Friends of the Heysen Trail

Ambers Gully
2016-10-23
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 kangaroos, 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 Â½ hours, but have allowed plenty of time for the ups.

Meal after at CafÃ© Va Bene, Gorge Rd, 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.

Waite Conservation
2016-10-23
Walk starts from the eastern end of Hartley Grove, at the bottom of Wild Dog Glen looping around Waite Conservation Reserve.

Inman Valley to Myponga
2016-10-23
A very undulating walk starting with a climb up Sugarloaf Hill and on to Moon Hill, each offering spectactular rural views. With more ups & downs through the native bushland in the Myponga Conservation Park.

The back half of the day sees us walking through pretty farmland and along quiet country roads.

After leaving the trail at Yulte Road we have a 2 klms walk to the cars.

After the finish of the walk there will an end of season celebration with a Christmas Theme which we hope you all will stay for. A time to enjoy the company of your fellow walkers & reflect upon our first season on the Heysen Trail.

So bring something to share and maybe wear something to engender the forthcoming Christmas spirit and finish the season off in a joyous mood.

Walk Leader Training
2016-10-18
Walk Leading for the Friends.

What is involved and how to do it.

An information session offered by experienced walk leaders.

Beaumont Spur ( a walk through the Mt Osmond Reserve and Cleland Conservation Park )
2016-10-16
A challenging walk through the back of Beaumont up to Mt. Osmond, onto the Old Bullock track then into and around Cleland Conservation Park, exiting the park at the bottom of the Winter Track crossing over Waterfall Gully Rd and back into the Mount Osmond Reserve for the short walk back to the cars.

The actual walk through Cleland will be determined by the weather conditions on the day as it can be quite hot by mid October, but will inevitably include some testing climbs.The trcks to be followed could include the Mirren, Chinamans, Carro, Attunga, Nangare and Wine Shanty Tracks.

Cleland Conservation Park
2016-10-16
A loop walk around Cleland Wildlife Park, and up to Mt Lofty Summit for Morning Tea. This includes the final steep 860 metres along the main Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty Summit Track. Walking SA are hosting walks in the area on the day, and there will be marquees on the summit set up by the various walking clubs in SA (maybe including The FOHT). So bring your own morning tea, as the cafe is likely to be very busy! The return route to the wildlife park is will depend on the weather. An optional BBQ lunch using the free gas BBQ’s is planned after the walk. BYO meat, salad and drinks.

Bring your camera, as Dingoes, Yellow Footed Rock Wallabies, Emus & Kangaroos are likely to be sighted through the perimeter fence.

Webb Gap to Burra Rd to Worlds End
2016-10-15 - 2016-10-16
On Saturday…

The trail continues along the Tothill Range, providing expansive views over the surrounding farmland and Apoinga Lagoon.

On Sunday…

The trail crosses undulating farmland before entering the scrubland of the Hallelujah Hills. The day finishes with an easy stroll to Worlds End Gorge.

NOTE – If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOHT office to register for that days walk. The online registering system will only allow you to register for both days.

Linear Park Trail Athelstone
2016-10-09
A pleasant ramble on the Linear Park Trail, walking on both sides of the Torrens, much of the walk off the paved trail. A good walk in hot weather, with several exit options.

Shepherds Hill
2016-10-09
Exploring the parks of the face foothills. There are some good hills here as we cross gullies. shorter than usual trail walker but the hills make up for it.

Mostly on well made tracks with views.

Wandallah to Newikie Creek to Dares Hill Summit Road
2016-10-08 - 2016-10-09
SATURDAY 8 OCTOBER 2016

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 9 OCTOBER 2016

This section passes through Caroona Conservation Park and Tourilie Gorge, which is one of the lessor known gems of the Trail. Look out for the remnants of an old bullock cut through the gorge.

SATURDAY EVENING MEAL – Farrell Flat

THEME FOR THE WEEKEND – B (as in bikini, beach, bowling etc)

NOTE – If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOHT office to register for that days walk. The online registering system will only allow you to register for both days.

Cleland to Montacute Heights
2016-10-02
This spectacular section of the trail passes through the native bushland of cleland, Horsnell Gully and Morialta Conservation Parks and along roadsides, providing frequent vistas over Adelaide and the Hills.

Mt Barker
2016-10-02
From Laratinga Wetlands on Mount Barker Creek our ultimate destination is the Mount Barker summit. On a clear day views can be seen over the Lower Lakes of the Murray and west over the Onkaparinga Valley to Mount Lofty. Walking will be on the verge of some minor country roads until we reach the Conservation Reserve which offers a trail through open woodland. The understorey has a sparse layer of shrubs amongst which can be found a variety of native ground-cover and bulbous flowering plants.

Lavender Federation Trail Webb Gap to Manoora
2016-10-01
I AM SORRY TO SAY THIS WALK HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO BUS NOT BEING ABLE TO GET US NO OUR STARTING PLACE.

WE WILL COMPLETE THIS WALK IN EARLY NEXT YEAR.

Final walk on the Lavender Trail for this year.

We leave the Tothills behind us as we move west. We pass a wind farm and on to Waterloo and then Manoora.

Hahndorf - Bridgewater
2016-09-27
This walk follows the Pioneers Women’s Trail from where it begins in Hahndorf to a short distance beyond Bridgewater.

More information on this historic trail is available at https://www.walkingsa.org.au/walk/find-a-place-to-walk/pioneer-womens-trail-verdun-to-beaumont/

(Note that the downloadable map shows the trail starting at Verdun.)

Chamber Gully loop
2016-09-25
A loop walk starting with a long climb to Greenhill Rd., follow the Wine Shanty to Mt. Lofty,then to Eagle on the Hill and back to the start.

22km / approx.5hr

Tugwell Road to Inman Valley
2016-09-25
Having left the coast the trail enters the South Mount Lofty Ranges for what is a gently undulating walk through native bushland and private grazing land along quiet country roads and attractive road reserves. A number of the short climbs during the walk offer some classic Fleurieu farmland views.

Some parts of the walk can be a little wet and boggy but native orchids, grass trees and abundant birdlife more than compensate for any adverse conditions under foot.

Para Wirra
2016-09-25
This is a loop walk skirting Humbug Scrub Conservation Park and then going into Para Wirra National Park. Though mainly undulating there is some walking on tracks alng creek beds and the final section has a moderate up and down to the cars.

CAN BE SLIPPERY WHEN WET. GOOD BOOTS RECCOMENDED.

Broadview to Woolshed Flat to Quorn
2016-09-24 - 2016-09-25
Saturday – 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 Waukarie Creek and a classic Flinders Ranges creek walk.

Sunday – 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.

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.

Morialta
2016-09-18
A walk around the lesser trodden tracks of Morialta.Approx 25kms this walk is for those who don’t mind testing out their stamina and lung capacity.A good level of fitness will be required to complete this walk in approx 6-7hrs

Bring morn tea,lunch and energy snacks.

Walking Poles recomended

Anstey Hill Recreation Park, Vista
2016-09-18
Ã pleasant walk through and around the Anstey Hill Recreation Park, named after an early road in the area built by George Alexander Anstey, a pioneer pastoralist & horticulturalist in Adelaide.

Starting from Gate 6 a gradual rise leads us to the Newmans Nursery ruins where we veer southwards to climb towards the southern boundary of the park past the water treatment before skirting the boundary to the eastern edge and a walk through bushland and open space where the odd western grey kangaroo is likely to be seen.

The walk then wends its way along various tracks past old quarries and mines in the northern section of the park before following a narrow track down to the Boundary Track, along which we may observe some native orchids. After a short time on the Boundary track we then have a steady climb up the Wildflower walk where at the top we may again find some more orchids. We then walk down the Ridge Top walk to re-join the Boundary track and a short walk back to our cars.

Peters Hill to Gerkie Gap to Webb Gap
2016-09-17 - 2016-09-18
On Saturday…

A pleasant walk along back roads through undulating farmland to the southern end of Tothill Range, taking in the town of Marrabel and its memorial to the famous buckjumper ‘Curio’.

On Sunday…

This section of the trail follows the Tothill Ranges, which boast the largest remaining section of remnant scrub in the area and are one of the delights of the Mid-North. There are pleasant vistas over the surrounding farmland, with constant reminders of 19th century optimism and 21st century technology.

NOTE – If you wish to walk on only one day, please contact the FOHT office to register for that days walk. The online registering system will only allow you to register for both days.

Horsnell Gully
2016-09-11
Gully hopping from Horsnell into Gandys, up and down.

One of Adelaide’s hidden bushlands.

Up the waterfall track

Cox's Scrub
2016-09-11
Gentle bushland which has escaped clearing apparently as it was no good for farming. It was used for keeping bees as the wild flowers are abundant. The sugar gums which are not native to the area attract both birds and bees. Views of the surrounding country.

Morning coffee at the Quarry

Lunch by The Finniss River

Approx 10 ks, some sandy tracts,

Raeville to Locks Ruin to Bowman Park
2016-09-10 - 2016-09-11
SATURDAY 10 September 2016

This walk follows dirt roads into the small town of Georgetown and beyond past Hiskeys Hut. The trail then follows undulating fencelines through Sams Hills.

SUNDAY 11 September 2016

An easy walk, predominantly along roads and road reserves, this section takes us through the town of Crystal Brook, then follows the Crystal Brook itself to historic Bowman Park.

Saturday night – BBQ at Gladstone Caravan Park. BYO meat, drinks, plates, cutlery, glass plus either a salad or dessert to share (one between 2 people will be sufficient).

THEME – The theme for Saturday night, 17 May, is anything that begins with “G”. Looking forward to see what you come up with.

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.

Mylor to Cleland
2016-09-04
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.

Mt Lofty circle
2016-09-04
A comfortable walk across Cleland Conservation Park following contour paths below the summits of Mount Lofty and Bonython. There will be views looking over the city and a variety of wild flowers to see. Descending, we will then track along Piccadilly Valley for a climb back to the ridge line via Rhododendron Gully in the Botanic Gardens.

Lavender Federation Trail Scenic Road to Webb Gap
2016-09-03
Continuing north on Scenic Road we come to Inspiration Point Lookout with great views.

We move down and on through Peppermint Springs Station.

Just beyond we pass a patch of preserved Peppermint Box Gums with the shrub and ground layers still in tack as has been for many centuries. We come across two quality information boards for the LFT & HT and then it is up and over Webb Gap.

I have arranged with the bus company that weather and conditions permitting, we will approach Bluff Range from the west reaching Scenic Road near where we turned off from it last month before the decent to our cars. This will save the climb back up to Scenic Road which we would have to do otherwise.

Waitpinga to Tugwell Road
2016-08-28
One of the most spectacular sections of the trail. Leaving the Waitpinga campground the trail slowly climbs its way along sandy tracks through the coastal scrub of Newland Head Conservation Park before wending its way along dramatic clifftops towards Victor Harbor.This part of the walk offers great coastal views which may include sightings of whales, dolphins, seals and the endangered white bellied sea eagle.

At Kings Beach the trail leaves the coast to begin its long journey north initially along roads and an uncleared road reserve up to and past Newland Hill before finishing at the junction of Tugwell & Halls Creek Rds

Mt Hayfield
2016-08-28
This walk takes in sections of the Mount Hayfield forest including the pine and native forest areas. It provides some stunning views over Yanakalilla and the coast around Normanville.

This is a very strenuous walk.

Blewett Springs
2016-08-28
This is a loop walk, alternating between walking through the native flora of the Blewitt Springs and Manning Reserves and lovely overviews of the surrounding vineyards and hills.

This walk will take approximately 3 hours. You will need enclosed walking shoes/boots as we will be going through scrub, as well as water and a hat.

There will be morning tea at the end of the walk, with Tea and Coffee provided.
