Friends of the Heysen Trail

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.

Tappanappa to Balquhidder
2014-07-20
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.

Mt Misery
2014-07-20
The tracks leading up to Mt Misery are littered with the blanched remains of many walkers. Why don’t you join me and contribute to the pile? Located to the north east of Montacute CP, Mt Misery offers memorable views when not fogged in by mist. Let us hope for reasonable good weather, says he, with all fingers crossed. A number of options to reach Mt Misery and the return journey (for those who make it) are available so bring enough water, two and half litres, and plenty of humour which should lighten the load and lessen the pain.

Sturt Gorge
2014-07-20
10km circuit walk from Blackwood to the flood control dam in Sturt Gorge. Includes a number of creek crossings (that rise after rain) and some hill climbing.

Hiking poles would be very useful to have.

General ‘what to bring’ reminders: lunch, nibbles, water, first aid kit, camera, hat, gloves and protective wet weather gear.

DUE TO THE NUMBER OF CREEK CROSSINGS, EXTREME WET WEATHER PRIOR TO THE WALK MAY RESULT IN IT BEING POSTPONED. PARTICIPANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED AHEAD OF TIME IF THIS DECISION IS MADE. (All crossings were easy on 14/07. Will check again during the week).

Worlds End to Burra to Wandallah. Based in Burra
2014-07-19 - 2014-07-20
SATURDAY 19 JULY

Although primarily a long, flat, treeless walk, along dirt roads and road reserves, this section provides walkers with a perspective on the diversity of landscapes of the Trail. The final few kilometres provide pleasant views over the historic Burra township.

SUNDAY 20 JULY

This section of the Trail goes through historic Burra, passing the old Redruth Gaol and other reminders of a bygone era. The trail then takes walkers over the exposed hills of the North Mount Lofty Ranges.

SATURDAY EVENING MEAL – The Burra Community School will cater for the meal. They are fundraising to send their Year 7 students to Canberra later in the year.

THEME FOR JULY – STRIPES

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.

Kyeema CP To Dashwood Gully Road
2014-07-13
The dense native bushland of Kyeema Conservation Park, the plantations of Kuitpo Forest and pretty back roads make this a pleasant winter walk.

Thomas Hill
2014-07-13
See one of the prettiest areas of the Adelaide Hills, so close to Adelaide. This is a loop walk around the Montacute Conservation Park and will be predominately along fire tracks, but provide magnificent views of the Kangaroo Creek and Millbrook Reservoirs, plus the summit of Mt Misery.

In total we will walk 16.8km however allow between 6 ½ – 7 hours. There are two extensive uphill sections, so above average fitness will be necessary to comfortably complete the walk.

Hazards: Moss on tracks in the pine forest and wet clay on Mt Misery may be very slippery.

Bikes

Kookaburras and kangaroos almost guaranteed, plus the odd echidna.

Expect 80% undulations.

Coffee, scones and medicinal alcohol at The Cudlee Cafe after the walk, a great way to catch up on the latest gossip.

Sleep's Hill
2014-07-13
Interesting mix of mining history, and a showcase of geology, bird life and native vegetation. interpretive signs show how the rock was quarried and treated.

A good introduction to bushwalking, a few steep sections, and rocky under foot which will be taken slowly.

Gandy's Gully same but different
2014-07-06
This walk is a hard walk and you will need to be up to it. Start with a steady climb with numerous ups & downs. Lunch will be at a small waterfall. Duration approx. 5 hours. walking poles would be helpful.

Amber's Gully
2014-07-06
A great walk to test the skills, with several sharp undulations. See the best of the Black Hill Conservation Park in a morning walk, being rewarded very quickly with magnificent views of Adelaide. Previous walks in this area have yielded kangaroo’s, koalas and an echidna.

Some recent uphill walking prior to participating would be an advantage.

Walk through the Sugar Loaves, then a steep track down to Ghost Tree Gully and up the Summit Link trail. Downhill from here, meandering along the Ambers Gully track, to the car park.

Should be comfortable 3 ½ hours, but have allowed plenty of time for the ups.

Meal after at Cafe Va Bene Campbelltown optional. Please let me know if you would like a meal in the notes, as being Sunday lunch, we may need to book a table.

Melrose to Alligator Gorge to Horrocks Pass
2014-07-05 - 2014-07-06
SATURDAY

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 Conservation Park before emerging on Alligator Gorge Road.

SUNDAY

The trail initially leads over Lavender Peak to picturesque Stony Creek campsite. From there, tracks, back roads and a busy highway take walkers to the memorial to explorer John Horrocks.

WEEKEND BASE LOCATION

Melrose

THEME

Tour de France

Le Tour de France 2014 runs from Saturday July 5th to Sunday July 27th. The 101th Tour de France will be made up of 21 stages and will cover a total distance of 3,656 kilometres.

9 flat stages

5 hill stages

6 mountain stages with 5 altitude finishes

1 individual time trial stage

2 rest days

FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER

For those wishing to eat with other group members.

7.00 pm at North Star Hotel, Melrose.

Please let Chris O’Brien know if you intend to come.

Boat Harbour Tapanappa Circuit
2014-06-29
This walk in the eastern end of the Deep Creek Conservation Park is a good introduction to one of our more spectacular Parks. Coastal views and the rugged terrain make this a unique area to walk in.

Crafers hills
2014-06-29
This trail commences from one of the 19th century sandstone quarries around Mount Lofty. They provided the building blocks for construction of many of the nearby stately homes. Crossing over the ridge-line to the western-face we will then descend into a damp valley which holds a tributary of First Creek. There is then a gradual rise through strata’s of varying kinds of vegetation until we make Measdays Lookout for a tea-break. Return leg takes us past some of the old public buildings of Crafers village.

Hallett to Old Burra Rd, based in Burra
2014-06-28 - 2014-07-04
Theme: “Le Tour de Burra”

Access to Day 2 and 3 is difficult and wet-weather affected – be prepared for late-notice program changes.

Sat 28th June: On our first day we have a period of flat walking, followed by a hill, and then more flat walking. Oh, did I forget to mention that the hill is the towering Mt Bryan!?! At least we will be ascending from the less steep side. Today we reach the Halfway point of the Trail!!!

Sun 29th June: A remote but delightful section is covered today with a climb up to Caroona Creek Conservation Park where we descend through the picturesque Tourilie Gorge. We then skirt the saltbush plains to reach the easternmost point of the Heysen Trail before continuing on to cross the spectacular Newikie Creek.

Mon 30th June: An interesting walk past Black Jack shelter and into mallee before breaking out onto the barren Mongalata hills – a roller coaster ride to Wandallah.

Tues 1st July: Our Rest Day. For those with energy left, the Heysen Trail Greening Committee have a tree-planting day on the roadsides north of Burra Gorge.

Wed 2nd July: We tackle the humps out from Wandallah then easing down to Burra. See if you can find any trees on this part of the trail.

Thurs 3rd July: At last a day without mountains. Just in case you forgot what road-walking was like we finish this section with an 8km gun barrel walk down to Burra Gorge. At least our new plantings and a new campsite will be a welcome distraction.

Fri 4th July: A lovely little unassuming section to finish our walking week. A lot of variety yet nothing spectacular and reasonably short so that we will reach our cars hopefully to be home before dark.

Mewett Road to Mt Crawford
2014-06-22
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.

Horsnell Gully
2014-06-22
Depending on the weather, this walk will be more or less challenging with a number of steep up and down hills including down a waterfall! Should suit experienced walkers with footwear that has good grip. The walk will be about 20 kms long.

Walkers will follow the Heysen Trail in the South Mount Lofty Ranges, up the steep Narrow Range Road which should take about 35 minutes with numerous stops. Once on top, we will head towards Morialta Conservation Park and eventually to Norton Summit where we could linger a while at the pub before returning to some serious walking in Horsnell Gully Conservation Park.

Hallett Cove tRAILstarter
2014-06-22
Step out for a ‘one way’ walk along the coast with a RAIL flavour.

We commence with a commentary on the geology of the Hallett Cove Conservation Park. The walk takes us past the Sugarloaf to overlook the Amphitheatre. We then continue south along the steps and boardwalk of the Marion Coastal Walk with spectacular coastal views all the way to Kingston Park and Seacliff Beach.

At Seacliff there are options for a relaxed coffee break or lunch. The walk concludes with a short stroll to the Seacliff Railway Station to take a train back to the cars at Hallett Cove Beach.

For the RAIL buffs or just curious walkers, why not stay on the train to explore the new rail extension to Seaford featuring the 1.2 km rail bridge over the Onkaparinga Valley?

Walk Leaders Training day
2014-06-21
There is a lot of satisfaction in becoming more involved in walking and the FOHT encourages walkers to become more involved in the activities of the organisation either as walk leaders or tail enders.

This day aims to give interested people the information needed to prepare and lead a walk successfully and goes through how to deal with problems that might arise. Part of the day is spent talking about how the FOHT operates and the assistance available to new leaders. The day goes from 9.30am to about 2.00 and lunch is provided.

There is no charge for this day but you need to register. For more information phone the office or email Julian at Julian.monfries@bigpond.com

Kersbrook
2014-06-15
A pleasant walk in the Kersbrook forest for about 10km.The walk will take about 3.5hrs and will include a lunch stop.

The walk will be generally on fire tracks. Boots or joggers OK Wet weather gear may be needed

Bring nibbles, lunch and a water bottle

Cobbler Hill to Tapanappa
2014-06-15
Although relatively short, this section of the trail offers spectacular scenery, including a magnificent waterfall, as walkers follow narrow tracks through the dense native scrub of Deep Creek CP.

Pioneer Women's Trail
2014-06-15
The Pioneer Women’s Trail follows the route taken by the women of Hahndorf carrying their produce to the markets at Burnside. The walk is about 22km mainly through country roads, paths and lane ways.

Webb Gap to Burra Road to Worlds End. Based in Burra
2014-06-14 - 2014-06-15
SATURDAY 14 JUNE

The trail continues along the Tothill Range, providing expansive views over surrounding farmland and Apoinga Lagoon. A sharp climb after Huppatz Hut provides us with a taste of things to come in future walks.

SUNDAY 15 JUNE

A short walk across paddocks to the crossing of the Morgan-Whyalla pipeline is followed by an interesting walk through an area of the Halleluja Hills before reaching Worlds End Road. Once off this road, we finish the day’s walking near the Burra Gorge Campground.

SATURDAY EVENING MEAL – The Burra Community School will cater for the meal. They are fundraising to send their Year 7 students to Canberra later in the year.

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.

NOTE – Bookings close earlier than normal due to catering requirements.

Mount Compass to Kyeema Conservation Park
2014-06-08
A pretty walk over pastures past Nangkita, then following undulating back roads before ascending Mt Magnificent for spectacular views over the Southern Fleurieu Peninsula. A tough, undulating final 2 Km to Kyeema

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.
