Heysen Trail

Stretching over 1,200 kilometres from the Fleurieu Peninsula to the Flinders Ranges, the Heysen Trail is South Australia’s premier long-distance walking route. Named after artist Sir Hans Heysen, the trail traverses an astonishing variety of landscapes – from coastal cliffs and lush vineyards to rugged gorges and arid outback plains. While the trail’s northern end is far from the Lasseter Highway, experienced self-drive travellers can incorporate a section of the Heysen Trail into a broader outback itinerary, especially if you’re heading south towards the Flinders Ranges or Adelaide. This is a walk for those who crave solitude, raw nature, and a genuine connection to the land.

Highlights & What to See

• Flinders Ranges sections – The northernmost end of the trail offers dramatic scenery around Wilpena Pound, with ancient red-rock amphitheatres and abundant wildlife like kangaroos and wedge-tailed eagles.
• Coastal vistas from Cape Jervis – At the southern terminus, walk along limestone cliffs overlooking the Southern Ocean, with chances to spot dolphins and whales.
• Clare Valley wine region – The trail winds through some of Australia’s best wine country; break your walk with cellar-door tastings of riesling and shiraz.
• Historic towns – Pass through character-filled settlements like Burra, Mintaro and Melrose, where 19th-century stone buildings and pubs offer a taste of pioneer history.
• Wildflower displays – In spring (August–October), the trail is carpeted with everlastings, orchids and wattles, especially in the southern and central sections.

Suggested Time to Spend

Walking the entire Heysen Trail takes about 60 days, but most travellers target a shorter section. For a self-drive trip combining the Lasseter Highway area with the Flinders Ranges, allow 3–5 days to walk a 50–80 km section around Wilpena Pound or the nearby Bunyeroo and Brachina gorges. This gives you time to hike during the cool mornings, return to your vehicle, and explore other gorges in the afternoon. If you’re a day-walker, a 2–3 hour stroll on the trail near Melrose or the Mount Remarkable summit is a rewarding taster.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Flinders Ranges National Park – The trail’s northern gateway; iconic outback scenery and Aboriginal rock art sites.
• Clare Valley – A perfect wine-and-walk combo, especially between Auburn and Clare.
• Mount Remarkable National Park – Offers shorter loops and the chance to spot yellow-footed rock-wallabies.
• Burra – A historic copper-mining town with well-preserved heritage buildings.
• Adelaide – The state capital is a 2-hour drive from the southern end of the trail, ideal for restocking supplies.

Please check official sources for current details.