Sea to Summit
2023-08-27
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.

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.

Mack Creek
2023-08-27 09:00 - 13:00 (Australia/Adelaide)
A lovely walk taking in sections of Old Kersbrook Forest and the Blue Gum and Mack Creek tracks of Para Wirra Conservation Park.

The walk follows a range of trails – including well made fire tracks, shared trails and a narrower, more secluded track along Mack Creek.

The terrain is reasonably flat although there is a gentle descent into and ascent out of the creek. We will walk through blue gums and later box and pink gum forests.

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.

Dom's walk report system test event
2023-08-29
EVENT IS A SYSTEM TEST ONLY.

KATHY IS CHECKING WALK REPORT SETTINGS

Spalding Rd to Bundaleer Reservoir and EE George Quarry to Spalding Rd with End to End 14
2023-09-02 - 2023-09-03
Saturday Spalding Rd to Chlorinator – This is a very flat, but unique walk that follows the Freshwater intake channel for Bundaleer Reservoir, only leaving it for a few km to go through Spalding. Walkers will see some fascinating examples of engineering from the early 1900s.

Sunday EE George Quarry to Spalding Rd – Most of this section is spent walking south, initially along the crest of Brown Hill Range, following the remnants of an old 1840s stone wall (the longest in SA). It is quite an undulating walk, with little shelter from the elements, however the views make up for any discomfort. The last 5-6 km follow rural back roads to the main Spalding to Burra road.

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.

Measday
2023-09-05
A tougher than normal trail starter setting off from Measday Lookout, staying in the southeastern part of Cleland. Before returning there will 3 clinbs(1 long,1 steep & testing and a final gentler ascent). There will also be 2 steep tricky descents on rocky terrain to test everyone.

There will be a short break for morning tea to replenish everyones energy reserves.

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.

Quorn to Dutchman's Stern to Eyre Depot
2023-09-09 - 2023-09-10
This is a multi day walk. If you only wish to walk on one day, please contact the office once registrations open.

Note: this walk will not be run in the usual order

Saturday: Dutchman’s Stern to Eyre Depot: This is a deceptively tough walk with a bit of everything – undulating firetracks with spectacular views, a rocky gorge and a gibber strewn floodplain

Sunday: Quorn to Dutchman’s Stern: This section of the trail passes the outskirts of Quorn before climbing gradually towards The Dutchmans Stern. Taking a detour off of the Heysen Trail to walk the 6 km Dutchmans Stern loop will provide a memorable highlight.

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.

Accommodation: Quorn

Theme: Rock

Sturt River Gorge
2023-09-10
This chalenging one way walk, follows 12 – 13klms of the ruggedly beautiful Sturt Gorge, parks & river.
Should the river be high
( We will not walk the river if we deem it to be unsafe)
there are many trails to use up high.
Please note,
We will be using public transport to the start of our walk.
Then on completion of our walk, we will again, after a coffee, use public transport back to our vehicles.
So bring your seniors card or a valid ticket .
This is a at times a difficult 12 – 13klm one way, Gorge parks & river walk, with at least 6 – 7 river crossings, also including a visit to the top of the Sturt river dam .

There some rough to very rough tracks plus steep descents in places.
So hiking poles are definitely recommended and will definitely assist you.
Also a dry pair of socks/shoes in your pack, as you most likely will get wet feet.

The coffee shop at Flinder has excellent coffee and snacks and that’s where our walk will finish.
Please indicate if you will join us for coffee’s and a social chat.
The link says meals, but the intention is coffee .

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.

Tapanappa to Balquhidder - E2E17
2023-09-10
A picturesque section highlighting some diversity of the Heysen Trail. You will walk along a section of road, through native bushland, onto and along a rocky beach shoreline, lush farmland, and a reasonable long stretch of sandy beach before finishing with a notable hill. Photo opportunities abound along this section.

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

Willunga Basin Trail - Willunga to Sellicks Hill
2023-09-10
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 6: Commencing this 19km walk in Willunga we take a long slow climb along Delabole Road and Range Road toward Mt Terrible for some wonderful views across the wine region and basin. More beautiful ocean views on the descent and finishing at Sellicks Hill. We can celebrate with a drink at the Victory Hotel.

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 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.

Mylor/ Cleland
2023-09-17
Although the most populous section of the trail, it still retains a rural feel as walkers pass through the parks and bushland of Bridgewater, Mt George Conservation Park, Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens and into Cleland National Park.

But we are now entering the Lofty Rangers and regular climbs and descends can be expected. The walk length is approximately 21km’s depending on final part of route taken. This is the 1st walk of 3 challenging walks along the Lofty ranges.

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.

Mt Crawford
2023-09-17
Starting at Mt Crawford Forest Information Centre, we head along forest tracks and the Heysen Trail to Chalks campground, then climb over Little Mt Crawford and finally through Jenkins scrub and back to the cars.

This walk is approx. 20 kms and will take about 6 hours to complete. It 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.

Summit to Sea
2023-09-17
UNFORTUNATELY THIS WALK HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO INSUFFICIENT REGISTRATIONS

Walking from Mount Lofty to the beach, this walk is the reverse of the Sea to Summit. The route makes its way through a combination of National Parks, urban landscapes and streets, recreation parks & reserves, until reaching the sandy conclusion at Kingston Park.

This is a long day and despite walking predominately downhill, this will be a demanding walk, and 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.

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.

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
2023-09-20 17:30 - 19:30, 2023-10-18 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.

Horsnell Gully
2023-09-21
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.

Training for Day Walk Leaders
2023-09-23
FOHT Training for members interested in supporting the Friends Day Walking Program – Trailstarter, Trailwalker, Summer Walks.

Experienced Walk Leaders will provide an overview of the Friends and its walk program, introduction to walk leading and some hands on practice. Materials and program outline will be available to registered participants in advance.

EE15 Walks 23 & 24 - Gerkie Gap to Webb Gap to Burra Rd
2023-09-23 - 2023-09-24
Saturdays Walk Details: Webb Gap to Burra Road – 23km

The trail continues along the Tothill Range, providing expansive views over the surrounding farmland and Apoinga Lagoon. A sharp climb after Huppatz Hut provides walkers with a taste of things to come in future walks.

Sunday’s Walk Details: Gerkie Gap-Webb Gap – 18km

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.

Special Note: These walks are being done out of order

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.

Lobethal Bushland Pk
2023-09-24
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.

A Pilgrimage to The Cedars
2023-09-24
This journey will take us along the Heysen Trail Spur to the Cedars near Hahndorf.

The Cedars was the home of Sir Hans Heysen. We will spend sometime here, taking a guided tour of the family home and the studio that belonged to Heysen and that of his daughter Nora.

We can enjoy the gardens and follow the artists walk to find some of Heysen’s favoured painting spots. (Your entry fee is being collected as a bus fare)

Those with a sweet tooth may choose to indulge in a Devonshire Tea prior to our tour this must be booked as part of the registration process and paid on the day.

We will connect to the Pioneer Women’s Trail on our return journey.

As with any Pilgrimage you must follow the path and the path on this occasion does involves some road walking, some busy, some quite and some road reserves.

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.

Mark Oliphant Conservation Park
2023-10-01
An undulating loop walk in the delightful Mark Oliphant Cons. Park that includes a variety of worthwhile climbs and possibly some off track adventures. There will be a short break for morning tea.

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 to Myponga - E2E17
2023-10-08
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 1km 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

Kuitpo Forest Trail Walker
2023-10-08
Enjoy this 23.2-km loop trail near Kuitpo, South Australia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 – 7 hours to complete. Elevation gain approx. 650m.

This is a mighty walk through the forest and hills that make up Kyeema Conservation Park and Christmas Hill Forest Reserve, located about 40 or so km south of the SA capital of Adelaide.

Bring snacks, morning tea, lunch and additional snacks for afternoon tea just in case we take more time than expected.

This hike is for experienced hikers or those hikers who wish to increase their fitness by taking on a longer distance hike.

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'
2023-10-10 18:00 - 21:00 | Woodville Bowling Club, 25 Oval Ave, Woodville, SA, 5011, Australia
This is an ‘Invitation only’ event for Walk Planning and to Thank our many Volunteers across the Friends.

Venue: Woodville Lawn Bowling Club.

1. 6pm – The Walk Leader’s Planning meeting is to prepare the Walk Program for 2024 Walk Season.
Walk Leaders are invited to attend so we can share plans, identify walks they would like to lead and map the walk program for 2024.

2. 7pm-9pm – The Annual Volunteers Thank You Get Together.
This is the evening that the Friends 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.

Volunteers and Walk Leaders – please ignore the opening of booking time displayed above. Bookings for this event CLOSE at 5.00pm on October 5th.
Please register as soon as you can to assist with catering arrangements.

The system doesn’t have an easier option for Invitation Only events.

EE15 Walk 18 - Pewsey Vale to Tanunda
2023-10-14
Walk Details: 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.

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.

Bundaleer Reservoir to Curnows Hut to Raeville with End to End 14
2023-10-14 - 2023-10-15
Bundaleer Reservoir to Curnows Hut – Passing Bundaleer Reservoir and the permanently flowing Bundaleer Creek, the Trail joins the Bundaleer northern intake channel at the aqueduct. After leaving the channels at the weir it follows Never Never Creek past remnant Yacca forests and grazing land towards Bundaleer Forest
Curnows Hut to Raeville – This is a diverse walk through native scrub, Bundaleer pine forest and farmland. The ridgetops and testing climbs reward walkers with spectacular panoramic views. Note that the re-route of the trail established in April 2021 to follow the Bundaleer Greenway has been removed. The original trail from Curnows Hut to New Campbell Hill has been reinstated.
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.

Inman Valley-Cape Jervis (Week 9)
2023-10-14 - 2023-10-22
End 2 End Minus start their final week along the Trail with six days walking. After three years along the Trail, with some Covid related hiccups, we are on the final push.
Based at Victor Harbor and using the “Dad Joke” infested Gavin, as our “tranporteur exceptionnel” for the entire week we should endure an exceptional week of walking, with a celebratory dinner in Victor Harbor on our final night.
The leadership team will be providing a BBQ on Tuesday night, in conjunction with the Talent Quest, prior to our rest day. BYO drinks, the rest will be provided.
The theme for the week is “Naughty-cal”.
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.

Wine Shanty/Cleland
2023-10-14 09:00 - 12:30
The Wine Shanty Hike is a 10km loop bushwalk through the eastern section of Cleland Conservation Park.

We will walk through Stringybark forest along sections of the Heysen and Yurrebilla Trails.

The walk combines some steep climbs with gentler sections – we will do it in the direction that best suits a Trail Starter.

Morning tea will be a short diversion to the cafe (and facilities) at the Cleland Wildlife Park.

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.

Cleland/ Montacute
2023-10-15
This is a spectacular section of the Heysen trail as it passes through the native bushland of Cleland National Park, Horsnell Gully and Morialta Conservation Parks and along roadsides, providing frequent vistas over Adelaide and the Hills.

Many ascents and steep descents can be expected, and the walk length is 26km’s.

This is considered quite a demanding walk.

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.

Orchid Walk
2023-10-15
This walk will focus on looking at and photographing wildlife, particularly orchids in Hardys Scrub, Onkaparinga River National Park.

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.

Onkaparinga Recreation Park Walk
2023-10-21 08:30 - 12:30
A loop walk exploring both sides of the Onkaparinga River. We will see plenty of birdlife, and maybe a kangaroo or 2 or more. We may also see some model aircraft flying, and if very lucky, may see some light planes take off or land at the airstrip adjacent to the river. We will also cross to the western side of the railway bridge, and see Pingle Farm ruins. There is a large housing development on the southern side of the ruins, which is taking away grazing territory of the kangaroos. The walk is 100% on flat ground, with a few small bumps in the track, you can’t really call them 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.
