Hiking Expo at Belair, Sunday 15th April 2018

Posted on January 17, 2018 by Walking SA

An expo to celebrate the start of the South Australian bushwalking season. With the arrival of cooler autumn weather, hiking is an ideal outdoor activity. South Australia’s bushwalking clubs and Walking SA are coming together to celebrate the occasion with a unique day in Belair National Park.

At the Gums Oval in Belair National Park. The Expo will be open from 9am to 1:30pm.
Expo of walking clubs, walking tour companies and outdoor retailers, free entry.
Guided and self-guided hikes ranging from 45mins to 3 hours, including child-friendly and Accessible options. Guided Walks will depart every 10 minutes from 9:30am to 1pm.
You can secure a place on a specific guided walk by registering online from Monday 19th March, or just arrive on the day and choose a guided walk to join.

Celebration of the completion of the Lavender Federation Trail, May 5 2018

Posted on December 1, 2017 by Walking SA

Saturday 5th May 2018
Lennon Street Park, Clare

South Australian Recreational Trails Inc (SARTI) is an organisation member of Walking SA. The Lavender Federation Trail is a project of SARTI.

SARTI and Friends of the Riesling Trail invite you to attend the celebration of the completion of the Lavender Federation Trail which commenced in 1997 and will be finished in 2018. The latest section, from Marnoora to Clare will be opened as part of the day. There will be displays and information from the walking community, outdoor stores and promoters of healthy lifestyles.

9am onwards: guided walks available on sections of the trail.
12noon: Lunches available for purchase.
12:30pm: Official Opening

All are welcome. Map 6 covering the Manoora to Clare section of the trail will be launched at this event.

Walk for the Heysen 2018

Posted on November 29, 2017 by Walking SA

Sunday 29 April 2018
Bridgewater Oval

There will be a number of guided walks available, and lunch included.

The Warren Bonython Heysen Trail Foundation is an organisation member of Walking SA (Friends of the Heysen Trail are a highly valued club member).

The Foundation conducts an annual fundraising walk to support the activities of the foundation, focussed at supporting the development of the Heysen Trail.

Walktober 2017 a success

Posted on November 12, 2017 by Walking SA

Walktober 2017 built upon the success of Walktober 2016 and worked across many activities:

The themed “best walk” lists encouraged people to explore more walking opportunities, proving once again to be popular and engaging. The lists are an effective way to reach people through the State, regardless of where they live. The lists of Accessible walks, prams walks and kid-friendly walks were popular.
The “view from my walk” social media promotion was a success, building upon previous years and Walking SA’s rising profile to receive more entries. It saw significantly increased engagement compared to previous year. Over 600 public entries were made on social media. There was a broad range of walking experiences, including walking for transport (suburban) and walking for leisure and health (hiking, evening walks, park walks).
Overall the major event “Trails Less Travelled” was a success, connecting people with walking resources and promoting the many walking opportunities that are alternatives to the popular Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty walking trail. The event encouraged more people to walk more often. The event helped to position Walking SA as a knowledge leader and conduit to discover walking destinations in SA.
The Walking SA 2017 Walking Awards promoted and recognized the role and contribution of walking in our community. The program was more successful than last year which raised the profile and awareness of walking. This places the program in a good position for further reach in future years.
The events calendar and supported events connected people with more and new walking opportunities.

Email subscriptions grew by 34% (700 subscribers), and individual financial membership grew by 18 people, which are both generally consistent with marketing funnels

Find out more about the promotion at walkingsa.org.au/walktober

Walking events for the end of October – WalktoberSA

Posted on October 26, 2017 by Walking SA

October is WalktoberSA – we’re celebrating walking throughout South Australia.

There are plenty of walking events to join in, here are some great events to get out this weekend to enjoy walking:

Sun 29/10: Walk in the Vines

Healthy Active Lifestyles Onkaparinga (HALO) invites you to a morning of FREE fun and physical activity by participating in walk in the vines. Enjoy the beautiful Coast to Vines Rail Trail in McLaren Vale wine region and celebrate Walktober.

– 4km or 6km (allow 1 to 2 hours depending on distance)
– Level of difficulty: Easy

View event details
Sun 29/10: Trailblazer by the Sea

A coastal walk or run (5km, 8km, 28km or 50km) from Semaphore to Hallett Cove. All abilities and ages welcome. Teams or individuals.

View event details
Sun 29/10: Onkaparinga River National Park by Friends of the Heysen Trail

Explore the Nature Trail and new ridge walk Punchbowl Link Trail out to the Lookout, hosted by the Friends of the Heysen Trail. Walk fee $8, u18 $1.

View event details
Sun 29/10: Belair National Park by Friends of the Heysen Trail

A pleasant loop walk through and around the Park, up and down a few hills, on and off track and mostly away from the more popular trails in the Park. Hosted by the Friends of the Heysen Trail. Walk fee $8, u18 $1.

View event details
Throughout October: Heart Foundation Walking Groups

With many groups throughout SA, at different times and locations, this is a fun, social and easy way to get active. Join Australia’s largest network of free community-based walking groups, with walks from 30 minutes to several hours. Groups for all sorts of people, paces and places: over-50s, parents and prams, workplaces, cultural groups and more. Beginners welcome. Find walking groups close to you by entering your postcode into the Find a Walk search.

View event details
Last minute opportunity!
Oct 31 to Nov 6: Conquer KI Wilderness Trek

Arthritis SA has one last minute vacancy on its amazing 7 day kangaroo island Wilderness trek. The walk is fully catered with tent sleeping on 4 nights and hotel accommodation. No fund raising required. Normally $2,500 all inclusive – available for $1,500.

Contact Julie Black, CEO, Arthritis SA: julie.black@arthritissa.org.au

The remote and spectacular new Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail will be traversed by a small band of people to draw attention to arthritis and raise money for research into treatments.

View event details

Share your “view from my walk” for a chance to win a weekly prize throughout October

Posted on October 23, 2017 by Walking SA

Share your “view from my walk” photo using #walktoberSA for a chance to win a weekly prize throughout October.

Take a walk in a nearby park, along the beach, along a river, in a national park or on your walk to work – anywhere in #SouthAustralia. October is ideal for walking – the temperatures are mild and the evenings are getting longer.

The weekly prizes for the fourth week, thanks to Rays, is a chance to win a $250 voucher. With Rays you can find gear to go for a hike, a paddle, or camp, and outdoor clothing and footwear for men, women and kids.

This week’s prizes will be drawn Monday 30/10/17.

Last week’s winners were announced just now on Facebook and Instagram, and the winning photos are displayed below.

Good luck and enjoy a walk! You’re just two feet from some of the best places in South Australia.

Enter via Instagram or Twitter. Facebook users can post direct to our page to share their photo.

View T&C.

The competition is part of Walktober SA – celebrating walking throughout October.

Week 3’s Winners

The winners for the third week of October, thanks to National Parks and Wildlife Service SA, have one of 6 National Parks Passes or one of two 2 Family Passes for Cleland Wildlife Park. Walk, cycle, holiday, hike, camp, 4WD, swim and more in inspiring natural places. From seemingly endless red sand dunes to rugged mountain scenery, sandy beaches, diverse bushland and cherished picnic and camping grounds, South Australia boasts an extensive and comprehensive parks system.

Share your “view from my walk” for a chance to win a weekly prize throughout October

Posted on October 16, 2017 by Walking SA

Share your “view from my walk” photo using #walktoberSA for a chance to win a weekly prize throughout October.

Take a walk in a nearby park, along the beach, along a river, in a national park or on your walk to work – anywhere in South Australia. October is ideal for walking – the temperatures are mild and the evenings are getting longer.

The weekly prizes for the third week, thanks to National Parks and Wildlife Service SA, is a chance to win one of 6 National Parks Passes or 2 Family Passes for Cleland Wildlife Park. Walk, cycle, holiday, hike, camp, 4WD, swim and more in inspiring natural places. From seemingly endless red sand dunes to rugged mountain scenery, sandy beaches, diverse bushland and cherished picnic and camping grounds, South Australia boasts an extensive and comprehensive parks system.

This week’s prizes will be drawn Sunday 23/10/17.

Last week’s winners were announced yesterday on Facebook and Instagram.

Good luck and enjoy a walk! You’re just two feet from some of the best places in South Australia.

Enter via Instagram or Twitter. Facebook users can post direct to the Walking SA Facebook page to share their photo.

View T&C.

The competition is part of #walktoberSA – celebrating walking throughout October.

Share your “view from my walk” for a chance to win a weekly prize throughout October

Posted on October 9, 2017 by Walking SA

Share your “view from my walk” photo using #walktoberSA for a chance to win a weekly prize throughout October.

The weekly prizes for the first week, thanks to ioMerino are two $50 vouchers. ioMerino not only make natural, lightweight, breathable, all-weather layers that will keep you comfortable for longer, they also happen to be a local South Australian company!

This week’s prizes will be drawn Sunday 15/10/17.

Last week’s winners were announced yesterday on Facebook and Instagram.

Good luck and enjoy a walk! You’re just two feet from some of the best places in South Australia.

Enter via Instagram or Twitter. Facebook users can post direct to the Walking SA Facebook page to share their photo.

View T&C.

The competition is part of #walktoberSA – celebrating walking throughout October.

Walking events in the second week of October – WalktoberSA

Posted on October 5, 2017 by Walking SA

October is WalktoberSA – we’re celebrating walking throughout South Australia.

There are plenty of walking events to join in, here are some great events for the first week of October:

Fri 6/10: Diabetes Australia Walk to Work Day

People who walk before or during work are generally healthier, more productive and less likely to be sick or absent. It’s in the best interests of all individuals and organisations to build walking into their daily routine and support the Walk to Work program.

View event details
Sat 7/10: Operation Flinders Challenge

A choice of 15, 31, 57 or 85km distances to tackle in teams of two, three or four. Individuals can walk the 15km & 31km distances. It’s your chance to have fun, get fit and support a great cause. All funds raised from this event will solely support the Operation Flinders Foundation, helping transform the lives of young people “at risk”.
Registrations close soon.

View event details
Sat 7/10: Launch of the Mark Bonnin Walking Trail at Hiltaba Nature Reserve

Nature Foundation SA is celebrating the opening of their fourth walking trail in Hiltaba Nature Reserve. The trail is dedicated to Dr Mark Bonnin AM, one of the founders of Nature Foundation SA. Enjoy guided walks of the Mark Bonnin Trail, followed by lunch on the Trail.

View event details
Sun 8/10: Rising from the Ashes, Official Opening of the Kersbrook Trails Network

These four trails around the Kersbrook forest were ready to be opened in April 2015, but were damaged in the Sampson Flat bushfire. All has been repaired and the trail network will be officially opened with guided walks to experience the new trails. Meet at the central Kersbook Hall to join a walk.

View event details
Throughout October: Heart Foundation Walking Groups

With many groups throughout SA, at different times and locations, this is a fun, social and easy way to get active. Join Australia’s largest network of free community-based walking groups, with walks from 30 minutes to several hours. Groups for all sorts of people, paces and places: over-50s, parents and prams, workplaces, cultural groups and more. Beginners welcome. Find walking groups close to you by entering your postcode into the Find a Walk search.
Sun 8/10: Hike the final 15km of the Heysen Trail with us for Beyond Blue!

Camp Pack Co-founders, Kirstie and Shane, are hiking the 1200km Heysen Trail in South Australia for Beyond Blue and The MS Society of SA and NT and you can get involved. Join The Friends of the Heysen in Cape Jervis on Sunday 8th October, and jump on the bus to Cobblers Hill to hike the final 15km into Cape Jervis (and to your car) with us!

View event details
Until October 15: North Terrace Tree Trail – ages 3 to 12 years

The North Terrace Tree Trail is a celebration of street trees in our city and the many benefits they provide! The self-guided trail showcases 20 amazing trees in the heart of our city along North Terrace between Kintore Avenue and Frome Road. Pick up or print out the North Terrace Tree Trail Wayfinding Map and Activity Sheet and follow the trail to meet the trees and learn about how trees cool our city, provide shade, habitat, clean air and much much more!

View details
Thurs 12/10: Spring Bush Walk in Monarto Zoo

Monarto Zoo has 10km of walking tracks meandering through some magnificent areas of remnant native vegetation, often overlooked by many zoo visitors. This special opportunity to experience a Spring bushwalk will be hosted by former Zoos SA President Heather Caddick who continues to be a passionate supporter of the zoo and has been a volunteer for many years.

View event details
Sun 15/10: Trails Less Travelled: Hike Mt Lofty from a different direction

Join one of 10 guided hikes exploring different trails up to Mt Lofty summit. Registration is free. Self-guided walks also available – maps provided in the days prior. Hiking Expo at Mt Lofty summit forecourt from 10:30am to 3:30pm, free entry.

View event details

View more events at walkingsa.org.au/walktober

Know of other walk events in October not listed? Contact us to have the walk event listed.

Share your “view from my walk” for a chance to win a weekly prize throughout October

Posted on September 28, 2017 by Walking SA

Share your “view from my walk” photo using #walktoberSA for a chance to win a weekly prize throughout October.

The weekly prizes for the first week, thanks to Scout Outdoor Centre are:

Stay hydrated with this in your pack! Camelbak 2L Crux Reservoir RRP$69.95
Black Diamond head torch RRP$79.95

This week’s prizes will be drawn Sunday 8/10/17.

Good luck and enjoy a walk! You’re just two feet from some of the best places in South Australia.

Enter via Instagram or Twitter. Facebook users can post direct to the Walking SA Facebook page to share their photo.

View T&C.

The competition is part of #walktoberSA – celebrating walking throughout October.

Walking events in the first week of October – WalktoberSA

Posted on September 28, 2017 by Walking SA

October is WalktoberSA – we’re celebrating walking throughout South Australia.

There are plenty of walking events to join in, here are some great events for the first week of October:

Sun 1/10: Free guided walk of Waite Arbotetum

Exploring the north-west corner of the Waite Arboretum, home to many species endemic to the foothills and Grey Box woodland. Hear from the guides and the volunteers who look after this beautiful sector of the Arboretum.

View event details
Sun 1/10: Cleland Memorial Walk at Belair National Park, 1.5 hour free guided walk

Join the Rangers and Friends of Belair for the annual Cleland Memorial Walk. The walk traverses a good portion of the park and commemorates the annual walk Professor John Cleland, past Commissioner, used to take to inspect park boundaries.

View event details
Throughout October: Heart Foundation Walking Groups

With many groups throughout SA, at different times and locations, this is a fun, social and easy way to get active. Join Australia’s largest network of free community-based walking groups, with walks from 30 minutes to several hours. Groups for all sorts of people, paces and places: over-50s, parents and prams, workplaces, cultural groups and more. Beginners welcome. Find walking groups close to you by entering your postcode into the Find a Walk search.
Tues 3/10: Spring Bush Walk in Monarto Zoo

Monarto Zoo has 10km of walking tracks meandering through some magnificent areas of remnant native vegetation, often overlooked by many zoo visitors. This special opportunity to experience a Spring bushwalk will be hosted by former Zoos SA President Heather Caddick who continues to be a passionate supporter of the zoo and has been a volunteer for many years.

View event details
Fri 6/10: Diabetes Australia Walk to Work Day

People who walk before or during work are generally healthier, more productive and less likely to be sick or absent. It’s in the best interests of all individuals and organisations to build walking into their daily routine and support the Walk to Work program.

View event details
Sat 7/10: Operation Flinders Challenge

A choice of 15, 31, 57 or 85km distances to tackle in teams of two, three or four. Individuals can walk the 15km & 31km distances. It’s your chance to have fun, get fit and support a great cause. All funds raised from this event will solely support the Operation Flinders Foundation, helping transform the lives of young people “at risk”.
Registrations close soon.

View event details
Sat 7/10: Launch of the Mark Bonnin Walking Trail at Hiltaba Nature Reserve

Nature Foundation SA is celebrating the opening of their fourth walking trail in Hiltaba Nature Reserve. The trail is dedicated to Dr Mark Bonnin AM, one of the founders of Nature Foundation SA. Enjoy guided walks of the Mark Bonnin Trail, followed by lunch on the Trail.

View event details
Sun 8/10: Rising from the Ashes, Official Opening of the Kersbrook Trails Network

These four trails around the Kersbrook forest were ready to be opened in April 2015, but were damaged in the Sampson Flat bushfire. All has been repaired and the trail network will be officially opened with guided walks to experience the new trails. Meet at the central Kersbook Hall to join a walk.

View event details
Sun 8/10: Hike the final 15km of the Heysen Trail with us for Beyond Blue!

Camp Pack Co-founders, Kirstie and Shane, are hiking the 1200km Heysen Trail in South Australia for Beyond Blue and The MS Society of SA and NT and you can get involved. Join The Friends of the Heysen in Cape Jervis on Sunday 8th October, and jump on the bus to Cobblers Hill to hike the final 15km into Cape Jervis (and to your car) with us!

View event details
Sun 8/10: Wittunga Gardens Walk (Blackwood) by Friends of the Heysen Trail

Enjoy a 3 hour walk from Shepherds Hill Recreation Park into Wittunga Gardens, hosted by the Friends of the Heysen Trail. Walk fee $8, u18 $1.

View event details

View more events at walkingsa.org.au/walktober

Know of other walk events in October not listed? Contact us to have the walk event listed.

This October we’re celebrating walking with #walktoberSA

Posted on August 3, 2017 by Walking SA

This October we’re celebrating walking with #walktoberSA.

Walking SA has been successful in receiving funding from the Office of Recreation and Sport for the Walktober 2017 initiative. We’ve building on the 2016 initiatives to further meet our vision to see more people walking more often.

October is ideal for walking – the temperatures are mild and the evenings are getting longer.

A key event will be Trails Less Travelled on Sunday 15 October – guided and self-guided hiking up Mt Lofty from 10 different directions, showcasing walking clubs and walking trails.

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.

Find out more

Launch of the Terry Lavender Churchill Fellowship Appeal

Posted on August 2, 2017 by Walking SA

The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust has undertaken to recognize and perpetuate the work of some of our outstanding Fellows. As such the Churchill Fellows Association of South Australia would like to build on the work of Terry Lavender by raising funds to create a one-off fellowship titled The Terry Lavender Churchill Fellowship — To investigate ways to develop, improve, manage and promote outdoor recreational trails and pursuits to be awarded in 2018.

About Terry Lavender OA

Terry Lavender OA

In 1991, Terry Lavender OA was awarded the Churchill Fellowship to study the development of recreation trails and their impact on tourism in England, USA and Europe.

Terry’s fellowship built on the very significant foundation that he had already established within the trail walking fraternity. He was assigned the task of delineating and marking the routes and trails throughout the Mount Lofty and Flinders Ranges and was instrumental in establishing the Friends of the Heysen Trail and Other Walking Trails. Terry and his volunteers marked the Heysen Trail completing that task in 1992 six years after the formation of the Friends.

Terry was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 1994 Australia Day Awards. The Lavender Federation Trail that runs through the Murraylands, Adelaide Hills and Barossa districts was named in his honour.

Terry died on 9th January 2004 leaving this remarkable and valuable legacy. This legacy continues to inspire South Australians and enable them to access and enjoy our beautiful natural bush.

Terry Lavender Fellowship Launch
Sunday 20 August, 11 am
Uraidla Hotel, Greenhill Road, Uraidla

This event will launch a public appeal for donations towards this Fellowship named in honour of Terry Lavender to explore the value of outdoor recreational trails and pursuits.

South Australian walkers, trekkers, bike and horse trail enthusiasts and Churchill Fellows are invited to come along to hear presentations on the history of the Heysen and Lavender Federation Trails, Outback Flinders program and current developments with trekking tourism.

After the presentations join us for lunch and fellowship.

Cost is $48 set menu includes exquisite shared entree platters and a choice of 4 main courses including a vegetarian option. RSVP by 6 August 2017.

Bookings through trybooking.com/297905.

For more information contact annie.wcf@gmail.com.

Success of the 2017 Hiking Expo

Posted on April 24, 2017 by Walking SA

What an event! At yesterday’s Hiking Expo between 1,500 and 2,000 people attended and over 550 people enjoyed the free guided walks around Belair National Park.

Our vision is to see more people walking more often, and yesterday we connected those people with new walking opportunities. We hope you found it as rewarding as we found in hosting the event!

But Wait, There’s More to Come!

Last week we received the great news that we have received funding from the Office of Recreation and Sport to conduct Walktober – a month long celebration of walking this October.

There will be a series of walking and hiking events (such as 2016’s Trails Less Travelled) and walking promotion throughout the month. Whether you walk for leisure, health or transport there will be something for you!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, subscribe to email news about events, or watch our website for updates in coming months.

To see more events like this

Support walking and Walking SA to see more great events like this. Walking SA is the peak body for all forms of walking in South Australia, our vision is to see more people walking more often.

Support us with a membership from as little as $22 and together we can achieve that!

Find out More

Maps from the Guided Walks

At yesterday’s Hiking Expo over 550 people enjoyed the free guided walks around Belair National Park.

We know some people missed out on a walk or their preferred walk. We’ve updated our event webpage with the walk maps, so you can undertake the walk yourself.

Please do note that most of these guided walks are walking routes, not walking trails, which means you will need to undertake the navigation yourself. Also some walk leaders may have modified the route during the walk to adapt to yesterday’s conditions.

If you prefer to follow marked trails, read about that below.

Explore other hikes and walks

If you prefer to follow marked trails, check out the 8 walks around Belair National Park that are listed in our Find a Place to Walk directory.

There are 400 walks in our Find a Place to Walk directory, so you find hikes that suit what you like.

A big thanks to our volunteer walk leaders!

All our wonderful walk leaders were volunteers from walking clubs and event partners. A big thanks to them all who guided everyone on the walks around the park. We’ve had so much great feedback about the walks!

Find more details about walking clubs.

View Walking Clubs

Walktober 2017 Initiative Funded

Posted on April 24, 2017 by Walking SA

Walking SA has been successful in receiving funding from the Office of Recreation and Sport for its Walktober 2017 initiative. This builds on the promotion and events we conducted throughout October 2016, including the key Trails Less Travelled event. We’ve got some great ideas to expand upon 2016’s initiatives to further meet our vision: to see more people walking more often.

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 2017.