The Heysen Trail is one of the most beautiful walking trails in Australia and we are exploring it once again, this time venturing through South Australia’s historic Copper Country, the North Mount Lofty Ranges.

This event also has special meaning ... we're hiking in memory of Tracey Lee Diamond, who sadly lost her battle with bowel cancer in February 2014 aged just 41. Her family is committed to helping us raise awareness about preventing bowel cancer, and have come on board as the major sponsor.

Starting at Peter’s Hill, north of Kapunda the hike will cover approximately 80 kms of the Heysen Trail over two days, finishing at World’s End near the mining town of Burra. You will be transported to and from the trail each day, starting bright and early. On the last night you will be treated to a celebratory dinner at a fabulous surprise location.

The SA Hiking Challenge is exactly that ... it's a challenge. A reasonable level of hiking experience and fitness is required to attempt the event. If you are concerned about the distance, you can choose to hike on one day only. And if you completely run out of puff you can be collected from one of the checkpoints that will be stationed approximately every 10 kms.

In 2013, a team of 25 hikers trekked south from the northern most point of the Heysen Trail in the Flinders Ranges, and the 2014 event saw 86 people trek from Cape Jervis, the southern most point of the Trail. We're looking for 100 people to join us this time, and you'll all be wearing our signature little black tutu.

We do ask that you raise some money to help us continue spreading the word about bowel cancer and are grateful for all of your efforts. Be creative with your fundraising and have some fun. We are here to help you as much as we can.

The SA Hiking Challenge has been hugely successful with more than $128,000 raised in the first two years. We have already exceeded this year's initial fundraising target of $120,000 and are now aiming to beat our all time record of $235,000 from a single event.

REGISTRATIONS FOR THE SA HIKING CHALLENGE ARE NOW CLOSED!

For more information, please contact our office on (08) 8343 7222 or email Elissa O'Donohue here.

Additional references:

Friends of the Heysen

Blog - The Heysen Trail

Blog - Distances and Gradings 

Burra Information Centre

You can join our conversation anytime using #SAHikingChallenge.