Today is the beginning of my final section hike, with the goal of completing the Heysen Trail in 10 days which includes a rest day. Due to logistics of last year, I had this section from Wilmington to Quorn to fill in, and so this is where I began. My son drove me up to Wilmington the evening before, so that I could have an early start as I knew I had 29km of undulating trail to navigate. So at 0700 I was off on my final part of this 6 year long adventure. I was so excited to be back on trail. The first section to the Horrocks Pass was great, easy track walking and some nice vibes. Once I crossed Horrocks Pass it’s the elevation gain that is one challenge, plus the gibber fields is another. The Heysen wants you to walk the fence line often when there is a less steep track right next to it - doesn’t make sense to walk the fence line. The views across to Spencer Gulf were amazing!Getting to halfway was fine, after that it became more difficult and I was keeping a close eye on the time as I did not want to arrive in the dark. I made it to Catninga Shed at 1645 but apart from lunch at Hawks Nest tank I really didn’t stop that much, only to pee and hydrate and eat a bit, a couple of minutes only. I met a thru hiker at Hawks Nest tank. One section not well signposted saw me on the wrong side of a fence so I had to go through the fence. I was very very tired when I arrived, and hip flexors sore. Catninga shed is basic but there is water and a flushing toilet so can’t complain. Overall, one of the more challenging sections. I knew it would be, and am so glad it’s done now. Mt Brown summit tomorrow - so looking forward to incredible views.

Hiking/Backpacking

South Australia, Australia

time : Jun 2, 2025 7:04 AM

duration : 9h 53m 43s

distance : 28.6 km

total_ascent : 1036 m

highest_point : 719 m

avg_speed : 3.5 km/h

user_id : sarahc

user_firstname : Sarah

user_lastname : C

Today is the beginning of my final section hike, with the goal of completing the Heysen Trail in 10 days which includes a rest day. Due to logistics of last year, I had this section from Wilmington to Quorn to fill in, and so this is where I began. My son drove me up to Wilmington the evening before, so that I could have an early start as I knew I had 29km of undulating trail to navigate. So at 0700 I was off on my final part of this 6 year long adventure. I was so excited to be back on trail. The first section to the Horrocks Pass was great, easy track walking and some nice vibes. Once I crossed Horrocks Pass it’s the elevation gain that is one challenge, plus the gibber fields is another. The Heysen wants you to walk the fence line often when there is a less steep track right next to it - doesn’t make sense to walk the fence line. The views across to Spencer Gulf were amazing!Getting to halfway was fine, after that it became more difficult and I was keeping a close eye on the time as I did not want to arrive in the dark. I made it to Catninga Shed at 1645 but apart from lunch at Hawks Nest tank I really didn’t stop that much, only to pee and hydrate and eat a bit, a couple of minutes only. I met a thru hiker at Hawks Nest tank. One section not well signposted saw me on the wrong side of a fence so I had to go through the fence. I was very very tired when I arrived, and hip flexors sore. Catninga shed is basic but there is water and a flushing toilet so can’t complain. Overall, one of the more challenging sections. I knew it would be, and am so glad it’s done now. Mt Brown summit tomorrow - so looking forward to incredible views.