Willunga Week - Section 11- Sunday 16th November

Join Big Heart Adventures as we explore Section 11 of the Willunga Basin Trail!

The cost of this walk is $95pp (plus Eventbrite booking fee) which includes bus transport from the finishing point to the starting point.

These walks tie with our Willunga Week event allowing locals to join us for the walks only and includes only transport from finish point car park to start point – if you wish to join the guided 9 day tour with retreat style accommodation in central McLaren Vale and most meals, head to our website: https://bigheartadventures.com.au/product/willunga-week/

The Willunga Basin Trail is a walking trail in the southern Mt Lofty ranges and is approximately 130km long and made up of 11 sections.

This walk is for both men and women.

We respectfully acknowledge that our adventure along the Willunga Basin Trail traverses on Kaurna Land traditionally owned by the Kaurna People.

BUS MEET SPOT

Meet at 8.15am for an 8.30am bus departure at the southern end of Brightview Brae, McLaren Vale. The bus will then take us to Gate 19 of Onkaparinga River National Park to begin our walk.

Note: there are no public toilets at the bus departure or bus drop off points. Please make sure you make a toilet stop if required prior to arriving.

You will receive more detailed instructions and a map on how to get to this location 24-48 hours before the event. Please allow plenty of time to arrive and park.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Once the bus has dropped us off at Gate 19 of Onkaparinga River National Park, we will then walk approximately 15km back to our cars. Allow approximately 5 to 6 hours for this walk.

This walk is rated as Moderate and includes a mix of bush trails, sandy tracks and country lanes. The trail takes us through Onkaparinga River National Park, and the Gemtree Wetlands and Eco Trail, and there is an opportunity to take a spur track up to Sandalwood Lookout if the group is keen (approximately 1.5km return).

WHO IS THIS EVENT SUITABLE FOR?

This event is for both men and women and is suitable for anyone with a good level of fitness behind them. It is ideal for people who may not be confident with being on trails without a leader or the company of others.

Note that our walks are all about fun, fitness and friendship – they are not a personal training session. If we cannot walk and talk at the same time, we are walking too fast! And we never leave anyone behind.

The minimum age requirement for this walk is 15 years old and must come with a supervising adult - please check with us if unsure.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Due to the variability of the weather, please ensure you have adequate sun protection (hat, sunnies, sunscreen) and wet weather gear – we cannot refund you if you do not have the gear required. If you arrive ill-prepared our leaders can ask you not to walk for safety reasons.

We will check the forecast and remind you all what to expect prior to the walk, but weather can be unpredictable, so it is important to be prepared. We recommend wearing warm layerable clothing as the temperature can change quickly, and the extra layers can also keep you warm during breaks.

Please also bring worn in comfortable walking shoes/hiking boots, day pack (35 litre), filled water bottles/bladder (2+ litres), personal medications/blister kit, walking poles (highly recommended), snacks (fruit, muesli bars, trail mix, lollies), and a light lunch to enjoy enroute.

LEADERS

Our leaders carry group first aid kits, emergency communication devices and are qualified and experienced bushwalking leaders.

CANCELLATIONS

Refunds are not available if cancelling 7 days or less prior to the walk.

If the weather forecast is for extreme weather or a fire ban is issued for the Adelaide Hills, this walk will be cancelled the day before and participants will be notified. A rare same day cancellation may also occur if weather warnings or fire warnings are issued same day - we will always phone participants to cancel should this occur on the day of the event.

Note that we require a minimum of 6 walkers for this walk to go ahead. If we do not meet these numbers, a refund will be provided.

If you have any questions, you can call Lisa Murphy on 0418 802 361 or phone the office on 0870065620.

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in McLaren Vale, Workshops in McLaren Vale.