Stretching 1200km from the Flinders Ranges to Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula, the Heysen Trail is the longest hiking trail in Australia. If you haven’t heard of it, you are not alone. This epic walking path flies largely under the radar when it comes to walking tourism. Yet the track passes through some of South Australia’s most spectacular scenery – traversing rugged mountains, native bushland and along the clifftops of the stunning coastline.
For a taste of the Heysen Trail, I joined a group of bookclub buddies on a guided hike – walking along the southern section of the path. The Wild South Coast Way, as it is known, certainly lived up to its name. But what’s a bit of wind and rain when you have great friends, good food, and a luxury lodge to retreat to after a long day on the trail.
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Hiking in nature is a well-established means of improving muscle strength, reducing stress and boosting wellbeing. Add to that grazing kangaroos, waterfalls, rainbows, ancient grass trees, twisted mallee gums, yoga and sound bathing, and you have the recipe for the perfect long weekend.
Details
Our three-day itinerary was organised by Big Heart Adventures – a South Australian company that did a fantastic job of tailoring a program for our group. Our lovely guides collected us from Adelaide, took care of meals and logistics, and shared their knowledge of the local flora, and the history of the Fleurieu Peninsula. We had a good balance of bushland and coastal trails, and covered a distance of 24km over three days, which left plenty of time to enjoy our fabulous accommodation.
For two nights we stayed at a clifftop house overlooking Waitpinga and West Island. With a whale breaching in the ocean below us, an echidna pottering around out the back, and loads of space for post-hike wines, delicious home-cooked meals and fireside chats, the house was the ultimate venue for a weekend away.
The Wild South Coast Way is a spectacular part of South Australia’s Heysen Trail. But with so much more to explore, I will definitely be back!
Happy travels!
Julie
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Julie Fison 