A popular stretch of South Australia’s Heysen Trail has been given a major upgrade, with walkers now able to enjoy a safer and permanent route through the Adelaide Hills.
The State Government has purchased almost one kilometre of the 1,200km trail at Cudlee Creek, securing public access to a section that previously crossed private property and had been closed by its former owner.
The 5.97-hectare parcel of land will now become part of Cudlee Creek Conservation Park, making sure walkers can stay on the trail rather than being forced onto narrow and winding Tippett and Gorge roads.
The closure had created safety concerns for walkers, with the newly secured route providing a much safer alternative through one of the region’s most popular walking areas.
The project has been funded through the State Government’s $1.2 million election commitment to invest in nature-based tourism at the Heysen Trail and Admirals Arch on Kangaroo Island.
Staff from the Department for Environment and Water, alongside volunteers from Friends of the Heysen Trail, have also upgraded the route between Cudlee Creek and Kersbrook, installing new signage and trail markers to help walkers navigate the area.
“The Malinauskas Government is proud to invest in the Heysen Trail, as one of South Australia’s most unique nature experiences that attracts thousands of visitors every year,” shared Minister for Climate, Environment and Water and Minister for Tourism Emily Bourke.
“This investment delivers our election commitment and ensures this vital section of the trail remains open for all visitors to safely enjoy.”
The Heysen Trail stretches for 1,200 kilometres from Parachilna Gorge in the Flinders Ranges to Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula, passing through some of the state’s most spectacular landscapes.
The latest upgrade is part of a broader push to improve the trail, with the State Government also creating a dedicated Heysen Trail Coordinator position.
Senior Ranger Genki Kondo has been appointed to the newly created role, which will focus on delivering projects along the trail, improving visitor experiences, supporting landholders where the route crosses private properties and managing funding for ongoing maintenance.
“It is a true honour to be entrusted with this crucial work, and my ultimate drive in this work will be to increase connection and access to the incredible breadth of nature this trail offers to all Australians and international visitors alike,” said Genki.
“I acknowledge and pay my respects to the Traditional Custodians of the ancestral lands that the trail traverses and embrace their input in this work.
“I look forward to working with a team of experienced DEW staff and building relationships to support the passionate Friends of the Heysen trail towards expanding the enduring legacy of wilderness immersion in Australia’s longest dedicated walking trail.”
A new $55,000 annual funding pool will also be allocated by the coordinator towards maintenance and upgrade works along the trail.
The investment is set to help preserve the Heysen Trail as one of South Australia’s signature outdoor experiences, while making it easier and safer for locals and visitors to explore the Adelaide Hills on foot.
