The Heysen Trail South Australia

Australia’s longest hiking track, the Heysen trail, winds some 700 miles from Cape Jervis south of Adelaide to the northern Flinders Ranges, traversing the state’s varied landscapes: dramatic coastal scenery, the Adelaide Hills, Barossa natural depression wineries, and also the desert landscapes of the Flinders Ranges. only a few individuals walk the total length of the trail, given it takes about sixty days, and also the Heysen is additional of a group of walks than a thru-hiker’s destination. Most hikers target the foremost scenic sections, or sample its delights on day or long walks.

Cape Jervis to Victor Harbor

One of track’s most well liked sections, this 50-mile coastal stretch at the southern finish of the Heysen Trail—which will take four days—has cliff-top ocean views, beach walks, inland forests, and southern right whale sightings throughout their annual migration from June to August. For a shorter beach highlight, begin at Boat Harbor Beach or near  Tunkalilla Beach and walk twenty miles, that takes 2 days, to Kings Beach, just outside Victor Harbor, or day walk from either finish.

Victor Harbor to the Barossa

The walk heads north through green hills and pasture into the Mount Lofty Ranges, encircling Adelaide and its picturesque hill cities, before heading on to the Barossa valley, the state’s premier wine district. There ar many good day or nightlong walks here that are simple to access, as well as the with competence named Mount magnificent and its wide  views, or Mount Lofty, that overlooks the town and has fine botanical gardens. you'll be able to walk between the well-equipped cities of the Adelaide Hills like Hahndorf, supported by German settlers and residential to landscape painter Hans Heysen (1877-1968), whose name graces the trail. The hills have some interesting hut, hostel, and emphatically upmarket alternatives to camping. Pine and eucalyptus forests punctuate the farmland before the walk heads on to Tanunda within the Barossa natural depression, 210 miles on from Cape Jervis.

Barossa to Flinders Ranges

The distance from the Barossa to the southern finish of the Flinders Ranges is about 290 miles. The trail mostly runs on country roads past farms and vineyards—where walkers will sample wines—before reaching the previous copper-mining cities of Kapunda and Burra, crossing the hills into the drier wheat-growing districts with a touch of the desert landscapes to return. At Mount Bryan, the Heysen leaves the Mount Lofty Ranges and heads all the way down to Crystal Brook at the southern tip of the Flinders Ranges.

Flinders Ranges to Parachilna Gorge

For most walkers, this stretch is that the highlight of the Heysen trail, winding through a spectacular vary of crumpled red rock with wooded valleys and life water holes. If you simply have time to hike one space in South Australia, then head here. The 250 miles from Crystal Brook to Parachilna takes regarding 3 weeks, passing through cities and varied landscapes, or build your base within the Flinders Ranges parkland headquarters at Wilpena Pound and day walk sections of the trail. The twenty six miles from Wilpena Pound to the tip of the trail at Parachilna Gorge makes a wonderful three-day hike.

TRAVEL TIPS

When to Go: Spring and time of year have the most effective weather for hiking; winter is additionally smart, however it will be chilly and rainfall will be significant within the southern sections. In summer, from December to the end of April, temperatures soar and enormous sections of the path shut because of wildfire risk.

Where to Stay: The trail incorporates a few huts, however camping is that the rule and a tent is important. Most campsites have basic shelters with fresh water tanks. Advance preparation and information of water sources is important.

Practical Tip: Friends of the Heysen trail is that the definitive resource for traveling here and produces maps and guidebooks to the trail.