Heysen Trail

Route overview

South–north walk across South Australia from coastal hills near Cape Jervis to the Flinders Ranges, passing through wine country, historic mining towns, and ancient geology.

The Heysen Trail covers approximately 1,200 kilometres from Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula to Parachilna Gorge in the northern Flinders Ranges. Named after Australian painter Hans Heysen, the trail passes through the landscapes he spent his life painting — rolling hills, ancient geology, and the distinctive light of South Australia. It is managed by Friends of the Heysen Trail. The trail traverses several distinct zones: the coastal hills and forests of the southern Fleurieu, the fruit and wine regions of the Adelaide Hills, the copper-mining history of Burra and Clare, and the dramatic red gorges, ancient quartzite ranges, and open semi-desert of the Flinders. The northern Flinders section is among the most remote and geologically spectacular walking terrain in Australia. The southern sections close during summer due to extreme fire danger and heat. The northern Flinders section is generally open year-round but temperature extremes make spring and autumn the recommended walking periods. Water sources can be very scarce in…

Australia's longest dedicated walking trail, traversing South Australia from the Fleurieu Peninsula south of Adelaide to the Flinders Ranges in the semi-arid north.

Trail facts

Country

Australia

Region

South Australia

Distance

1,200 km

Typical duration

60–90 days

Difficulty

Hard

Elevation gain

c. 15,000 m cumulative

Best season

May–October (austral autumn–spring; summer is dangerously hot)

Trail type

Point-to-point

Access and logistics

Bookings

Camping is available at designated sites along the trail. Some sections pass through private property — stay on the marked trail.

Safety context

Heat exhaustion and dehydration are serious risks, especially in the Flinders Ranges in summer. Water availability must be researched before each section. The trail is remote in many sections — carry an emergency locator beacon. Some sections close in summer fire danger periods.

Southern sections are closed in the fire danger season (typically November–April) for safety. Water sources in the north require advance research and should not be assumed to be reliable.

Highlights

Cape Jervis southern start and D'Estrees Bay Adelaide Hills wine region Burra historic copper mining town Clare Valley vineyards Wilpena Pound in Flinders Ranges National Park Parachilna Gorge northern terminus

Why find a buddy

The remote northern Flinders sections have limited communications and occasional multi-day stretches without services — a reliable companion is a meaningful safety factor in this demanding outback environment.

Primary source

Open the primary route source.

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