Friends of the Heysen Trail

Coastal Series Outer Harbour to Sellicks Beach - Walk 5 - O'Sullivan Beach to Moana
2026-02-13
We have a Beautiful Coastline, so why don’t we walk it.

Join us to do 7 Coastal Walks from Outer Harbour to Sellicks Beach

Held Friday morning from 16th Jan to 27th Feb

Registrations open for Walks 5-7 open Friday 30th Jan

(Register for each individual walk)

Section 5 –9.5 km O’Sullivan’s Beach to Moana

The walks may include some beach walking.

Meeting at end point and carpooling to start.

Option of Coffee Post Walk

“Walkers decision in regards to Algae Bloom”

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.

TW Balquhidder - Waitpinga
2026-02-15
Note: At this stage this walk is not affected by the Deep Creek bushfire, but we are monitoring the situation. We recommend driving to the meeting location via Victor Harbor Road, rather than taking Main South Road through Yankalilla and Delamere.

Between Balquhidder and Waitpinga you’ll enjoy picturesque farmland, cross Callawonga Creek and walk along the unspoilt, sandy Parsons and Waitpinga beaches.

This is a spectacular walk and make sure you keep an eye out for dolphins and whales along this section of coast.

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.

Waite CP( morn)
2026-02-15
A lovely loop walk in the Waite Conservation Reserve, with plenty of undulations, passing through remnant grassy woodlands along the hilly backdrop to Adelaide. The walk offers some spectacular views over Adelaide to the sea. Naturally to enjoy these views requires some climbing including the well known Wild Dog Glen climb early in the walk.

Will include 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.

Steps and Stones - Seacliff
2026-02-15
E2E16’s Training Walk – others Welcome

Walk multiple locations of Stairs around Seacliff and then descending onto foreshore rocks and stones to walk to Marino Headland

The rocks may be challenging

Morning tea on foreshore and then returning via stones to reclimb the stairs

Bring Hiking Poles

Great training for End-to-End walkers

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.

Coastal Series Outer Harbour to Sellicks Beach - Walk 3- West Beach to Brighton
2026-02-17
This is the walk that was originally scheduled for Friday 30th Jan but was cancelled due to Extreme weather. Please note it is now rescheduled for Tuesday 17th February.
Section 3- 10 km West Beach to Brighton

The walks may include some beach walking.

Meeting at end point and carpooling to start.

Option of Coffee Post Walk

“Walkers decision in regards to Algae Bloom”

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.

Field River Linear Trail
2026-02-17
Walking from Old Reynella to Happy Valley Reservoir and return, some 11k of essentially flat trail. Primarily hard surface so hiking boots and poles are not required. Toilets and access to drinking water along the way.

The trail has no signage at all and there are several spots where you have to stop and wonder “where to next”. But I have taken care of that. Just follow me.

Morning tea at Happy Valley Reservoir where we have access to more toilets, drinking water and a defibrillator. The other heart starter, the coffee caravan, will not be open.

In short, a dry riverbed on one side of the trail and urban development on the other. It’s actually better than it sounds.

Lunch option post walk for those that are interested.

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
2026-02-18 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-03-18 17:30 - 19:30 (Australia/Adelaide)
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.

Warriparinga Wetlands
2026-02-18 18:00 - 19:30
This walk begins at the Warriparinga Wetlands, home of the “Living Kaurna” Cultural Centre. The Aboriginal Kaurna words Warri Parii mean “windy place by the river”, and we will take some time to enjoy the newly installed art works scattered around the grounds. We then follow the Flinders train line track to the old Mitsubishi factory, now transformed into the Tonsley Innovation district, and it’s indoor garden, before joining the Sturt Linear foot/bike track back to our 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.

Coastal Series Outer Harbour to Sellicks Beach - Walk 6 - Moana to Pt Willunga
2026-02-20
We have a Beautiful Coastline, so why don’t we walk it.

Join us to do 7 Coastal Walks from Outer Harbour to Sellicks Beach

Held Friday morning from 16th Jan to 27th Feb

Registrations open for Walks 5-7 open Friday 30th Jan

(Register for each individual walk)

Section 6 –10.5 km approx -Moana To Pt Willunga

The walks may include some beach walking and walking over rocks on beach

Meeting at end point and carpooling to start.

Option of Post walk Coffee

“Walkers decision in regards to Algae Bloom”

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.

West Lakes Surprise
2026-02-25 18:00 - 20:00
Join me for a walk around West Lakes and Tennyson Beach.

Optional dinner afterwards at Lakes Resort (Knots Kitchen).

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.

Coastal Series Outer Harbour to Sellicks Beach - Walk 7 - Pt Willunga to Sellicks Beach
2026-02-27
We have a Beautiful Coastline, so why don’t we walk it.

Join us to do 7 Coastal Walks from Outer Harbour to Sellicks Beach

Held Friday morning from 16th Jan to 27th Feb

Registrations open for Walks 5-7 open Friday 30th Jan

(Register for each individual walk)

Section 7 – 11 km Pt Willunga to Sellicks Beach

The walks may include some Beach Walking, Scrub Walking & Pebble Beach Walking

Meeting at end point and carpooling to start.

Celebration of series end at Victory Hotel

“Walkers decision in regards to Algae Bloom”

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.

Happy Valley Reservoir
2026-03-01
This is a lovely 11km loop walk around the reservoir. There are usually lots of kangaroos. It takes between 2 1/2 to 3 hours. It is mainly flat with a few easy ups and downs. We will meet at the main entrance (southern end) off Chandlers Hill Rd. Gates open at 7:30 and we will leave promptly at 8 or before if everyone is there. Bring plenty of water and be sun safe.

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.

SW Mark Oliphant CP (morn)
2026-03-08
A lovely loop walk through the beautiful Mark Oliphant Conservation Park south east of Adelaide. Named in honour of the former State Governor Sir Mark Oliphant the park is home for a wide variety of eucalypts including a small stand of Candlebark gums and many flowering shrubs, native animals and birds.

Throughout the walk there are a number of ups and downs, though nothing too daunting.

There will be a short morning tea break.

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.

Linear Trail - West Beach Loop
2026-03-11 17:30 - 19:00
Join us for a twilight walk along the River Torrens. Starting at the rivers mouth at West Beach/Henley Beach, the walk takes us along a tree lined section of the trail through to Fulham Park Drive where we’ll cross the bridge and stroll back along the other side of the river. An easy flat walk with the opportunity for bird spotting amongst the River Red Gums and reed beds. If you love this walk, we’ll pick the trail up again next fortnight for the next section.

Brownhill Creek Loop
2026-03-18 17:15 - 19:45
More commonly known as Wabbit, this loop is 9.5 kms with 350 mts climbing. Estimated time is 2.5 kms at a reasonable pace. There are some steep descents, so good hiking shoes are essential.

The hike goes over sections of the Yurrebilla Trail through Waite, with great views over Adelaide. We often come across cattle in open space, but don’t let that put you off, they are friendly.

Bring a head lamp, just in case the sun starts to set.

For those who would like dinner afterwards, we can go to the Ed 1/7 High Street Mitcham. Please let me know so I can book.

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.

Trail Maintenance Section Leaders Info Day
2026-03-19
Keeping the Trail Alive & Accessible

The Friends Trail Development Committee annual information and planning session for volunteer Section & Activity Leaders.

As The Friends celebrates 40 Years of Volunteering to support the Heysen Trail it is more important than ever that we reaffirm our advocacy and commitment to developing the Trail.

A day focused on projects that are on foot; areas of the Trail that need attention; shed and trail volunteers working together; training needs; and sharing ideas for future investment and generating volunteer renewal.

Brownhill Ck - Mitcham Cemetery Loop
2026-03-22
E2E16’s Training – others Welcome

This loop hike leaves Brownhill Creek valley using the Yurrebilla Trail and into Belair N.P. & Meandering through Belair N.P.
After exiting Belair N.P. a section on local roads to Randell Park. At the bottom of Randell Park, the route returns to Brownhill Creek through the Mitcham Cemetery.
Steep Climbs and Descents with uneven surfaces- 15 km

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 CP ( morn)
2026-03-24
An undulating loop walk in the Morialta Conservation Park. Commencing with a sharp ascent on the Woodeford track. There are a number of other testing ups and downs throughout the walk. Though not a long walk it does offers a number challenges to improve your fitness as the season approaches,

There will be a short break during the walk to enable walkers to “refuel”.

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 End to End Coordinators/Walk Leaders/Support Drivers Information Evening
2026-03-25
This night is designed as an informal information evening for End To End Walk Leaders and Support Drivers.

Purpose:

Welcome the Leadership Team of E2E20

E2E leaders to meet, share experiences & a couple of short presentations –

Purpose of E2E Program, volunteering and revenue into Trail
Reconciliation/ Acknowledgement of Country/ E2E walking on country
Role of Trail Development and Maintenance

Time: 6.30pm approx. 2 hours

Food funded by FOHT : finger-style foods [cheeses, pizza, savoury items, fruit, includes some gluten/dairy free]

Drinks funded by FOHT : alcohol, coffee, soft drink.

Linear Trail - Underdale Loop
2026-03-25 17:30 - 19:00
Join us for a twilight walk along the River Torrens. Starting at the Torrens Linear Trail (at the bridge on the corner of Fulham Park Drive and Frontage Road, Lockleys), the walk takes us along a tree lined trail through Underdale where we’ll cross a bridge and stroll back along the other side. An easy flat walk with the opportunity for bird spotting amongst the River Red Gums and reed beds.

Wine Shanty / Cleland
2026-03-28 08:30 - 11:30
The Wine Shanty Hike is a 10km loop bushwalk through the eastern section of Cleland Conservation Park.

We will walk through Stringybark forest along sections of the Heysen and Yurrebilla Trails.
The walk combines some steep climbs with gentler sections – we will do it in the direction that best suits a Trail Starter.

Morning tea will be a short diversion to the cafe (and facilities) at the Cleland Wildlife 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.

Black Hill Lovers
2026-03-29 07:00 - 11:00
Need to get a few hills under your belt before the walk season gets under way?

Join me at Black Hill for 1 or 2 different loops. You can decide on the day to exit after 1 loop or stay for the 2nd loop.

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.

WalkingSA WalkFest 2026
2026-03-29 09:00 - 13:00
2026 WalkFest date is confirmed as Sunday 29th March 2026, from 9am to 1pm.

WalkFest will be held at the Main Oval in Belair National Park.
Entry to both National Park on the day and the WalkFest event is free.

The theme for 2026 is Outdoor Re-Creation and will include a special celebration of the milestone of 40 years of walking for the Friends of the Heysen Trail and 80 years for the Adelaide Bushwalkers.

Many walks, walking clubs, information and gear stalls, food, coffee and fun for kids.

Find further information about WalkFest, including how to register for walks and the location of the Main Oval on the Walking SA website

Wild Dog Glen
2026-04-01 17:30 - 19:30
A walk through the Waite Arboretum will ensure we are warmed up before the steep climb up Wild Dog Glen takes us into the hills behind Waite. Following the Yurebilla Trail we will follow the contours (more or less) south before turning back down past Carrick Hill and returning to the start.

Note that this walk will start earlier than in previous years.

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.

Bridgewater and Surrounds
2026-04-04
This walk follows the Heysen Trail from the Bridgewater oval through Mt George CP, Mt Lofty Golf Course, and Woodhouse Scout Centre. We then make our way to the back of Mt Lofty Summit, then to the top of the Botanic Garden for a well earned morning tea. It’s then back on some of the same trails to the cars.

This is a good training walk to get you ready for the trekking season ahead.

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.

Pioneer Womens Walk
2026-04-06
The Pioneer Women’s Trail is a track that was used in the 1800’s for the women and girls to make the trip on foot to Adelaide where they would sell their produce. They would carry baskets of vegetables and dairy produce, and after selling it in Adelaide, they would return with their purchases and two bricks each for building their church.
This walk is along country roads, laneways, and trails through the Adelaide Hills including Bridgewater and along Cox Creek. We pass through Mt George and Cleland Conservation Parks before descending to Brock Reserve.
(Walking from Silver Road not Hahndorf )
There are a number of up and down sections for this walk.
Bring snacks, morning tea, lunch / Possibility to buy something at the Bakery in Stirling
We will carpool from Brock Reserve-Dashwood Road, Beaumont to Bus Stop 48a -Mt Barker road (South side)

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.

Onkaparinga N P
2026-04-11
A trail starter in length, but with uneven, rocky, slippery and undulating tracks.

A circular walk in a small area of the Onkaparinga National Park passing through areas of native bush, including pink gum and grey box woodland.

This park is home to kangaroos, koalas, echidnas and many birds. As we make our way along the ridge top there is fabulous views of the gorge below.

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.

TW Dump Rd - Waitpinga
2026-04-12
Note: We are walking this section in reverse because of a conflict with EE20 caused by the Deep Creek bushfire.

One of the most spectacular sections of the Trail. Walkers follow roads until we get to the coast at Kings Beach. We then follow clifftop trails and sandy tracks through the coastal scrub of Newland Head Conservation Park. Here whales have been sighted, as well as seals, dolphins and the endangered white bellied sea eagle.

*** Anyone interested in this walk but worried about the cost of fuel, please contact Kristyn Willson via email (heysenee19@gmail.com) to organize car pooling. ***

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.

E2E 20 Waitpinga - Dump Rd
2026-04-12
This is the first walk for the new End to End 20 group:

Note that this end-to-end group will complete the Heysen Trail over 5 years,
Year 1 (2026): 7 walks: on 7 Sundays
Year 2 (2027): 7 weekends of walking
Year 3-4 (2028-2029): 7 weekends away of walking (includes overnight stay Saturday, with accommodation booked by walker)
Year 5 (2030): 2 separate “weeks” away, with walking for 6 days, with a rest day in the middle, and travel days either end (accommodation booked by walker)
After you register for this first walk you will receive an email inviting you to attend one or two introductory walks to be held before this walk.
The introductory walks will give you a chance to assess your fitness and to raise any queries you might have before you embark on the Heysen Trail.
Those people who successfully register for this walk will also be given priority access to register for the subsequent EE20 walks.

Walk 5 Waitpinga to Dump Road

One of the most spectacular sections of the Trail. Walkers follow sandy tracks and clifftop trails through the coastal scrub of Newland Head Conservation Park with dramatic views towards Victor Harbor. At Kings Beach the Trail leaves the coast and follows roads to begin the long journey northward inland

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.

Information re BUS transport: For End to End walks the bus does NOT transport walkers from Adelaide to the walk. After registration, walkers will be given instructions to drive their vehicle to the meeting point which will be at the END point of the day’s walk. The cars remain there and the bus transports the group to the start point. From there, the group walks back 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.
