Friends of the Heysen Trail

Lobethal Bushland Reserve
2022-09-25
Pleasant circular walk in Lobethal Bushland Park just outside of Lobethal. The trails in the park were through heritage-listed bush but the park was burnt out in the December 2019 Adelaide Hills bush fire. Through the care of passionate volunteers, the park has been remarked and is showing signs of incredible regrowth. There are also exciting signs that kangaroos, echidnas and bird life are returning. We will walk through trails which have been burnt, but there are wonderful signs of regrowth on some of the trees and also the undergrowth. Slopes are mostly gradual. A good walk for new walkers and families, with toilets and a picnic/bbq area at walk completion.

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.

Cape Jervis/ Cobbler Hill
2022-09-25
Commencing at Cape Jervis, the coastal scenery along this region of the Fleurieu Peninsula is second to none, 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 dynamic Southern Ocean over your right shoulder. Walkers are often rewarded with sightings of seals & dolphins. The trail gradually develops into several undulations further along as you approach Blow Hole Beach within the Deep Creek Conservation Park. The walk ends after a much-anticipated hill climb for approx. 2km through native vegetation back to the vehicles.

This walk is a great introductory walk for those who are interested in undertaking the entire Heysen Trail, those who want to catch up a section, anyone wanting to relive this section of the Fleurieu Peninsula.

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.

Sturt River Gorge
2022-09-25 08:00 - 12:30 (Australia/Adelaide)
This walk follows 10klms of the ruggedly beautiful Sturt Gorge river Trail.

It is now a stunning 10klm return walk. The walking trail is both extremely rugged but also extremely beautiful. So hiking poles are recommended and will assist you.

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.

Glen Osmond-Mt Lofty Loop
2022-10-01

Raeville to Locks Ruin to Bowman Park to Mt Zion
2022-10-01 - 2022-10-03
Note well: we are walking this weekend out of the normal order

Saturday – Bowman Park to Mt Zion: Following the closure of the trail along the Crystal Brook, north of Bowman Park, this section now commences with a road walk continuing along Bowman Park Road past Bowman Park, turning north east along Huddleston Road. The Trail then turns north up Head Road, continuing until Pipeline Road, which it then follows until reaching Head Road and following that to the Wilkins Highway and Hughes Gap. After Hughes Gap the Trail meets the southern most hills of the Flinders Ranges and the Trail gradually climbs to the top of the range to reveal views over Port Pirie and Spencer Gulf.

Sunday – Raeville to Locks Ruin: This walk follows dirt roads into the small town of Georgetown and beyond past Hiskeys Hut. The trail then follows undulating fencelines through Sams Hills.

Monday – Locks Ruin to Bowman Park: An easy walk, predominantly along roads and road reserves, this section takes us through the town of Crystal Brook, then follows the Crystal Brook itself to historic Bowman Park.

If you would like to register for only one or two of the walk days, PLEASE call the office to register after registrations are open

Accommodation recommended in Crystal Brook, Laura or Gladstone

The theme for the weekend is ‘Golden’

EE15 Walk 14 - Montacute-Cudlee Creek
2022-10-08
After an initial road walk, the trail makes a very steep descent to Sixth Creek before a long climb out through Montacute Conservation Park and Mt Crawford Forest Reserve.

A pleasant walk past the pretty private gardens along Holland Creek Road completes the section. Due to the Sixth Creek very steep descent and climb back out this is quite a demanding walk. Walk length is 19km’s.

“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.”

E2E16 Waitpinga to Tugwell Rd
2022-10-09
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.

WALK LEADER TRAINING
2022-10-15
If you’ve ever thought you may like to lead some walks for the FOHT, then this is for you .We will lead you through the basics of what is involved in leading a TS, TW or even an E2E .There are some interactive sections culminating with breaking into small groups and planning a walk. If you intend to come along could you please register ASAP. We would like to send some information that will prove useful through the day. If you register late info will be distributed on the day .

Peters Hill-Gerkie Gap-Webb Gap with End To End 14
2022-10-15 - 2022-10-16
Kids after year 12 high school love to take Gap years but E2E14 are taking a Gap weekend

Saturday – Peters Hill-Gerkie Gap – A pleasant walk along back roads through undulating farmland and past the town of Marrabel (and it’s memorial to the famous buckjumper ‘Curio’) to the southern end of Tothill Range.

Sunday – Gerkie Gap-Webb Gap – After a climb through Gerkie Gap to the eastern side, this hugs the Tothill Ranges, before climbing back over the range, just north of Smith Hill, where we continue the journey northward through open scrubland along the western flank of the range. The Tothills provide the largest remaining section of remnant scrub in the area and are one of the delights of the Mid-North providing pleasant vistas over the surrounding farmland, with constant reminders of 19th century optimism and 21st century technology.

Note: Saturday evening there will be a get together and meal at the Kapunda Tourist Park please check the meal option if you intend coming

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.

Onkaparinga Orchids
2022-10-16
A slow walk along some of the tracks of Onkaparinga National Park.

We will be stopping to admire the lovely orchids which are in flower.

During this circular walk we will also see the river and gorges from above.

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.

End 2 End Week 6.5
2022-10-16 - 2022-10-19
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.
Three days walking to complete Year 2, so Year 3 gets us back on track.
We walk from Murraytown to Mount Zion over three days, based at Wirrabara.
It is not one for the unfit or the faint hearted.
You will need an above normal level of fitness.
We will only be using the bus for days 2 and 3 for drop-off in the morning only.
Day 1 Murraytown to White Park Road will be an afternoon walk, using a car shuffle.
Day 2 White Park Road to TV Track and is the start of two hard days walking. takes us over the reroute through Robin Pole’s property and past the Friend’s new tank, finishing on Go Cart Track with a steep climb up Sheepyard Track to reach the ridge.
Day 3 TV Tower to Mount Zion is another hard walk with lots of ups and downs along Go Cart Track

FOHT Council
2022-10-19 17:30 - 19:30, 2022-11-16 17:30 - 19:30
Friends of Heysen Trail Council Meeting from 5.30pm to 7.30pm in the Friends Office at Epworth House

Council is the elected body charged with oversight of the Friends programs and finances.

Current Committees and other interested members are welcome.

Please notify our Office Volunteers in advance if you wish to attend so that access can be arranged as the building is not open to public after hours.

Walking SA AGM
2022-10-20 18:30 - 20:00
Friends of Heysen Trail is a major organisational member of Walking SA the peak body for walking and organiser of the annual Hiking Expo. FOHT members are encouraged to attend its Annual General Meeting.

Please register for free ticket

Walking SA AGM 2022

Walk The Yorke – Gym Beach-Pondalowie-Marion Bay
2022-10-22 - 2022-10-23
Experience spectacular scenery along this section of the trail as we pass through the Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park. Native fauna including emus, kangaroos, goannas and many bird species abound.

Walkers are exempt from paying entry but all vehicles entering the park are required to purchase an entry permit. Details about how this can be done will be made available prior to the walk.

Saturday…

From Gym Beach we follow the Gym Beach Road inland for a few hundred metres before taking the Gym Beach Hiking Trail toward Browns Beach. This takes us through local scrub and vegetation, skirting local farm lands.

The route continues inland along the road past the Shell Beach turnoff before heading to the coast at Royston Head and then on the beach to Pondalowie.

Sunday…

Today’s section will be inland, following fire trails through the thick untouched bush lands, past one of the many lakes in the park to finish the day at Marion Bay.

From Inneston to Stenhouse Bay it follows the Thomson-Pfizner Plaster Trail, the route of an old wooden railway line.

Innes National Park from Gym Beach (Saturday and Sunday’s walks) is one of the Hero walks of the WTY.

Suggested accommodation – Marion Bay.

A dinner to celebrate completion of the Trail will be held on Saturday night. Monies for this will be collected as part of the registration.

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.

Sturt Gorge
2022-10-23

Wild South Coast Way On The Heysen Trail
2022-10-23 - 2022-10-28
Immerse yourself in 6 walks along the new Wild South Coast Way on the Heysen Trail (WCSW) between Cape Jervis and Victor Harbor. Absorb rugged coastlines, dense native vegetation and expansive views in a small group.

An introduction on Sunday afternoon will include insight into Ngarrindjeri connection to Deep Creek and a short walk followed by sundowner drinks & nibbles. Experienced Walk Leaders will guide walks from Monday to Friday following the WSCW along this dynamic coastal stretch of Heysen Trail.

A solid level of fitness is necessary for walking over consecutive days on a Class 4/5 Trail: these are challenging walks between 5-6 hours with some steep climbs and descents through gullies, rough, narrow and uneven tracks, occassional rock scrambling, creek crossings and along cliff edges.

As it is a linear trail, walkers will need to drive themselves to the end location for the walk, from where a bus will take them to the start of the walk. Registered walkers will be provided with daily meeting points. A celebratory dinner in Victor Harbor will conclude the event.

Participants must register for the full walk program $320 – package includes walk fees, bus costs, sundowner drinks and final night dinner. Note that “Golden Boots” does not apply for this event. Participants will need to book personal accommodation.

Torrens Linear Trail - Lockleys
2022-10-27 18:00 - 19:30
A relatively easy lead into the Summer walk season. This walk winds along the River Torrens linear path. An easy 6 km walk, with no hills.

Take a relaxed winding pathway right along the River Torrens and enjoy the wildlife, reed beds and gum trees abundant with birdlife.

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/ Black Hill
2022-10-29
A challenging loop walk in and around Morialta Conservation Park with a short sharp venture into Black Hill Conservation Park for good measure, prior to a climb up the Chapman Track.There will be a variety of climbs, some quite steep, throughout the walk. A tough long walk, but a great way to farewell the walking season.

If you are not prepared for a long challenging walk please do not register for this walk.

The walk may altered on the day depending on the weather conditions

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 6-E2E16 Tugwell Rd to Inman Valley
2022-10-30
An undulating walk.

This section follows country roads, farm fence lines and attractive road reserves.

Native orchids, grass trees, abundant bird life and classic Fleurieu farmland views make this a walk to remember.

Warriparinga Wetlands
2022-11-02 18:00 - 20:00
This walk starts at the Warriparinga Wetlands and follows the Flinders train line, to the old Mitsubishi site, now the Tonsley Innovation District, and then the Sturt Linear trail.

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 3-Tappanappa- Balquhidder
2022-11-06
A picturesque section highlighting the diversity of the Heysen Trail. Photo opportunities abound, and you might even spot a whale.

This walk starts with spectacular views to Tunkalilla Beach followed by a picturesque walk through dense bushland before a steep descent to Boat Harbor Beach.

The very testing 4km walk along Tunkalilla Beach is followed by a very steep climb up to Balquhidder which makes it a unique and very memorable section of the Heysen Trail.

Social : End of year Drinks at finishing location.

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.

Port Adelaide Three Bridges
2022-11-09 18:00 - 19:30
Walk the three bridges of Port Adelaide, the oldest, the ugliest and the newest and see some remnant mangrove in the Port River. An easy amble around Port Adelaide ending in dinner at the Birkenhead Tavern, if you wish

Explore Adelaide
2022-11-12
This fantastic mostly flat 12 – 16k trail starter has lots of variety.

• Using the southern Adelaide circuit, and Torrens River to link up is 16km.

For those who have walking difficulty there are a couple of opportunities to Shorten your walk.

The Park Land Path Ring Route is a series of connected walking and cycling trails which loop the city of Adelaide .

We can shorten our walk back to our cars by tram at Botanic or 16k via the River Torrens.

There are playgrounds, parks, lakes, picnic areas, also the West tc Cemetery plus kiosks along the route.

Many sections of the trail are bitumised (but not all sections) which makes them suitable for wheelchair and pram accessibility. Where there are steps, there are also ramp options.

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.

Xmas Bash 2022
2022-11-13
The Friend’s End of Year Bash; a family affair, at the Karka Pavilion, Belair National park.

All Friends of the Heysen Trail are invited, with their families.

Get your End to End group and/or walking friends organised and be there.

Sunday 13th November 2022, Midday to 4.30pm

Please mention at the entry gate at Belair National Park that you are attending a Friends of Heysen Trail function at Karka Pavilion, you will then be directed to the venue.

This year will be a bring your own everything event.

And bring your partner/spouse and family.

No refunds, as there’s no cost!

O'Halloran Hill
2022-11-16 18:00 - 19:30
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.

Old Noarlunga morning
2022-11-17 08:00 - 10:00
Short & Sharp: A brisk morning wake up walk taking in the lower reaches of the Onkaparinga River and with a serious climb to deliver views across to the coast. While its only about 4kms – approx 2 hours – it offers an uphill challenge and some steep narrow sections. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen/hat and a snack. Gaiters are recommended given warmer weather creates potential for snakes in long grass.

We’ll linger in the park by the river for morning tea at the finish.

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 Sturt River
2022-11-20
This walk will have an early start, as the weather can be hot.

So it’s a 7.30am start.

On 20 November, the temperature in Adelaide typically ranges from 14°C to 23°C and is rarely below 10°C or above 31°C.

We will walk approximately 7.5klms upriver this includes 9 river crossings, a side trip to the top of the Sturt dam, then onto the 9th crossing.

So a total of 15klms and a possible 18 river crossings.

Should the river be too high to cross, there are walking trails up on the high side of the Gorge we will use.

Wear Gaiters if you have them ( last time I was there the undergrowth was quite thick ), Hiking poles will assist you, & drinking water pus a few snacks are all you need .

This walk will not be cancelled due to temperatures, as we should finish about lunchtime.

We’ll before the heat of the day.

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.

Springfield/Urrbrae walk
2022-11-23
This is a rather hilly suburban hike through leafy Springfield, skirting Carrick Hill, Waite Conservation Park and UofA Waite Campus.

There are rewarding views over the city to the coast if the weather is clear.

Dinner after the walk at the Edinburgh Hotel. Bookings 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.

Walk Planning Meeting & Volunteers 'Thank You Gathering'
2022-11-29 18:00 - 21:00
This is an ‘invitation only’ event for Walk Planning and to Thank our many Volunteers across the Friends.

1. 6pm The Walk Leader’s Planning meeting is to prepare the Walk Program for 2023 Walk Season.
Walk Leaders are invited to attend so we can share plans, identify walks they’d like to lead and map the walk program for 2023.

2. 7-9pm The Annual Volunteers Thank You Get Together.
This is the evening that the Friend’s Council and Committee Chairs recognise your fantastic contribution to the Heysen Trail and the Friends activities.

Walk Leaders and Volunteers will receive an invite with a booking link from the Chairs of the Committees that they contribute to.

Registration is essential for catering – please note in comments if you have specific dietary requirements.
