Explore the new northern gateway to the Heysen Trail

In great news for hiking enthusiasts, the Northern Trailhead – the start/finish point of the iconic 1200km Heysen Trail – has undergone a major transformation!

Located more than 480km from Adelaide by road, in Parachilna Gorge, the trailhead is a landmark destination for intrepid hikers from Australia and abroad.

What was tired and dilapidated infrastructure at the Northern Trailhead has been replaced with aesthetic and culturally sensitive architectural features and environmentally friendly landscaping.

It’s all part of a $130,000 project driven by the Friends of the Heysen Trail group (FOHT).

What does it include?

The project features:

• Upgraded rest area parking, improved stile access, designated photo locations, renewed signage to enhance the walking experience and increased promotion of the trail.
• Extensive sustainable landscaping including the planting of native varieties to complement the trailhead’s natural environment.
• Community sensitive before/after-hike gathering spaces including a yarning circle, seating, benches and informative signage.

Local operators servicing the trail are already saying how proud they are to pick up and drop off at the site!

Who’s been involved?

The rejuvenation project is the largest to be undertaken by the FOHT group and was celebrated with the unveiling of a bronze plaque at the official opening at Parachilna Gorge Road.

The concept plan by architects Brave & Curious, arose from consultation with FOHT, local landholders, communities and Adnyamathanha representatives, and has been constructed by a team from the Prestwood family of Wilmington.

The project has been supported by a $30,000 injection from the Department for Environment and Water as well as funding from the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, Outback Communities Authority, the Warren Bonython Heysen Trail Foundation and other organisations.

Many FOHT members and volunteers have also provided significant personal donations and sponsorship.

More about the Heysen Trail

The Heysen Trail, which stretches to Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula, is the longest dedicated walking trail in Australia. While relatively small numbers of hikers complete the 60-day end-to-end trek, many thousands of walkers frequent sections of the trail during the April to October walking season each year.

The trail traverses some of South Australia’s most scenic national parks, including Deep Creek, Cleland, Mt Remarkable and Ikara-Flinders Ranges.

Interested in walking the Heysen Trail? Read our blog ‘A trekker’s perspective: national parks you’ll visit along South Australia’s iconic Heysen Trail’.