk largely in the eastern end of the conservation park with 3 good climbs

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.
