South Australia's Heysen Trail
South Australia's Heysen Trail is a 1200 kilometre walking trail that extends from Cape Jervis, on the south coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula, to Parachilna Gorge, in the Flinders Ranges.
It's an ideal trail for all levels of walkers, with sections of the trail suitable for shorter walks. Though mainly a walking trail, there are multi-use sections where cycling and horseriding are permitted.
Some of the more popular trail sections:
- South Coast: Cape Jervis to Victor Harbor
- Mt Lofty Ranges: Fleurieu to Barossa
- Flinders Ranges: Melrose to Woolshed Flat, Hawker to Parachilna
The Heysen Trail was established to provide walkers with the opportunity to discover the changing landscapes of South Australia. In many places, the trail takes you to the top of mounts, with views of the surrounding hillsides and districts. You'll be treated to a variety of landscapes including grazing pastures, pine forests, native bushland, vineyards and small townships.
In the south, the trail takes you past coastal cliffs and wide sandy beaches. You'll find hills, orchards, pines and native bush, quaint towns, a variety of accommodation and the vineyards of the Adelaide Hills and Barossa.
As you head north, the land becomes drier and less populated. The northern Mount Lofty Ranges are less populated with farmland. See peaceful grazing country with secluded gullies, bushland and patches of shady forest. Stop in towns like Burra and Kapunda, which reveal the area's mining heritage.
In the southern Flinders Ranges, the trail winds through ancient gorges, rocky outcrops and ruins of early European settlement. You'll be taken past gullies and gum-lined creek-beds, and through stands of native pines.
The trail is named after artist Sir Hans Heysen, recognised for his watercolours of the Australian bush, Mount Lofty and Flinders Ranges.
Planning your Heysen walk
For a lengthy Heysen Trail walk, it's a good idea to pack the following:
- Basic First Aid and Emergency Kit including sunscreen and insect repellant
- Torch
- Lunch and snacks (include some for emergency)
- Plastic bag for rubbish
- Water in a secure container - at least one litre, and two litres if the temperature will be more than 20 degrees Celsius
- Carry your equipment in a day pack, preferably one with a supporting waist belt.
The route of the Heysen Trail takes you past many towns with overnight accommodation such as bed & breakfasts, farm stays and hotels. You can camp overnight on the Heysen Trail, but you'll need to make preparation first. There are numerous campsites and shelters scattered along the Heysen Trail. Most of these facilities are very basic offering a small sleeping shelter with a rainwater tank.
Trail huts have rainwater tank, simple bunks, toilet, fireplace, tables and seats. Huts cannot be pre-booked or reserved, so you are advised to carry a tent in case shelters are fully occupied upon your arrival.
Remove any rubbish when you leave - don't burn or bury rubbish.
Make sure you wear appropriate clothing - Friends of the Heysen Trail have a clothing tips page on their website.
The Heysen Trail is closed during the summer Fire Danger Season, generally from November to April.
Useful Heysen Trail Links
Friends of the Heysen Trail
Walking the Heysen Trail
History of the Heysen Trail
Heysen Trail Visitor Information - Department of Environment and Heritage
