Belair Hiking Expo 11 April – join a guided walk

Posted on March 12, 2021 by Walking SA

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

Check 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

Promote 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.

Showcasing a Walking Club: WEA Ramblers

Posted on February 9, 2021 by Walking SA

The WEA Ramblers is the oldest walking club in South Australia. In 2020 they celebrated the 95th anniversary of the club’s first walk at Hallett Cove in August 1925.

For most of those years Ramblers has conducted day walks of between 12 to 18 km fortnightly on Sundays throughout the year. This year, half day walks are also being included in the program. These will be from 6 to 9km, once a month on a Tuesday.

Day walks are held in Conservation Parks and reserves up to 70km from Adelaide. Summer walks and half day walks are closer to the City.

On the June and October long weekends, trips are made to more distant locations in South Australia with accommodation, from Friday to Monday, organized in holiday houses or hostels. Day walks are conducted on the Saturday and Sunday, and a half day walk on the Monday morning, before the trip home.

The membership fee is $20 per year. A charge of $5 per walk applies for Sunday walks, but there is no charge for Tuesday walks. After three walks, new walkers become eligible to join as members. Currently the club has 25 members.

You can find out more, including the walk program and guidelines for walkers on their website at sites.google.com/view/wea-ramblers-sa. Photos and maps of recent walks are displayed on the Photo Gallery page.

You can find a walking club at walkingsa.org.au/walk/list-of-walking-clubs-south-australia.

Showcasing a Walking Club: Skyline Walkers

Posted on December 3, 2020 by Walking SA

Skyline Walkers are a friendly group of 68 walkers who meet on Saturday mornings. They offer a all-year round program of walks.

Their Saturday walks are located as far north as Para Wirra and as far south as Onkaparinga and Kuitpo Forest. Weekend trips in recent years have included Mannum, Marion Bay, Clare, Penola and Normanville. Trips further afield have included Victoria’s Great Ocean Walk and the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail. Pre-Covid, they ventured overseas to Ireland (2019), Orkney Scotland, Italy, Canada and Japan.

Their summer morning walks (January to March) are for two hours located on the Adelaide Plains or seaside locations, with fairly flat terrain. They are, however, at a fairly brisk pace. If the forecast temperature is 32C or higher the walk is cancelled.

Winter walks are located in the Adelaide Hills and hence include some hills. There is a choice of a two hour walk (approx six or seven km) or a three-hour walk (approx 10 km). They also offer longer and harder walks on Sundays several times a year, an annual walking trip interstate or overseas, and a weekend away within SA. Sunday long walks are generally around five to six hours duration and are at locations such as the Lavender Federation Trail. In March 2021, fingers crossed with Covid-19, they’re walking in Tasmania. On long weekends they usually do a two-hour walk on the Monday followed by a pub lunch, and all other walks conclude with tea/coffee and refreshments (subject to Covid restrictions of course!).

Members fees are $70 per year which covers walking for a whole year with no other fees required. People wishing to try out the club and their walks can have two walks free of charge before joining.

You can find out more, including the walk calendar and details, and guidelines for walkers on their website at skylinewalkersinc.com.

You can find a walking club at walkingsa.org.au/walk/list-of-walking-clubs-south-australia.

Help South Australia reach its goal of one billion steps!

Posted on September 29, 2020 by Walking SA

Wellbeing SA is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of all South Australians and next month we are excited to launch our first Billion Steps Challenge. This Challenge is about bringing people together and inspiring people to find more ways to move throughout their day.

When does the Challenge start?

Thursday 1 October 2020, at the start of Walktober.

How will the Billion Steps Challenge work?

We will be encouraging all South Australians to sign up to the Billion Steps Challenge via the Open Your World website and all steps (or other forms of physical activity) logged from October 1 will be automatically added to South Australia’s total.

We would love for the Walking SA community to register online and log their steps for South Australia.

Spread the word

Challenge your friends, family and workmates and let us know your progress by tagging #SABillionSteps #10000Steps #OpenYourWorld.

Adelaide100 Trail Launch, 7km showcase walk

Posted on September 4, 2020 by Walking SA

We've launched a project website for the Adelaide100 trail at adelaide100.com.au

Join us to celebrate the launch of the first section of the Adelaide100® trail.

The Adelaide100® is a loop walking trail of over 100km that takes in the coast, waterways and hills of the capital city of South Australia.

The 7km showcase walk starts from Pinky Flat, following the linear trail along the beautiful River Torrens / Karrawirra Parri. Walking upstream past Adelaide Oval before crossing the river at Hackney Bridge and returning past the zoo and Elder Park. Passing the Festival Centre and Convention Centre, the walk continues under Montefiore Road, crossing the river over the weir before returning to Pinky Flat.

Sunday 11 October 2020
10:00am
Pinky Flat, Adelaide

Registration is free. Participant numbers are limited due to COVID-19 event planning guidelines. Please register to assist us in managing our COVID-Safe event plan.

Post a photo on social media with #adelaide100 for a chance to win a $200 Scout Outdoor Centre voucher.

Find out more

Sir John Cleland Memorial walks in Belair National Park

Posted on October 14, 2019 by Walking SA

Each year the Friends of Belair National Park commemorate Sir John Cleland’s historic yearly inspection of the Park with two free memorial walks.

Nature Ramble
2 hour, family-friendly nature ramble, starting at 10am
eventbrite.com.au/e/73760843669
Boundary Hike
5 hours, starting at 9am
eventbrite.com.au/e/73760077377

These events are free but numbers are capped so please be sure to book your ticket via the Eventbrite links above.

Prior to the formation of the Department for Environment and Water in the 1970s the National Park at Belair was run by a group of Commissioners. Professor Sir John Cleland was Deputy Chairman for five years from 1931 and was Chairman from 1936-1956. During this period of office, Cleland undertook the self-imposed task of inspecting Belair National Park on foot, during the period between Christmas and New Year’s Day. It was his purpose to assess the management of the park, in relation to weeds, firebreaks, fencing and anything else that came to his attention, so that he could advise park staff more specifically as to how they could best discharge their duties. While regular inspections with the other Commissioners generally occurred within Belair, John Clelend at this time set out to walk around its boundaries.

Walking Awards 2019 Presentation Ceremony & AGM

Posted on September 10, 2019 by Walking SA

The annual Walking SA Walking Awards are to recognise sustained and outstanding contribution to walking at all levels throughout SA. Many volunteers and others have contributed to South Australia’s great walking trails, walking clubs, and walking promotion and opportunities for health, wellbeing, recreation and tourism.

Please join us to present and celebrate our outstanding community members at The Jade in Flinders St Adelaide.

Public welcome.

Venue: The Jade, 142-160 Flinders Street, Adelaide SA 5000 (View Map)
Date: Wednesday 23 October 2019
Time: AGM 6.30pm – 7pm, 7pm networking and refreshments, 7:45pm Awards

Our guest speaker will be Ben Trewren. Ben was awarded the 2018 Terry Lavender Churchill Fellowship to explore opportunities for trail destinations to attract and grow world class ‘shared-use’ interests. Having recently returned from his exploratory trip overseas, he is moving on to writing his investigation report. Ben will present a report about what he discovered about how trail destinations attract and grow world class ‘shared-use’ interests.

If you know of someone who should be considered for an award there’s still time to nominate. Get your nomination in by Friday 27 September 2019.

Bar will be open for purchase of drinks, light refreshments provided.

For some guidance for catering purposes please RSVP Wednesday 16 October 2019 to Greg Boundy
office@walkingsa.org.au

The Walking SA Annual General Meeting will be held before the Awards presentation, from 6:30pm to 7:00pm.

View the AGM Agenda and Proposed Agenda Changes.

If you wish to nominate for the Board you are strongly encouraged to do so. Please refer to the Nomination Form ( Microsoft Word, or PDF.)

There is free on-street carparking after 6pm and nearby multi-story parking areas. The Jade is 6-10 mins walk from the closest tram stop.

Discover more walking at the Caravan and Camping Sale this weekend

Posted on July 25, 2019 by Walking SA

We're at the Caravan and Camping Sale this weekend:
Thursday 25 July to Sunday 28 July, 10am to 5pm daily at Adelaide Showground, Wayville.

Discover more about walking by grabbing some some of our lists of best walks in the ten tourism regions of South Australia. Chat to us on Saturday or Sunday about the best trails, or become a supporter to help us promote walking.

The widest range of leading companies will be showcasing their camping and caravan products & services all within one convenient location. If you need to upgrade, if you want to buy your first van or trailer, or just fancy checking out some new equipment or accessories.

Visit us at stall J9b in the Jubilee Pavilion, we're sharing a stall with the Caravan and Camping Industries Association of SA. Pick up your copy of the free Let's Go Caravan & Camping Almanac from them, normally valued at $10.

Showground entry tickets are $13, or $11 for concession. Children under 15 are free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Find out about the Sale

Hiking Expo in Belair National Park a success

Posted on April 17, 2019 by Walking SA

Last Sunday we showcased hiking and walking opportunities at our annual Hiking Expo.

Between 1,500 and 2,000 people discovered new places to hike, what to wear and who to go with through the 32 exhibitors. This included walking groups and clubs, adventure tourism operators, outdoor gear retailers, trail destinations and tour operators.

We showed 400 people some of the best hiking and walking trails in Belair National Park.

It’s not too late to order your 2019 Let’s Go Caravan and Camping Almanac, you will receive a download copy as well as instructions on 30 locations where you can pick up a hard copy for free. It’s full of caravan and camping hints and tips, articles, the best places to stay and play, regional events and everything you need to know to take a self drive holiday, whether a newbie or seasoned traveller.

Great video from local Kellz Escapadez which profiles the Hiking Expo event (follow Kellz Escapadez for lots of hiking tips):

Special thanks to:

our event sponsor Let’s Go Caravan and Camping SA, and
John Schutz, CEO of the Department for Environment and Water, for officially opening the Bushwalking Season and launching the Heysen Highlights book
our event partners and guided walk hosts:
and other valued guided walk hosts:
- Friends of Belair National Park and
- Four Seasons Walking Group
and to:
- Rock About for providing a free rock-climbing wall, staffed by climbing instructors from Venture Corporate Recharge
- the many volunteers who helped with car park marshalling to improve expo visitor’s experience
- and the volunteers and staff who showcasing walking opportunities

Brought to you by

Presented by

Platinum Sponsor

Event Partners

Australian Walking and Cycling Conference, 24 – 25 October 2019 at Port Adelaide

Posted on April 16, 2019 by Walking SA

The Australian Walking and Cycling Conference will be held Thursday and Friday 24 – 25 October 2019 at the Port Adelaide Town Hall with the theme Active transport in a changing climate.

The conference aspires to promote creating a transport mode shift away from cars towards walking and cycling, and using active means to link with improved public transport in suburbs and rural towns. We want to shift away from CO2 reliant mobility and keep people active as temperatures rise.

As the leading Australian forum for high-quality cycling and waking research, the Conference strongly contributes to an energetic and positive network of professionals dealing with local, national and international issues.

This is the only forum to have the core aims of advancing and promoting the development of rigorous research into cycling and walking.

Visit conference website

Winners of our Hiking Expo competition

Posted on April 15, 2019 by Walking SA

Thanks to everyone who entered the competition at yesterday’s Hiking Expo, the winners are:

Joanna Ciocco won the Osprey Sirrus 36 womens daypack thanks to Scout Outdoor Centre. Prize valued at $249.95.
Rob Brown won the Osprey Statos 36 mens daypack thanks to Scout Outdoor Centre. Prize valued at $249.95.
Michael Healey won the Halo Down Jacket (Women’s or Men’s) thanks to Macpac Adventure Hub Enfield. Prize valued at $279.95.
Ed won the 2-for-1 Walk the Yorke two night package (voucher) thanks to Big Heart Adventures. Prize valued at $300.00.
Phuong Tran, Kelly Albion, Col Hillard, Glen McKenzie, Pat Berry, Anne Fuller won one of 6 Primal Pods thanks to EDAS Foods. Eat clean wherever you area with Primal Pods. Each Primal Pod valued at $13.95, value of these prizes is $83.70.
Rudy Farrugia won the $50 voucher thanks to ioMerino. Prize valued at $50.00.

Explore hiking trails and destinations with this Sunday’s Hiking Expo in Belair National Park

Posted on April 10, 2019 by Walking SA

Explore hiking trails and destinations, who to hike with and what gear you’ll need.

Expo of walking tours, walking destinations, outdoor retailers, walking clubs, free entry. View the 30+ exhibitors.
Join a guided walk to explore the park, options range from 45mins to 3 hours, including child-friendly and Accessible options. Guided Walks will depart every 10mins. Pre-register to secure a spot or just turn up on the day, $5 per person. View or join a walk.
Order your 2019 Let’s Go Caravan and Camping Almanac now to pick up a hard copy for FREE at the Expo – the Almanac is free and full great info.
Enter the Hiking Expo competition for a chance to win a a great prize
Purchase a copy of the Heysen Highlights book at the 12noon book launch. Here at Walking SA we’ve read this book, it’s a serious must-have for anyone interested in hiking the Heysen Trail or uncovering the rich history of our state’s countryside.
Have a go on the free rock-climbing wall thanks to Outdoors SA and Rock About. The climbing wall is designed for young and old, big and small. Climbers from 15kg up to 115kg can be harnessed up – and there’s no age limit!
Free vehicle entry to national park for expo visitors

This Sunday April 14
9am to 2pm
Main Oval, Belair National Park

Find out more

Brought to you by

Presented by

Platinum Sponsor

Event Partners

Discover walking destinations, who to walk with and the best gear at the Hiking Expo in Belair National Park

Posted on April 4, 2019 by Walking SA

Come along next weekend to find out more about walking destinations, who to walk with and the best hiking clothing and equipment. The Hiking Expo is next week on Sunday 14 April 2019 in Belair National Park. Free expo entry.

With over 30 exhibitors there is plenty of walking opportunities to explore:

Walking Destinations, Tour Guides and Trails (jump to details)
Get the right gear with these retailers (jump to details)
Walking clubs: Discover how making and walking with new friends is the key to walking more (jump to details)

Walking Destinations, Tour Guides and Trails

Let’s Go Caravan & Camping SA Event Sponsor

Caravan and Camping SA showcase quality and affordable caravan & camping holiday experiences throughout SA.

Order your 2019 Let’s Go Caravan and Camping Almanac now to pick up a hard copy for FREE at the Expo. Its free and is full of caravan and camping hints and tips, articles, the best places to stay and play, regional events and everything you need to know to take a self drive holiday, whether a newbie or seasoned traveller.
Walking SA Event Presenter

Walking SA is the not-for-profit peak body that leads, promotes and supports all forms of walking in South Australia, including walking for recreation, transport, and health. With almost 600 walking trails listed on our website there is always somewhere to discover on foot.

Continue reading article

Walktober 2018 Initiative Funded

Posted on June 8, 2018 by Walking SA

Walking SA has been successful in receiving funding from the Office for Recreation and Sport for its Walktober 2018 initiative. This builds on the promotion and events we conducted throughout October 2017, including the key Trails Less Travelled event. We’ve got some great ideas to expand upon 2017’s initiatives to further meet our vision: to see more people walking more often.

We’re seeking to expand this year’s Walktober promotions by exploring potential opportunities with like-minded partners. We’d love to chat to organisations, walking groups and businesses to explore opportunities to collaborate in the fields of walking for health, leisure and transport, inclusive walking, and engaging with a diverse range of people from the community.

This is a significant opportunity for Walking SA’s members to promote walking in their club or organisation as well as reach out to the community at large to promote the vision of more people walking more often. Some ideas we’d like to explore:-

Collaborate to promote walking events in October
Events such as “Come and Try Days” and Guided Walks that could encourage walking and potential membership
Walking events and initiatives that promote inclusive walking, or engage with a diverse range of people from the community
Other opportunities for promoting walking

Please contact Walking SA to discuss opportunities as to how we might collaborate to promote walking in Walktober 2018.

Celebrating the completion of the Lavender Federation Trail

Posted on June 8, 2018 by Walking SA

: Opening of the completed in Clare

: Walking SA Board members Nola Bellenger and Jim McLean

: Walking SA Board members Jim McLean and Nola Bellenger join others to walk some of the completed trail

Congratulations to South Australian Recreation Trails (SARTI) on the opening of the final section of Lavender Federation Trail on May 5 at Clare, attended by a broad cross section of the walking and local community.

Some 21 years ago, back in 1997, a group of walkers realized the potential of a long distance walking trail on the eastern side of the Mt Lofty Ranges in South Australia. The attraction of a such a trail in this location was that it is in the “rain shadow” of the Mt Lofty Ranges thereby offering dry weather walking for much of the year.

The Lavender Federation Trail, now 325km long, beings on the Murray River in Murray Bridge and traverses diverse countryside on the eastern flanks of the Mt Lofty Ranges to Clare, connecting with almost 100km of link & loop trails to nearby towns, and attractions through the Barossa & Mid North of the State.

The unique feature of this trail? It has been designed, built and maintained entirely by volunteers, the eldest being 86. We understand it is the longest trail network in the country built entirely by volunteers.

Hiking Expo, 2 April 2023, Belair National Park