The Heysen Trail is one of the world's great walking trails and the longest dedicated walking trail in Australia.The 1,200 km trail starts at Cape Jervis and winds along the beaches and sea cliffs of the south coast before passing over rolling hills and rural landscapes of the Fleurieu Peninsula and Mt Lofty Ranges.
Beyond Mount Bryan, the trail crosses over to the rugged peaks and valleys of the Flinders Ranges as it heads to Parachilna Gorge where it ends. The Trail 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.
The iconic trail passes through some of the most scenic parts of the state including national parks, state forests and internationally acclaimed tourist destinations, including the Barossa Valley and the stunning Wilpena Pound.The southern section, from Cape Jervis to Spalding in the Mid North, is ideal for beginners and those with children, following the Mount Lofty Ranges. The northern section, from Spalding to Parachilna Gorge, which is isolated and at times rugged, provides a rewarding challenge for experienced walkers.
The Trail has been designed to cater for both the serious backpacker walking the complete trail, and for the day walker who might choose to do short walks along different sections of the trail. The trail provides something for every walker, from a short stroll through the Adelaide Hills to a 60-day hike along its entire length.
Walking the Heysen Trail is free. However, fees may apply if you camp or park your vehicle in one of the state forests, national parks and reserves along the trail.
The Wild South Coast Way
The southernmost section of the Heysen Trail, spanning 74 km between Cape Jervis and Victor Harbor on the Fleurieu Peninsula, is now known as the Wild South Coast Way.
This spectacular stretch of trail offers a unique blend of rugged coastline, native wildlife, and diverse natural landscapes, ideal for both short walks and multi-day hikes. Located less than two hours from Adelaide, it's a convenient getaway for anyone seeking time in nature.
Whether you're planning a brief outing or the full five-day, four-night hike, the Wild South Coast Way invites you to explore at your own pace and immerse yourself in South Australia's stunning southern coastline.
The route winds through Deep Creek National Park, Ballaparudda Creek Recreation Park, and Newland Head Conservation Park, with views across to Kangaroo Island and plenty of opportunities to disconnect from daily stress and reconnect with nature. Campers can choose from four hike-in-only campgrounds and several nearby drive-in campgrounds.
As part of the 1,200 km Heysen Trail, this experience can be a standalone adventure, or just the beginning.
Find more information here.
Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the
AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
- The Heysen Trail is a long-distance walking trail that crosses diverse landscapes and environments.
- While walkers of all ages can enjoy sections of the trail, most of the route aligns with Grades 4–5 of the Australian Walking Track Classification System.
- Track conditions are generally well-defined but retain natural surfaces with limited modification. Debris is cleared only minimally.
- Gradients follow environmental and maintenance considerations and may include steep, unmodified sections.
- The trail may be subject to changes due to weather, safety, or land management requirements.
- The Heysen Trail is closed each year during the Fire Danger Season (usually 1 December to 30 April).
- Signage is minimal and used primarily for management and directional purposes.
- Facilities are limited and provided only where necessary for safety or environmental protection.
- Walkers require a moderate to high level of bushwalking experience, including map reading and navigation skills.
- Maps and navigation equipment may be necessary to complete certain sections of the trail.
- Users must be self-reliant, especially in regard to emergency first aid and managing weather-related hazards.
For more information, visit the The Friends of the Heysen Trail
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting to the trailhead: Fleurieu Peninsula.
Sealink Ferries operates a twice-daily bus service between Adelaide and Cape Jervis. For schedules and bookings, visit www.sealink.com.au or call 13 13 01. Sealink also provides a bus service between Victor Harbor and Cape Jervis, running five days a week.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
The Friends of the Heysen Trail
The Friends of the Heysen Trail is a voluntary organisation established in 1986, whose members are involved in both the development and maintenance of walking trails; and the recreational and social aspects of South Australian walking trails.
The organisation works in conjunction with other voluntary organisations and Government Departments, and a primary function is to help maintain the Heysen Trail. The Friends of the Heysen Trail is a not-for-profit organisation that maintains the Heysen Trail in partnership with the Department for Environment and Water (DEW). A year-round walking program is offered, with a range of walks catering to everyone from beginners to experienced hikers.
They organise a comprehensive walking program across varying grades, host social gatherings, and keep members informed through Trailwalker—their magazine published three times a year.
Their working groups undertake routine maintenance along the trail, as well as approved projects such as installing water tanks and constructing features like boardwalks.
More about the Friends here.
Looking for more walks in or near Fleurieu Peninsula? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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