Heysen Trail (Fleurieu Peninsula Coast)

Walk Overview

This wonderful walk traverses the only coastal section of the acclaimed Heysen Trail (Australia’s longest dedicated track). The shoreline in question is the spectacular southern coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia. The coastal stretch between Cape Jervis and Victor Harbor is home to two parks - the Deep Creek Conservation Park and the Newland Head Conservation Park.

Walkers are treated to ever-changing panoramas thanks to the local weather patterns as well as the diversity of coastal and hinterland landscape. The coastal sections overlook the turquoise waters of the mighty Southern Ocean with views across to Kangaroo Island (another special walking destination). The track dips into white sandy beaches and secluded coves punctuated by remote headlands and majestic cliffs. Views abound from the many elevated vantage points dotted along the trail. Dolphins and whales (during the migratory season) are regularly sighted.

The picturesque hinterland and the Deep Creek Valley offer a magnificent wilderness experience featuring dense vegetation, scenic rivers and waterfalls as well as rolling green hills. This area is also a wildlife haven for over one hundred bird species and native animals such as western grey kangaroos and echidnas.

The Fleurieu Peninsula is easily accessible with Cape Jervis being a ninety minute drive south of Adelaide. Basic campsites are spread evenly along the route. It is also possible to transfer to comfortable cottage and house accommodation located close to the track. Whilst the trail can be walked in either direction, most guidebooks and operators work on the basis of walking from south to north. The South Australian government has recently announced a major upgrade to this walk including infrastructure improvements to path campsites. These upgrades recognise the popularity and scenic beauty of the Fleurieu Peninsula’s southern coast.

Further information:

• A five day itinerary is described below.

• For more information on walking on the Fleurieu Peninsula, click the button below.

Itinerary

The walk takes 5 days to complete. A sample itinerary for the complete walk is shown below.

Day 1

Cape Jervis to Cobbler Hill

Distance: 12.5 km

Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Camping or various lodgings

Day 2

Cobbler Hill to Tapanappa

Distance: 15 km

Time: 5 hours

Accommodation: Camping or various lodgings

Day 3

Tapanappa to Balquhidder

Distance: 17 km

Time: 5.5 hours

Accommodation: Camping or various lodgings

Walk Options

Guided

A number of tour operators offer part or all of this walk as a guided trip. They generally follow the five day walking itinerary described above.

Accommodation options on the guided walks include comfortable homestead/eco-lodge/cottage accommodation.

Typically, the package includes:

• return transfers from Adelaide

• accommodation in the Deep Creek Conservation Park each evening

• all meals

• National Park fees

• Experienced guides

• Walking equipment including backpack and walking poles

Assisted self-guided

We are not aware of any tour operator providing self-guided assistance for this section of the Heysen Trail. We can provide advice and assistance with transport to and from the Fleurieu Peninsula, advice and bookings covering the accommodation options and local transport providers as well as information on the walk.

Independent

An itinerary along the lines of the itinerary shown above can be undertaken on an independent basis with a bit of planning. Having your own car helps but is not essential.

National Parks South Australia has established basic campsites along the walk. Their distribution has been planned so that there are camping locations roughly a day’s walk apart along the track. Currently, some campsites along the track offer a mix of basic facilities such as water tanks, camping platforms and shelters. The South Australian government has announced funding for improved campsite facilities so that all campsites will have at least eight new camping platforms, a water tank and toilets.

Essential Information

Access

Cape Jervis is a ninety minute drive from Adelaide and two hours by bus. Buses depart twice daily and offer a direct service to Cape Jervis.

Taxis service the main towns and villages on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Park entry

No entry permit is needed for walking access to the conservation parks or to undertake this section of the Heysen Trail.

Entry fees are charged for vehicles entering the conservation parks on the peninsula. These fees can be paid on-line.

Best time

April through to the end of September is the best period to do this walk.

It is not advisable to undertake the walk in summer due to extreme heat conditions and the threat of bushfires.

Accommodation

In addition to the campsites along the track, there are more comfortable accommodation options situated close to the path. These options include homestead, eco-cabin, cottage and luxury resort accommodation.

There are several accommodation options at either end of the track in the townships of Cape Jervis and Victor Harbor.

Some of the accommodation providers near to the track are attuned to walkers’ needs or offer amenities suited to walkers.

We can assist walkers in choosing the accommodation options which best suit their needs.

Other activities

As a popular tourism destination, the Fleurieu Peninsula offers other attractions in addition to the Heysen Trail. Many walkers choose to add extra days to their trip so that they can experience some of these attractions.

The Fleurieu Peninsula is particularly known for its regional food markets and thriving wine industry. Cellar door visits and dining options are on offer in the local vineyard regions of McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek, Currency Creek and Strathalbyn.

Other attractions include vintage tramcar rides, whale watching tours, canoeing as well as boat tours which provide close encounters with seals and other local marine life.

Assistance

We can assist walkers with various aspects of their walking holidays.