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.

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 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.

Further information about available maps.

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.

Hints for Walking

The Friends of the Heysen Trail have a checklist of appropriate clothing and items to take on their walks, which can be used as a concise list for independent walkers. Safety requirements are also published in the guide books. Good outdoor shops also often have similar lists.

The Department for Environment and Heritage provides an excellent list of walking hints.

The minimum number of walkers should be three, particularly in the remote rugged sections (generally in the Northern Guide book). This enables one person to stay with a walker who has become incapacitated, while the other goes for help. Walking alone in such areas is not recommended, as a simple injury such as an ankle sprain could turn out to be fatal.

The Walkers Code

• Take all your rubbish home with you
• Leave gates as you find them
• Move quietly near stock and wildlife
• Observe fire bans
• Respect the privacy of others, including other walkers and landowners
• Help keep water sources clean
• Do not disturb native flowers or other vegetation
• Stay on the marked trail
• Use boot cleaning stations when provided
• Leave pets at home (sight-impaired people accompanied by a guide dog are exempt from these restrictions)

Water

Much of the Heysen Trail is in semi arid country, such as the Flinders Ranges. Here, water can be scarce or non-existent and the nearest town can be up to 80 kilometres away. Even in winter day temperatures can be quite warm. This makes it necessary to pay careful attention to water supply. A minimum of two litres should be carried, and three to four litres per day if backpacking. If a long walk is planned in remote areas it is advisable to stow water along the trail prior to departure. When walking, top-up your water supplies wherever possible and, if you are uncertain of water quality, make sure you filter, boil (if fires are allowed), or use water purifying treatments or tablets.

Water can be found in tanks at campsites, but whilst every endeavour is made to ensure that there is water of potable quality in these water tanks, that water might become polluted. For your safety, carry enough for your needs or make alternative arrangements for further supplies.

Facilities

Medical facilities, police, ATMs and public telephones can be found in most major towns near the trail.

Mobile Phone Coverage

Mobile phone coverage is limited in most regional areas. In remote areas it may be worth carrying an EPIRB device. Your mobile phone service provider map be able to provide you with coverage maps which can help you assess the extent of coverage.