The Heysen Trail: 8 fast facts about South Australia's premier walking track

1.  The Heysen Trail is 1200km long

Australia’s longest, uninterrupted, dedicated walking trail, the Heysen Trail stretches from Cape Jervis at the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula northward to Parachilna Gorge in the Flinders Ranges. Along the way, it passes through the traditional lands of the Ramindjeri and Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna, Peramangk, Ngadjuri, Nukunu, and Adnyamathanha peoples.

2.  It’s named for South Australian artist Sir Hans Heysen

Sir Hans Heysen (1877-1968) became renowned for his watercolour and oil paintings of Mount Lofty Ranges and Flinders Ranges landscapes in the early decades of the 20^th century. He lived most of his life at a property named The Cedars at Hahndorf. The Heysen Trail passes near The Cedars which is now preserved in his honour and open to the public. In 2026 a new Heysen Gallery was opened on the property.

3.  It traverses 23 national and conservation parks

Along its length the trail passes through many of our state’s most spectacular protected natural landscapes including rugged ocean coastline and ferny gullies of Deep Creek National Park, hilly woodlands and waterfalls at Morialta Conservation Park and Cleland National Park and ancient mountain landscapes and centuries-old redgums of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. Walkers enjoy encounters with native wildlife along the trail including echidnas, kangaroos, koalas, bandicoots, yellow-footed rock wallabies, shingle-back lizards and birdlife from tiny fairy wrens to Australia’s largest raptor, the wedge-tailed eagle.

4.  The trail was conceived around 1970 and developed in stages between 1976 and 1993

The first section of the trail was created within Cleland Conservation Park in the Adelaide Hills. The trail traverses all kinds of private and public land including farms, reservoir land, forests and vineyards, and passes through 14 local government areas. This has naturally meant many complex negotiations to establish and maintain a continuous trail. As you walk, please be aware that the Heysen Trail relies on the generosity of many landholders, so treat the land with every respect and leave no trace.

To this day, conditions along the trail are subject to change – for example, after the 2026 fires in Deep Creek National Park - and walkers should check for updates before they set out. (Trail reroutes and closures | Friends of the Heysen Trail)

5.  There’s a passionate volunteer group, Friends of The Heysen Trail

The Heysen Trail is managed by numerous partners including the Department for Environment and Water and the dedicated Friends of The Heysen Trail group. The not-for-profit volunteer organisation was formed in 1986 and was instrumental in the establishment of the trail. Today the Friends continue to play an important role in the Heysen Trail’s ongoing maintenance, development and public enjoyment. You can find out more about the Friends group and the trail at their informative website.

6.  Walking the trail end-to-end takes around 60 days. 

Enthusiastic hikers have tackled this in one hit (check out our posts about a solo hiker’s experience in 2019 here and here), or in segments or day walks across years. There are campsites and huts along the trail, maintained by Friends, NPWS and ForestrySA, and accommodation may also be found in nearby towns along the way, including Victor Harbor, Hahndorf, Tanunda, Burra, Crystal Brook, Melrose, Port Augusta, Quorn, Hawker and Blinman.

7.  Peak walking season on the trail is April – October

Conditions along the trail are generally more hiking-friendly in the cooler months. Most of the Heysen Trail is closed during fire danger season.

The Wild South Coast Way (WSCW) between Cape Jervis and Victor Harbor does not automatically close for the fire danger season. You can hike and camp on the WSCW all year round, except on days declared as Catastrophic Fire Danger. Some parts of the WSCW may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger. Check here: Trail reroutes and closures | Friends of the Heysen Trail

Always know the weather, conditions and access in each region before you set out.

8.  Eight official maps cover the trail

Ready to hit the trail? Nothing beats a paper map for understanding the terrain and surrounds. The Department for Environment and Water’s Mapland produces a series of eight official Heysen Trail maps which are available from Friends of the Heysen Trail and other resellers. You can also check the Friends website for digital links to trail reroutes and closures which may currently be in effect. 

If you have a handheld GPS unit, consider joining as a Member of Friends of the Heysen Trail. One of the many benefits is the ability to access and download full trail and section GPX and KML files.

Whether you dip your toe in with a short stretch or commit to the full length, the Heysen Trail has something to offer hikers of many ages and abilities.

Thanks to Friends of the Heysen Trail for their valuable assistance with this post.