Friends of the Heysen Trail

Annual General Meeting 2024
2024-04-17 18:30 - 20:00 (Australia/Adelaide)
The 37th Annual General Meeting of the Friends of the Heysen Trail and Other Walking Trails Inc will be held at 6.30pm Wednesday 17 April 2024 at the Torrens Rowing Club Functions Centre, Victoria Drive, Adelaide.
Call for Council Nominations
Seeking nominations from our members, for election to the following Council positions:

Treasurer
Secretary
Ordinary Council Members

To nominate, please complete the nomination form (page 3 of AGM notice) and provide to The Secretary by 8 April 2024.
Forms may be submitted via email: heysentrail@heysentrail.asn.au; or deliver/post to Friends of the Heysen Trail, Suite 203, Epworth House, 33 Pirie Street Adelaide, 5000.
AGM Agenda

Apologies
Acceptance of Minutes of Annual General Meeting held on 5 April 2023
President’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
Motion: To amend the wording in clause 11 of the current Constitution to provide clarification in relation to members positions and lengths of service before “standing down”. (for more detail refer to page 2 of AGM notice)
Election of Returning Officer
Election of Councillors

Treasurer
Secretary
Council Members

Appointment of Auditor
Report from Honorary Members Committee
Other Business
Close of Meeting

Registration
Members must register to attend the AGM via the register link above.

Yurrebilla Stage 1 Belair Railway Station to Eagle on the Hill. Approx 16km.
2024-04-20
We will car pool for this walk as it’s only 20 mins drive between start and finish.

This walk begins at the Belair Railway Station then goes through part of the Belair National Park. We make our way down from there, past the Brown Hill Creek caravan park and then back into the hills and up to Eagle on the Hill.

Approx 16km

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
2024-04-21
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.

Autumn Colours
2024-04-24
Following the Heysen Trail from Bridgewater we pass through Mt George CP ,Stirling Golf Course and the Woodhouse Activity Centre. We will then enter The Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens from the bottom carpark where hopefully the Autumn Colours will be on full display. A lovely walk with a couple of undulations to keep you honest.After walking through the gardens we will return along the same trail back to cars.

15kms – 8am – 12pm

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 CP
2024-04-28
Starting from the Southern end of the park we will follow various trails working our way towards the Cleland Wildlife Pk.From here we’ll follow other well graded tracks back towards the finish .No lung busting hills are involved in this walk,just a few undulations.A nice walk to clear the cobwebs out before the season starts in Ernest.

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 Pleasant Summit
2024-04-28
Come along to enjoy a moderately challenging walk with spectacular scenic vantage points as we wind our way through working pine forests and areas of native flora, culminating in the Mt Pleasant summit. This walk has a variety of terrain including some ups and downs so if you have some basic bushwalking fitness, then this walk could be for 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.

Anstey Hill
2024-05-04
A morning walk around Anstey’s Hill Recreation Park pathways including the original Newman’s Nursery ruins and silver mines.

Be on the lookout for the local wildlife.

There are a couple of hills during the walk.

Sturdy trail shoes or hiking boots preferred due to some single track. Bring morning tea and water for along the trail. Raincoat if the weather requires. 10 km, approx 2-3 hours.

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.

Clare Valley Wine & Wilderness Trail
2024-05-04 - 2024-05-05
What is the Clare Valley Wine & Wilderness Trail?

A 100km walking trail around the Clare Valley.
The trail will consist of 6 stages, each stage is approximately 1 days walk. We have spread the hikes over 3 weekends.
The trail begins and ends at the Clare Valley Wine, Food & Tourism Centre. All other trail heads are at Wineries
The trail is a moderate grade hiking trail, challenges include;

Crossing Fences (with the use of a stile).
Crossing Flowing Creeks (during the wet winter months).
Steep climbs.
Rocky uneven surfaces & fallen trees.
Snakes during the hot months.

The trail showcases the region’s natural beauty & premium food and wine products, passing cellar doors, restaurants and cafes.
The trail is a public trail available to locals and visitors, users of the trail will be free to complete the entire route or smaller sections at their leisure.
The trail travels on a network of backroads, road reserves & private property.
There is no camping on the trail.
There is lots of great accommodation throughout the Clare Valley where you can base yourselves.
A bus will be organised to get you to the start of the hike each day.

Saturday 4th May – Stage 1
Summary

Distance
23km

Duration
Allow 5-6 Hours

Difficulty
Difficult – exposed, windy and rocky ridges, multiple ridge climbs

Elevation Gain
673m

Start
Clare Valley Wine, Food & Tourism Centre, 8 Spring Gully Rd Clare SA 5453

End
Jim Barry Wines: 33 Craig Hill Rd, Clare SA 5453

Map
Download Here

Description
Stage 1 takes you through the northernmost section of the Trail and includes spectacular panoramic views from Dunns Range.

Starting at the award-winning Clare Valley Wine Food and Tourism Centre (located among the gum trees beside the Clare Caravan Park).

Heading east from the Tourism Centre, carefully cross Main North Road and make your way through the gate into the Clare Show Grounds. Look for the brown Riesling Trail sign which also has a Wine and Wilderness trail marker on it. Follow the markers south along the creek initially and then across to the Riesling Trail.

Turn left onto the iconic Riesling Trail and head north for 800m, before turning into Tim Adams Winery cellar door. Remember that the Riesling Trail is a shared use trail and that there will likely be cyclists and dogs to avoid. This is your last formal toilet stop until Jim Barry Wines at the end of the stage.

From Tim Adams Wines, cross Warenda Road and you will see the first stile of this stage. Roughly follow the creek line before heading up an incline through a pretty section of young eucalypts. Keep your eye out for trail markers positioned amongst the trees. After 1.5km or so, you will be intercepted by Spring Farm Road. Cross straight over to access Dunns Range Road..

Continue onto Dunns Range Road for approximately 1km before reaching the ridge line.

Dunns Range ridge line is arguably the highlight of Stage 1 with a couple of elevation high points of 556m and 546m, providing sweeping panoramic views of the Clare Valley. This is a very rocky and exposed 5.5km section, so make sure you have your windproof jacket with you!

Be sure to stick to the ridgeline and don’t get fooled by the many sheep tracks. After 1.8km along the Range, descend west to cross Farrell Flat Road. Take care when crossing this road as it is busy with traffic. You will then climb back up to Dunns Range and be rewarded with a weather-proof hut where you can not only avail of shelter but also enjoy the superb views over the Clare township (and on a clear day, Snowtown and the northern point of Spencer Gulf) to the west through the full length glass windows on the western and eastern walls. Delight in the sweeping views to the east of the townships of Farrell Flat and Burra.

Once suitably rested, continue north along Dunn’s Range, following the trail markers until you reach a stile, bringing you down off the Range and onto some easy-going unpaved road.

Head north on Blockers Road for 300 meters or so before turning west onto Lewcock Road, then north onto Moccundunda North Road which will bring you to the main White Hutt Road. Cross over, onto the Riesling Trail/Mawson Trail and onto Hubbe Road. Pay attention to the signs here to make sure you keep on the right path.

Stay on Hubbe Road for 600 meters before turning left and briefly heading west onto Koorama Road before quickly turning right through a gate into the historic Methodist Cemetery (situated at Clare Valley Cabins accommodation). Follow a vegetated loop of approximately 1.8km which is full of bird life and will ultimately bring you back out on Koorama Road.

Turn right and continue west along Koorama Road before heading north on Gaelic Cemetery Road. This passes the second historic cemetery on stage 1. After passing the Gaelic Cemetery, turn left onto Roach Road for a short time before heading south onto Noble Road. Keep on Noble Road and follow the 90 degree bend at the top of the hill, which brings you into Stanley Stud Road. Follow Stanley Stud Road down to cross the Hutt River and then cross over Horrocks Highway onto MacDonald Road.

Immediately after the next creek crossing, look for the stile on your left. This stile marks the end of the road walking section – we are back on private land!

Enter into the paddock heading south along the creek line – a contributory to the Hutt River. Following directly south along a fence line with adjoining vineyards you will arrive at another stile. Cross McRae Wood Road to the well-decorated stile on the southern side, which leads you into a windy and well vegetated section. This is well sign-posted and will lead you through to a final stile and hill before descending down into Jim Barry Wines cellar door.

Congrats, that is Stage 1!
Sunday 5th May 2024 – Stage 2
Summary

Distance
17.4km

Duration
Allow 4-5 Hours

Difficulty
Moderate – some hills but mostly undulating & sheltered trail

Elevation Gain
??m

Start
Jim Barry Wines: 33 Craig Hill Rd, Clare SA 5453

End
Jeanneret Wines, 22 Jeanneret Rd, Sevenhill SA 5453

Map
Download Here

Description
Stage 2 kicks off in Clare before heading along the Armagh Creek, then into the higher country of Spring Gully. This section of the Trail showcases sweeping hilltop views, secluded native bushland and wildflower country, plus 4 wineries.
Starting from the iconic Jim Barry Wines, head away from the lure of their cellar door, back out through the stone carpark entrance point. Take a look at the map on the large sign as you begin. Head up the path to the cairn on top of Lavender Hill (as it’s known by the Barry family). It’s steep, but only 100m to the top. Stop for breath and take in the view back towards Clare.
Keep following the single track through gumtree scattered bushland to reach a downhill 2-wheel track that pops you out into a vineyard, and then onto Benbournie Road. Cross over immediately and follow markers along the road. Galahs and rosellas frequent these roadside trees.
Continue over a crossroad where you’ll be able to spot the sign 150m ahead, turning you left and over a stile. On your right is “The Armagh” vineyard (check ‘Experiences’ on the Jim Barry website for more information).
Two rapid stile crossings and you’re on the edge of Armagh Creek. Steep banks and teetering gums may have you tree-hugging as you wind along the creek. Passing thick scrub on your left, look out for resident kangaroos in the open paddock to your right. Continue on, until a hop over a low fence will set you onto St Georges Terrace.
Directly across the road, you’re in another Barry family vineyard. Stay close to the creek and enjoy the vineyard views. The trail follows along the gently winding creek until an unfenced boundary means a sharp left turn onto another vineyard track. Dropping down into the creek briefly, and then over a wider tributary, you’ll find yourself under massive gumtrees (possibly surrounded by large fungi).
You are now on the eastern side of the Armagh Creek, which remains lined by vineyards.. Admire the ancient creek-fed gums, but do keep alert here for a turn between fence posts to your right.
A single chair on your left marks the Crawley property. (The Crawley family once made bricks in the now abandoned kiln you’ll see shortly). Follow a short stretch of dirt track then climb up some wooden steps to your right along the fenceline, before continuing into an open paddock. By keeping close to the creek, you’ll notice wild quince trees and maybe even wild deer.
Jump over the stile onto St Georges Terrace, and you’ll pass a home on your left that was once a hotel. When turning left along Blyth road, glance right and you’ll spot the abandoned brick kiln. Stay left along this 200m section of road, crossing over before the bend and onto shady Emu Flat Road. You’ll continue along this quiet backroad for more than 2 ½ kms. Cross directly over the intersection onto the sheoak-lined Maggie’s Farm Road, and be mindful to stay on the right hand side to avoid driveways.
Follow trail markers up a gentle climb, then be sure to pause and enjoy the hilltop vista. Head down the other side where you’ll reach Spring Gully Road. Cross over into Sussex Squire Wines, where you have a choice of heading 600m up the driveway to their cosy cellar door, or continuing on over the stile and along a meandering paddock track.
After two creek crossings, you’ll briefly pop out onto quiet Leighton Road for 100m, then into some thicker bush again on your left before once again lobbing onto Leighton Road for a further 200m, then turning west onto a secluded rocky track. This track takes you uphill for about 300m before turning into a wider track that meanders past 2 campsites. Continue on until you meet Fitzgerald Road, then turn right. Once you reach the intersection, turn left up the quieter end of Spring Gully Road. Continue on for 1.2kms until you reach Eldredge Vineyards, and turn in the driveway. Here is an opportunity to stop for food, wine, coffee and a warming session by the fire as you take in the view over the dam. Follow trail markers south through Eldredge’s until you again reach the road for a short while. A stile on the right hand side of the road takes you over the fence before reaching Blue Gum Lookout Car Park, where on a clear day you’ll see the sea.
Turning back into Spring Gully Conservation Park, you’ll likely be in wildflower heaven during spring. Check the signage en route and see how many rare orchids and stringy bark trees you can spot. The Cascades waterfall provides a very small detour from the trail, and while rarely flowing fast (if at all), it allows a generous view of the valley below and the Blyth Plains further afield.
The Trail through this section of the Conservation Park mostly coexists with the Lavender Trail. A steep descent takes you through more bushland country – and past a dam – into the alluring Jeanneret Winery.
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.

Raeville to Locks Ruin to Bowman Park
2024-05-04 - 2024-05-05
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 fence lines through Sams Hills.

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.

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.

Lavender Trail E2E3
2024-05-04 - 2024-05-10
The Lavender Federation Trail is a 325km long walking trail through diverse countryside traversing the eastern flanks of the Mt Lofty Ranges.

It begins at Murray Bridge and traverses the Barossa, Goyder, Mid North and the Clare Valley regions to Clare through the townships of Murray Bridge, Tungkillo, Dutton, Eudunda, Waterloo, Manoora, Mintaro and Watervale.

The 325 km Lavender Federation Trail will be covered with 16 walks in 2024

– 3 x 1-week blocks.

Accommodation will be based in Murray Bridge, Mannum, Kapunda and Clare.

Participants will need to book their own accommodation in the various areas as per the walk program.

Week 1: May -Sat 4th -Fri 10th (Travel Day Fri 3rd /Rest Day Tue) Based Murray Bridge Marina C.P. move to Mannum on Rest Day

Week 2: July- Mon 1st – Sat July 6th (Travel Day Sun 30th / Rest Day Wed) Based Kapunda C.P.

Week 3: Aug – Sun 4th to Friday 9th (Travel Day Sat 3rd/ Rest Day Wed) Based Clare C.P.

When making Bookings at Caravan Parks – Call the parks and state “Lavender Trail Group” – Kathy Wright as some sites and cabins are on hold for group

Though Mainly Easy the walks are between 5-6 hours long – about 20 km and there are some sections that traverse steep rocky, uneven ground and many creeks (usually dry).

A solid level of fitness and experience walking over consecutive days is necessary.

The Lavender Federation Trail is developed and maintained by SARTI (South Australian Recreation Trails Incorporated) We encourage those who register to join SARTI – $10 to support their maintenance of the 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.

Yurrebilla - Gorge Road Trailhead to Norton Summit
2024-05-11
PLEASE NOTE. This is a point-to-point walk. We will use car-pooling to travel from the meeting point to the walk start point. We will also need to ferry those drivers back to their cars at walks end. While we will utilise the minimum number of vehicles to get the job done, all drivers need to be willing to participate if required. If car-pooling is not for you, then perhaps this is not the walk for you.

We enter Black Hill CP from Gorge Rd and immediately start to climb Ambers Gully and the Sugarloaves trail. Eventually we come to a flat clearing thinking that the work is done. No. We are only halfway to the summit. A long descent to Montacute Road to test the knees and quads. We then have a lengthy walk alongside the road which is probably the most dangerous part of the day. Single file and concentrate. We then enter Morialta CP and the climb up Fox Hill track. It flattens near the top for a brief respite before a left turn brings us to Moore’s Track. 11k in and with plenty of vertical metres in the bank, and now we have a climb that is as tough as any that we have already conquered. Rejoice at the top for our days’ work is nearly done. A few undulations see’s us leave Morialta CP and its then a pretty pedestrian walk along Colonial Drive to Norton Summit.

So, lots of vertical metres. Some decent declines. All packed into 17k. Morning tea about 6k in after the Black Hill descent. Lunch after we laugh in the face of Moore’s Track. A drink at the Scenic Hotel for those who are able.

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.

Myponga to Mt Compass - EE17
2024-05-12
Commencing with a short road walk, the trail enters the small but picturesque Yulte Conservation Park. After a steady climb you have a reasonable descent where walking poles, if you have them, will be put to good use.

After emerging from the bushland, the trail crosses open farmland, continuing along Lawless Rd, past the Myponga Pistol Club firing range, and gradually climbing to Mt Cone, passing interesting 2 tier tree plots dotted about the hills and from the top of the ridge you are presented with distant views south over Victor Harbor before finishing with a road walk to Mt Compass.

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.

Onkaparinga
2024-05-12
A Trail Starter in length, but with uneven, rocky and undulating tracks.

A circular walk in a small section of Onkaparinga National Park passing through areas of native bush, including pink gum and grey box woodland. The park is home to kangaroos, koalas, echidnas and many birds. Hopefully we shall see some of these.

As we make our way along a section of ridge top there is fabulous views of the gorge below.

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.

Blackhill CP
2024-05-12
This loop walk is just over 15 kms and is physically demanding with steep and rugged inclines and declines, providing the opportunity to practice techniques for traversing rough terrain safely. During the walk you will climb just over 1000 metres. For the effort you will be afforded spectacular views over the plains and develop your fitness and endurance.

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

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
2024-05-15 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.

Lavender Trail E2E4 Weekend Walks May2024
2024-05-18
To start with a walk along the Murray where we may see The Murray Princess moored, around reclaimed wetlands then off to the scrub. Pass by Mobilong Low security prison and the perimeter of Monarto Zoo. A great start to a new hiking season. A day with great variety in terrain and introduction to Lavender Trail stiles!

Walk Difficulty – The Lavender 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.

Please ensure you are wearing appropriate clothing for bush walking including sturdy footwear, wide brimmed hat & sunblock, all weather jacket. Carry a small 1st aid kit, at least 2lt of water plus some electrolytes and snacks of some nutritional worth for our breaks such as morning tea, lunch and afternoon, if necessary. There may not be mobile phone coverage along all the trail. Walking sticks can be most useful for steep hills up or down and are recommended even if not used throughout the entire day.

We will be walking in a group fashion as much as possible, so hikers with a spring in their step will need to pay attention to those behind and not disappear in to the distance. The old rule of being able to ‘sight the walker behind you’! For the slower walkers, please do not feel pressured to walk faster than your capacity as we are here to enjoy the day, but remember we are on a hike not a dawdle! There is always time for snapping quick photos on the trail.

There are a number of stiles on the trail which slow the group progress so please do not loiter at these spots for too long. Use these opportunities to adjust gear, have a drink and a chat before continuing on the trail.

If Trail Makers are missing or direction is unclear or trail makes a sudden change in direction, please STOP and wait for leaders to determine what action is needed. The direction of the path may be apparent but this is not always the case.

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.

Yurrebilla Stage 2
2024-05-18
The second Yurrebilla stage. Eagle on the Hill – Norton Summit. Approx 17.5 km.
We will car shuffle for this walk as it’s only 20 mins drive from the end point back to the start.
Please bring plenty of water, a hat, sunscreen and a snack for morning tea.
The walk should be completed by 1.30pm although you might like to pack some extra food in case it takes a little longer.
We will meet at Norton Summit at 7.15, ready for a 7.30 departure.
This will be a fast paced walk.
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.

Cudlee Creek to The Nugget Road (Walk 15)
2024-05-19
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.

This walk has significant road crossings and road walking. Follow Leaders instructions.

The Union Bridge in Cudlee Creek is arguably the most dangerous crossing of the entire trail.

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.

Crafers to Brownhill Ck
2024-05-19 09:00 - 15:00
This walk incorporates fragments of the Sea to Summit, the Yurrebilla Trail with sections taken from “Walking in the Mount Lofty Ranges Network B” by National Fitness Council of South Australia (1975) and the UBD Street Directory.

It is a loop of 17.5km walking from Crafers, through the Belair National Park to Brownhill Creek and back to Crafers.

The reward for an assent of around 400m will be views of Adelaide from a unique perspective.
(There will be other hills besides!)

Heysen Homage - The Cedars
2024-05-22
The first leg of our journey takes us along the Heysen Trail Spur to The Cedars near Hahndorf.

The Cedars was the home of Sir Hans Heysen.

We take a guided tour of the family home and the studio that belonged to Heysen and that of his daughter Nora. (Your entry fee is being collected as a bus fare)

Some may like to indulge in a Devonshire Tea following our tour. This must be booked as part of the registration process and paid for on the day.

We return to Bridgewater via Verdun, then connect to the Pioneer Women’s Trail. There will be a lunch stop along the trail.

Although classified as a Rambler please note the terrain will include road walking, undulations and a steepish rocky decline.

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- Nth Sth Loop
2024-05-25
A walk of 23kms starting from Measday Lookout in the south traversing the park to Greenhill Rd in the north. Then returning using various trails. There are a number of ascents and descents on this walk so you must have E2E or Trailwalker 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 Burra Rd to Worlds End (Walks 29&25)
2024-05-25 - 2024-05-26
Note: Walks are being done out of order

Saturday: Newikie Creek to Dares Hill Summit Rd, 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 – The Burra Hotel – Full menu plus nightly specials – please tick RSVP if you wish to attend so we can let Hotel know numbers.

Sunday: Burra Road to Worlds End , 17km – The trail crosses undulating farmland before entering the scrubland of the Hallelujah Hills. The day finishes with an easy stroll to Worlds End Gorge.

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.

End to End 18 Cape Jervis to Cobbler Hill (Walk 1)
2024-05-26
This is the first walk for the new End to End 18 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 E2E18 walks.

You will also get an invite to an information night at macpac Enfield. On this night you will be shown the correct gear you will need.

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.

Information re BUS transport: For End to End walks the bus does NOT transport walkers from Adelaide to the walk. After registration, walkers will be given instructions to drive their vehicle to the meeting point which will be at the END point of the day’s walk. The cars remain there and the bus transports the group to the start point. From there, the group walks back to the cars.

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.

Willunga Basin Trail - Onkaparinga NP to Kangarilla
2024-05-26
WALK 3: This is a beautiful walk with a few steady climbs through the more remote parts of Onkaparinga River National Park and crossing over Peters Creek. We then meander our way to Kangarilla. 17kms

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, hills and beaches. Walk the complete trail over 6 walks or come and join us for any of the individual sections.

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

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. Please also be aware of FoHT weather policies regarding cancellation of walks.

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
2024-05-26 08:30 - 11:30
This walk will be in the Sturt Gorge area. It will include some climbs up and down. The route will depend of the river water levels on the day. There will be some rock hopping and crossing over water. Waterproof hiking boots are recommended. A reasonable fitness is 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.

Clare Valley Wine & Wilderness Trail
2024-06-01 - 2024-06-02
What is the Clare Valley Wine & Wilderness Trail?

A 100km walking trail around the Clare Valley.
The trail will consist of 6 stages, each stage is approximately 1 days walk. We have spread the hikes over 3 weekends.
The trail begins and ends at the Clare Valley Wine, Food & Tourism Centre. All other trail heads are at Wineries
The trail is a moderate grade hiking trail, challenges include;

Crossing Fences (with the use of a stile).
Crossing Flowing Creeks (during the wet winter months).
Steep climbs.
Rocky uneven surfaces & fallen trees.
Snakes during the hot months.

The trail showcases the region’s natural beauty & premium food and wine products, passing cellar doors, restaurants and cafes.
The trail is a public trail available to locals and visitors, users of the trail will be free to complete the entire route or smaller sections at their leisure.
The trail travels on a network of backroads, road reserves & private property.
There is no camping on the trail.
There is lots of great accommodation throughout the Clare Valley where you can base yourselves.
A bus will be organised to get you to the start of the hike each day.

Saturday 1st June 2024 – Stage 3

Distance
19.5km

Duration
Allow 5.5-6 hours of actual walking time

Difficulty
Moderate – about 5.5km of easy road to follow and 8km of harder trail through paddocks, multiple ridge climbs and winter creeks. 80% of the route is well shaded. The Spur Trail section is a further 6-7km.

Elevation Gain
409m

Start
Jeanneret Wines, 22 Jeanneret Rd, Sevenhill SA 5453

End
O’Leary Walker Wines, 7093 Horrocks Highway, Leasingham, Clare SA 5452

Map
Download Here

Sunday 2nd June 2024 – Stage 4

Distance
12.5km

Duration
Allow 3-4 hours

Difficulty
Moderate to easy – gentle undulations along established trails, tracks and unpaved roads.

Elevation Gain
-300m [223m if travelling in reverse, Auburn to Leasingham]

Start
O’Leary Walker Wines, 7093 Horrocks Highway, Leasingham, Clare SA 5452

End
Taylors Wines, Clare Valley, 89A Winery Rd, Auburn SA 5451

Map
Download Here

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 Zion to The Bluff Lookout (Wirrabara Forest Nursery) & Bowman Park to Mt Zion
2024-06-01 - 2024-06-02
Saturday Walk 39: Mt Zion to The Bluff Lookout – 22kms

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.

Sunday Walk 38: Bowman Park to Mt Zion – 20kms

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.

Optional Saturday Night Dinner 6:30pm at the North Laura Hotel refer to meal details below

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.

Para Wirra - Mack Creek
2024-06-01 09:00 - 12:30
Note – originally planned for Sunday June 2, but rescheduled by leader due to family commitments.

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.

Nugget Rd to Mt Crawford Cemetery (Walk 16)
2024-06-02
This section combines several sections of Mt Crawford pine forest with the natural bushland of Warren Conservation Park and Little Mt Crawford to provide a picturesque and diverse walk.

This walk begins with a short walk-in (1.2km) before passing through a small section of native bushland. After a few km. of road walking the trail enters the spectacular Warren Conservation Park, climbing steadily through dense bushland. Open grazing land with panoramic views follows, before heading back into the Mount Crawford forest then along a beautifully constructed boardwalk before crossing Warren Rd and into more scrubland over Little Mount Crawford.

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.

3 Parks Panorama
2024-06-02
The Three-parks Panorama. We meander through the walking trails of Cox Scrub Conservation Park and a steady climb to Ridge Road. Some road walking takes us to our first crossing of the Finniss River before climbing up to and through the Finniss Conservation Park. From there it’s on to the Mount Magnificent Conservation Park. If the weather is good and the legs willing, we will have lunch on the summit. The return journey starts with a long, steady meander down Cole Crossing Road and on to our second crossing of the Finniss River (this one might mean wet feet?). Re-entering Cox Scrub Conservation Park we use more walking trails back to the car park.

This is a long and testing walk – for experienced trail walkers only.

Your walk leader is Dean Mortimer. Please call him as your first option if you have any issues on 0428 557 757. If no answer, then second option is to text a message.

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.
