Upgraded section of Heysen Trail opened at King Head
Nov 5, 09:40 am by Editor
An upgraded section of the world-renowned Heysen Trail has been opened at King Head, providing a boost for recreation and tourism in the Victor Harbor area.
The upgraded section of the trail, which extends about 1.6 kilometres from the King Head car park, provides easier access to the long expanse of spectacular coastal cliffs between King Head and Waitpinga Beach.
Chris Halstead from the Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) said the trail upgrade, which cost $90,000, will provide a more family friendly walking experience for people keen to explore sections of the Heysen Trail.
“The upgrade of the trail will enhance the experience for walkers by improving viewing areas and beach access points, and reducing steep gradients through realignment and construction of stone steps,” he said.
“The upgrade will also improve the environmental sustainability of the trail, by resolving the severe erosion adjacent to the trail.”
Mr Halstead said erosion was reduced by revegetating affected areas, hardening the trail using locally sourced rock, and reducing water run-off through grade reversal.
“I’d like to thank the Green Corps teams, funded through the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board, for undertaking the revegetation work,” he said.
“I’d also like to thank the City of Victor Harbor, which supplied rock and material to restore the eroded section of the trail.”
Mr Halstead said the King Head upgrade was part of a series of upgrades planned for the southern part of the Heysen Trail, including the recent upgrade to the Boat Harbor Beach section in Deep Creek Conservation Park.
“The Heysen Trail is internationally recognised as a premier long distance walking trail, loved by the national and international bushwalking community,” he said.
“In 2007, DEH released a 10-year strategic plan for the Heysen Trail, which seeks to revitalise the trail and ensure that it continues to be used and enjoyed by South Australians as well as interstate and overseas visitors.
“The strategic plan reflects 2005 research that indicated that South Australians wanted the trail to provide more opportunities for short recreational walks near suburban areas or townships.
“The upgrade to the King Head section of the Heysen Trail is a perfect example of how DEH is broadening the range of walking experiences available.
“King Head is very easy to get to, being only a short drive or walk from Victor Harbor, the Encounter Bay township, and the Bluff.
“It’s a relatively easy walk, offering spectacular views, so it makes a great day trip for local or travelling families as well as older walkers.
“We expect the upgrade to boost tourism opportunities in the region.”
The Heysen Trail is managed by DEH with the assistance of landowners, councils, the Friends of the Heysen Trail and other volunteers.
For more information on the Heysen Trail, go to http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/heysen/.
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