6
Moderate to Challenging

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • 9 days walking
Accommodation
  • 8 nights camping
Meals
  • 8 Dinners
  • 9 Lunches
  • 8 Breakfasts

9 Days$4195AUD

View Inclusions
THIS TRIP IS
100% CARBON OFFSET
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Trip Code: HFL

Best of the Heysen Trail Trip highlights

  • Soak up the beauty and grandeur of the scenic Wilpena Pound
  • Wilderness camping under the milky way
  • Animal spotting for yellow-footed rock wallaby, euro and emu plus much more local wildlife
  • Relax each evening with all scrumptious meals provided
  • Gain an understanding of the rich history of Australia's traditional owners and the Indigenous culture

Why Book With Us

  • Trek our favourite sections of the famous Heysen Trail, including the very last leg: Section 61
  • Walk with just a day pack on this fully supported trip
  • Enjoy delicious food cooked on by our experienced guides

The North Flinders Ranges offers some of the most stunning scenery in Australia as well as some of the most attractive outback properties. This vehicle supported trek explores all our favourite sections of the northern Heysen Trail. The Flinders Ranges offer a rolling range of majestic peaks and rugged ridges, deep gorges and endemic plants and animals.

The world class trails combine exceptional views and achievable challenges to create unforgettable walking experiences. The forests of cypress pines create an almost alpine ambiance in these semi-arid ranges with the dry climate creating ideal conditions for walking. This trip is fully supported so you can enjoy walking with just a day pack. Each evening we will camp in some of the most amazing wilderness locations offering both stunning scenery and the best of outback experience. The group camping gear is transported to each campsite by our professional support crew, freeing walkers to enjoy the diverse desert scenery, revel in the camaraderie of like-minded travellers and focus on achieving your goal.

Activities:

Itinerary

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We pick you up from the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel, 55 Frome Street, Adelaide at 6.30am and with a couple of coffee/snacks stops along the way we drive north to the small township of Hawker. We’ll have lunch at the start of our walk which is just outside of Hawker. We start our walk just outside of Hawker along a ridgeline that surveys the surrounding landscape and supplies incredible views of both the Elder Range and Wilpena Pound Range in the distance. Tonight, we stay at a private station campground where we enjoy a scrumptious dinner prepared by our guides and hear a briefing about the exciting adventures on the itinerary for tomorrow. We have our first opportunity to marvel at the incredible outback stars that will follow us throughout our trip. Walking Distances: 9.5km | Walking Time: 3-4 hours | Driving Time: 4-5 hours. *You will need to arrive in Adelaide the day before your trip, ensuring that you arrive in time to attend the 3:00pm pre-trip briefing.

Meals:  L,D

Today we walk section 57 of the famous, 1200km Heysen Trail. Beginning at scenic Black Gap Lookout, the trail takes us north-east to Bridle Gap. From here we have views across the expansive Wilpena Pound, and back towards the Elder Range. We descend into the Pound itself and follow the trail straight through the middle – an unforgettable walking experience. A variety of mallee, native pine and heath habitats within the Pound provide excellent opportunities to observe interesting local birds including wrens, robins, parrots, and raptors. Tonight, we walk straight into camp at the Wilpena Pound campground and enjoy another hearty meal with our group. Walking Distance: 14km | Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning, we have our own private cultural tour with a local business to learn about Indigenous culture. During this tour, we visit Sacred Canyon, an area of great cultural significance to the Adnyamthanha people, where access is only allowed when accompanied by an Aboriginal guide. In the afternoon, we hike one of the best short walks in the Flinders Ranges: Mount Ohlssen Bagge. Mount Ohlssen Bagge offers arguably the best view over Wilpena Pound and the surrounding mountain ranges. You start the walk through some of the surrounding bushland teeming with animal life. You might get lucky and spot an emu, echidna, or even a perentie lizard in the scrub. Quickly, you start your steep, rocky ascent to the summit. On the way up, you will be rewarded with sweeping, spectacular views over the land—it's the kind of view you only get in these vast Australian landscapes, being able to see as far as the eye can. We return following the same path. Walking Distance: 7km | Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

The Tanderra Saddle Loop Walk begins on the outer edges of Wilpena Pound through Sheoaks and Grass Trees. Starting from Wilpena, we trek along the 'Outside Trail' which skirts around the foothills of Wilpena Pound's northern edge. As we ascend to the top of the saddle, our reward awaits us: utterly unbeatable views in all directions of the Central Flinders Ranges, Aroona Valley, and the salt plains to the west. The Tanderra Saddle Walk is a shorter but equally rewarding section of the St Mary's Peak (Ngarri Mudlanha) walk. The Adnyamathanha people of the Flinders Ranges would prefer visitors not to climb to the summit, as it is important to the Adnyamathanha creation story. A picnic lunch on the Saddle gives us time to kick back and take it all in before we begin the descent now trekking along the 'Inside Trail' which takes us back through Wilpena Pound before arriving back at our campsite. We celebrate our walk with another scrumptious evening meal together. Walking Distance: 18km | Walking Time: 7-8 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Walking out of Wilpena today we continue our walk further north through the Flinders Ranges on section 58 of the Heysen trail. This morning’s walk gradually takes us away from the Wilpena Pound Range that we have spent the last few days exploring and heads into more remote areas of the National Park. During the morning we walk along the multi-use fire trail that is shared with the famous Mawson Cycling Route. The trail explores the foothills of the range and offers towering views of St Marys Peak and other surrounding mountains above. In our final sections of today’s walk we continue onto a trail exclusively for Heysen trailer walkers that will climb to some viewpoints that offer 360 degree views of jaw dropping scenery before meeting our vehicle at Yanyanna Hut for a short transfer to tonight’s campsite. Walking Distance: 22.5km | Walking Time: 6-8 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we finish section 59 of the Heysen trail which we started yesterday and complete section 60. We walk along the foothills away from the Wilpena Pound Range and towards the ABC, Trezona and Heysen Range with contrasting rock formations. We explore local bushland with local plant communities and low gullies surrounded by the magical birdlife. Keep an eye out you might spot the striking colours of the Mallee ringneck parrot or beautiful rainbow bee-eater. Learn the pastoral heritage of the area, following the footsteps of early shepherds and witnessing the ruins of some of the first pastoral runs. Tonight, we camp in the peaceful Aroona Valley and enjoy another night around the campfire with friends. Walking Distance: 24.5km | Walking Time: 7-9 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we walk the official final leg of the Heysen Trail – section 61. After breakfast we walk out of our campsite in Aroona Valley heading off into the middle of the wilderness around us. We set off for a full day on the trail, walking along the valley between ABC Range and Heysen Range. The day's walk is gently undulating, taking us through bird life filled vegetation and past numerous abandoned mine sites. Reaching the trail head at Parachilna Gorge. Tonight, we set up camp in the secluded Parachilna Gorge and celebrate completing the most northern sections of the Heysen Trail. Walking Distance: 17km | Walking Time: 6-7 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today’s explorations are full of incredibly unique and special areas in the Ikara Flinders Ranges. In the morning we walk through a winding dry riverbed before reaching one of the rare and beautiful waterholes of the area. This is the perfect spot for some afternoon tea and a quick dip for the brave. In the late morning we head back to our vehicle along the same track. We then transfer to Arkaroo Rock for a short afternoon stroll. This is a significant cultural site for the local indigenous peoples and features rock paintings depicting the creation story of Ikara (Wilpena Pound). Walking Distances: 15km | Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we leave the Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park and head to Quorn, a small township further south. Today's challenge is to climb Devils Peak a short but sweet climb that overlooks the surrounding agricultural lands. During our ascent we get unique views of the rock face ahead of us before rising to the top and being rewarded with our final sweeping view of the Flinders Ranges landscape. On our descent be sure to keep an eye out for local reptiles and echidnas as it is a favourite spot of theirs. We return via the same track where we transfer to a local cafe to enjoy our final meal together as a group. After lunch we make our way back to Adelaide. Our journey concludes when we drop you at your Adelaide accommodation by 6pm. Walking Distances: 2.5km | Walking Time: 1-2 hours | Driving Time: 4-5 hours

Meals:  B,L

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 8 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 8 dinners
  • Snacks and hot drinks
  • Professional wilderness guide and support staff
  • Tents and sleeping mats for sleeping (but not sleeping bags)
  • All entrance and national park fees
  • Emergency communications and group first aid kit
  • Transport during the trip
  • Vehicle supported camping throughout
  • Catering & eating utensils

  • Airfares
  • Accommodation in Adelaide prior and post trip
  • Items of personal nature such as laundry and postage
  • Backpacks
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel insurance
  • Sleeping Bags

Accommodation

Outback camping

During the trip we camp in 2-person tents; a true Australian Outback experience. Your guides will prepare all the meals and run the camp, however you will be asked to contribute by putting up your own tent and rolling up your sleeping mattress. Participation around the camp will make for a more enjoyable experience for everybody.

-Most groups are made up of a mixture of single participants and couples. Tents are given out as per person or couple, there is no need to share with people you do not know.

-Sleeping bags are essential for warmth. You are required to bring your own.

-There are toilets at each campsite. Most campsites on the trek even have the option for a hot shower!

Trail Surface

Expect rocky, uneven surfaces

A majority of the terrain in the Flinders Ranges is rough and rocky, particularly on high ground, in gorges, creek and river beds. The ground is often distorted with embedded or loose rock depending on the trail variations.

The trail conditions of the Flinders Ranges are rocky, rugged, hard surfaced and dry. While a number of sections of the trail wind through open plains, undulating areas and relatively flat country, overall, the trail is characterised by rocky, stony and mountainous terrain.

Suitability

Moderate to Challenging

6

To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the walking terrain, altitude and the length of the trek. The Heysen Trail trek is a 9 day trek graded moderate to challenging. This trek involves 6 – 9 hours walking each day over rugged terrain with some steep ascents and descents. The trails are characterised as rocky, stony and mountainous terrain requiring you to be walking each day over rugged sometimes narrow terrain with some steep ascents and descents. Some days will be quite active involving steep walks for most of the day. Suggested preparation: We recommend one hour of strenuous exercise 4 times per week (this can be cycling, jogging or walking) interspersed with relatively demanding bushwalks carrying a day pack. At least once a week, you should walk with a weighted day pack (5–7kg) for several hours for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. The best way to train for an active holiday is to simulate the activity you will be undertaking on the trip. Train for uneven terrain by finding a hilly, rough narrow bush track, and go for a lovely long walk in your trekking boots. Be sure to include some multi day walks in your training.

Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season
Note:
A high season supplement applies from 1 April to 31 May and 1 September to 31 October, and for any trips that overlap with a public holiday.

Priceper person from

$4195AUD

Options & Supplements*
    *Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Best of the Heysen Trail and the Flinders Ranges trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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The guides will prepare and cook all of your evening meals, and cater for a wide range of dietary requirements.

A majority of the terrain in the Flinders Ranges is rough and rocky, particularly on high ground, in gorges, creek and river beds. The ground is often distorted with embedded or loose rock depending on the trail variations.

The trail conditions of the Flinders Ranges are rocky, rugged, hard surfaced and dry. While a number of sections of the trail wind through open plains, undulating areas and relatively flat country, overall, the trail is characterised by rocky, stony and mountainous terrain.

You will need an excellent level of fitness for this trek on the Heysen Trail. You need to be capable and prepared for long, fast paced walks. Previous experience on multi day walks is highly recommended. If you have any questions about your suitability please give us a call and speak with one of our staff members. We are more than happy to discuss additional information about what you can expect.

Our Flinders Ranges trekking season runs from April to October, when trekking conditions are most favourable. Winter is arguably the best time to experience the trails, as it offers prime trekking conditions, more stable temperatures and endlessly blue days.

Generally speaking, the weather is fine in the Flinders Ranges and there is plenty of sun. We go in the coolest part of the year as this is the most comfortable time for walking. Daytime temperatures in April - May are mild while June - July can be cool to cold. From August to October the days get progressively warmer and late in the season the occasional hot day may require us to modify the day's trekking to suit the conditions.

Night time temperatures can be cold at any time of year. From late May through to early August, the evenings can be very cold (down to minus 5C°/24F°). On rare occasions, rain can force us to alter our schedule. Though rain is unlikely, please be prepared for cold and wet weather at all times of year.

You must arrive in Adelaide the day before your trek begins.

The Best of the Heysen Trail is fully vehicle supported. You will carry just a day pack containing the items you need during the day (including water, sun hat, snacks, lunch, camera, waterproof and warm layers, etc). This is likely to weigh between 5-7kg.

Any excess luggage can be stored at your pre/post tour accommodation in Adelaide.

Yes. The terrain on this trek is rugged. For your comfort, you must have high supported boots with a heavy duty grip. There are lots of rocky, uneven and unstable sections, so ankle support will be beneficial.

Hiking poles can definitely assist you with going up and down the inclines and for stability. If you have not used them previously, we recommend that you do some training with them before you head out on the hike.

It is possible to charge batteries using an inverter run off the vehicle battery. However this can be slow and is limited to times when the vehicle is driving and to be shared between the whole group, so we advise carrying extra sets of batteries for your cameras and/or portable chargers.

Not frequently. Sporadic reception can be received depending on your carrier. Wilpena Pound has Telstra coverage. Hawker and Blinman have Optus reception.

No. A water tank will be carried in the support vehicles and the guides will provide you with drinking water each day.

Best of the Heysen Trail Trip reviews

Best of the Heysen Trail Videos

What's it like trekking the Heysen Trail in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia?

Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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Activities:
From:
$3195 AUD
Duration:

6Days

Grading:
6

Moderate to Challenging