Friends of the Heysen Trail

Melrose to Alligator Gorge Rd, Murraytown to Melrose
2016-07-23 - 2016-07-24
Saturday – Melrose to Alligator Gorge Rd

This is a very long and difficult (but memorable) section of the Trail that starts with the ascent of Mt Remarkable, and continues through Mt Remarkable National Park before emerging on Alligator Gorge Road.

Sunday – Murraytown to Melrose

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

NOTE – If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOHT office to register for that day. The online registering system will only allow you to register for both walking days.

Tanunda to Kapunda
2016-07-17
This section takes walkers along back roads and road reserves past vineyards and wineries of the Barossa Valley, through the small town of Greenock and into the cropping and grazing land of the Lower North. It is a long but mainly flat walk with only a few undulations. Pleasant vistas and changing seasonal colours make this a pretty walk

Yurrebilla Trail Minus 1
2016-07-17
Commencing from where we finished in June, the trail follows Ridge

Road, crosses Greenhill Road onto Summmit Road. It then enters Cleland Conservation Park via Pillbox Track and Wine Shanty Track to Cleland Wildlife Park. From there it is a steep descent via the Bilba Track. We join the Waterfall Gully Track, passing through the diverse ecosystem of Wilsons Bog and past the ruins of Chinamans Hut. We exit Cleland Wildlife Park, cross over the freeway and follow Old Mt Barker Road back to our cars.

Mt George
2016-07-17
The walk is generally easy going with one short steep section rising to the top of Mount George over some rocks, we will have coffee here. From Mount George there is an excellent view of the valley and surrounding countryside, we will finish the walk along The Heysen Trail, stopping for lunch and visiting Terry Lavender memorial.

Distance 8-10 ks

Montacute
2016-07-10
This is a challenging hilly walk incorporating parts of the Mawson Trail, Heysen Trail and Montecute Conservation Park. It follows valleys and ridges south of Kangaroo Creek reservoir and the Thomas Hill forest region and quiet tracks around Kangaroo Creek,

Meet at 8.15 for an 8.30am start

Sturt Gorge
2016-07-10
This is a walk to explore the western end of Sturt Gorge. If the water level is not too high we will descend to the floor of the valley and cross the river several times to make our way to see the series of small falls between steep sided rock cliffs. It is a spectacular sight. Most of the walk should be easy but 10% requires good concentration and good footwear with excellent grip because it can be steep and slippery in places. Walking poles and some experience is recommended. In the event of a high river level we will wander the trails at higher levels. If you haven’t walked in this area before you will be amazed at the rugged beauty of the gorge nestled between the neighbouring suburbs.

The walk will start at 9:30 with an expected finish around 12:30.

Bring morning tea and snacks and walking poles if you have them.

EE George Quarry to Spalding to Chlorinator
2016-07-09 - 2016-07-10
THE WALKS SCHEDULED FOR 26 & 27 JUNE FROM WANDALLAH TO NEWIKIE CREEK TO DARES HILL SUMMIT ROAD WERE CANCELLED DUE TO BAD ROAD CONDITIONS. IN LIEU THE GROUP WALKED FROM DARES HILL SUMMIT ROAD TO HALLETT TO EE GEORGE QUARRY. HENCE THE WALKS FOR 9 & 10 JULY HAVE BEEN CHANGED.

SATURDAY 9th JULY 2016

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.

SUNDAY 10th JULY 2016

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.

THEME FOR THE WEEKEND: Black & White

SATURDAY NIGHT MEAL: Royal Exchange Hotel

NOTE: If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOHT office to register for that day. The online registering system will only allow you to register for both walking days.

Sturt Gorge
2016-07-05
This walk will take in a number of the established Sturt Gorge Recreation Park walking trails. The park offers a range of trail types, scenery and terrain and requires average walking experience and fitness. This is a pleasant near-city park with various challenges especially if heavy rain has recently fallen.

Kyeema to Dashwood Gully
2016-07-03
The dense native bushland of Kyeema Conservation Park, the plantations of Kuitpo Forest and pretty back roads make this a pleasant winter walk.

Horsnell Gully
2016-07-03
Starting from the car park, we will amble up to Rockdale Hill, joining the Heysen walking southward, then turning along a ridge downhill to the start.

Lavender FederationTrail Brownlow Road to Eudunda
2016-07-02
Points of note include;

Narcoota Springs – a rare source of permanent water at the brink of the waterless Murray Plains. Coming out of this reserve we are rewarded with commanding views.

We cross the deep but dry bed of Foote Creek.

Look out for the monument commemorating an incident that occurred there during the Mount Bryan Expedition in 1839.

Further hilltops with extensive views.

An aquaduct that collected water for use in the steam train era forms the path into Eudunda.

Tapanappa to Balquhidder
2016-06-26
A picturesque section highlighting the diversity of the . Heysen Trail, the walk continues through dense native bushland in Deep Creek Conservation Park before veering toward the coast providing spectacular views of Tunkalilla Beach and then a steep descent to Boat Harbor Beach. Some more coastal walking leads to a testing 4klm walk along Tunkalilla Beach followed by a very steep climb up Balquhidder Hill prior to the final few klms through rolling farmland.

Ambers Gully
2016-06-26
This is a rocky, uphill meandering sort of walk where we will be walking up Ambers Gully Track and various other tracks and fire trails in the Black Hill Conservation Park. I am a compassionate walk leader but nevertheless I will bring along a whip to motivate stragglers…!

Please wear footwear with good grip and bring along walking poles if you have any. Also we will be stopping for morning tea, so bring along something to eat for morning tea.

I am planning to have an Italian lunch at CafÃ¨ Va Bene (Spaghetti, Pizza, etc) when we return back from our walk.

Dares Hill Summit Road to Hallett to EE George Quarry
2016-06-25 - 2016-06-26
THE WALK FROM WANDALLAH TO NEWIKIE CREEK TO DARES HILL SUMMIT ROAD WAS RESCHEDULED TO OCTOBER 2016 AS THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE UNSUITABLE FOR BUS ACCESS. DARES HILL SUMMIT ROAD TO HALLETT TO EE GEORGE QUARRY WALKS WERE DONE INSTEAD.

SATURDAY 25th JUNE

This remote section of the Heysen Trail gives walkers their first introduction to the grazing lands beyond Goyders Line. After Wandallah Shelter walking is undulating until turning east toward Sugar Loaf Range. The track then turns to the north where Newikie Creek is reached via White Hill Road and Black Jack Shelter. This is an exposed and undulating walk with some very nice views.

SUNDAY 26th JUNE

This section passes through Caroona Conservation Park and Tourilie Gorge, which is one of the lessor known gems of the Trail. Look out for the remnants of an old bullock cut through the gorge.

SATURDAY EVENING MEAL – Royal Exchange Hotel Burra 6.30pm

THEME FOR THE WEEKEND – MINERS

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.

SATURDAY 25th to SUNDAY 26th JUNE

Wirrabara to Block 9 Road to Murraytown
2016-06-25 - 2016-06-26
Saturday

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.

Sunday

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.

NOTE – If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOHT office to register for that day. The online registering system will only allow you to register for both walking days.

Pewsey Vale to Tanunda
2016-06-19
This is an easy 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.

Yurrebilla Trail Minus 1
2016-06-19
Starting from the First Falls Carpark, we walk up to Deep View Lookout to start the walk. From here we follow the trail as it winds past the cliff faces along Fourth Creek. We pass Morialta Cottage and then proceed along Colonial Drive past the Morialta Barns up to Norton Summit. From here we follow the trail up Crescent Drive to Woods Hill Road and Horsnell Gully Conservation Park. We enter the park and follow the Ridge Track passing Giles Ruin and Rockdale Hill before finishing today’s walk at the junction of Coach and Ridge Road.

*Please note all walkers are required to use the bus due to time restraints and calculation of the bus fare for walkers *

Belair
2016-06-19
A pleasant circuit walk starting from the far eastern border of South Australia’s oldest park passing through Sequoia Avenue, Karka, Echo Tunnel and taking in the views at both the Lower Waterfall and Upper Waterfall. The second half of the walk is predominantly uphill but should present no problems to walkers of moderate fitness.

Crafers
2016-06-12
Come with me on this gentle walk through the back streets and lanes of Stirling where the aroma of a cappucino is not that far away. Pray for dry weather, otherwise we will be singing in the rain and carrying umbrellas. There is the possibility of having coffee and pastry midway through our walk in Stirling. Don’t forget your wallets.

Morialta
2016-06-12
A challenging walk involving some interesting tracks around the Morialta Conservation Park.The walk has 2 distinct loops. From upper car park will walk along the road to lower car park, from where we turn left climbing to Deep View look out. Following Rocky Hill track, Moores track will descend to Fox Dam. Reaching Montacute Road will turn back climbing Hikers’ Hill (Chapman’s track) and then via Third Falls to the car park.

Good level of fitness is required as the track is classified hard and involves steep hills down and up.

Hiker’s hill is one of the steepest and hardest in the area, but will stop as many times required. The challenge will be rewarded in the end with great scenery and accomplishment of a hard walk.

Be prepared for cold weather, maybe wet. Walking poles are advisable, water, snacks, good walking shoes or boots and positive attitude.

Scott Creek
2016-06-07
Scott Creek Conservation Park is a hidden gem in Adelaide’s south. This walk concentrates on the east section and provides a comprehensive look at what the park has to offer. Although, a Trail Starter, the walk is more challenging than the typical Trail Starter walk largely because the park is predominantly hilly. Also planned are a few ‘off track’ experiences but these are quite short and should enhance your walking experience.

Mt Compass to Kyeema
2016-06-05
The pretty dairy pastures of Mt Compass and Nangkita provide the backdrop for the first section of this walk. Back roads then lead walkers through Finnis Conservation Park and into Mt Magnificent Conservation Park, where a short hike off the main trail rewards walkers with spectacular views over the southern Fleurieu Peninsula. A combination of native bushland and open grazing land completes the day.

Bethany
2016-06-05
An easy walk through several back streets of Bethany before joining the Little Kaiser Stuhl loop walk. Weather permitting, there are beautiful views over the Barossa Valley.

Quorn to Mayo Gorge
2016-06-04 - 2016-06-13
This is a multi-day walk. Registration requires payment of the END TO END EXTENDED WALK FEE. If you don’t have a Golden Boots card you will also be required to pay the daily walk fee ($8 x 7 walks). Accommodation and meal costs are not included. Those registering are invited to travel on the bus, at no extra cost, from Adelaide to Quorn, then 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.

Group meals are planned for –

WEDNESDAY 8 JUNE (Emily’s Bistro – roast + tea/coffee – $20 – book on Sunday 5 June) and

SUNDAY 12 JUNE (Hawker Community Sports Centre – 3 courses – $30 – please book and pay when registering).

If you are unable to walk for the specified 7 walk days comprising this multi-day event and you still wish to register, contact the Friends’ office during operating hours.

BASE LOCATION: QUORN – Saturday 4 to Thursday 9 June (Walks 1, 2, & 3)

SATURDAY 4 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 5 JUNE (WALK 1) – QUORN TO DUTCHMANS STERN

This section of the trail passes the outskirts of Quorn before climbing gradually towards Dutchmans Stern. A side trip to walk the Dutchmans Stern loop walk will provide a memorable highlight of this walk.

MONDAY 6 JUNE (WALK 2) – DUTCHMANS 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.

TUESDAY 7 JUNE (WALK 3) – EYRE DEPOT TO BUCKARINGA

After climbing back into the range, walkers enter Mount Arden Creek which winds its way northwards. The gradual climb up the winding creek bed with its waterfalls and rocky sections can make progress very slow, but after Mt Arden South campsite the trail leaves the creek to climb Mt Arden summit for spectacular 360 degree views. The trail then follows the ridgeline and a pretty creekline to exit at Buckaringa.

WEDNESDAY 8 JUNE – REST DAY – Dinner at Emily’s Bistro

THURSDAY 9 JUNE – RELOCATE BASE LOCATION TO HAWKER – Thursday 9 – Monday 13 June (Walks 4, 5, 6 & 7)

THURSDAY 9 JUNE (WALK 4) – JARVIS HILL TO LEIGH CREEK ROAD

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.

FRIDAY 10 JUNE (WALK 5) – BUCKARINGA TO CALABRINDA CREEK

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

SATURDAY 11 JUNE (WALK 6) – CALABRINDA CREEK TO JARVIS HILL

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.

SUNDAY 12 JUNE (WALK 7) – LEIGH CREEK ROAD TO MT LITTLE STATION

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.

DINNER at Hawker Community Sports Centre

MONDAY 13 JUNE

Bus returns to Adelaide leaving Hawker at 8.30 am.

ETA Adelaide – 3.00 pm approx

Lavender Federation Trail Dutton to Brownlow Road
2016-06-04
We skirt around the foot of Mt Rufus before climbing to the summit of Leake Lookout (526m. The 360 degree views from here make it a memorable feature.

After a steep descent of the northern wooded face the trail passes through grazing land before entering and following a deep wide creek bed into another wooded area and emerges on to Leakes Pass Road.

Mt Crawford to Pewsey Vale
2016-05-29
Initially following forest edges and roadsides, the trail then make its way up and over the pretty Wirra Wirra Peaks, before descending to creek lines again. After a short detour to visit Freemans Hut, walkers follow farm tracks and road reserves through open big gum grazing land.

Cobbler Hill to Tapanappa
2016-05-29
A relatively short though spectacular walk through Deep Creek Conservation Park offering a mixture of dense native bushland,picturesque coastal view and a pleasant lunchtime setting beside a waterfall. Some testing climbs and steepish descents over loose ground. So be fit as there are no easy exits on this walk.

Black Hill
2016-05-29
We will meet in the car park at the Gorge road entrance Athelstone and walk under 10 km.aprox. 3 hours in a park with extensive view of sections of Adelaide.Is a medium category walk.we will walk in fire tracks and in sections of Yurrebilla and Heysen Trails.carry watwer and snacks for the time of the walk,children are welcome.

Bowman Park to Mills Rd to Wirrabara
2016-05-28 - 2016-05-29
Saturday

Begining 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.

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.

NOTE – If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOHT office to register for that day. The online registering system will only allow you to register for both walking days.

Warren Bonython Foundation Walk
2016-05-22
We’re proud to be a supporter of:

2016 Walk for the Heysen

Mt Crawford Forest

Sunday 22 May 2016 from 9.30 am

(from Fromm’s Farm, Mount Road, Mt Crawford)

Please join us for the Warren Bonython Heysen Trail Foundation‘s inaugural fund raising event.

There will be three loop walk options of:

5 km8 km15 kmSuitable for all ages and standards of walking fitness.

Find out more on our Sticky Tickets event page.

Buy Tickets

You may also choose to make a one-off donation to the Foundation through the Foundation’s cause page.
