Friends of the Heysen Trail

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.

Buckaringa to Moralana Drive
2018-06-03 - 2018-06-10
This is a multi-day walk. Registration requires payment of the END TO END EXTENDED WALK FEE. Accommodation and meal costs are not included. Those registering are invited to travel on the bus, at no extra cost, from Adelaide to Hawker, and return to Adelaide. IF YOU INTEND TRAVELLING ON THE BUS FROM AND TO ADELAIDE PLEASE ADVISE IN THE COMMENTS SECTION WHEN REGISTERING. If you choose to drive your own vehicle to the base locations the bus fee remains the same. Accommodation and meal arrangements are the responsibility of each person registering.

Passengers Traveling From Adelaide by bus are asked to pack all clothing, food etc into suit cases, eskes and or cardboard boxes.

Group meals are planned for –

Wednesday 6 JUNE (Hawker Community Sports Centre – 3 courses – $30 – please book and pay when registering).

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: HAWKER – SUNDAY 3rd to SUNDAY 10 June

SUNDAY 3rd JUNE

For those travelling by bus, the departure time is 9.30 am from the Central Bus Station, 85 Franklin Street, Adelaide. Please be at the bus station by 9.00 am for loading.

Sunday 3rd June – Travel to Hawker

Monday 4th June – Buckaringa to Calabrinda Creek 22km

This is a predominantly flat walk below rocky outcrops. The trail then leads across Willochra Plain to Partacoona Station.

Tuesday 5th June – Calabrinda Creek to Jarvis Hill 26km

This is a long but fairly fast walk, initially along vehicle tracks, then over open grazing land along the face of Yappala Range and past the historic Mt Elm school site to Jarvis Hill carpark

Wednesday 6th June – Jarvis Hill to Old Wonaka 9km

One of the gems of the Trail, this ridge walk provides spectacular views and many photo opportunities. It is a short walk, but may still take up to 4 hours because of the terrain and photo stops.

Thursday 7th June – Old Wonaka to Mt Little Station 15 +1

A classic Flinders Ranges creek walk, the whole day is spent in Wonoka Creek which has been the site of a couple of major floods in recent years.

Friday 8th June REST DAY

Saturday 9th June – Mt Little Station to Moralana Drive 30 + 1 This section of the Trail follows picturesque Mernmerna Creek and Slaty Creek to the Red Range campsite.This is an easy and pretty walk with gentle undulations, along creeklines and through native pine woodlands, in the shadow of Elder Range and Mt Aleck.

SUNDAY 10 JUNE

Bus returns to Adelaide leaving Hawker at 8.30 am.

ETA Adelaide – 3.00 pm approx

Shepherds Hill
2018-06-03
Walking along well made trails with great views of Adelaide. This involves some short hill climbs. We are mostly in Shephards Hill recreation park then a short scramble over the train line and up the hill to Wittunga Gardens. Here we can have morning tea while enjoying the Flora. Bring your snacks and a drink.

If you register and are unable to come on the day please advise me 0402 036 296.

Morialta/Montacute
2018-06-03
This is a circular walk in the Black Hill & Morialta Conservation Parks with a fair amount of climbing involved and one creek crossing. The terrain is rocky in parts. We will climb either the Main Ridge Track or the Amber Gully Track. After morning tea, there will be the walk up Chapmans Track as well. Pray for dry weather!

Burra Rd to Worlds End to Burra
2018-06-02 - 2018-06-03
Note: This is a 2 day Walk if you would like to register for one day only please contact the Friends of the Heysen office on 8212 6299.

Saturday 2nd June 2018: Burra Road to Worlds End 17kms

The trail crosses undulating farmland before entering the scrubland of the Hallelujah Hills. The day finishes with an easy stroll to Worlds End Gorge.

Sunday 3rd June 2018: Worlds End to Burra 25kms

Although primarily a long flat, treeless walk, along dirt roads and road reserves, this section provides walkers with a perspective on the landscapes of the Trail. The final few kilometres provide pleasant views over the historic Burra township.

Mt Crawford to Pewsey Vale
2018-05-27
The trail has recently returned to the original route that climbs Mt Crawford. After descending via a forest track to Mount Rd it then makes its way up and over the pretty Wirra Wirra Peaks.

After leaving the forest another recent reroute takes you west along Tower Road and then north on Wirra Wirra Road past Corryton Park homestead. Quiet dirt roads and a tree studded road reserve complete the day.

Onkaparinga Baker Gully
2018-05-27
This loop walk is a combination of several trails in the Onkaparinga National Park Upper Gorge. The trails included are the Nature Trail, Echidna Trail and Bakers Gully Track. The walk has some steep sections and you will be rewarded with great views over the Gorge. We will be going down on the Gorge Trail which will take us to a beautiful rock pool, with a sheer cliff face plunging into water.

The total distance is 13 km. The walk will take around 4 hours. Optional we can go at the end to a bakery in Claredon.

Para Wirra
2018-05-27
A loop walk, South Para Grand Hike, thru natural vegetation. From Devils Nose lookout there is splendid views across the valley. Walking on through beautiful gum trees we stop at the South Para River. A slow climb out of the valley, with well placed seats, soon sees us back on top of the opposite side ridge. Continuing on via good tracks we will stop at a nice place for lunch before a short walk back to the cars.

Para Wirra is May’s “park of the month”

Entry to park is free

Myponga to Mt Compass (End to End 12)
2018-05-20
After a short road walk the trail enters YulteC/P where some lovely native bush and testing undulations are encountered.The trail then crosses open farming land gradually climbing to Mt Cone which offers distant views.The walk finishes off with more road walking.

Waitpinga Clifftops
2018-05-20
One of the most spectacular sections of the trail. Leaving from Kings Head, Waitpinga the trail slowly winds its way along dramatic clifftops towards Newland Head. From this point we return along the clifftops back to King Head. This walk offers spectacular coastal views which may include sightings of whales, dolphins, seals and the endangered white bellied sea eagle.

There will be a car pool.

Hahndorf - Heysen extension
2018-05-20
The walk begins at the Bridgewater Mill and follows the Heysen Trail spur mainly along back roads into Verdun. Then its on to Hahndorf passing “The Cedars”, the home of the late Sir Hans Heysen. (Refer Southern Guide, Map 3.3 or Map Sheet 2A.

We will be catching the #864 Adelaide Metro bus from Hahndorf to Bridgewater. The fare is $3.50, or free for Seniors Card holders.

Block 9 Rd to Murraytown to Melrose
2018-05-19 - 2018-05-20
On Saturday … Block 9 Rd to Murraytown…

This section starts in the Wirrabara pine forest with there are some testing climbs. After leaving the forest the rest of the day is spent walking along back roads and road reserves through undulating farmland.

On 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.

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.

Great North Walk
2018-05-15 - 2018-05-31
The Great North Walk is a walking track which runs from Sydney to Newcastle in New South Wales. The main track, 250 kilometres in length, runs between the Obelisk in Macquarie Place in Sydney to Queens Wharf Tower in Bicentennial Park in Newcastle and is well sign-posted. There are many “side tracks” which link the track to populated areas along the length of the walk. The walk includes a huge variety of wildlife and scenery.

Accommodation is in high quality cabins, with plenty of options for singles or couples.

Approximate cost of the walk will be $1,600.

This includes accommodation and charter bus but excludes meals and travel to or from Sydney.

Carrick Hill
2018-05-13
This is a walk that will take us to the Eastern end of Brownhill Creek, through private property, exiting on the Mt Barker Road near Eagle on the Hill from where we will head for the Waite Conservation Reserve and back to Carrick Hill. Reasonable amount of motivation required to tackle a number of undulations! Pray for cool, dryish weather. As usual walking boots with good grip, hat, sun cream, walking sticks, 2 L water, morning tea and lunch packed. This walk is suitable for people with recent walking experience. About 15 kms.

Mitcham Hills
2018-05-13
A loop through the south-eastern foothills around Carrick Hill. We will follow the Yurrebilla Trail into the Waite Conservation Reserve which protects an important remnant of Grey-box Woodland. As we climb above the Adelaide Plains there are panoramic views across the nearby stately homes to the city and the sea. There will be a morning-tea break on Wylie’s Ridge before proceeding toward Eagle on the Hill and then returning via the trig point atop Brownhill.

Cleland Conservation Park
2018-05-09
A pleasant loop walk through the northern section of Cleland Con. Park that offers some delightful views over Adelaide. There are a series of climbs and descents to test your early season fitness.

Mt Pleasant
2018-05-06
An attractive walk through pine and native forest, with a short but easy uphill slog to take in a magnificent panorama of Mount Crawford forest.
