Friends of the Heysen Trail

Sea to Summit (Second half)
2014-09-21
This trail walker will commence at the main entrance to Belair National Park passing through the park and exiting at the upper end of the park boundary on Sheoak Rd. We will then walk through to the Crafers Bus Interchange before making our way into Cleland Conservation Park where we join up with the Heysen Trail and follow it to Mt Lofty Summit.

This is a linear walk with a moderate degree of hiking fitness required.

For those interested, we may have a drink or meal at the Crafers Hotel afterwards.

Mt Lofty circle
2014-09-21
Following a contour line along the western face of Mount Lofty this track then crosses the saddle north of Mount Bonython and runs down into the Piccadilly Valley. Return leg involves a climb to the top of the Botanic Gardens. At different stages there will be excellent opportunities to see city vistas, native flora including an ancient fern habitat, and finally an array of cultivated plants culminating with Rhododendron which should be in full bloom.

Newikie Creek to Dares Hill Summit Road and Spalding Road to Chlorinator. Based in Jamestown
2014-09-20 - 2014-09-21
SATURDAY 20 SEPTEMBER

Due to the bad road conditions this walk had to be abandoned on 17 August. This walk has been rescheduled to this weekend.

This section passes through Caroona 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 21 SEPTEMBER

From the junction with Burra-Spalding road the trail follows the contouring intake channel which eventually drains into Bundaleer Reservoir. We pass through Spalding, before rejoining the intake channel for most of the remaining route to the Chlorination Station.

THEME – Spring

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.

Parra Wirra
2014-09-14
A lovely loop walk skirting Humbug scrub Conservation Park and then going into Para Wirra National Park. Using mainly fire tracks we also walk along some creek beds that can be slippery when wet. The final section is moderately up back to the cars.

Mylor To Cleland Conservation Park
2014-09-14
This is a very pretty walk through the most populous section of the trail however it still feels like a rural walk as we pass through reserves and bushland. Walkers are rewarded with picturesque vistas and many photo opportunities as we walk through Bridgewater, Mt George CP, Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens and Cleland CP. There are plenty of climbs on this walk. 21km

Mylor to Mt Lofty
2014-09-14
This is a walk of about 21 kms which follows the Heysen Trail via Cox Creek, Old Bridgewater Mill, Mount George Conservation Park, Woodhouse (Scouts Australia), Piccadilly Valley, up to Mt Lofty and down to Crafers. This is a pleasant walk of long duration, suitable for experienced walkers.

Newland Head
2014-09-07
September is the month to see rare coastal flora at its best.

Some areas were bunt in the last few years and the regrowth should hold a few surprizes.

This walk offers magnificant views so dont forget camera &/or binoculars. Bring rain and wind protection as well as lunch, snacks and water.

Woolshed Flat to Quorn to Dutchmans Stern
2014-09-06 - 2014-09-07
SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER

A steady climb to start the day takes walkers to the top of the range and views over Pichi Richi Pass. After descending into the pass again, the Trail follows the historic Pichi Richi railway line, passing the remnants of deserted sidings and settlements.

SUNDAY 7 SEPTEMBER

This section of the trail passes the outskirts of Quorn before climbing gradually towards The Dutchmans Stern. Taking a detour off of the Heysen Trail to walk the 6 km Dutchmans Stern loop will provide a memorable highlight. (Optional but highly recommended – see brochure.)

BASE LOCATION

Quorn

THEME

Beanies. This year’s Alice Springs Beanie Festival has been and gone but our Festival of Heysen Trail Beanies takes place this weekend. For information about Alice’s festival and free patterns see http://www.beaniefest.org/

FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER

For those wishing to eat with other group members.

7.00 pm at the Austral Hotel, Quorn.

Please let Chris O’Brien know if you intend to come (cobrien@internode.on.net).

Para Wirra
2014-08-31
This should be a lovely walk thru lots of native scrub with early spring flowers. The trail could be slippery if the rain continues, but mostly it shouldn’t be too challenging for fit walkers. I will be concentrating on the southern end of the park rather than the northern Goldfields area.

Mylor
2014-08-31
This walk follows narrow bush tracks through generally low woodlands containing an understory of native shrubs and a variety of ground covers. Some wild flowers will be blooming, including emergent orchids and bulbous plants. The path runs alongside Warrawong Sanctuary and down the Valley of the Bandicoots wildlife corridor. There are no long, steep, sections in this trail, but there is a little stream to cross over. At the end of the walk Mylor has a small cafÃ© as well as picnic facilities around the oval.

Dares Hill Summit Road to Hallett and EE George Quarry to Spalding Road. Based in Burra
2014-08-30 - 2014-08-31
Due to the road conditions the walk on 17 August had to be abandoned. In its place the group did the Hallett to EE George Quarry walk. Hence the walks for this weekend have been rescheduled.

SATURDAY 30 AUGUST

The trail takes walkers past the historic Mt Bryan East School, before beginning the climb up Mt Bryan, which is the highest point of the Mt Lofty Ranges. Walkers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Mid-North from the summit and as they descend through grazing and farming land towards Hallett.

SUNDAY 31 AUGUST

Although progressing northwards along the trail, most of this walk is spent walking south! We follow The Stone Wall – an old station boundary, and the longest dry stone wall in SA – for 12km south, along Brown Hill Range. We leave the ridge line and follow rural back roads to the main Spalding to Burra road.

THEME FOR THE WEEKEND – ‘B’

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
2014-08-24
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.

Onkaparinga River National Park
2014-08-24
A loop walk combining several of the trails in the Onkaparinga National Park Upper Gorge. Trails include the Nature Trail, Bakers Gully Track and Sundews Track. The walk has some steep sections and will be rewarded with great views over the gorge. There will be two creek crossing and depending on the level of the water you can expect to get wet. Bring crocs or sandals for creek crossing if you wish.

After the walk if we feel up to it, we can meet at Chapel Hill Winery 20 minutes drive from Gate 11.

Cox's Scrub
2014-08-24
Interesting walk looking at a variety of native trees, Tall sugar Gums, Young Red Gums, Pink Gums, Wattle. Walk approx. 11ks.

Their will be the opportunity to visit a display of Side Saddles and Antique clothing in the Southern Hemisphere and a Devonshire Tea afterwards if interested

Gerkie Gap - Peters Hill - Hamilton. Based in Riverton
2014-08-23 - 2014-08-24
Theme for the weekend is Marrabel, (take this however you like- its’ history, what happens there, your choice, surprise us,)

Easy walking this weekend!

Sat.23 Aug: We farewell the Tothill Range and head for Peters Hill … but don’t quite reach it today. Sorry, a lot of road walking today but we do get to see the life-size statue of the famous buck-jumping mare Curio in Marrabel.

Sun.24 Aug: Heading up towards Peters Hill we will take a short detour to Marshall’s Hut, one of the largest on the trail, before reaching the hill. Then we continue south along the wooded foothills to Cornvale Rd. where we pass by the neat-as-a-pin property of the same name.

Hale / Warren
2014-08-17
To quote from the bible for serious walkers, “Push the Bush”: “this walk takes you along delightful trails in two rugged areas of natural bush – the Warren and Hale Conservation Parks” which are separated by the South Para River. Considering the amount of rain we have received so far, crossing the river will or could present us with a challenge.

Balquhidder to Waitpinga
2014-08-17
Picturesque farmland, unspoilt sandy beaches, rocky headlands and the chance to spot whales characterise this section of the Trail.

Second Creek
2014-08-17
following the trail of second creek to its source. Linear walk. A bus will take us to the confluence of the creek with the Torrens river and we will explore the historical landscape to the source.

Belair National Park
2014-08-17
A pleasant walk through parts of South Australia’s oldest park passing through Echo Tunnel, taking in the views at the Lower Waterfall and returning via Old Government House. This walk has a few short hills but will present no problems to walkers of moderate fitness.

Wandallah to Newikie Creek to Dares Hill Summit Road. Based in Burra
2014-08-16 - 2014-08-17
SATURDAY 16 AUGUST

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 17 AUGUST

This section passes through Caroona 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 EVENING MEAL – The Farrell Flat Community Management Committee will cater for the meal. They raise funds for the town assets, social activities and future planning. The committee has representatives from all the groups in the Farrell Flat community. Several residents in Farrell Flat are members of the Burra branch of the FoHT and are involved in the maintenance of the Trail in the areas we have walked over the 4 weekends we are based in Burra.

THEME FOR THE WEEKEND – Miners

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.

Dashwood Gully Road To Mylor
2014-08-10
Picturesque walk through gently undulating farmlands and the northern blocks of Kuitpo Forest. The trail passes through the historic Jupiter Creek Goldfields near Echunga.

Shiraz Trail, Willunga
2014-08-10
Easy 2-hour walk on the Shiraz Trail past picturesque vineyards in McLaren Vale, followed by a good coffee at the finish.

Mayo Gorge to Parachilna
2014-08-09 - 2014-08-17
Six days walking from Mayo Gorge to Parachilna. See Heysen Trail Northern Guide Maps 5.3 to 6.8.

Cleland
2014-08-03
This walk incorporates the quieter outlying tracks of Cleland Conservation Park with some very special not well known trails. The relatively high altitude and some exposed tracks make this walk susceptible to inclement weather.

Ansteys Hill
2014-08-03
Starting from the car park we will ramble along bush tracks in a more remote area of the Park, before descending to the Newmans Nursery ruins; thence visit an old silver mine and take in the view at The Lookout, before returning to the car park.

Horrocks Pass to Broadview to Woolshed Flat
2014-08-02 - 2014-08-03
SATURDAY

Starting with a tough climb out of Horrocks Pass to the ridge, the Trail traverses exposed, gibber littered hills and farmland. Walkers are rewarded with views over the Willochra Plain.

SUNDAY

This section of the trail climbs through grazing land and natural scrub to Mount Brown, where walkers are provided with spectacular views of the northern Spencer Gulf from the viewing tower. A pretty single file descent leads to Waukarie Creek and a classic Flinders Ranges creek walk.

WEEKEND BASE LOCATION

Quorn

THEME

Trains. We cross the Pichi Richi rail near Woolshed Flat.

FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER

For those wishing to eat with other group members.

7.00 pm at Emily’s Bistro, Quorn.

Please let Chris O’Brien know if you intend to come (cobrien@internode.on.net).

Mount Crawford to Pewsey Vale
2014-07-27
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.

Sandergrove to Milang
2014-07-27
Lovely walk, initially along the Strathalbyn to Victor Harbor railway line and then along the old Sandergrove to Milang railway Corridor that has been turned into a walking trail. Flat walk with native bush, abundant bird life, Kangaroos and even the occasional Echidna.

Morialta
2014-07-27
A pleasant Sunday morning walk following the Yurrebilla Track from Norton Summit into Morialta Conservation Park. After dropping down to Centre Track we will climb up to Deep View Lookout then out via Rocky Hill returning to Norton Summit initally along Moores Road and Colonial Drive.

Old Burra Road - Webb Gap - Gerkie Gap. Based in Riverton
2014-07-26 - 2014-07-27
Theme: Christmas in July with a Secret Santa on Saturday night (max. value $10).

Sat.26th: Today we start the zig-zag down along the Tothill Range which feature great views, woodlands, rocky summits and farm tracks. We begin with a steep climb for great far-reaching views, then descend to Huppatz Hut. Next we hug the western foothills between the range and Apoinga Lagoon. Niblet Gap offers a crossing to the eastern side before reaching Webb Gap.

Sun.27th: We continue the zig-zag down along the Tothill Range passing through the largest remaining section of remnant scrub in the area. The views are still with us as are the wind turbines that are now a constant feature of the mid-north horizon. We finish the day near the bottom of the Tothill Range at Gerkie Gap.
