About the Walking Trail

The Mark Bonnin Walking Trails provide an opportunity for walkers of various abilities to walk either the green route of 3 km, the blue route of 9 km or the more rugged red route of 11 km. These three trails provide the opportunity to experience different landscapes at Hiltaba: the open grasslands, casuarina, mallee and bullock bush stands and the rocky gorges. While the Lookout (a high point from which large areas of the Nature Reserve are laid out before you), is reached only by the red walk, there is an opportunity for all walkers to climb or drive to the Lookout for a chance to experience its magnificent views.

Refer to the brochure with map and detailed notes on the Nature Foundation’s Hiltaba Nature Reserve webpage.

The trail is listed as Trail Difficulty rating of 4 out of 5 (1 being the easiest, 5 the hardest.)

The trailhead for all three walks is some 15 km from the Hiltaba homestead, reached by a short vehicular detour off the Iron Knob/Yardea road. Ensure you read the Before you set off advice.

The Hiltaba Nature Reserve borders the Gawler Ranges National Park on the Eyre Peninsula. The reserve is located on Bungala, Kokatha and Wirangu countries. It is a wonderful environment for hiking. The geological interest, the distinctive vegetation, the wildlife and varieties of bird species can all be appreciated intimately when walking. The property provides habitat for species such as the Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby, the Slender-billed Thornbill and Desert Green-hood Orchid. Hiltaba is home to more than 40 state-listed species and nine species listed for their conservation significance.

The Nature Foundation is an apolitical not-for-profit foundation that invests in conserving, restoring and protecting South Australian landscapes, flora and fauna to ensure their survival.

Access to the reserve may be restricted or closed during summer months (15 November – 15 March) and at other times. Please contact the Nature Foundation for accommodation bookings and further details.

Other trails at Hiltaba

There are five trails in the Founders’ Walking Trails. The trails honour the Founders of Nature Foundation: Dr Barbara Hardy AO, Dr Mark Bonnin AM, David Cleland and Warren Bonython AO and also major early supporters Betty and Bob Lewis.

1. Betty and Bob Lewis Walking Trail at Pretty Point (2km)
2. Barbara Hardy Walking Trail from the Hiltaba Homestead (6km)
3. Warren Bonython Walking Trail to the top of Mount Hiltaba (10km)
4. Shown on current page: Mark Bonnin Walking Trails
5. Cleland Walking Trail, Shearers’ Quarters to Pretty Point and return (7km each way)

Before you set off

All these trails are on rough, uneven and steep terrain and should only be undertaken by people with some bushwalking experience and reasonable fitness level. On some trails, there is no clear pathway and while the trails have all been marked, remember, this is a remote environment (no mobile phone connection) and signs may have been removed, so some self-navigation may be required.

Please ensure you advise the Hiltaba Nature Reserve Rotational Manager of your departure, collect a key or pay a fee if relevant and collect a detailed map and brochure.

• Please enter your name in the registration book at the start of the trail. Please also note your return in the
  book when you have completed the walk.
• All walkers should wear suitable clothing, hat and footwear and take an adequate supply of water. A suggested allowance for water per person in an arid area is 4 litres per person per day.
• Walking poles, and a handheld UHF radio tuned to Ch 6 duplex will provide an extra margin of safety.
• Please take all food/snacks, medication required and first aid supplies.
• Limited Telstra coverage may be available at higher points on the trails.