Friends of the Heysen Trail

Brownhill
2014-06-08
A ramble along a section of the Yurrebilla Trail in the southeastern foot-hills of Adelaide. Commencing above Carrick Hill the track weaves through Waite Reserve where rehabilitation efforts are being undertaken to protect a significant remnant of Grey-box Woodland. A number of spots will offer panoramic views over the city and the Urrbrea estate. Our tea-break will be on Wylie’s Ridge before making our way toward Old Mount Barker Road. Return journey will bring us past the trig point on the crest of Brownhill.

Eyre Depot to Mayo Gorge
2014-06-07 - 2014-06-15
Six days walking from Eyre Depot to Mayo Gorge.

See Heysen Trail Book Northern Guide Maps 4.3 to 5.3. Start/finish points and distances are given for each day below.

Hawker - Worumba Station
2014-06-06 - 2014-06-08
Climbing Mt Plantagenet and Mt Craig.

Rugged ridge lines and mostly off track walking.

Montacute
2014-06-01
This pleasant but challenging walk incorporates 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,

Onkeeta Trail, Kuitpo Forest
2014-06-01
A lovely loop walk through mixtures of pine forest and native growth. The walk will take in parts of the Onkeeta and Heysen trails, but also include a detour into the Mt Panorama reserve. Relatively easy walk – on mostly flat terrain, but with a couple of hill climbs to get the heart beating.

Wirrabara to Murraytown to Melrose
2014-05-31 - 2014-06-01
SATURDAY

This re-routed walk continues to avoid the vast area burned during the Bangor fire. On the eastern side of the Wirrabara Forest we head north through farming country to Murray Town rejoining the Heysen Trail approximately 8 kms south of the township. Note: The maps and GPS files available for Heysen Trail walks are NOT applicable to part of this walk.

SUNDAY

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.

WEEKEND BASE LOCATION

Melrose

THEME

On the occasion of this weekend walk we celebrate the first day of June using the letter ‘J’ as the subject of the theme. Your interpretation using this letter is welcomed.

FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER

For those wishing to eat with other group members, 7.00 pm at Mt Remarkable Hotel, Melrose. Please let Chris O’Brien know if you intend to come.

Cuddlee Creek to Mewett Rd
2014-05-25
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.

Black Hill
2014-05-25
This walk has two memorable hills guaranteed to clear the sinuses. The first one is Main Ridge Track in Black Hill Conservation Park. The second one is Chapmans Track across the Road in Morialta Conservation Park. Those training for the Kokoda Track will find this walk challenging. We will return back to our starting point using other trails within Black Hill CP. Estimated distance: about 21 Kms.

Bridgewater - Mt George
2014-05-25
Commencing near The Waterwheel Mill we follow a flat section of The Heysen Trial, next to the stone-lined millrace alongside Cox’s Creek, and go on through to The Old Deanery Reserve. From there will be a climb to a rocky outcrop at the summit of Mount George for a tea-break, whilst taking in the distant views over autumn coloured canopies. This enclosure protects a few of the Adelaide Hills Candle Barks which feature in some of Hans Heysen’s paintings. We will then descend through open woodlands to an undulating track leading around the picturesque Stirling Golf Club. At the end of our walk there are opportunities to stop for coffee, drinks, or lunch.

Marble Hill Road to EE George Road to Hallett. Based in Clare/ Burra
2014-05-24 - 2014-05-25
The theme for the weekend is “Stone”

Sat.24th: Today we do something different – we head North! After the now customary warmup of road walking, we climb up to the Brown Hill Range and a long walk along the stone wall which formed the western boundary of the historic Bungaree Station. Finally, its a quick trundle down to the cars we had left at the quarry.

Sun.25th: An easy day of mostly rural backroads walking with just a bit of cross country. Perhaps this time the winds that typically blow in this section are at our backs.

Cape Jervis to Cobbler Hill
2014-05-18
A new End-to-End group commencing the entire Heysen Trail at Cape Jervis. Walking one Sunday a month during the walk season, we will progress up the 1,200km Heysen Trail to Parachilna Gorge over a number of years. End-to-End 9 is the ninth group to make this undertaking.

Read more about the End-to-End walk programme.

From the Cape Jervis trailhead, this section follows sandy coastal tracks and exposed coastal hillsides, providing spectacular views over Backstairs Passage to Kangaroo Island. Walkers are often rewarded with sightings of seals and dolphins. At Blowhole Beach the trail enters Deep Creek Conservation Park to begin the long climb through native bushland to Cobbler Hill.

Mt Crawford - Cudlee Creek
2014-05-18
A beautiful walk around the Mt Crawford Forest, commence walking along the Mawson Trail and onto the Heysen Trail. Morning Tea at Grandads Campground, then continue up a hill and long various tracks back to the vehicles. Watch out for Echidas and Kangaroos.

For those up to it. Complete the day with a glass of wine or Pizza at the beautiful yangoora Estate (Anderson Hill Winery)

Ashbourne
2014-05-18
Just over 12 months on and we revisit Cox’s Scrub Conservation Park. The morning starts with a stroll through the area burnt out by an overly successful prescribed burn and view the natural regeneration of the native flora. We then move in to unburnt scrub to compare before having morning tea by the Finniss River. Then its back through the park via a different route to the carpark. A Sunday pub lunch at The Greenman Inn at Ashbourne awaits those that wish.

Peters Hill to Gerkie Gap to Webb Gap. Based in Riverton
2014-05-17 - 2014-05-18
SATURDAY 17 May: 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 18 May: After a climb through Gerkie Gap to the eastern side, this walk 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 – 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.

Myponga to Mount Compass
2014-05-11
Starting up Yulte Road the trail enters Yulte CP which is a small but picturesque bushland park with testing undulations. After leaving the park the trail crosses farmland towards Hindmarsh Tiers Road and onto Lawless Road past the Myponga Pistol Club firing range. Continue on past Mt Cone (with views of Victor Harbor) to Woodcone Road for a downhill road walk to the old dairy factory.

Aaron Creek Circuit Hike
2014-05-11
The trail meets with Aaron Creek, incorporating

tall gums and scented wattles. You will pass a

cascading waterfall that flows in winter. Many

Western Grey Kangaroos may be seen resting

under the gums at the beginning of the hike.

This area was once farming land. Eagle Waterhole

Campground is on this trail.

Chamber's Gully
2014-05-11
Commencing in Chambers Gully Reserve, we will walk up towards Mt Lofty (without going to the summit) for approx. 6km. Great uninterrupted views of the city & coastline can be seen on the way, with morning tea at Cleland Wildlife Park (bring the Thermos). The return journey will be via Bartril Spur Track, where sightings of Koalas are guaranteed (just look up!) we will stop for lunch on the return journey.

Para Wirra National Park
2014-05-04
This is a bush-walk through very picturesque country linking the major features in the park. The scenery rivals some areas of the Flinders Ranges with its beauty, and the proximity to Adelaide is a bonus. Birds of prey and coloured birds in addition to native animals can be seen in the quieter northern parts of the park.

The terrain provides a good training ground for E2E walks etc.,as the route will be undulating, incorporating some significant climbs and gentle descents. Hopefully we can christen a new track not advertised as yet.

In the Flinders the quality and quantity of water in waterholes is usually noted. But in lieu of this proceedure an optional test on the ale temperature can be performed at the Blacksmiths Inn after the walk.

Please note the walk has been planned so that walkers will NOT be required to pay a park entry fee in addition to the FOHT fee.

Curnow's Hut to Chlorinator to Marble Hill Road. Based in Spalding
2014-05-03 - 2014-05-04
The theme for the weekend is “Never Never”

Sat.3rd: We begin where we left off last year with some road walking to the Yandowie homestead and then through paddocks to the valley of the Never Never Creek. Here we experience one of the unique sights on the Heysen Trail with yackas to the left of us and yackas to the right of us. Into the valley charge the brave 20-odd of us…. until we reach the new Bundaleer Tank Camp Site. Depending on when the season breaks, the crossing of Bundaleer Creek might be tricky but following the Bundaleer channel from there on is a breeze with a grand approach to the aqueduct before arriving at the Chlorinator Station.

Sun.4th: Note that today we transition from the Northern Guide to the Southern Guide! Once again we start with road walking, this time a grind up the bitumen before we reach the Bundaleer Channel. Then its flat, flat, flat walking alongside the channel except for a deviation through Spalding. If you are lucky and the weather is warm-ish you may see some of our reptilean friends which were very prevalent but timid and fast when E2E4 walked through here in October 2012.

Mt. Zion to Wirrabara (reroute Bangor fire area)
2014-05-03 - 2014-05-04
SATURDAY

To avoid the extensive area burned by the Bangor fire, we make our way from last year’s finishing point to join the End to End 5 reroute. The track takes us across Beetaloo Valley, White Cliff Range and through the township of Laura.

SUNDAY

We walk the Rail Trail north from Laura and turn NE to follow typically Mid North roads to an area just west of the township of Wirrabara. The fire scarred range to the west dominates the view.

Note: The maps and GPS files available for Heysen Trail walks are NOT applicable to the above walks.

THEME

Laura’s connection to the poet C. J. Dennis will be exploited as the subject for our May Theme. Come as one of Dennis’ characters (e.g., The Sentimental Bloke, Ginger Mick, Doreen, Rose, etc.) and bring one of his poems to read to Saturday night’s gathering.

Montacute
2014-04-27
Plenty of humour and stamina is required for this walk of about 22.7 kms which will take us over and along the Big Range, Thomas Hill and Mt Misery returning to our starting point towards 3.30 – 4.00 pm. Walkers would need to carry two and half litres of water. There are a number of steep hills throughout the journey, made even more challenging if it is raining. Comfortable walking boots with good grip is recommended.

Sturt Gorge, western end
2014-04-27
The western end of Sturt Gorge is like a bit of the outback tucked down below the suburbs and it is great fun to explore the various-pads and perhaps get lost for a while.

There are ups and downs on slippery dirt paths requiring shoes with good grip.

Start time 8.30am. Plan to finish around12.30pm. Distance approx 11km.

Bring morning tea to have on the trail.

There is a lovely park at the start/ end where you can enjoy a picnic lunch.

Carrick Hill
2014-04-20
From the former quarry within McElligotts Reserve, a number of walking possibilities exist. On a previous Trail Starter walk, we visited the gardens of the Carrick Hill Estate, followed by a walk through the Waite Institute campus, and returning to our starting point via Springfield. Footwear with good grip is recommended. The walk starts promptly at 9.00 am and finish by about 1.30 pm.

Black Hill
2014-04-13
A loop walk that starts with a steady climb and a short steep section before the summit. It then follows trails down through some lovely bushland before returning to the cars. Although the climb is steep in parts there will be ample opportunities to checkout the view.

Bootcamp Run
2014-04-13
There are literally dozens of tracks in the Cleland area that see little use any more and are now overgrown or closed. This walk will link up a number of these with a strong emphasis on a number of steep climbs and descents. It will involve a little bushbashing and off track walking and we’ll head to a mystery destination with a prize for anyone who can solve the riddle of why it is there.

Inner Adelaide Street Art
2014-04-06
Start time: 10:30 am – A 2-hour walk around Adelaide’s east and west end public art from spray to long stay.

Part of the Walking EXPO event in Rymill Park.

No need to register, just turn up on the day.

Outer Adelaide Statues
2014-04-06
A 2-hour walk by Simon Cameron visiting Adelaide’s Masterpiece War Memorial.

Part of the Walking EXPO event in Rymill Park.

No need to register, just turn up on the day.

Walking EXPO. Walk. Explore. Discover
2014-04-06
10am-3pm Sunday 6 April 2014

Rymill Park, Adelaide cnr East Tce and Bartels Ave

Walking can give you access to amazing places. Whether it’s exploring your own neighborhood, uncovering hidden street art in the CBD or discovering stunning views from a mountain top, two feet can take you there.

Come and join Walking SA for a celebration all forms of walking in Rymill Park on Sunday 6th April.

We’ll be leading two Discovery Walks:

1. Outer Adelaide Statues 2 hours – a visit to Adelaide’s Masterpiece War Memorial

2. Inner Adelaide Street Art 2 hours – public art from spray to long stay

Highlights of the day will be free Discovery Walks throughout Adelaide City including the picturesque Adelaide Parklands, Botanic Gardens and the CBD. Local outdoor stores will be showcasing the latest walking gear and walking clubs and tour operators will be there to provide advice. Grab a bargain from the pre-loved walking gear sale by the Friends of the Heysen Trail.

Walking is an activity everyone can do at their own pace but if you’re looking to extend your walking opportunities Walking SA can provide information on different walking clubs. Many clubs will have representatives there on the day ready to answer all your questions.

Walking is a great way to be active and experience the outdoors so whether you’re a seasoned walker or an absolute beginner come and join the celebration.

For more information contact kate.corner@walkingsa.org.au or visit the Walking SA website www.walkingsa.org.au

You’re just two feet away from some of the best places in South Australia.

Annual General Meeting
2014-03-21
The 27th Annual General Meeting of the Friends of the Heysen Trail and Other Walking Trails Inc will be held at 7.30pm on Friday, 21st March 2014 at Woodville Lawn Bowling Club, Oval Avenue, Woodville South. Free car parking will be available in the car park; enter from Koolunda Avenue.

Nominations are sought from you, our members, for election to the Friends Council at the Annual General Meeting, for all positions excluding the President, viz. Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and half of the remaining members (our Constitution calls for not less than four and not more than ten non office bearing members).

View the agenda and nomination form.

Modbury - Golden Grove along Dry Creek
2014-03-12
Dry Creek is not so dry!!!!

See pools, ponds and a lake on a walk to Golden Grove. Loop thru the parks, the gums and hear the chattering birds. Optional Dinner after.

6.15pm start to allow some walkers time to get to the start.

Questions: contact Robert on 0419 819 345
