Today is the start of the 2025 Heysen Trail hiking season with the opening of the walk north of Wirrabara.
The Heysen Trail south of Wirrabara opens from 1 May.
The Heysen Trail is one of Australia's premier long-distance hiking trails, stretching approximately 1,200 kilometers through South Australia.
It begins at Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula and ends in Parachilna Gorge in the Flinders Ranges. The trail traverses diverse landscapes - from rugged coastlines and rolling farmland to dense native forests and arid mountain ranges.
Walking the entire trail typically takes 50 to 60 days, depending on pace, weather, and rest days. Many hikers choose to complete it in sections over multiple seasons, as it is divided into manageable segments.
Highlights include the stunning coastal views near Deep Creek Conservation Park, the historic German villages of the Adelaide Hills, and the dramatic gorges and red rock formations of the Flinders Ranges. Wildlife sightings, such as kangaroos, echidnas, and wedge-tailed eagles, add to the trail’s allure.
Challenges can include long distances between water sources, extreme heat in summer (which is why the trail is officially closed from December to April), and steep, rocky terrain in the north.
Proper planning, including water and food drops for remote sections, is essential. Despite its demands, the Heysen Trail offers a truly immersive and unforgettable experience for adventurous hikers.
Heysen Trail Hiking 2025: Information about distances, transport, where to camp or stay, water tank levels, temporary closures and more on The Friends of the Heysen Trail website: heysentrail.asn.au