New northern gateway to greet Heysen hikers
A stunning new gateway to one of the world’s most rugged and remote trailheads is expected to boost visitation to the iconic Heysen Trail in the Northern Flinders Ranges.
Located more than 480km from Adelaide by road, in Parachilna Gorge, the start/finish point of the 1200km Heysen Trail is a landmark destination for intrepid hikers from Australia and abroad.
Tired and dilapidated infrastructure at the Northern Trailhead has been replaced with aesthetic and culturally sensitive architectural features and environmentally friendly landscaping as part of the $130,000 project driven by the Friends of the Heysen Trail group (FOHT).
The FOHT Vice President, Melanie Sjoberg, said hikers crossing the new gateway during construction have already shared enthusiastic feedback.
“Local operators servicing the trail say they now feel proud to pick up and drop off at the site,” Ms Sjoberg said.
“The Northern Trailhead is more than just a starting or finishing point; it’s a gateway to the magnificent landscapes and the shared experiences that define a walk along the Heysen Trail.”
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.
The rejuvenation project is the largest to be undertaken by the Friends group and will be celebrated with the unveiling of a bronze plaque at the official opening at Parachilna Gorge Road on 2 September 2024.
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.
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.
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