The Heysen Trail (South) Part - 8

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Well after a few health ailments I am heading back on the trail this weekend (27 July) to complete the Balquidder to Waitpinga section of the trail. After driving for more than 2 hours to reach the meeting point at Newlands Head I registered for the walk and mounted one of the 3 buses heading for the start point at the corner of Callawonga and Tunk Head Roads.

I joined the fast group as is the norm and we headed off, the first few kilometres was along the borders of Balaquidder property until the trail before crossing a neighbouring property. We followed a creek between hills before reaching the coastline. We were greeted by some fantastic scenery as we skirted the coast climbing over headlands and crossing the odd creek. Eventually we reached a small cove with an attractive little beach where we stopped for lunch.

The weather has been favourable with no wind and very little rain although a light shower hit us while we rested for lunch. After eating we followed the beach, crossing a creek before climbing back up the headland for the walk to Parsons Beach. Here we saw some dramatic coastal scenery which included some interesting geological formations and some seals swimming off the rocks.

Soon we were climbing down from the headland onto Parson's Beach where the walking became more difficult as we trudged though soft sand for a few kilometres before making the climb to the look out. There were a number of surfers here. I brief walk through native vegetation brought us to steps leading down to Waitpinga Beach here we encountered a number of fisherman and another long walk through soft sand. I hate walking on beaches.

Eventually after 4 and a half hours and 14km we arrived at the carpark at Waitpinga Beach making the final one kilometre climb up the headland and through the dunes to the Newlands Head CP.

An extremely enjoyable and scenic if at times tough walk, the next leg leads into Victor Harbor.

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Photos

Viewing Platform
Waitpinga Beach

Leaving Waitpinga Beach
Walkers make the final climb to Newlands Head

Comments

[Jill]

Magnificent photography as usual,Tony. Glad you enjoyed it, like I enjoy receiving your blogs!Love Jill xxx