Friends of the Heysen Trail

Belair Wildflower Walk
2013-09-22
A walk that circles down through the native forest of the upper reaches of Belair National Park to the European style park around old Government House before returning up a long climb to native forest on the hilltops.

The walk is approximately 9 km with one long up and will take about three hours with lots of stops for photographs of the native orchids – bring your camera.

Cleland to Montacute Heights
2013-09-22
This spectacular section of the trail passes throuth the native bushland of Cleland, Horsnell Gully and Morialta Conservation Parks and along roadsides, providing frequent vistas over Adelaide and the Hills.

Mt Zion to Bowman Park to Lock's Ruin
2013-09-21 - 2013-09-22
Theme: “50/50” Its the Vernal Equinox early Monday morning.

Sat.21st: Beginning with a steady climb to views over Port Pirie and Spencer Gulf then along roads, it is then a very pleasant walk along the Crystal Brook to Bowman Park.

Sun.22nd: An easy walk following the Crystal Brook, on through the town of Crystal Brook, then its predominantly along roads and road reserves to Lock’s Ruin.

Para Wirra
2013-09-15
This should be a lovely walk thru native scrub in wild flower season. it shouldn’t be too challenging for reasonably fit walkers but there are lots of undulating tracks and fire trails to negotiate.

I will be concentrating more on the southern section of the park, rather than the more frequented Barossa Goldfields area

Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens
2013-09-15
Enjoy city vistas and native flora (including a rare ancient fern habitat) on the first half of this walk as it contours along a section of the Heysen Trail through the Cleland Conservation Park. Then cutting across the saddle alongside Mt.Bonython treck down to the picturesque Piccadilly Valley before facing a(slow paced)return climb to the ridge through the Botanic Gardens. Magnolia & Rhododendron should be in full bloom at this time. (an ideal place to stop for a picnic lunch for anyone interested)

Tanunda to Kapunda
2013-09-15
This walk takes us along back 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.

Waitpinga to Tugwell Road
2013-09-08
One of the most spectacular sections of the Trail, walkers follow sandy tracks through the coastal scrub of Newland Head Conservation Park, and dramatic clifftops towards Victor Harbor. Here whales have been sighted, as well as seals, dolphins and the endangered white bellied sea eagle. At Kings Beach the Trail leaves the coast following roads and an uncleared road reserve to Tugwell Road to begin the long journey north. A bus will be used at the start and end of the day, hence the higher bus fee.

Broadview to Woolshed Flat. WF to Quorn
2013-09-07 - 2013-09-08
Saturday 7th. Start off with a 3km moderate climb back to the trail, then a testing walk to the Mt Brown summit, a major landmark, with magnificent views of the Gulf. Then a long descent to Olive Grove, and a winding track along Waukarie Creek to Woolshed Flat.

Sunday 8th. The first part of the walk takes us up the northern flank of Pichi-Richi Pass, well above the railway. We join the railway for the remaining part of the walk to McConville Rd near Quorn. We might see a steam train!

Wandallah to Newikie Creek to Dares Hill Summit Road
2013-09-07 - 2013-09-08
PLEASE NOTE:

Road conditions in the Newikie Creek area caused these walks to be postponed in July and August. In July, the walks completed were Dare’s Hill Summit Road to Hallett to E E George Quarry. In August, the walks completed were E E George Quarry to Spalding Road to the Chlorinator.

Car and bus access to the walk area was reconnoitred on 4 August and road information will be sought from Goyder Council closer to the event.

ALL ENQUIRIES TO RUSSELL O’BRIEN.

SATURDAY 7 SEPTEMBER

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 8 SEPTEMBER

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.

Sturt Gorge -western end
2013-09-01
Scrubby hill and deep gullies. Up and down, with views and running water. Slippery downs. Depending on water level, the ford crossings could be wet. Bring dry shoes for the end of the walk.

Ambers Gully
2013-09-01
We will take the Yurrebilla Trail from the car park, winding uphill at leasurely pace on Ambers Gulley track to the Sugarloaves, where there is a great panarama of Adelaide; returning via fire track to the start, with more great views over the northeast suburbs

Kaiserstuhl
2013-08-25
A lovely walk thru early spring flowers, in native scrub sections and pass thru old pine forests.

We climb to the sumit of Kaiserstuhl for some spectacular views and decend to the site where a plane crashed in 1944.

On to Rossiters Hut for lunch and back to the cars a around 2.30pm. Coffee and drinks at Williamstown Hotel after.

Adelaide Park Lands Walk (South and East Park Lands)
2013-08-25
Explore the Adelaide Park Lands adjoining South and East Terrace with a local resident: community gardens; Japanese garden; bush regeneration site; historic mansions; engineering heritage; Victoria Park; Rymill Park.

Mylor to Cleland
2013-08-25
Although the most populous section of the trail, it still retains a rural feel as walkers pass through the parks and bushland of Bridgewater, Mt George Conservation Park, Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens and Cleland Conservation Park.

Block Nine Rd to Wirrabara to Mt. Zion
2013-08-24 - 2013-08-25
The theme for the weekend is “Show Your Colours!” – there is an election coming up, so having touched on religion last month, we will broach politics this month.

The weekend’s walking will be a roller-coaster ride:

Sat.24th Aug – From Block 9 Road we make our way through the northern part of Wirrabara Forest, to a narrow trail along a picturesque creekbed before we climb up to the ridge. Then it’s up and down, views to the left, views to the right, up and down, views to the left and right, up and down ’til we exit down the TV track. Recent track closures due to fires means we must descend via the TV Track to Wirrabara Forest Road and on to the Old Nursery car park.

Sun.25th Aug. – We climb back up the TV track and resume the trail taking us to The Bluff and the roller coaster resumes. Up and down, views to the left, views to the right, up and down, views ahead before we drop down on to Mills Road and reach our cars at the Junction with Collaby Hill Road.

Mylor Nature Trail
2013-08-18
Commencing within Mylor’s Parklands narrow bush track will lead us through to the Valley of the Bandicoots wildlife corridor near Warrawong Sanctuary. Generally low open woodland with an understory of interesting native shrubs and ground covers. Some wild flowers should be emerging.

Pewsey Vale to Tanunda
2013-08-18
This is an easy walk that takes us through the northern section of Mt Crawford forests and through the native bushland of Kaiser Stuhl CP and its unusual weathered rock ‘sculptures’. Walkers are rewarded with spectacular vistas as the trail makes its descent into the Barossa Valley, finally passing through the town of Tanunda.

UPDATE – The theme for this walk will be “The Ashes”.

Alpana Station, Flinders Ranges
2013-08-16 - 2013-08-18
Weekend away in the wilds of the north Flinders.

Arrival Friday night. Twin share accommodation in shearers quarters.

Saturday Walk – Blinman Pools 22k

Dinner Catered by the Camerons

Sunday walk – Mt Mary peak bagging 12k

Sunday catered by the Camerons

Drive home Monday

Onkaparinga
2013-08-11
A circular walk of some duration with enough challenges for the hardier walkers amongst you in the Upper Gorge area of the Onkaparinga River National Park. By mid August the level of the river will test the Gore-Tex lining of your boots! By mid afternoon, at the end of the walk, a reward! A glass of chardonnay perhaps.

Mark Oliphant Conservation Park
2013-08-11
This walk will firstly take us on some bush tracks through the Mark Oliphant Conservation Park, and then some road walking around Ironbank, before re-entering the park again. Some hill walking in the Conservation Park, mixed with more relaxed walking around Ironbank. Bring lunch to picnic in the park afterwards.

Balquhidder to Waitpinga
2013-08-11
Passing Balquhidder Station, named after the birthplace of Rob Roy, we make our way down to the coast while taking in the views offered by the Southern Ocean. The walk takes us along both Parsons and Waitpinga Beaches and finishes at Waitpinga Campground in the Newland Head Conservation Park. This is a spectular walk.

Alligator Gorge Rd to Horrocks Pass to Pre Mt Brown (Broadview)
2013-08-10 - 2013-08-11
On Saturday 10th we take to the bush for a demanding ridgewalk, with great views east over the Willochra Plain. There is a 3km walkout from the trail to Broadview HS where the vehicles will be parked.

On Saturday 11th we start with a steep climb to Lavender Peak, then descend along Stony Creek to rejoin Alligator Gorge Rd, which we follow for 1km. Then the trail curves westerly to Hancocks Road, then north to Main North Road. The westerly climb up to Horrocks Memorial is memorable-for all the wrong reasons.

Weekend Theme – SEE YOU LATER ALLIGATOR

Anstey Hill
2013-08-04
Following some interesting bushwalking tracks we will see some of the last remaining vegetation associations that were once widespread throughout the Adelaide Plains and Mt Lofty Ranges, also evidence of early settlement of the district can be found in the ruins and quarries that we pass by.

Mt Osmond Reserves
2013-08-04
Walk links into the Burnside Walking Trails network through native woodlands and grasslands. We will walk on part of the historical Pioneers Women’s Trail and visit a number of old colonial mine sites in the Wheal Watkins Reserve in Glen Osmond. Walk climbs gently to the Mt Osmond Golf Course along a number of switchbacks. Fantastic views over the Adelaide Plains to the sea.

We will stop for morning tea and at the end of the walk have a picnic lunch at Brock Reserve.

Wandallah to Newikie Creek to Dare's Hill Summit Road
2013-08-03 - 2013-08-04
SPECIAL NOTE:

The sections of the Heysen Trail to be walked on 3 & 4 August will be E E George Road Quarry to Spalding Road (Saturday) and Spalding Road to the Chlorinator (Sunday).

If you wish to walk these sections please register for the 3 & 4 August AS NORMAL. Ignore the advertised walk descriptions and the automatically generated email with meeting location details, etc. You will receive an email from Russell O’Brien containing all required information for the replacement walks.

The advertised walks (Wandallah to Newikie Creek to Dare’s Hill Summit Road) have been postponed due to access road conditions being unsuitable.

ALL ENQUIRIES TO RUSSELL O’BRIEN.

SATURDAY 3 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 4 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.

Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park
2013-07-28
A lovely walk through this significant area for nature conservation. We will exit the park and walk along Aldinga Beach before re-entering the park. Great views of the coast and Willunga hills.

Dashwood Gully to Mylor
2013-07-28
A picturesque walk through gently undulating farmland, the northern blocks of Kuitpo Pine Forest and through the historic Jupiter Creek Goldfields.

Melrose to Murraytown to Block 9 Road
2013-07-27 - 2013-07-28
The theme for the weekend is “Christmas in July”. Please bring a “Secret Santa” gift up to the value of $7 to the Sat. night meal.

After the tough ridges and valleys of the previous walks this year, we now have a doddle on some flat country.

Sat.27th July: Its a leisurely stroll along the backroads between Melrose and Murraytown with a bit of rugged cross-country just in case you were missing it!

Sun.28th July: From Murraytown its more easy backroads until we reach Wirrabara Forest where we get a taste of the “roller coaster” walking that awaits us in August.

(These walks may be adjusted if weather affects bus access).

Myponga
2013-07-21
Short but technically difficult walk, mostly on animal trails for the adventurous. Exploring Myponga Conservation Park. Some bush bashing but nothing too thick. Appoximately 800m of climb on undulating route for the day. The reward is great views.

Para Wirra Goldfields Circuit
2013-07-21
A pretty walk commencing at the Bowden Cottages through the historic Para Wirra goldfields. Walk up to Devils Nose where there are great views of Para Wirra Park. Using single file tracks and crossing the South Para River we will see the park at its best.

Bring lunch and wear sturdy good grip shoes as slippery in places.
