HEYSEN TRAIL SOUTH AUSTRALIA

1,200 KILOMETRES WALKING TRAIL

Deep Creek Conservation Park at the coastal end of the Heysen Trail

History of the Heysen Trail

As early as 1947 it was advocated that a series of walking trails be developed in the Mount Lofty Ranges. Over the next few decades meetings were convened to discuss access to the Ranges. At a meeting in 1969, Mr C Warren Bonython proposed the concept of a long distance walking trail from Cape Jervis on the southern tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula to the Northern Flinders Ranges.

The first section of the Heysen Trail, nine kilometres within the Cleland Conservation Park, was opened in 1976. In 1978 the State Government Department of Tourism, Recreation and Sport gave the task of trail development to Terry Lavender and Aa further fifty kilometres, between Mount Lofty and Mount Magnificent, was opened. It was Terry who brought this concept into reality, and over the next 15 years, with Terry's commitment, sections the Heysen Trail were progressively opened until it’s completion in 1993. The development of the trail by the Department of Recreation and Sport was made possible by the cooperation and support of state government departments, many district and local councils, numerous volunteers and most importantly, some five hundred individual landowners.

The Heysen Trail is recognised internationally as one of the world's great long distance walks. As a South Australian achievement, its success must go to the people of South Australia who have continued to support the trail with enthusiasm.

The trail is named after German born Sir Hans Heysen (1877-1968), a well-known Australian artist, particularly recognised for his watercolours of the Australian bush and his strong associations with both the Mount Lofty and Flinders Ranges. His house, "The Cedars", is located on the trail near Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills.

Heysen Trail through the hills

Walking the Heysen Trail

The Trail has been designed to cater for both the serious backpacker and day walker. There are numerous accommodation options along the trail.

The more rugged and remote parts of the Heysen Trail should not be tackled until you have gained some experience on the easier sections.

The Heysen Trail is essentially a linear walk, you will need to do some forward planning if you don't want to retrace your steps. This might involve arranging car shuffles, key swaps or pick ups. Some sections of the trail are accessible by bus services. Walking the entire Heysen Trail takes around sixty days, and those that achieve this qualify for a End-to-End certificate and badge. The Friends of the Heysen Trail conduct regular walks which form to complete the End-to-End walk.

The guide books list suggestions for shorter walks, the easiest and shortest being in the Southern Guide.

Some of the Trail is on private property, must keep the gates shut.

Maps

The Heysen Trail has been marked with a variety of posts including galvanised tubes, star droppers and timber posts. In some areas markers have been attached to fence posts and other objects, and can be difficult to follow, so walkers are advised to use the guide books available, as well as following the trail markers. Heysen Trail markers feature a distinctive red and white logo or red way markers. Do not be tempted to stray off the trail.

The Trail through the Flinders Ranges

When to Walk

The Heysen Trail is only open to walkers during autumn, winter and spring, and closed during the summer Fire Danger Season.

Whilst the closure dates are given on relevant maps and signs, they may also vary depending upon the fire risk. The closure dates also vary from one Fire Ban District to another. It is your responsibility to be aware of any changes to these dates that might affect your walking plan.

The viability of the Heysen Trail is dependent on the continuing co-operation of private landholders, so the trail closure times must be obeyed at all times.

Here is the rugged beauty of the Flinders Ranges. A unique place.

Some links to Heysen Trail guides.

http://www.heysentrail.asn.au/

http://www.adventure.com.au/HeysenTrail.asp