Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the beauty of the Honan Native Forest Reserve on the 6km Honan Mint Trail. Starting from either the Swamp Gum or Wildflower carparks, this Grade 2 circuit trail offers a leisurely 2-hour walk through floristically diverse landscapes marked with green, blue, and purple trail markers. Enjoy the flat sandy tracks, slight undulations, and boardwalks providing year-round access through wet areas. Don't miss the unique Mentha atrolilacina, a mint species discovered here in 2007.

Length:

6km

Duration:

2 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 80m

Min elevation: 70m

Total Ascent: 48m

Start: Swamp Gum Carpark

End: Swamp Gum Carpark

Honan Native Forest Reserve

South Australia

Nearby town: Glencoe

From state capital: 439km

Latitude: -37.73456072054372

Longitude: 140.65617799758914

Overview

Map

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4,610 views

Important info

This hike is classified as Grade 2 (Easy) due to its distance exceeding the typical Grade 1 limit of 5km. While the terrain itself is relatively easy and may still be suitable for all abilities, feel free to turn back at any point for a shorter adventure.

Hike overview

The three trails are located within the floristically diverse Honan Native Forest Reserve and are named after Mentha atrolilacina, which was discovered here in 2007. The trails begin at either the Swamp Gum or Wildflower carparks and are clearly marked with green, blue and purple trail markers. Time allowed for walking the trails is based on an average speed of 3km/hour. Cycling will take less time. The trails follow reasonably flat sandy tracks with slight undulations with boardwalks providing year-round access through wetter areas and include:

Honan Mint Trail - Distance and time: The full loop is 5.7km, allow two hours to walk the trail.
Swamp Gum Trail - Distance and Time: The full loop is 2.7km, allow 1 ¼ hours to walk the trail.
Wildflower Trail - Distance and Time: The full loop is 4km from the Wildower Carpark, allow 1 ¾ hours to walk the trail.

Tips

A brochure is available for download from the Forestry SA website.

Track grade

Grade 2 (Easy) - A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.

Walk map and GPX file
Honan Mint Trail Walk (6km)

Total distance: 6026 m
Max elevation: 80 m
Min elevation: 70 m
Total climbing: 48 m
Total descent: -48 m

Gallery

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Honan Native Forest Reserve.

From the main roundabout in Mount Gambier, head West on Princes Hwy toward Millicent approximately 12km. Turn right onto Kangaroo Flat Rd (signposted for Glencoe/Kalangadoo). Continue on Kangaroo Flat Road for approximately 3.9km. Turn left into the Swamp Gum Carpark. Note: Look for the signs at the carpark on the edge of the forest, there is no clearly defined turn for the carpark.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

Honan Native Forest Reserve at Glencoe, just 16 kilometres from Mount Gambier, is a large reserve of over 1000 hectares containing the highest number of threatened plants in any reserve in South Australia! About 500 plant species have been recorded in the reserve, with about 140 of those rare or threatened, including the Honan Mint (Mentha atrolilacina) discovered and known only to occur here.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Melrose, Port Augusta, Quorn, Stirling North, Wilmington

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Honan Native Forest Reserve? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Reviews
Honan Mint Trail Walk (6km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

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