Trail Status

The Heysen Trail is currently open. It will close at the start of the Fire Danger Season, scheduled for November & December.

More details about the Fire Danger Season.

The latest trail conditions and incidents our published via our Twitter account @HeysenTrail.

Heysen Trail Map

View Google map showing the Heysen Trail, photos, accommodation options, re-routes, Fire Ban Districts and Tourism Regions.

View Heysen Trail map

GPS files

Download the GPX or KML waypoint data file/s and load onto your GPS unit for use as a navigational aid when walking the Heysen Trail (we strongly recommend also still carrying the guidebook or the relevant pages from it).

View download information

Recent Accommodation Comments

Mylor Conservation Park YHA
Hi Sneaky, sorry yes we are able to confirm that this facility is no l... More
By: jez at 21/4/12 1:16pm
Topic posts: 3

Willalo Hall
I visited the hall a few weeks ago on a rece for our walk. Water tank... More
By: Warwick harper at 7/4/12 7:17am
Topic posts: 10

Camping near Inman Valley
Under topic Inman Valley
Hi. Spoke to the contact at Inman Valley. He confirmed that there i... More
By: photohiker at 11/4/12 12:41pm
Topic posts: 4

Recent Forum Posts

Wirrabara walking
Thanks Jez. So from Beetaloo Creek to the tower at the Bluff should be... More
By: jones at 14/5/12 8:59pm
Topic posts: 5

access to Red Range campsite
to those who found my question interesting - done it in the mean time ... More
By: louisa at 14/5/12 4:10pm
Topic posts: 2

Catchup - Montecute Heights to Cudlee Creek
If anyone is interested in doing a catch-up walk of this section pleas... More
By: PeterC at 1/5/12 1:55pm

 

The Heysen Trail

The Heysen Trail passes through some of South Australia's most diverse and breathtaking landscapes, traversing coastal areas, native bushland, rugged gorges, pine forests and vineyards, as well as rich farmland and historic towns. The Trail passes through some of the most scenic parts of the state including national parks, state forests and internationally acclaimed tourist destinations, including the Barossa Valley and the stunning Wilpena Pound.

The southern section, from Cape Jervis to Spalding in the Mid North, is ideal for beginners and those with children, following the Mount Lofty Ranges. The northern section, from Spalding to Parachilna Gorge, is isolated and at time rugged, provides a rewarding challenge for experienced walkers.

The Trail has been designed to cater for both the serious backpacker walking the complete trail, and for the day walker who might choose to do short walks along different sections of the trail.

The Trail is managed by a partnership between:

The Trail passes through:

For information about walking beyond the northern trailhead of the Heysen Trail, from Parachilna Gorge to Arkaroola and beyond, visit www.heysentrail.asn.au/beyond_the_heysen/.


The Heysen Trail on YouTube

View magazine article as published in the Aug/Sep 2005 edition of Outdoor Australia magazine.


Open April to October each year

The Heysen Trail is closed during the Fire Danger Season, closure dates vary across the trail.

Maps

There are two A5 guidebooks available from leading outdoor shops, map shops and the Friends of the Heysen Trail.

A Google Map interface is available, and GPS files can be downloaded for navigational use on your personal handheld GPS.

Re-Routes of the Trail

Get details of re-routes affecting the Heysen Trail.

Camping along the Trail

Up-to-date details of each campsite and hut along the trail can be found via our Google Map interface, simply select the Accommodation checkbox (or visit Printable list). Campsites are marked in each guidebook, however over time some campsites have been closed, new ones opened, or campsites have been moved. Details are also shown of towns, such as bed & breakfasts, hotels, caravan parks, motels and hostels.

Service Directory

A directory of services along the Heysen Trail for continuous end-to-end hikers or through hikers, who are hiking the entire or considerable lengths of the Heysen Trail at once. The services listed include:

  • supermarkets
  • general stores
  • pharmacies (chemist stores)
  • doctor clinics, hospitals
  • internet access
  • payphones
  • public toilets
  • post offices

Transport

Details of buses, taxis and private tour operators that service the trail and towns along the Heysen Trail.

 

RSS Feeds for
Re-Routes

Receive instant notification when a re-route affecting your guidebook edition is added, grab the RSS Feed:

Re-Routes of the Heysen Trail, affecting edition: Book 1 (Southern Guide, May 2010)

Book 1
Southern Guide, May 2010
Re-routes page

Re-Routes of the Heysen Trail, affecting edition: Book 2 (Northern Guide, May 2010)

Book 2
Northern Guide, May 2010
Re-routes page

Re-Routes of the Heysen Trail, affecting edition: Southern Guide (Southern Guide, April 2007)

Southern Guide
Southern Guide, April 2007
Re-routes page

Re-Routes of the Heysen Trail, affecting edition: Book Two (Northern Guide, June 2005)

Book Two
Northern Guide, June 2005
Re-routes page

Re-Routes of the Heysen Trail, affecting edition: Book One (Southern Guide, March 2004)

Book One
Southern Guide, March 2004
Re-routes page