One of our member groups has been featured in a story by the Friends of the Heysen Trail, recognising their long involvement in maintaining a section of the 1,200km Heysen Trail.
Every little bit counts – WEA Ramblers walking group celebrates 90th birthday
The Yorke Peninsula Council is launching the Walk the Yorke leisure trail this Sunday 13th December at the Port Vincent Golf Course from 10am-2pm.
Walk the Yorke is a 500km trail constructed by Yorke Peninsula Council, linking existing coastal walking trails to create a walking experience around the entire coast of beautiful Yorke Peninsula. It is a ‘shared use’ trail identified with trail markers.
In the interests of public safety the following walking trails in Finders Ranges National Park will be closed from 1 December 2015 to 29 February 2016:
The decision to close some trails this summer was made by the national park rangers after several serious incidents in previous years involving walkers who were ill-prepared, had insufficient water and low fitness levels to undertake these challenging hikes during the high temperatures. The closures will reduce the risk to walkers and potentially to emergency services personnel who undertake search and rescues over summer when temperatures are at their hottest.
All other 15 walking trails in the Finders Ranges National Park will remain open, however summer temperatures and conditions can often make bushwalking dangerous and walkers should be prepared when bushwalking.
Read more on environment.sa.gov.au.
We've launched a project website for the Adelaide100 trail at adelaide100.com.au
Walking SA has a vision for the establishment of Adelaide100 initiated by passionate Board member Jim McLean. Adelaide is renowned for its beautiful parks and reserves that encircle our city, enhance our suburbs, thread along our coast and feature throughout the hills. Our landscape, and nature reserves coupled with a favourable climate and fantastic food and wine make Adelaide one of the most liveable places in the world.
As such, South Australia is an ideal nature tourism destination and we are already attracting many national and international walkers into our state. Now is the time to capitalise on existing assets and create new initiatives to capture the growing nature tourism market. We have the opportunity to use existing infrastructure to develop a unique walking experience that show cases our near city vistas, produce and experiences. The Adelaide100 will cater for different walking abilities providing a variety of walk options within the longer trail, and link people to great places to stay, eat and enjoy along the way.
There is no other city in the world with a sign posted loop trail that traverses city, coast, bush and suburbs, incorporates shorter or longer walks, provides accommodation, food, historical and cultural information and links up and promotes other trails. The Adelaide100 links up existing infrastructure, creating short distance links and trail loops to create a 100km network.
Joined up, well-signposted trails with way finding (maps and apps) will provide more options for more people and will attract more people looking for nature tourism experiences. The new sections of the trail have been designed to ensure that walkers can complete short distance legs or the entire trail with easy access to provisions and accommodation if required. This will ensure that short stay tourists as well as local walkers are catered for.
If you asked the locals of Norton Summit about Monument Road you would be told that it exists. Some even know roughly where it might be. On most maps, street directory included, you find a line that looks like Monument Road. With the right search criteria its name is recognised by the Property Location Browser, and there it is, with Norton Summit land holdings on both sides.
Monument Road looks the perfect walking route for a number of reasons. Local residents could use it as a direct, safe, healthy way to reach their hub of community facilities. It is an ideal spur, loop and alternate route of the Heysen Trail which goes right through Norton Summit. It is only 1.6km in length but is the perfect inclusion in the long distance Adelaide100 walking trail.
Despite what paper and electronic mapping shows, finding Monument Road on the ground is not straight forward. It is vehicular track at one end and a well-defined corridor of paddock at the other, but is apparently completely blocked off in between.
Walking SA has now determined where the road reserve is, and in partnership with Skyline Walkers and the Friends of the Heysen Trail has committed to developing Monument Road for use by walkers. Consultation processes with local residents, the broader rate paying community, and the Adelaide Hills Council (AHC) have been completed. Infrastructure requirements have been determined. A detailed submission has been lodged with the AHC. Initial response is favourable – Monument Road is in the AHC 20 Year Strategic Plan (document part 1, document part 2).
It is envisaged that work on the ground will be conducted in the immediate term. Markers, stiles, information boards, and maintenance and management strategies, will be put in place. The opening of this public asset will advantage local walkers and long distance walkers alike. It will bring to the local and wider community the benefits of walking that we know so well.
A forum for organisations and individuals with an interest in supporting physical activity. The focus of this event is on creating walkable, connected communities and understanding and addressing the social determinants of physical activity and sedentary behaviour.
The Heart Foundation together with a number of local partners, including Walking SA, are hosting the forum.
Friday November 20th 2015
9.30am to 3.30pm
Adelaide Pavilion, Veale Gardens
Corner South Terrace and Peacock Road, Adelaide
A free event
A range of stimulating speakers will address issues in the areas of health and physical activity and in particular lessons learned from a call to action on walking and walkable communities in the US. Internationally renowned speaker, US based international health, planning and transport consultant Mark Fenton, will address the forum and together with other guest speakers be part of an interactive panel discussion.
Walking SA is the peak body for walking in South Australia representing the diverse range of walking interests of our members as well as the interests of walkers/pedestrians generally.
Whilst promoting increased walking in the community, for a wide range of individual and community benefits, we are concerned fundamentally with the safety of all pedestrians, whether it be those walking in the local neighbourhood through to those hiking in the bush.
We are concerned that cycling on footpaths, as allowed by the new regulations, increases the risk to pedestrians generally, and specifically for those more vulnerable such as children, the elderly and those with disabilities. We are also concerned that the impact of the change will be to discourage walking because of the perceived risks.
We note that there are many existing paths and trails that are for multipurpose users and the need for respect and tolerance between pedestrians and cyclists in these instances is paramount. This is not always the case in practice. Our anecdotal observations are that generally faster commuter cyclists would continue utilising existing shared paths and roads, with and without bike lanes. Those cyclists that do not feel safe in that environment are likely to use footpaths.
Walking SA would prefer for the regulation allowing cycling on footpaths not to have been implemented. Whilst acknowledging it has we would be seeking ways and means to minimise risks to both pedestrians and cyclists using footpaths so that injuries to either do not occur.
We are also concerned that the debate that has occurred around these regulations is of an “us and them” approach whether it be vehicle users and cyclists or cyclists and pedestrians. It is far more important to determine and implement solutions that encourage mutual respect and tolerance than encouraging conflict. There are many benefits to the community in both increased walking and cycling.
We highly recommend that:-
There are plenty of great hikes accessible by Adelaide Metro bus and train.
We’ve outlined 10 below. Explore more hikes accessible by public transport in our Find a Place to Walk directory by selecting the Transport filter.
Throughout October share your “view from my walk” photo via social media using the hashtag: #walktoberSA
1.
7.3km, 3.5 hours
A hike that visits all three of the waterfalls in Morialta Conservation Park, skirting around the gorge up Fourth Creek past First Falls, Second Falls and Third Falls.
To commence this hike, get off the Adelaide Metro bus at bus stop 27 on Stradbroke Road, and walk up the Fourth Creek Walk to the top carpark.
2.
9.8km, 4-5 hours
The River Trail follows the Sturt River through Sturt Gorge. It explores the rugged beauty of the river, including waterfalls, flowing creeks and rocky gorges.
The trail could be walked one-way by using Adelaide Metro public bus to return, from Bus Stop 28 Main South Road to Bus Stop 37B Coromandel Parade
3.
13.7km, 3-5 hours
This loop hike traverses the Brownhill Creek valley, through and beyond Brownhill Creek Recreation Park, up the Yurrebilla Trail and into Belair National Park.
Catch the Adelaide Metro train to Belair Train Station (on the Belair Line) and commence walking there. The directions commence from the base of Brownhill Creek, but you could easily start your loop mid way at direction #12, at Belair Train Station.
4.
10.2km, 2-3 hours
A 10km circuit hike along the Heysen Trail, through Mylor Conservation Park and Aldgate Valley.
Commence from Aldgate, walking the Aldgate Valley Nature Walk to Mylor, and returning via the Heysen Trail through remnant woodland in Mylor Conservation Park. Aldgate Valley Nature Walk connects a series of nature reserves and some quiet country lane walking.
Commence this hike from the Adelaide Metro bus stop 42 Mt Barker Road, Aldgate.
5.
7.5km, 2-3 hours
This 7.5km loop walk around Ansteys Hill Recreation Park includes some steep climbs, superb views over the Adelaide Plains, some of the wildlife of the park, and the ruins of Newmans Nursery.
Access this hike from the Adelaide Metro bus stop 51B, North East Road, Tea Tree Gully, on route 557, or the 542 to bus stop 52 North East Road (700m from park entrance).
6.
5.7km, 2 hours return
A loop walk through the Lynton Reserve and Sleeps Hill Reserve walking trails. The park borders the Adelaide Plains and Belair, providing for some good climbs, city views, and walking through intact Grey Box grassy woodlands.
Access this loop hike from the Lynton Train Station, on the Adelaide Metro Belair Line.
7.
6.5km, 3 hours
The most challenging trail in the park takes you through Echo Tunnel and to the picturesque rock escarpments of the Upper and Lower Waterfalls.
Catch the train to Belair Train Station (on the Adelaide Metro Belair Line) and commence walking there. Follow the Microcarpa Hike to the trailhead near Pines 1 & 2, commencing the Waterfall Hike there.
8.
7.5km, 2-3 hours one way (15km return, 4-6 hours return)
Highlight walk of the Heysen Trail, from Mount Lofty Summit, views over Piccadilly Valley, the forest in Mount George Conservation Park, two tunnels, the Fairy Garden in Deanery Reserve and on to Old Bridgewater Mill.
Although this is a one-way hike, public transport can be easily used to avoid returning by the same route, or to avoid using two cars. Catch the Adelaide Metro bus, route 864, from bus stop 46 on Mount Barker Road Summit Road to Crafers Interchange, where you can transfer to an 823 bus service to bu stop 26 at Mount Lofty Summit. The 823 bus only runs 3-4 times a day, so be sure to check out the timetable first.
9.
6.1km, 2-3 hours
Explore the trails in Shepherds Hill Recreation Park. Follow River Red Gum Loop then through Watiparinga Reserve to the old railway tunnel and viaduct remains.
This hike can be accessed via:
10.
10km, 4 hours
A circuit bushwalk through Cleland National Park, through stringbark forest, some steep climbs with gentler sections. Hike past Keirs Ruin, an old farm house abandoned in the 1900s.
Commence this hike at the park entrance gate from the Adelaide Metro Bus Stop 18 on Greenhill Road.
The well-known and popular Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty summit hike is good – short and sweet (code for good, but steep).
There are eight other ways to hike up to the summit of Mt Lofty, outlined below. Some are gentler, some just as steep. Expect to see fewer people but more koalas and kangaroos.
Throughout October share your “view from my walk” photo via social media using the hashtag: #walktoberSA
Explore more walks in the 786 walks in our Find a Place to Walk directory.
3.9km, 1.5 – 3 hours return.
The most well known and popular walking trail up Mt Lofty, with a cafe at each end, a well made path and regular seating. It’s a great trail, but can be very busy.
We’ve outlined some alternatives below.
7km return, 3 hours
The Steub Trail gently climbs through heathy forest woodland communities from the Cleland Wildlife Park to Mount Lofty Summit. The trail is suitable for walking, prams, trail-running and mountain bikers. The trail has gentle, low-gradient access making it possible for those with reduced mobility to reach the summit.
15km return, 3-5 hours
This is our favourite alternate way to hike up Mt Lofty. Enjoy the cool sanctuary of Chambers Gully. This route joins the Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty summit hike 600m from the top.
7.5km, 3-5 hours
Experience a Heysen Trail highlight on this 7.5km loop hike. The hike includes the summit of Mt Lofty, quaint cottages and small-scale farming in Piccadilly Valley, a walk through the Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens, and the stringybark forests of Cleland National Park.
We suggest walking clockwise for the easier gradients.
You could begin by parking in Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens (parking fees apply), or at a small parking area near Bus Stop 25 Summit Rd.
7.5km, 2-3 hours one way (15km return, 4-6 hours return)
Walk to Mt Lofty Summit from Bridgewater along the Heysen Trail. Walk through two tunnels, the Fairy Garden in Deanery Reserve, and through the tall forested Mt George Conservation Park. The final approach up the summit is steep, but the trail here is well made. Use Adelaide Metro bus services to walk one way, and catch the bus back.
6.8km, 2-3 hours
This route is serene. A walk from Measdays Lookout, along the Measdays Hike, an unnamed single track walking trail that passes a waterfall, and descend through the forest along Chinamans Hut Track on the Adventure Hike.
When you reach Attunga Track, continue along Chinamans Track to join the Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty summit hike 600m from the top.
10km, 4 hours
A circuit bushwalk in Cleland National Park, meandering through stringbark forest, some steep climbs with gentler sections. Hike past Keirs Ruin, an old farm house abandoned in the 1900s.
Use the Lodge Track to access Mt Lofty Summit, adding an extra 1.4km one way to the hike.
10km return, 3 hours
This hike provides an alternative route to Mt Lofty Summit from Waterfall Gully. Enjoy the forests as the fire track follows the ridges up Chinamans Hut Track.
4.5km, 2 hours one-way
The 4.5km walking track from Crafers to the Mt Lofty summit takes a different approach. Starting in Main Street Crafers, you are already high up. This gentle trail follows the backstreets through Crafers, past historic homes, then quiet walking paths winding through the forest. Option to use Adelaide Metro bus to hike one way, and return by bus.
Read our Annual Report.
Highlights include:
Warmer days don’t necessarily mean there are no opportunities for walking. Why not try a shorter hike, and start off early in the morning.
Throughout October share your “view from my walk” photo via social media using the hashtag: #walktoberSA
Explore more walks in the 150 walks in our Find a Place to Walk directory.
5.4km, 2 hours
The Wirraparinga Trail Loop meanders along the Brownhill Creek valley, through Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. A narrow creek flows through the steep-sided valley, with majestic river red gums, some more than 300 years old.
4.8km, 2 hours
Venture into the southern-most parts of the park, along this secluded track. Enjoy views over the gully below from the well-made track before plunging down to explore it at ground level.
3km, 1 hour
Follows the forested banks and lower slopes of Minnow Creek and passes the Railway Dam, with ducks and seating. The trail is suitable for most strollers.
2.3km, 1 hour
Explore the river red gums and wildlife along Viaduct Creek on this loop walk. A wide well-made trail suitable for prams which is shared with beginner-level cyclists.
3km, 1 hour return
A walk along Water Gully to the ruins of Newsmans Nursery. Established in 1854, the extensive nursery ruins were once the largest nursery in the southern hemisphere.
13.6km, 3.5 hour return
A walking trail connecting a series of nature reserves and some quiet country lane walking. The reserves and native bushland are home to Southern Brown Bandicoots, kangaroos, possums, echidnas and koalas.
7km
A clifftop boardwalk along the rocky coastline between Marino and Hallett Cove. There are lots of options as to how long to make this walk.
Bushwalk.com has released their latest eMag – this month features on South Australia’s Best Walks, as voted by locals. We took up the opportunity to write the introduction for the featured walks.
The edition also features other SA focus articles:
Other articles include:
Innes National Park is the Parks SA Park of the Month (October 2015).
The park, on the Yorke Peninsula, is defined by spectacular coastal landscapes with rugged cliffs and sandy beaches that provide a beautiful backdrop to the Park.
Located 3.5 hours from Adelaide, it is a popular spring and summer destination for camping.
Check out Nature Play’s 20 Things to Discover in Innnes.
600m, 1 hour return
This short walk provides spectacular views from Cape Spencer, including of the Althorpe Islands.
1.2km, 2 hours
A short hike taking in spectacular coastal views across the Spencer Gulf Marine Park & off-shore islands. 360 degree lookout just 100 metres down trail.
2km, 1 hour
Explore the ruins of the old mining town of Inneston. This popular trail takes you back to the early 1900s and the gypsum-mining era. Interpretive signs tell the story of the close-knit community of Inneston. Beware of unstable ruins.
5km, 2 hours
Experience amazing views of the rugged peninsula coast from the lookout point on the cliffs at Royston Head, including views of Wedge Island (32km west).
7.6km, 3 hours return
This hike follows the old wooden railway line that runs from Inneston to Stenhouse Bay, with a series of interpretive signs depicting the local environment and history.
12km, 4 hours
A hike through the unique flora and high sand dune areas between Browns Beach and Gym Beach. You may see a variety of birdlife and native orchids as you pass through the dense mallee vegetation.
Chair of Walking SA, Wendy Keech, speaks with ABC891’s Spence Denny about #walktoberSA and that when councils develop trail infrastructure, people will walk it.
October is ideal for walking – the temperatures are mild and the evenings are getting longer.
Find inspiration in our Find a Place to Walk directory, or join a #walktoberSA Walking Event.
Download the #walktoberSA flyer.
The Active Club Program is currently open for and helps active recreation and sports clubs with:
The grant is for a maximum of $5,000 and funds are allocated on the basis of $10,000 per state electorate. Some electorates have unspent funds from previous rounds so in some electorates there is more than the $10,000 available. The application process is very simple and and you can submit a suitable application that meets the needs of your club. Clubs are being encouraged to apply for the maximum amount. Last round there were some 600 applications and just over one in four were successful.
Application closing date of October 12th 2015.
There will also be a facility round (Round 41) open in early 2016.
| Date | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 1 September 2015 | Unley Park Sports Club
8 Northgate Street, Unley Park |
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm |
| Wednesday 2 September 2015 | Office for Recreation and Sport G2/G3 Conference Rooms 27 Valetta Road, Kidman Park |
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm |
| Tuesday 8 September 2015 | City of Salisbury 12 James Street, Salisbury |
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm |