Annual General Meeting 2022
2022-03-24 18:30 - 20:00 (Australia/Adelaide)
Friends of the Heysen Trail and Other Walking Trails Inc – Annual General Meeting 2022

Agenda sent to financial members via Australia Post.

Members must register online to meet Covid requirements.

Please note that the Venue requires all attendees to be fully vaccinated.

Also note that due to Covid restrictions there will be no social event after the meeting.

A Financial Member unable to attend the AGM but wishing to express a vote may give authority to another financial member attending the AGM for a “Proxy Vote” [i.e. to vote on their behalf ] as long as it is made in writing – as per Section 16 of The Friends Constitution.

End to End -2 Training Sturt Gorge
2022-03-26 08:00 - 12:30
Roller coaster crisscrossing Sturt Gorge. 3 to 4 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.

Office Volunteers Information Day
2022-03-28 10:00 - 14:30
Office Training Day, Pilgrim Hall

End 2 End Minus 2 Get-together Walk 2022
2022-04-03 08:30 - 14:00
A reprise of the initial Minus 2 get-together walk, using the trails around Belair National Park, culminating at the Hiking Expo 2022, Main Oval, Belair, celebrating the opening of the walking season, where we will have lunch and loiter a while, before returning to our cars.
The walk will use the trails and roads of the National Park, including Echo Tunnel.
Better bring a torch, if you’re afraid of the dark.
Water and morning snack will also be a good idea.
Lunch if you like, however there may be food at the Expo, Covid restrictions permitting. .
A chance to get together with your colleagues from 2021 and the leaders.
Chance to discuss meals, accommodation, transport and just chat.
Bring your questions which we endeavour to answer as we go along.
Remember Daylight saving reverts back on Sunday morning, so make sure your clocks are turned back.
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.

Hiking Expo Belair
2022-04-03 09:00 - 13:00
An expo to celebrate the start of the South Australian bushwalking season.

Join the Friends as we host guided walks, to show expo visitors around the park, and promote and chat to people.

Please see Walking SA webpage for details.

Yurrebilla Pt 1
2022-04-09
This is the first of three walks that will cover the 54 km of the Yurrebilla Trail

Commencing at the Belair Railway Station this section of the Yurrebilla Trail covers trails in the northern area of Belair National Park, before descending into and walking through Brownhill Creek Recreation Park passing many heritage sites. Climbing out of the park the trail follows the hills face behind Carrick Hill and over the open grassy hills and ridgetops of Waite Conservation Reserve before joining the Mt Barker Road for a couple of kilometers.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Walk The Yorke – Pt Wakefield-Pt Arthur shelter-Price
2022-04-09 - 2022-04-10
Note … this weekend’s walking is through an area without any shrubbery. It is suggested that walkers add an an artificial shrub to their pack … or perhaps an umbrella.
Also …. poles are highly recommended for this walk because parts of it will be quite slippery if there has been recent rain.

Saturday…

This first section of the trail passes through world class samphire flags forming a unique ecosystem.
We pass the Clinton Conservation Park. Over 138 bird species have been recorded here.
While the intertidal mudflats may seem an unappealing landscape, the environment is quite diverse, which is why it can support so many birds.

Sunday…

The WTY winds its way into the hilltop country, passing historic sheep troughs and early settlers’ damming methods attempting to trap valuable water.
The trail follows roads through prime coastal farm land, providing sneaky views of the coast and surrounding areas, before dipping down into the historic township of of Clinton.

Port Clinton to Price is one of the Hero walks of the WTY.

Departing Port Clinton the trail heads onto the clifftop with majestic views over the mangrove forest of Clinton Conservation Park, a significant site for migratory wading birds.
Further south the trail descends onto the flat behind the mangroves and adjacent samphire system. There are possible sightings of wombats through this area.

Suggested accommodation – Ardrossan
(Pt Clinton was previously suggested but workers at Pt Wakefield may have booked the place out)

NOTE – If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOHT office (once bookings have opened) to register for that day’s walk. The on-line registration system will only allow you to register for both days.

Anstey Hill
2022-04-10
A loop walk taking in some of the historical sites of the Anstey Hill Recreation Park.

The walk will be undulating with periods of challenges and views of the city.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

End 2 End Minus 2 Training Walk
2022-04-10 07:30 - 12:00
Join Julia and some of the Minus 2 team for a challenging walk around Black Hill. By this time fitness levels should be up, so this should be a doddle! Black Hill, a doddle, you must be dreaming.
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 - 3 River Crossings
2022-04-18
Onkaparinga 3 River Crossings: A scenic exploration of Onkaparinga National Park on some lesser known trails and criss-crossing the river in 3 places – bring spare socks just in case. We sample the Willunga Basin Trail in one part and finish with a strenuous climb out of the gorge to complete 14km. Anticipate 4-5 hours. Please note this is a hard loop walk with no easy exit points – experience necessary.

Wet weather: in the event of rain prior the trail will potentially be slippery in places and the river crossings may have some water.

Reminder: FOHT hot weather policy – walk will be automatically cancelled if BOM 4pm/ABC 7pm the day prior predicts 32 degrees or greater.

End 2 End Minus 2 Week 4
2022-04-23 - 2022-05-01
The reverse traverse continues into it’s second year from Dutchman’s Stern to Horrocks Pass in the first half of the walk, a catch-up following the 2021 lockdown, in Nukunu country.
NB The bus fee covers all bus transport, and for most people this will mean transport to and from the walks each day. You will need to choose the bus to register and this includes the walk fee. If you are planning on joining the bus in Adelaide to Quorn and return, please indicate in the comments box.
Day 1 The walk circuits around Dutchmans, crossing the Pichi Richi near Quorn, where we finish this shorter day.
Day 2 From Quorn the climb up onto the Pichi Richi ridge before descending to Woolshed Flat. A real heart starter to kick off 2022
Day 3 Sees the trail traverse Waukerie Creek before contouring up to summit Mount Brown, for superb views over Spencer Gulf and up and down the Southern Flinders, before exiting via Broadview Station.
Day 4 The final day of our catch-up takes the group along the range to Horrocks Pass where we complete our missed walk.
Rest day and a transfer from Quorn to the Wirrabara area.
Day 5 Continues from Murray Town to White Park.
Day 6 Walkers head into to the Wirrabara Forest and onto the Bluff overlooking Port Pirie, before descending down to the Old Nursery.
Day 7 The last day of Week 4 continues along the ups and down of the Bluff and exits the forest to finish at Mount Zion (well near it anyway).

Yurrebilla Pt 2
2022-04-30
This section of the Yurrebilla Trail takes in trails in Cleland National Park. The trail joins up with the Heysen Trail at Wine Shanty Track and follows it most of the time for the next 15km. Leaving Cleland the trail follows the Summit Rd and after crossing Greenhill Rd it eventually connects to Horsnell Gully and Giles Conservation Parks with its old stone ruin cottages before making its way to Norton Summit but we are going to continue on for a couple of km’s just to make the third challenging stage a little shorter.

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-Pewsey Vale with End To End 14
2022-05-01
The location for this week’s walk has been changed due to a recent notification of a prescribed burn in the Warren Conservation Park.

Instead of walking from The Nugget Rd to Mt Crawford we will now be doing the next section along Mt Crawford to Pewsey Vale please note the new bus pickup location. If you do not want to do this revised walk please contact the Heysen Office to arrange a refund.

Can you please email markfletch.heysen@outlook.com to acknowledge you have received these revised walk details to save me time on follow-up

Initially climbing over Mount Crawford with stunning views the trail follows forest edges and roadsides, then make its way up and over the pretty Wirra Wirra Peaks, before descending to creek lines again. Walkers follow roads and road reserves through open big gum grazing land.

Heysen Walk 3 - Tappanappa - Balquidder
2022-05-01
This is a catchup walk for any EE walker that has not yet completed this walk or would like to do it again.

Spots are limited to 24, and if not enough walkers bus will be cancelled and car pooling will be arranged

The walk is by early registration link only! To register for this walk send an email to Mark Curtis HeysenEE15@iinet.net.au to reserve your spot.

This is a picturesque section highlighting the diversity of the Heysen Trail, walkers traverse native bushland, a long sandy beach, lush farmland and some very memorable hills. Photo opportunities abound, and you might even spot a whale

Willunga Basin Trail
2022-05-07
The Willunga Basin Trail winds its way around and across the Willunga Basin for 130km: taking walkers through a diverse landscape of bushland, forests, vineyards, almond groves, parks and beaches. It links the townships of McLaren Vale, McLaren Flat, Kangarilla, and Willunga to the suburbs of Aldinga, Port Willunga, Maslin Beach, Moana and Seaford. It has been created and developed by volunteers. The Friends program aims to cover the loop over 6 walks.

WALK 1: Sellicks Hill to Moana Beach approx 25km mostly flat. Starting with some road verge and reserve, then a variety of cliff and beach as well as a section through Aldinga Scrub. Tides will dictate how much we are on the beach.

Sufficient water for a day, hat and lunch are essential.

Please be aware of FOHT weather policies regarding cancellation of walks and adherence to Covid requirements. THIS WALK WILL USE A BUS so participants should use hand sanitiser and wear a face mask throughout the bus trip.

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 Sth/Nth Loop
2022-05-07
A walk of 23kms through Cleland CP 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.Please read all of the details for this walk and be aware of the Weather cancellation Policies .Also take the time to read Risks and Obligations you agree to when registering for this 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.

Wandallah to Newikie Creek to Dares Hill Summit Rd
2022-05-07 - 2022-05-08
Note well: we are walking this weekend out of the normal order

Saturday – Newikie Creek to Dares Hill Summit Rd: 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.

Sunday – Wandallah to Newikie Creek: This remote and very undulating section gives walkers their first introduction to the grazing lands beyond Goyders Line.

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

Accommodation recommended in Burra

The theme for the weekend is ‘Disaster’

E2E16 Cape Jervis to Cobbler Hill
2022-05-08
This is the first walk for the new End to End 16 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.
These 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 be given priority access to register for the subsequent E2E16 walks.

This first walk starts from the Cape Jervis trailhead and follows sandy coastal tracks and exposed coastal hillsides, providing spectacular views over Backstairs Passage to Kangaroo Island. An easy start to the walk turns to undulations further along, ending with the much talked about Cobbler Hill for the last 2kms.

Walkers are sometimes 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.

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.

Arrangements will also be made to facilitate car pooling from the city (near Marion) so that you can share the driving and/or navigating throughout the walking season.

Heysen Walk 4 - Balquidder-Waitpinga
2022-05-14
This is a catchup walk for any EE walker that has not yet completed this walk or would like to do it again.

Spots are limited to 24, and car pooling will be arranged to facilitate transport to the start and end points of the walk

The walk is by early registration link only! To register for this walk send an email to Mark Curtis HeysenEE15@iinet.net.au to reserve your spot.

Description: Picturesque farmland, unspoilt sandy beaches, rocky headlands and the chance to spot whales characterise this section of the Trail

Smith Rd-Eudunda-Stock Route Rd
2022-05-14 - 2022-05-15
This is the first walk of the second half of The Lavender Federation Trail. The walk will get the heart started with a series of undulations through Narcoota Springs with some commanding views as we return to the road and head alongside Foote Creek. We then continue through farming land and along backroads and ultimately head towards Eudunda – home of Colin Thiele who is commemorated with some beautiful silo art – and to the farmland and vista beyond.

This walk is open to all members even if you have not walked with us in the first year.

Please note: If you only wish to walk on one day of the weekend you will need to register through the office.

Sturt Gorge
2022-05-15
Rugged gorge with a looping tracks, up and down. Good views and beautiful creekside sections. This is a good Trailwalker standard with plenty of cardio hill to practice ups and downs. Opportunity for walking pole instruction on request.

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.

Happy Valley Reservoir
2022-05-15 08:30 - 11:30
The Happy ValleyReservoir was opened to the public December 2021. This is a nice introduction to the walk season, and a chance to discover what has been hidden behind those fences. We follow the track around the boundary and along the shore of the dam. The trail is easy and a good one for walk beginners.

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
2022-05-19
A trail starter in length, but with uneven, rocky, slippery and undulating tracks.

A circular walk in a small section of the Onkaparinga National Park passing through areas of native bush, including pink gum and grey box woodland. This area is a habitat for kangaroos, koalas, echidna and many birds. As we walk along some sections of the ridge top there are good views of the gorge.

Yurrebilla Pt3
2022-05-21
The final stage of the trail this walk will take you through both the Morialta and Black Hill Conservation Parks. It is just under 19k but challenging.

BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Please ensure you thoroughly clean your footwear, clothing, walking poles and other equipment before and after each walk to remove all seeds, dirt and other debris. Removed seeds should be bagged and disposed in a ‘to landfill’ garbage bin.

Walk The Yorke – Price-Ardrossan-Black Point
2022-05-21 - 2022-05-22
Saturday…

Leaving Price the trail passes the works and salt evaporation pans of Cheetham Salt Limited. After leaving the shelter at Macs Beach the trail continues behind sand dunes before following the roads further south. There are two or three small hill climbs before finishing following the cliff tops into Ardrossan.

Sunday…

From Ardrossan the trail follows the coast and then clifftops into Pine Point.
We then continue along the beachfront to the Black Point camping ground.

Suggested accommodation – Ardrossan

NOTE – If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOHT office (once bookings have opened) to register for that day’s walk. The on-line registration system will only allow you to register for both days.

Bowman Park/Mt Zion/Wirrabara Forest
2022-05-21 - 2022-05-22
Sat 21st-For most of this section the trail follows gravel roads and a rollercoaster firetrack through natural bushland towards the TV tower where walkers are rewarded with spectacular views of the gulf and beyond.The tower never seems to get any closer (it’s just over the next Hill) i think ?

Sunday -22nd

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.

**Please sanitise hands and wear a mask before boarding the bus***

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.

WEEKEND BASED IN GLADSTONE OR SURROUNDS

MEAL SAT NIGHT -NORTH LAURA PUB – THEME (SOMETHING PINK )PLEASE TICK RSVP BOX OR LEAVE NOTE IF ATTENDING.

PLEASE NOTE WE’RE DOING THESE WALKS OUT OF ORDER .

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ONLY WALK ON ONE DAY PLEASE RING OFFICE TO REGISTER

Kuitpo
2022-05-22
Commencing from the oldest timber plantation in the Mount Lofty Ranges, planted in 1898, this walk passes through a small section of Kuitpo Forest. Walking mainly on open tracks the landscape will be a mix of forest, native vegetation and farmland.

Stirling-Lofty Botanic park Return
2022-05-22
Leaving Stirling promptly @ 8.30am we will first do a walk to and through Woodhouse Scout camp, then onto Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens. (Rest break ) Leaving there, is an uphill climb out of the park and onto Harfords seat. For a great view of our wonderful city. ( Rest break )
Then via the Cleland reserves and Crafers before crossing over the highway, for the last push back to our start point in Stirling.
Approximately 12 to 14klms
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.

EE15 Walk 8 - Myponga-Mt Compass
2022-05-28
After a short road walk, the trail enters the small but picturesque Yulte Conservation Park after a steady climb you have a challenging steep 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 (and 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 over Victor Harbor to the South before finishing with a road walk to Mt Compass

Montacute C/P
2022-05-28
This circular walk through the rugged hills of Montacute Conservation Park is challenging, but rewarding with excellent views.

There a number of very steep climbs on this walk and only register if you have done the training required.
