Friends of the Heysen Trail

Blackwood Reserve
2023-06-18
The Blackwood and Coromandel Valley in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s was known for its orchards and market gardens.

The walk will commence along the Sturt River Linear Path and then past one of the earlier orchards established in 1909 and still owned by the same family.

Climbing gradually we enter the Blackwood Forest Recreational Park with its pine trees, an old ruin and information boards explaining the experimental orchards of years past.

Joining the Sturt River Linear Path again we walk back to our starting point.

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
2023-06-18
A loop walk with steep climbs over Mt Crawford and Little Mt Crawford rewarding with excellent views. Then onto tracks through forest areas including a platform walk and then working our way to the finish along the trail of the North Warren Reservoir.

This walk is graded as Trail Walker and only register if you have the experience required.

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.

Morialta
2023-06-22
A figure of eight walk in the Morialta Cons Park that covers some of the less frequented sections of the Park. There will be a number of steepish climbs throughout the walk though nothing “gut-busting”, and a few tricky and potentially slippery descents. Advisable to bring walking poles.

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 17 - Mt Crawford to Pewsey Vale
2023-06-24
Walk Details: 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.

Fitness: The Heysen Trail walks are demanding and suitable for experienced walkers who have walked regularly in various terrain consisting of long-distance trails with some steep inclines/declines, irregular surface with loose uneven, slippery base. They have a walking time of about 5 to 7 hours and will require a good degree of physical fitness.

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.

Pewsey Vale- Kyeema (Week 8)
2023-06-24 - 2023-07-02
End 2 End Minus and it’s Week Eight in our final year and the theme is Braveheart!
Day 1 Starting where we left off in Week 7, we trek from Pewsey Vale, well and truly now in the Mount Lofty Ranges, across the Wirra Wirra Peaks, up the 100-step stairway to Mt Crawford, then on to the old Mount Crawford cemetery.
Day 2 Starts with a climb up to Little Mount Crawford through Chalks and then up to Tower Hill with expansive views to the north, east and west. The Trail then descends into the Warren Conservation Park, a delightful, contoured track to Watts Gully Road and onto Nugget Road.
Day 3 From Nugget Road, into more forest and the Scotts Camps site, skirting to the east of Kersbrook, past Mount Gould, Simmonds Hill, Chain of Ponds to Cuddlee Creek.
Day 4 Begins with a long road walk, past Grandpas Camp and then the ups and downs begin around Thomas Hill, Cardiac Hill and the Montacute CP and finally the heart stopping climb out of Sixth Creek to Montacute Heights and Cherryville.
Day 5 Thankfully a rest day.
Day 6 From Montacute Heights the Trail loops through Morialta CP past waterfalls and over creeks to emerge at Norton Summit, continuing in Horsnell Gully, with more hills finally reaching Cleland CP.
Day 7 From Cleland, we hit Mount Lofty with a choice of either the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens or not. Then on to Woodhouse Activity Centre, past Mount George, Bridgewater Mill, briefly into Mylor CP and finishing at Mylor.
Day 8 Takes us from Mylor on a long road walk until Glen Bold where the Trail tackles the boardwalk through to Jupiter Creek Gold Fields and the start of the Kuitpo Forest region, Rocky Creek, Knott Hill and finishing at Dashwood Gully Road.
Day 9 Takes the group through the Kuitpo Forest for much of the day, traversing Chookaloo Campground, Christmas Hill and finally into the Kyeema CP.

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.

Hardy's Scrub
2023-06-25
This is a loop walk, to and through Hardy’s scrub and following parts of the Willunga Basin Trail. You will see native flora and lovely view of the surrounding vineyards and hills. There a a couple of steep sections of hill climbing but in the main it will be gentle inclines and declines. This walk will take approximately 3-3 1/2 hours. Ensure you have enclosed walking shoes/boots as we will be going through scrub, as well as plenty of water and walking poles

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.

Scott Creek CP
2023-06-25
Scott Creek Conservation Park was severely impacted by fire in January 2021.
The good news is that regrowth since then has been massive.
The bad news is that the regrowth since then has been massive. We will not be able to walk the trail shown in the “Push the Bush” collection of walks (published in 2005).

This walk will a training walk, following some of the fire trails in the eastern section of the park.

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.

Myponga Loop
2023-07-01
Trail Starter. Join me for this 7.7-km loop trail near Myponga, South Australia. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 8 min to complete. A great little trail exploring the area near the Myponga Reservoir, located less than an hours drive south from the centre of Adelaide, South Australia.

We will head to the Smiling Samoyed Brewery for lunch. Smiling Samoyed Brewery
Hansen St, Myponga SA 5202. https://smilingsamoyed.com.au/ They are open 11.30am – 5pm on Saturdays. If you would like to stay for lunch please let me know when you book for the hike so I can arrange a table.

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.

Worlds End to Burra to Wandallah with End to End 14
2023-07-01 - 2023-07-02
Saturday Worlds End to Burra – 25km 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 Burra to Wandallah – 16km 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.

Walk Difficulty – The Heysen Trail walks are demanding and suitable for experienced walkers who have walked regularly in various terrain consisting of long-distance trails with some steep inclines/declines, irregular surface with loose uneven, slippery base. They have a walking time of about 5 to 7 hours and will require a good degree of physical fitness.

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 Pleasant Summit
2023-07-02
Come along to enjoy a moderately challenging walk with spectacular scenic vantage points as we wind our way through working pine forests and areas of native flora, culminating in the Mt Pleasant summit. This walk has a variety of terrain including some ups and downs so if you have some basic bushwalking fitness, then this walk could be for you!

Black Hill and Morialta Loop
2023-07-02 08:00 - 14:00 (Australia/Adelaide)
This walk is ideal for walkers in need of a bit of a challenge and to develop techniques for rough tracks, steep inclines and declines. Walking poles and boots with good ankle support are recommended. You will be rewarded with some lovely views over Adelaide. The walk is only about 18kms but is challenging.

The meeting place is at the end of Addison Avenue, Athelstone at the park entry. It commences at 8am and should finish by 14:00 so bring morning tea and lunch.

Contact me on the day on 0400320943 if necessary.

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.

Aligator Gorge Rd to Horrocks Pass to Broadview
2023-07-08 - 2023-07-09
This is a multi day walk. If you wish to register for only one day, please contact the office once registrations open.

Please note: this walk will be run out of the usual order

Saturday: Horrocks Pass to Broadview – 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 and Spencer Gulf.

Sunday: Aligator Gorge Rd to Horrocks Pass – The trail initially leads over Lavender Peak to picturesque Stony Creek campsite. From there, tracks, back roads and a walk next to a busy highway take walkers to the memorial to explorer John Horrocks

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.

Accommodation: Melrose, Wilmington

Theme: Christmas in July

Bridgewater/Mt Lofty Gdns
2023-07-09
This beautiful 12klm return walk takes us through the Mount George Conservation reserve, using the Heysen trail.
Walking by the old mill water wheel, along the old railway embankment, then passing under the Adelaide Melbourne rail line, take in the fairy garden as we then walk under the freeway into the conservation park.
Koala’s are a semi regular sight in this area.
As are beautiful reflections in the dam.
Then by strolling with care, across the Stirling golf course, we enter the Woodside Scout camp, and puff up the hill to the Heysen monument, Marking the early history- of the trail.
Then with a little road walking we end up in the Mt Lofty Botanic Garden. Here we will have a lovely rest break, before returning back to Bridgewater.
Once back we finish coincidentally, just by the ” Little Cog ” cafe, we will have a coffee and some social time together there.
Please indicate if you’re joining us. The question asks re a meal but it’s coffee and a social chat.
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.

Waitpinga to Tugwell Rd - E2E17
2023-07-09
One of the most spectacular sections of the Trail. Walkers follow sandy tracks through the coastal scrub of Newland Head Conservation Park, and will have dramatic clifftop views 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 begin the long journey northward inland.

Fitness: The Heysen Trail walks are demanding and suitable for experienced walkers who have walked regularly in various terrain consisting of long-distance trails with some steep inclines/declines, irregular surface with loose uneven, slippery base. They have a walking time of about 5 to 7 hours and will require a good degree of physical fitness.

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.

Willunga Basin Trail - Kangarilla to McLaren Flat
2023-07-09
The Willunga Basin Trail winds its way around and across the beautiful Willunga Basin for 130km – taking walkers through a diverse landscape of bushland, forests, vineyards, almond groves, parks and beaches.

Walk the trail over 6 walks or walk any of the individual sections.

WALK 4: We start with a good climb from Kangarilla and then meander through Kuipto Forest. A gentle rise to Mt Wilson and descending to McLaren Flat. 21km walking.

Bring sufficient water for the day, morning tea and lunch.

Please be aware of FOHT weather policies regarding cancellation of walks. This walk will use a bus to take us to the start of the walk and please note you need to pay for the bus whether you are using it or not.

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.

Sir Mark Oliphant CP
2023-07-11
A lovely loop walk in the beautiful Mark Oliphant Cons. Park with its rich variety of stringybark and eucalypt woodlands, and diverse wildlife including the southern brown bandicoot.
The walk meanders through the park on both sides of Evans Drive and includes a number of steepish climbs and descents, some over rocky ground which can be slippery if wet. Depending on the weather conditions there may be a short off track section included in the 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.

Cleland
2023-07-13
The walk will start on the Steub walking trail which climbs through forest woodland with wonderful views over the southern ridges and out over the Adelaide plains until we reach the Mount Lofty Summit. From the summit we will take tracks less used until joining the popular Wine Shanty trail and onto the perimeter of the wildlife park. Taking our time we will hopefully see some of the animals before returning to the start. At the completion of the walk you may wish to visit the cafe for a coffee or lunch.

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 Compass/ Kyeema/Dashwood Gully Rd
2023-07-15 - 2023-07-16
Note: If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOTH office (once bookings open) to register for that day’s walk.

The online registering will only allow you to register for both days

Day 1 Saturday – Mt Compass – Kyeema

The pretty dairy pastures of Mt Compass and Nangkita provide the backdrop for the first section of this walk. Back roads then lead walkers up a steady incline through to Finniss Conservation Park and into Mt Magnificent Conservation Park, where a short steep hike off the main trail which will reward walkers with spectacular views from Mt. Magnificent over the southern Fleurieu Peninsula.

A combination of native bushland then back-road walking completes the day.

Fitness: The Heysen Trail walks are demanding and suitable for experienced walkers who have walked regularly in various terrain consisting of long-distance trails with some steep inclines/declines, irregular surface with loose uneven, slippery base. They have a walking time of about 5 to 7 hours and will require a good degree of physical fitness.

Day 2 Sunday – Kyeema – Dashwood Gully

The walk starts off in the dense native bushland of Kyeema Conservation Park, and then the plantations of Kuitpo Forest. The walking here is gently undulating sandy trails.

We cross over a couple of main arterial roads where care needs to be taken.

We then exit Kuitpo Forest onto Stagecoach Road for the return to the cars.

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.

Kuitpo
2023-07-16
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.

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.

FOHT Council Meeting
2023-07-19 17:30 - 19:30
Friends of Heysen Trail Council Meeting

The Friends encourages engagement and interaction across our membership/volunteers. Committees and Members are welcome to attend – if interested please register so our Secretary is aware to expect extra people.

Cleland
2023-07-20
An undulating and testing loop walk in Cleland Cons. Park that includes one long steep climb, two other shorter steepish climbs and numerous other minor undulations There are also some tricky descents.

There will be short breaks for morning tea and lunch during the walk.

Overall a good walk to test your fitness levels.

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 Walks 19 & 20 - Tanunda to Kapunda to Hamilton
2023-07-22 - 2023-07-23
Saturday Walk Details: Tanunda to Kapunda – 25km

This section takes walkers along back roads and 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, with a finish at Kapunda in easy walking distance to bakeries or pubs.

Saturday Night Function (Optional): Kapunda Trotting Club (when registering Select “RSVP” if you wish to come and then Click on “Event Details” to see more details).

Sunday Walk Details: Kapunda to Hamilton – 24 km

From Kapunda we head northwest along backroads and tracks to Black Joes Road, then mainly north along fence lines and tracks to the old telephone exchange at the crossroads. The walk is over undulating mainly open country of the lower North Mount Lofty Ranges.

Fitness: The Heysen Trail walks are demanding and suitable for experienced walkers who have walked regularly in various terrain consisting of long-distance trails with some steep inclines/declines, irregular surface with loose uneven, slippery base. They have a walking time of about 5 to 7 hours and will require a good degree of physical fitness.

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/Warren CP
2023-07-23
Starting at Mt Crawford Forest Information Centre, we skirt around the edges of Warren Reservoir before climbing up into Warren Conservation Park. From there we head in a southerly direction along the Heysen Trail. Joining up with the Tower Loop Trail, we head back to Tower Hill for panoramic views over the area. We then head along forest tracks to Chalks campground, then follow the Heysen Trail boardwalk and forest tracks back to the cars.

This walk is approx. 20 kms and will take about 6 hours to complete. It is graded as Trail Walker and only register if you have the experience required .

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.

Sturt Gorge
2023-07-23 08:30 - 11:30
This walk will be in the Stuart Gorge area. It will include some up and down sections. Depending on the river water level we will cross the river several times, and this will include rock hopping. The walk will include the Magpie Creek Trail, and a view of the Sturt Dam. Waterproof hiking boots recommended. A reasonable fitness is required.

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.

Tugwell Rd to Inman Valley - E2E17
2023-07-30
Unfortunately, due to ongoing road works at Tappanappa, and the deterioration of Tunk Head Rd leading into Balquhidder, we will walk from Tugwell Rd through to Inman Valley.

This section follows country roads, farm paddock fencelines, forest trails and road reserves. Native orchids, grass trees, abundant birdlife and classic Fleurieu farmland views make this a pleasant walk to remember.

Fitness: The Heysen Trail walks are demanding and suitable for experienced walkers who have walked regularly in various terrain consisting of long-distance trails with some steep inclines/declines, irregular surface with loose uneven, slippery base. They have a walking time of about 5 to 7 hours and will require a good degree of physical fitness.

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 George Circuit Walk
2023-07-30
Come along for an Adelaide Hills walk in the Mt George Conservation Park. Starting in Bridgewater, we will use the Heysen Trail and other local walking trails to explore the area, including a short climb to the Mt George Summit and the reward of lovely views over rolling hills toward Mt Lofty.

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.

Dares Hill Summit Rd to Hallett to EE George Quarry with E2E14
2023-08-05 - 2023-08-06
Dares Hill Summit Rd to Hallett – 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.

Hallett to EE George Quarry – A gently undulating walk, mainly along rural back roads and road reserves. The seasonally changing hues of the surrounding farmland make this a unique and pleasant walk.

Optional Saturday Night Meal – see below for details

Walk Difficulty – The Heysen Trail walks are demanding and suitable for experienced walkers who have walked regularly in various terrain consisting of long-distance trails with some steep inclines/declines, irregular surface with loose uneven, slippery base. They have a walking time of about 5 to 7 hours and will require a good degree of physical fitness.

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.

Waitpinga
2023-08-06
This is a harder Trail Starter with many ups and downs and rough rocky tracks.

Following the Heysen Trail we reach the rugged cliffs of Newland Head Conservation Park where with weather permitting there is spectacular views along the coast line.

Leaving the coast behind we walk inland with wide open views of farm land on the right and bush on the left. A sharp turn takes us into the bush where we should see many flowering wildflowers and maybe some orchids. Time will be given to enjoy this pretty area.

Leaving the bush behind we will see the sea again before arriving back at our cars.

If the weather is bad on the day the walk will not go to the coast, staying inland and will be only around 7km.

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.

Crafers - Brownhill Creek
2023-08-06 09:00 - 15:00
This walk incorporates fragments of the Sea to Summit, the Yurrebilla Trail with sections taken from “Walking in the Mount Lofty Ranges Network B” by National Fitness Council of South Australia (1975) and the UBD Street Directory.

It is a loop of 17.5km walking from Crafers, through the Belair National Park to Brownhill Creek and back to Crafers.

The reward for an assent of around 400m will be views of Adelaide from a unique perspective.
(There will be other hills besides!)

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.

Summertown
2023-08-08
A relatively comfortable undulating walk in and around some roads and reserve areas in Summertown before and after a foray along some tracks in the north eastern portion of Cleland National Park. Sections of the walk maybe slippery if wet.

THERE WILL ONLY BE A SHORT BREAK FOR MORNING TEA.

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.
