Month: March 2021

Improve your Hiking Skills session

Posted on by Walking SA

Saturday April 24 2021
Onkaparinga River National Park
Choose from two sessions timeslots: 9am or 1:30pm

Join an experienced leader from Walking SA for a guided walk & bushwalking skills session in the spectacular Onkaparinga River National Park.

This 3-hour session will include a 2 hour hike in the park plus some time to have a chat and learn about:

  • How to plan and be well prepared for a hike
  • How to stay comfortable while walking
  • Equipment should you take with you
  • Navigation and map resources
  • What to do in an emergency
  • Rules and guidelines about walking in parks
  • The principles of Leave No Trace
  • Walking SA
  • Bushwalking Leadership South Australia

Fitness requirements:

A moderate to good level of fitness is required to complete this hike. The proposed route is on grade 3 to 4 trails and includes some uneven surfaces with moderate to steep ascents and descents.

This event is suitable for children over 12 years of age accompanied by their adult and who are willing and able to complete a 3 hour trail hike.

What to bring:

  • Completed Medical Info and Acknowledgement of Risk form
  • Hiking boots / enclosed footwear
  • Sun protection – hat plus sunscreen
  • Wet weather protection (if rain forecast) – check the forecast
  • Warm clothing for after the walk (jumper/jacket)
  • Drinking water (minimum 1 litre per person)
  • Snacks
  • Walking poles (optional)
  • Personal medication
  • Hand sanitiser

Please note that the event may be cancelled in the event of a total fire ban or extreme weather, at the discretion of Walking SA.

Buy Ticket

This event is proudly supported by National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia as part of the Parks of the Fleurieu Peninsula – Park of the Month program.

Advocating for improved walking and mobility conditions in Mannum

  • LETTER SENT TO COUNCIL
Posted on by Walking SA

We recently sent a letter to Mid Murray Council about works on an access ramp and footpath that has resulted in a steep incline which is not suitable for those with mobility impairments. We applaud the works to improve walking and mobility within the towns and settlements in the council’s area but draw attention to an example of a ramp that does not meet Australian Standards (AS1428 Design for access and mobility.)

View letter (PDF)

Letter from Walking SA

23 March 2021
Mid Murray Council
CEO Ben Scales

Dear Mr Scales

We are aware Council has been investing in installing new footpaths and access ramps in selected locations across the Mid Murray Council and we applaud the works to improve walking and mobility within the towns and settlements in the council’s area.

We are contacting you about an access matter that has been brought to our attention in Mannum.

It appears that some recent new works involving the installation of an access ramp and footpath has resulted in a steep incline which is not suitable for those with mobility impairments. We understand this is located within the town centre of Mannum on Neil Street.

We would like to draw your attention to Australian Standards (AS1428 and parts) regarding the provision of universal access to such devices, which includes the connection to new or improved footpaths from the adjacent street.

This requires a maximum grade of no more than 2.5% in any direction, together with the approach footpaths where feasible.

This issue may have been alleviated with some simple and minor earthworks to better align the grades of the new bitumen footpath and the access ramp, as well as connecting the ramp to the adjacent and new path in accordance with the standards.

We would also seek assurance that new works or asset replacements works are specified according to the relevant universal access standards (in this case, Australian Standard AS1428 and parts), and where appropriate, funded adequately.

Improving walking conditions to an agreed universal access standard for all abilities is an important and critical service councils provide. We appreciate at times errors or mistakes occur.
We would request council reconsider this matter and rectify the situation to ensure the safety and access for all residents, visitors, and workers in Mannum.

Walking SA is the peak body for walking in South Australia, and a strong advocate for creating more walkable places. We support efforts to encourage more walking for transport, recreation and health in our cities, towns, and settlements for people of all ages and abilities.

We would be pleased to discuss this matter further if required and we also would appreciate your response to this matter.

Regards
Helen Donovan
Executive Director

Recycle your Quality Outdoor Gear at the Hiking Expo

Posted on by Walking SA

Promote sustainability by selling or donating outdoor gear to the Recycle Your Quality Outdoor Gear Stall at the April 11 Hiking Expo. It could be shoes or a backpack that you bought but didn’t turn out to be for you, but is still quite new, or it could be a used piece of gear that still has some life.

  • View the stall brochure.
  • Drop off items before the Expo to Hallett Cove, or at the stall on the day. View the information form to include with items.

Belair Hiking Expo 11 April – join a guided walk

Posted on by Walking SA

Hiking Expo in Belair National Park Sunday 11 April 2021

Discover hiking trails, who to hike with & the good hiking gear at the Hiking Expo on Sunday 11 April in Belair National Park.

  • Expo of walking destinations, walking tours, outdoor retailers, walking clubs. Free entry. 9am to 2pm.
  • Guided hikes ranging from 45mins to 3 hours, including child-friendly, dog friendly and Accessible options, departing every 10 mins.
  • Secure your place on a specific guided walk by registering online, or just arrive on the day and choose from the available guided walks.
  • NEW this year: Bushwalking equipment and experience demonstration stage

Event brought to you by

Presented by: Walking SA
Principal Event Partner: National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia
Supporting Partners: Friends of the Heysen Trail, Heart Foundation Walking and ARPA Bushwalkers

Join a Guided Walk

Walking in Belair National ParkCheck out the walks on offer at the Hiking Expo and secure your spot now. The guided hikes range from 45mins to 3 hours, with child-friendly, pram friendly, dog friendly and Accessible options.

Explore the park and discover the trails, wildlife and meandering creeks and waterfalls. Take in the Grey Box Woodland once common throughout the Mount Lofty Ranges, the Kaurna “Taking of the Shield” tree, the dark Echo Tunnel or the park’s heritage sites.

View the walks and grab your ticket at walkingsa.org.au/expo

Join a Walk

Recycle your Quality Outdoor Gear

Recycle Your Quality Outdoor Gear - backpacks, outerwear. jackets, thermals, boots, camping gearPromote sustainability by selling or donating outdoor gear to the Recycle Your Quality Outdoor Gear Stall. It could be shoes or a backpack that you bought but didn’t turn out to be for you, but is still quite new, or it could be a used piece of gear that still has some life.

  • View the stall brochure.
  • Drop off items before the Expo to Hallett Cove, or at the stall on the day. View the information formto include with items.