Friends of the Heysen Trail

Annual General Meeting 2025
2025-04-16 18:30 - 20:00 (Australia/Adelaide)
The 38th Annual General Meeting of the Friends of the Heysen Trail and other Walking Trails Inc will be held at 6.30pm Wednesday 16 April at the Torrens Rowing Club Functions Centre, Victoria Drive, Adelaide.

TS Woorabinda- Mark Oliphant CP
2025-04-16
A pleasant walk through Woorabinda Bushland Reserves and Sir Mark Oliphant CP .The CP is a lovely spot to see an abundance of birds and the odd kangaroo. WBR is made up of 4 separate reserves joined by roads and trails amongst the leafy suburbs of Stirling and Aldgate. The lake at Woorabinda was made in 1922 to provide water to the steam trains at the Aldgate Station.Keep an eye out for turtles as we pass by.Theres a couple of hills that will make you breathe a bit heavier than normal, but overall a comfortable walk.

PLEASE BE AWARE OF HOT WEATHER POLICY AS FOUND ON WEBPAGE UNDER ” CANCELLATIONS ”

9am start – 4hrs – 13:5 kms

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 Cleland National Park - E2E17 PreSeason
2025-04-13
This walk will have us meander around Cleland National Park for about 4.5hrs over approx.15km, helping us prepare our legs & bodies for the walking 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.

TS The Tale of Two Trails
2025-04-13
Trailstarter Plus

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.

Walking SA Annual Walk Expo
2025-04-06
WALKING SA annual WalkFest from 9am at Main Oval Belair.

The Friends is a major partner and will have our information stall as well as special walks on the day. In 2025 we will also showcase 25 years of volunteers organising Heysen Trail End-to-End Walks in our program.

Save the Date and Watch this Space for more details.

Introduction for Prospective Day Walk Leaders
2025-04-05 14:00 - 18:30
The Induction aims to help you decide if this is for you & will cover topics about the Day/Short Walks Leader role including:

The Friends background: role of walking, protocols & policies.
Leadership roles
Walk Planning & preparation
How to Start: organising, support, admin and mentor options
And plenty of time for questions and curiosity.

Note if you previously registered interest for September 2024, it has been carried forward to the new date.

TW Cleland
2025-04-05
This walk is primarily a pre-season training walk for E2E16. Those Burra hills are not going to climb themselves. But everyone is welcome. Come on out and share the day with the Sweet (or is that Sweaty) 16s.

A 20k loop around Cleland where we climb, descend, just to climb again. How much fun can we cram into one day.

With any luck it will be raining which will enhance the whole experience. And we need to test out our wet weather gear before we head off to conquer the trails of the mid north.

Fun all round.

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 Brownhill Ck to Belair to Mitcham Cemetery Loop
2025-03-30
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

Hiking poles recommended

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 - River Torrens/ Karrawirra Parri
2025-03-27, 2025-02-27
An evening stroll along the River Torrens/Karrawirra Parri within the CBD.

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 Tapanappa to Balquhidder
2025-03-23
A picturesque section highlighting the diversity of the Heysen Trail. Photo opportunities abound, and you might even spot a whale.

This walk starts with spectacular views to Tunkalilla Beach followed by a picturesque walk through dense bushland before a steep descent to Boat Harbor Beach.

The very testing 4km walk along Tunkalilla Beach is followed by a very steep climb up to Balquhidder which makes it a unique and very memorable section of the Heysen Trail.

This walk is intended to serve as both an introduction to the Heysen Trail and a chance to catch up this section of the trail. Rather than using a bus we will car-shuffle between the end and start of the walk.

There will be no support vehicle so please assess your level of fitness prior to joining this walk.

If the forecast maximum for Victor Harbor on Saturday evening is 28 or higher the event will be cancelled.

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 Grange to Semaphore Coastal Walk
2025-03-19 18:00 - 20:00
A twilight walk along the metropolitan coastline followed by an optional dinner at the Grange Hotel (please RSVP on registration).

This walk is one way and will involve a car shuffle at both ends.

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
2025-03-19 17:30 - 19:30, 2025-02-19 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.

Volunteer Support for Heysen Trail - Interested?
2025-03-19 12:30 - 14:30
Volunteer Trail Maintenance – ever wondered about how our dedicated volunteer teams sustain the Trail?

Do you like getting out on different parts of the Trail?
Not sure how to support that activity?
What time and skills do you need?
Is there training & safety provisions?
Are there other ways to support the Trail?
Did you know there’s a heap of fun across the teams?

You’re invited to a relaxed “Q&A” with The Friends Trail Development Committee and Section Leaders at Belair on Wednesday 19 March. Light lunch, tea & coffee provided. Please register for a “no obligation” information session.

TW - Belair Adventure Loop
2025-03-16
This walk on Kaurna Yartangka explores the outer reaches of Belair National Parks. It links a variety of well-trod and lesser known tracks with climbs to challenge legs. It is a reasonably demanding walk across various terrain including inclines and declines and irregular surfaces.

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 Seacliff / Hallett Cove ( morning)
2025-03-13
Seems hardy necessary to write a description of this walk as most of Adelaide, it seems, has walked it at some time in the past. Seacliff to Hallett Cove via coastal tracks and return. Plenty of ups and downs. Steps, and then more steps. And now we have a new Suspension Bridge as well. Vertigo anyone?

Cooling breezes off the sea to counter the fact that the trail is totally exposed. So, bring your broadest brimmed hat and sunscreen.

Post walk coffee catchup for those that can stay.

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 Wine Shanty Plus
2025-03-10
Walking The Wine Shanty Track, Cleland – plus extra assents and descents,

uneven terrain -13km

Poles recommended.

We will Meet at Cleland Wildlife Centre at 0750 for 0800 departure

Bring Snack 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.

SW - Myponga Reservoir Loop - Evening
2025-03-05
Venture down south for a leisurely evening walk among the kangaroos! The walking track takes you through open plains, forested areas and native vegetation. No options for dinner afterwards, so please feel free to pack a simple picnic, we can stop and take a break.

This walk will be CANCELLED in the event of FIRE BAN on the day.

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.

TS - Anstey Hill Loop ( morning)
2025-02-28
11k walk largely close to the Recreation Park’s boundary. While often on wide, smooth fire trails, we will head off on to narrow bush trails whenever the opportunity presents itself. Just 1 long, steep climb and descent on this walk, but it is a good one (think that I am getting soft). Poles recommended.

Post walk coffee catch up for those that can stay.

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 Black Hill Loop ( morning)
2025-02-25
An endearing feature of Black Hill CP is the lack of long, flat stretches of trail. Don’t believe me? Then come on out.

While this is a reasonably short walk, it packs a punch. We will often be on wide fire trails but where possible, we will get out on to narrow, bush trails that will be rocky and steep. Bring your poles.

Please present yourself well hydrated. That means increasing your water intake for 24 hours leading up to the walk. And please carry some Scroggin that is easily accessible without removing your pack. A steady intake of calories may be helpful.

This will not be a fast walk. There will be opportunities for faster walkers to go ahead and stretch their legs. But as always, the pace of the group will be set by the slowest walker. And on the uphills, that may well be me. Leg strength will be more important than leg speed.

To get back to the cars requires some walking along the Torrens Linear Path and some back street footpaths. But we finish the walk back on trails. Hopefully, we will still be friends.

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.

Mylor/ Aldgate Loop (morn)
2025-02-22
A 10km along the Heysen Trail, through Mylor Conservation Park and Aldgate Valley.

Walking the Aldgate Valley Nature Walk between Mylor and Stirling Cemetery, and returning via the Heysen Trail between the cemetery and Mylor.

Walking uneven surfaces and undulating conditions

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.

Harbour to Cove - Coastal Walk Section 4
2025-02-21
We have a Beautiful Coastline, so why don’t we walk it.

Join us to do 4 Coastal Walks from Outer Harbour to Hallett Cove

The walks may include some beach walking.

Meeting at end point and carpooling to start.

Option of post walk swim & or Coffee/Bakery/ Pub on completion of walk.

Section 1 – 8.5km Outer Harbour to Semaphore

Section 2- 11km Semaphore to West Beach

Section 3- 10km West Beach to Brighton

Section 4 – 8km Brighton to Hallett Cove

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.

Cobbler Hill to Tapanappa
2025-02-16
Although relatively short, this section of the trail offers spectacular scenery as you walk along narrow single file tracks through the dense native scrub. Several steep and slippery sections over rocks are present as you frequently make your way down to, and up from gullies and creeks and past a waterfall within Deep Creek National Park.

This walk is intended to serve as both an introduction to the Heysen Trail and a chance to catch up this section of the trail. Rather than using a bus we will car-shuffle between the end and start of the walk.

There will be no support vehicle so please assess your level of fitness prior to joining this walk.

If the forecast maximum for Victor Harbor on Saturday evening is 28 or higher the event will be cancelled.

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
2025-02-16
A bushwalk through Morialta Conservation Park on Kaurna Yartangka. We will climb up and around the gorge with views of the cliffs, Morialta Gorge, and the Adelaide Plains. It is a reasonably demanding walk across various terrain including inclines and declines and irregular surfaces.

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.

Harbour to Cove -Coastal Walk Section 3
2025-02-14

Harbour to Cove -Coastal Walk Section 2
2025-02-07
We have a Beautiful Coastline, so why don’t we walk it.

Join us to do 4 Coastal Walks from Outer Harbor to Hallett Cove

The walks may include some beach walking.

Meeting at end point and carpooling to start.

Option of post walk swim & or Coffee/Bakery/ Pub on completion of walk.

Section 1 – 8.5km Outer Harbor to Semaphore

Section 2- 11km Semaphore to West Beach

Section 3- 10km West Beach to Brighton

Section 4 – 8km Brighton to Hallett Cove

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
2025-02-05
Exploring the Onkaparinga’s ‘big bow’at Old Noarlunga, where the original ford crossing was established in the 1840s. Up hill to see the views and then down to walk along the Ox bow.
Dinner at the Old Noarlunga Hotel afterwards

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.

Harbour to Cove - Coastal Walk Section 1
2025-01-31

River Torrens/ Karrawirra Parri
2025-01-30
