As we step into spring, there are only a few weeks left to visit the majestic Flinders Ranges before the warmer weather floods the region with heatwaves and flies. If you were planning on making the trip up North for a hike or two, now might be the time, because the Northern Gateway to the awe-inspiring Heysen Trail has undergone a major transformation.
The Heysen Trail is the longest dedicated walking trail in Australia, stretching all the way to Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula, passing through some of South Australia’s most scenic national parks, including Deep Creek, Cleland, Mt. Remarkable and Ikara-Flinders Ranges. Each year, thousands of walkers traverse different sections of the trail during the April-October walking season, with smaller number of walkers completing the 60-day, end-to-end adventure.
Thanks to a $130,000 project led by the Friends of the Heysen Trail group (FOHT), a stunning new trailhead has been constructed to mark the start (or finish) of the world-famous trail that stretches 1200 kilometres of South Australia. What was previously degraded infrastructure along the Northern Trailhead has been updated with aesthetic and culturally-sensitive architecture and environmentally friendly landscaping.
Located in Parachilna Gorge, over 480 kilometres from Adelaide, the area has been developed to provide enhanced rest area parking, improved stile access, designated photo locations, and renewed signage to enhance the hiking experience. Perhaps the most exciting feature is the new frame, which offers a picturesque glance at one of the many glorious mountains in the Flinders Ranges, perfect for your next Instagram post.
Additional seating spots have also been built for all you hard-working walkers, including a “yarning circle” for those deep and meaningful late night conversations by the campfire. Extensive sustainable landscaping has been incorporated into these new developments, including the planting of native plant varieties to complement the trailhead’s natural environment.
This rejuvenation project is the largest to be undertaken by the FOHT group, and was celebrated earlier in September with the unveiling of a bronze plaque at the official opening at Parachilna Gorge Road. Designed by architects at Brave & Curious, the improvements were constructed by a team from the Prestwood family in Wilmington after consultation between FOHT, local landowners, communities, and representatives of the Adnyamathanha people of the greater Flinders Ranges area.
The development was supported by a $30,000 injection from the Department for Environment and Water, in addition to funding from the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, Outback Communities Authority, the Warren Bonython Heysen Trail Foundation and other organisations. Many FOHT members also provided significant personal donations and sponsorship.
Already a stunning location, the new improvements have enhanced the hiking experience along the Heysen Trail, offering community sensitive gathering spaces and more informative signage.
With the annual walking season coming to a close this October, now is the time to give yourself the green light and make that trip up North you’ve been thinking about. If you do, make sure to capture some captivating photos through the new frame and stop for a chat by the yarning circle. You never know what you might discover on the Heysen Trail.
What: Improved architecture and facilities at the Northern Gateway to the Heysen Trail.
Where: Parachilna Gorge, Ikara-Flinders Ranges, SA
When: Walking season spans from April-October annually.
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