Heysen Trail
About this walking route
The Heysen Trail is a challenging 1200 km end-to-end walk through South Australia, stretching from Parachilna Gorge in the Flinders Ranges to Cape Jervis on the coast. Taking around eight weeks, it traverses some of Australia's most varied landscapes: the rugged Flinders Ranges, the wine regions of the Barossa Valley, the Adelaide Hills, and finally the coastal heathland and cliffs. This is a serious expedition requiring substantial fitness, self-sufficiency and planning—not a casual weekend walk.
Highlights
- Flinders Ranges ridgelines and red-earth gorges
- Barossa Valley pastoral country and historic towns
- Adelaide Hills forests and fern gullies
- Coastal heath, cliffs and Cape Jervis finale
- Mix of hut stays, camping and town stops
- Diverse flora across climate zones
What to expect
Expect rocky, undulating terrain with steep sections through the Ranges, then rolling farmland and forested hills. Gradients vary from gentle valley walking to demanding ridge traverses. The track uses established paths, fire trails and some road stretches. Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) are optimal—summer closes the trail due to fire danger. Weather swings from alpine cold to hot days; water sources are variable and must be researched ahead. This demands consistent daily effort over two months.
Good to know
Best walked March–May or September–November; avoid summer fire-danger closure. The trail is unsupported—arrange resupply in towns along the route. Sections may pass through private land; respect closures and signage. Permits and current conditions must be checked with the managing authority before departure. Carry sufficient water capacity for arid sections. This walk suits experienced walkers with backcountry fitness. Leave no trace; camp responsibly and pack out all waste.