Accessing water

What you need to know about accessing water on the Heysen Trail

Water can be scarce on the Heysen Trail. You can’t be certain water will be available and even if it is, the water may not be suitable for drinking unless you treat it. This means it’s important to carefully prepare for your hike and make sure you carry enough water for your needs.

The Friends of the Heysen Trail have installed approximately 75 water tanks along the Trail and there are additional tanks at camp sites. We aim to have up-to-date information on the water level for each of our tanks but because some are in remote locations this isn’t always possible, and it’s important to remember water tanks may be empty in dry weather. You’ll also need to treat tank water before you drink it by boiling the water, using a chemical treatment or a water filter.

Be prepared by carrying plenty of water

There are lots of factors influencing how much water you need to carry on your hike including the temperature and the length of your walk. Some people also need to drink more than others to stay hydrated.

For half to full-day walks we recommend you carry at least 1-2 litres of water, depending on the walk length and weather, and as much as 3-4 litres for a long walk if the temperature is forecast to be higher than 25°C. Have a big drink before you start walking, drink well and fill your water container whenever there is available water while you walk. You should also drink plenty of water when you have finished hiking at the end of the day.

Check water tank levels before you leave

We keep a record of water tank levels that have been reported to us in the last 30 days. This means you can check water levels in tanks along the Trail before you start walking. Do not depend on this information for essential drinking water and always carry enough in case a tank is empty.