Always plan an itinerary (even if you don’t stick to it).
Even if you intend to walk a short section of the Heysen Trail, you should still outline your route. Recognising South Australia’s designated camping spots, water and food resupply points and seasonal trail conditions are crucial for a safe and enjoyable hike. Plan an itinerary that is practical for you (and your fellow hikers), but allows you the flexibility to enjoy a lazy victory lunch aloft a mountain summit.
The Heysen Trail possesses over 200 different accommodation options on or alongside its winding route. Many of the huts, shelters and campsites are completely free to use, while there are plenty of cushy hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, holiday cabins and caravan parks available when your body requires soft sheets and a fluffy pillow.
Sunset at Marshalls Hut located outside of Marrabel on Day 39.
Friends of the Heysen Trail Resources.
The Friends of the Heysen Trail have a mountain of online information that caters for day-walkers, section-hikers or those adventurous enough to trek the entire trail. The volunteer-run organisation keep its members up-to-date with trail conditions, walking programmes, fire ban information and park closures. On top of these announcements, the website is the first stop for all hikers when the time comes to plan their trail itineraries and organise their nightly accommodation.
My itinerary.
The information below is my real-life trail itinerary. After scanning the Friends of the Heysen Trail’s Table of Distances, I pieced together a list of suitable choices that matched my schedule and hiking capabilities. Due to a wonky compass on Day 7, some apocalyptic weather on Day 19 and a body in need of extra rest on Day 33, my itinerary fluctuated. Nevertheless, this list of accommodation options and distances guided my journey along the trail.
Heysen Trail Itinerary (North to South)
Week 1 |
Accommodation |
Daily km |
Overall km |
Price |
| Day 1 |
Aroona Campground
The National Parks South Australia run campground has allocated campsites, toilets, fire pits and spring-fed water. Bookings essential. Book Online |
18.33 | 18.33 | $15 |
| Day 2 |
Yanyanna Hut
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run hut contains a rainwater tank, table, fireplace, fire pit and a camping platform. No bookings required. |
25.41 | 43.62 | Free |
| Day 3 |
Wilpena Pound Resort Camping Ground
The Wilpena Pound Resort Camping Ground run facility has a range of accommodation options, toilets, showers, fire pits, tables, spring-fed water, cooking facilities, laundry, a store, a restaurant and an information point. Bookings essential. |
21.98 | 65.53 | $26 |
| Day 4 |
Red Range Campsite
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run campsite contains a small shelter, rainwater tank, toilet, fire pit and a camping platform. No bookings required. |
28.98 | 94.40 | Free |
| Day 5 |
Mayo Hut
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run hut contains a rainwater tank, table, seating, bunks, fireplace, fire pit and a toilet. No bookings required. |
16.99 | 111.36 | Free |
| Day 6 |
Hawker Hotel Motel (Hawker)
The Hawker Hotel Motel has a range of accommodation options, toilets, showers and a restaurant. Bookings essential via phone 08 8648 4102. |
21.99 | 133.26 | $50 |
| Day 7 |
Mt Elm School Campsite
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run campsite contains a small shelter, rainwater tank, toilet and a fire pit. No bookings required. |
12.57 | 145.83 | Free |
Week 2 |
Accommodation |
Daily km |
Overall km |
Price |
| Day 8 |
Buckaringa North Campsite
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run campsite contains a small shelter, rainwater tank and a camping platform. No bookings required. |
35.12 | 181.22 | Free |
| Day 9 |
Mt Arden South Campsite
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run campsite contains a small shelter, fire pit and a rainwater tank. No bookings required. |
22.05 | 203.27 | Free |
| Day 10 |
Eyre Depot
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run campsite contains a small shelter, fire pit and a rainwater tank. No bookings required. |
11.87 | 215.14 | Free |
| Day 11 |
Austral Inn (Quorn)
The Austral Inn has a range of accommodation options, toilets, showers and a restaurant. Bookings essential via phone 08 8648 6017 or online. Book Online |
26.07 | 241.21 | $70 |
| Day 12 |
Pichi Richi Park
Pichi Richi Park has a range of accommodation options, toilets, showers, fire pits and cooking facilities. Bookings essential. Book Online |
18.97 | 260.18 | $150 |
| Day 13 |
Catninga Shed
Catninga has a range of accommodation options. Bookings essential. Enquire Online |
16.73 | 276.91 | $25 |
| Day 14 |
Beautiful Valley Caravan Park (Wilmington)
Beautiful Valley Caravan Park has a range of accommodation options, toilets, showers, fire pits and cooking facilities. Bookings essential via phone 08 8667 5197. |
29.80 | 306.71 | $61 |
Week 3 |
Accommodation |
Daily km |
Overall km |
Price |
| Day 15 |
Gray’s Hut
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run hut contains a rainwater tank, sleeping benches, table, seating and a toilet. No bookings required. |
17.70 | 324.41 | Free |
| Day 16 |
Mt Remarkable Hotel Motel (Melrose)
The Mt Remarkable Hotel Motel has a range of accommodation options, toilets, showers and a restaurant. Bookings essential via phone 08 8666 2119 or online. Enquire Online |
12.35 | 336.76 | $90 |
| Day 17 |
Mt Remarkable Hotel Motel (Melrose) – Rest Day
The Mt Remarkable Hotel Motel has a range of accommodation options, toilets, showers and a restaurant. Bookings essential via phone 08 8666 2119 or online. Enquire Online |
N/A | 336.76 | $90 |
| Day 18 |
Murray Town Campsite
The Murray Town Campsite is run by the Murray Town Progression Association and contains campsites, toilets, showers and cooking facilities. Pay via honesty system at the campgrounds. |
16.53 | 353.29 | $7 |
| Day 19 |
Go-Cart Track Shelter
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run campsite contains a large shelter, fire pit and a rainwater tank. No bookings required. |
26.34 | 379.63 | Free |
| Day 20 |
Go-Cart Track Shelter – Unplanned Rest Day
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run campsite contains a large shelter, fire pit and a rainwater tank. No bookings required. |
N/A | 379.63 | Free |
| Day 21 |
Beetaloo Creek Campsite
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run campsite contains a small shelter, fire pit and a rainwater tank. No bookings required. |
19.80 | 399.43 | Free |
Week 4 |
Accommodation |
Daily km |
Overall km |
Price |
| Day 22 |
Crystal Brook Caravan Park (Crystal Brook)
Crystal Brook Caravan Park has a range of accommodation options, toilets, showers, laundry, fire pit, tables, water and cooking facilities. Bookings essential via phone 08 86362640 or online. Enquire Online |
25.95 | 425.38 | $29 |
| Day 23 |
Hiskeys Hut
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run hut contains a rainwater tank, bunks, table, seating, camping platform and a toilet. No bookings required. |
19.72 | 445.10 | Free |
| Day 24 |
Curnows Hut
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run hut contains a rainwater tank, bunks, table, seating and a toilet. No bookings required. |
28.01 | 473.11 | Free |
| Day 25 |
Bundaleer Weir Campsite
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run campsite contains a small shelter, fire pit, rainwater tank and a camping platform. No bookings required. |
13.62 | 486.73 | Free |
| Day 26 |
Spalding Hotel (Spalding)
The Spalding Hotel (previously Barbed Wire Hotel) has a range of accommodation options, toilets, showers and a restaurant. Bookings essential via phone 08 8845 2006. |
18.83 | 505.56 | $60 |
| Day 27 |
Whistling Trig Tank
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run tank contains a small shelter and rainwater tank. No bookings required. |
26.14 | 531.70 | Free |
| Day 28 |
Hallett Railway Station
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run hut contains a rainwater tank, bunks, table, seating, combustion stove, and a toilet. No bookings required. Combination for lock required. |
22.92 | 554.62 | Free |
Week 5 |
Accommodation |
Daily km |
Overall km |
Price |
| Day 29 |
Old Mt Bryan East School
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run hut contains a rainwater tank, bunks, table, seating, combustion stove and a toilet. No bookings required. Combination for lock required. |
15.95 | 570.57 | Free |
| Day 30 |
Caroona Creek Campsite
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run campsite contains a large shelter, table, seating, rainwater tank and toilet. No bookings required. |
16.42 | 586.99 | Free |
| Day 31 |
Wandallah Creek Shelter
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run campsite contains a small shelter rainwater tank and a toilet. No bookings required. |
31.53 | 618.52 | Free |
| Day 32 |
The Peppers Accommodation (Burra)
The Peppers Accommodation has various sleeping options, heating, toilet, shower, bath, laundry, tables, seating, water and cooking facilities. Bookings essential via phone 08 8636 2640 or online. Book Online |
14.79 | 633.31 | $110 |
| Day 33 |
The Peppers Accommodation (Burra) – Rest Day
The Peppers Accommodation has various sleeping options, heating, toilet, shower, bath, laundry, tables, seating, water and cooking facilities. Bookings essential via phone 08 8636 2640 or online. Book Online |
N/A | 633.31 | $110 |
| Day 34 |
Worlds End Hike-In Campsite
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run campsite contains a small shelter and rainwater tank. No bookings required. |
23.35 | 656.66 | Free |
| Day 35 |
Huppatz Hut
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run hut contains a rainwater tank, bunks, table, seating, fireplace and a toilet. No bookings required. |
21.06 | 677.72 | Free |
Week 6 |
Accommodation |
Daily km |
Overall km |
Price |
| Day 36 |
Webb Gap Campsite
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run campsite contains a small shelter, rainwater tank and camping platform. No bookings required. |
16.15 | 693.87 | Free |
| Day 37 |
Smith Hill Campsite
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run campsite contains a small shelter, rainwater tank and camping platform. No bookings required. |
13.31 | 707.81 | Free |
| Day 38 |
Marrabel Rodeo Showgrounds (Marrabel)
The community-run showgrounds contain shelter, tables and seating. Food, water and toilets can be accessed at the Marrabel Hotel. |
17.30 | 725.11 | Free |
| Day 39 |
Marschalls Hut
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run hut contains a rainwater tank, bunks, table, seating, fireplace and a toilet. No bookings required. |
10.46 | 735.57 | Free |
| Day 40 |
Kapunda Tourist Park (Kapunda)
Kapunda Tourist Park has a range of accommodation options, toilets, showers, laundry, fire pits, tables, water and cooking facilities. Bookings essential via phone 08 86362640 or online. |
35.32 | 770.89 | $95 |
| Day 41 |
Private Property (Greenock)
Not available to the public. There are several options to stay in Greenock. |
10.23 | 781.12 | N/A |
| Day 42 |
Residential Property (Tanunda)
Not available to the public. There are many options to stay in Tanunda. |
19.70 | 800.82 | N/A |
Week 7 |
Accommodation |
Daily km |
Overall km |
Price |
| Day 43 |
Residential Property (Tanunda) – Rest Day
Not available to the public. There are many options to stay in Tanunda. |
N/A | 800.82 | N/A |
| Day 44 |
Rossiters Hut
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run hut contains a rainwater tank, bunks, table, seating, fireplace and a toilet. No bookings required. |
11.34 | 812.16 | Free |
| Day 45 |
Rocky Paddock Campsite
The Forestry SA run campground has allocated campsites, a rainwater tank, table, seating and a toilet. Self-registration bookings required at the Mount Crawford Forest Information Centre located on Warren Road. |
26.38 | 838.54 | $5 |
| Day 46 |
Scotts Shelter
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run campsite contains a large shelter, table, seating, rainwater tank, fire pit and toilet. No bookings required. |
15.27 | 853.81 | Free |
| Day 47 |
Grandpa’s Camp
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run campsite contains a small shelter, table, seating, rainwater tank and fire pit. No bookings required. |
21.78 | 875.59 | Free |
| Day 48 |
Airbnb Property (Norton Summit)
There are limited accommodation options available in Norton Summit, however, the owners of The Scenic Hotel often let hikers camp out on their lawn. The Airbnb property is approximately 3km away from the trail and contains a bed, shower, water and cooking facilities. |
28.68 | 904.27 | $75 |
| Day 49 |
Woodhouse Activity Centre
Woodhouse Activity Centre has a range of accommodation options, toilets, showers, tables, seating, water and cooking facilities. Bookings essential via phone 08 8339 3333 or online. Enquire Online |
19.81 | 924.08 | $22 |
Week 8 |
Accommodation |
Daily km |
Overall km |
Price |
| Day 50 |
Rocky Creek Hut
The Forestry SA run campground has allocated campsite areas, a rainwater tank, table, seating and a toilet. Self-registration bookings required at the Kuitpo Forest Information Centre located on Brookman Road. |
27.95 | 952.03 | $5 |
| Day 51 |
Chookaraloo Campsite
The Forestry SA run campground has allocated campsite areas, a rainwater tank, table, seating and a toilet. Self-registration bookings required at the Kuitpo Forest Information Centre located on Brookman Road. |
15.07 | 967.10 | $5 |
| Day 52 |
Residential Property (Nangkita)
Not available to the public. Finniss Conservation Park is nearby, however it does not contain any facilities. |
23.60 | 990.70 | N/A |
| Day 53 |
Heysen’s Rest Bed and Breakfast (Myponga)
Heysen’s Rest Bed and Breakfast has various sleeping options, heating, toilet, shower, tables, seating, water and cooking facilities. Bookings essential via phone 08 8558 6397. |
33.14 | 1023.84 | $75 |
| Day 54 |
Inman Valley Memorial Hall (Inman Valley)
The community run block has a rainwater tank, table, seating and a toilet. Ask permission at the Inman Valley General Store before camping. |
13.64 | 1037.48 | Free |
| Day 55 |
Newland Hill Campsite
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run campsite does not contain any facilities. No bookings required. Encounter Bay is a 5km walk from the campsite. |
17.01 | 1054.49 | Free |
| Day 56 |
Balquhidder Campsite
The Friends of the Heysen Trail run campsite contains a small shelter, rainwater tank and camping platform. No bookings required. |
26.64 | 1081.13 | Free |
Week 9 |
Accommodation |
Daily km |
Overall km |
Price |
| Day 57 |
Tapanappa Campground
The National Parks South Australia run campground has allocated campsites, toilets, fire pits and rainwater tanks. Bookings essential. Book Online |
17.28 | 1098.41 | $15 |
| Day 58 |
Cobbler Hill Campground
The National Parks South Australia run campground has allocated campsites, toilets, fire pits and rainwater tanks. Bookings essential. Book Online |
15.33 | 1113.74 | $15 |
| Day 59 |
N/A
End of the trail at the Cape Jervis Trailhead. |
13.62 | 1127.36 | N/A |
Wait, this info doesn’t match the links.
The distances and the accommodation rates were recorded for my journey from August to October, 2018. Things change! The Heysen Trail is constantly re-routed due to park hazards, safety concerns and property adjustments, while inflation understandably alters the cost of accommodation. The prices recorded in the itinerary are relative to the facilities I used while I was on the trail. Fortunately, many of these companies sponsored my journey and supported my fundraising efforts allowing me to trim some costs along the way.
Remember, this is only a guide.
Please take into account your own fitness levels and hiking experience before planning your itinerary. Personalising your route along the Heysen Trail is half of the fun. Want to stay in the majestic Flinders Ranges for a few extra days? Why not! Keen to spend an extra week down on the beach? Please do! I wish I could. The Friends of the Heysen Trail website, in particular, the Table of Distances, is your first port-of-call when planning your adventure along the Heysen Trail.
Tags
Heysen Trail Preparation Process Accommodation Hiking Spending Walk Trail Heysen Australia Heysen Trail Guide South Australia OceaniaYou Might Also Like
March 12, 2019
Hey Josh
So stoked to see you did it!.. but WHY did you camp at Whistling Trig!!! I’m surprised you didn’t get blown away!
Well done!
-Kirstie (and Shane)
March 12, 2019
Hello Kirstie!
I’m stoked I did it too! Thank you so much for all of your help in the lead up to the trail. Yes, Whistling Trig. Not my most comfortable night’s sleep, that’s for sure. My tent poles are still warped as a result. But the views up on that range at sunset blew me away just as much. Did you walk all the way from Spalding to Hallett Railway Station along that stretch?!
August 17, 2019
Great article, thank you. I’m planning my own trek, and was pleased to find some information about water availability at each of the campsites. Who would I ask for the combinations at Old Mt Bryan East School and Hallett Railway Station? The Friends?
August 17, 2019
Thanks Beren!
The lock combinations can be found on the individual accommodation pages on the Friends of the Heysen website, although I don’t think Old Mt Bryan East School has a lock. The Hallett Railway Station address is https://heysentrail.asn.au/heysen-trail/accommodation/provider/hallett-railway-station/
These pages often have updates on the water conditions in the comments.
I hope you have an amazing hike!
July 29, 2022
Hey Josh!
Ive been following you a bit on Youtube and the internet over time and thought i would reach out! I am heading off in 3 weeks to hike the Heysen from Parachilna to Melrose which i am stoked about! Luckily i live in the Barossa too so i have had easy access to much of the trail on day and weekend trips, however i would have loved to E2E but time isnt the best atm!
I looked at your schedule above and quite like it, would there be any changes in this section that you would change if you did it again?
I hope you are well and getting some good hikes in!
Cheers!
Sam
September 5, 2022
Hey Sam, thank you for reaching out. I’ve responded via email. Let me know if you have any more questions. Cheers, Josh.