ADVENTURE    Heysen Trail   Cape Jervis to Parachilna Gorge - a World Heritage wonderland   SA

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LENGTH: 1144 km TIME: 60 Days

GRADE: Medium

START: Victor Harbor

FINISH: Parachilna Gorge

SAMPLE ITINERARY Start at Parachilna Gorge trailhead, 4 km west of Angorichina Tourist Village.                          Day 1.   To Aroona Valley  17km 4.5hrs              Day 2.  Yanyanna Hut  24km 7.5hrs Day 3.  Wilpena Pound Resort 22km 6hrs

Map & profile screen shots taken from DiscoverAus Streets and Tracks Topo. Copyright Next Destination 2007

WALK DESCRIPTION

GETTING THERE & BACK

ACCOMMODATION

BEST TIME TO WALK

DESCRIPTION: The Heysen Trail, one of Australia's great long distance walking trails, 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.

THERE & BACK: Some sections of the trail are accessible by bus services (Bus SA) or by private operators. Car parks at many sites.   A shuttle service is available between Parachilna and Wilpena Pound.

FACILITIES: There are numerous campsites and shelters, varying from either stone or timber settler's cottages and old public buildings to modern shelters. Tents are permitted only in these areas. Most of these facilities are  basic, offering only a small sleeping shelter with a rainwater tank.   Take all your own food, tents and cooking equipment including fuel stoves as camp fires are not encouraged.

BEST TIME: May to September is the most popular time to walk the trail. Because of the trail's length, many walkers do it in sections. Track is closed during the summer Fire Danger Season, generally from November to April.   HOW HARD IS IT REALLY? Track suitable for walkers who have walked before and have some bushwalking experience. There are a number of hard sections.    Rated Medium

FOOD & WATER

CLOTHING

BOOKS & MAPS

SAFETY

FOOD: Take all your own food, tents and cooking equipment including fuel stoves as open fires are not allowed.   WATER: A minimum of two litres should be carried, and three to four litres per day if backpacking. When walking, top-up your water supplies wherever possible. If ever in doubt about the water quality see: water purification

This walk traverses some very exposed regions where sun and wind can be a challenge.

TRACK FEES:   None are needed for the track, but camping permits are needed in all National and Conservation Parks. see Parks SA

+  CLOSEST HELP?  Make contact with Emergency Services by phoning 000 or 13 1444.  Staying Safe:  Lost? try to retrace your route until you find a marker or recognise a feature. If you can hear other people, shout to attract attention.  look for well-travelled roads or occupied buildings. Walkers may consider using a GPS unit in combination with their map and trail markers to further safeguard from getting lost.

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