DEEP CREEK CIRCUIT

Deep Creek Circuit is a challenging walk that encompasses the best parts of Deep Creek Conservation Park, from stringy bark forests to dense coastal heath vegetation. The park offers spectacular views of the Backstairs passage as far as Kangaroo Island.

Deep Creek Conservation Park is a coastal park , 90 minutes from Adelaide. Its beauty with unspoiled vegetation, majestic coastline is a major attraction for hikers. To reach the park, take the South Road via Myponga and Yankallila. Then drive past Second Valley and turn left at Delamere, following the signs to the park. Make sure you purchase the entry park pass via the internet from: https://www.parks.sa.gov.au

Deep Creek Circuit

Deep Creek Circuit
Trig Picnic Area

This hike starts at Trig Picnic Area and follows the circuit anticlockwise. This has the advantage of going up over the steep area of the coastal hike from the Deep Creek Cove .

Deep Creek Circuit
Trail head

The first portion of the circuit, follows the track from Trig Picnic area to Deep Creek Cove. At the cove, the creek finishes its journey in the ocean. The peaceful, secluded cove warrants a short break to admire the scenery, before starting the climb along the rugged coastal trek. The hike is tough, more a rock scramble but reaching the top, the views are spectacular. You could see dolphins, seals and if you are lucky even whales.

The trail leaves the coast and follows a large track to Tapannapa Lookout.

From Tappanapa Lookout you head through thick vegetation and rugged terrain to Deep Creek Waterfall. The Waterfall generally flows in winter or after rain but the waterhole is permanent. Time for a break.

Deep Creek Circuit
Deep Creek Waterfall

From the Deep Creek Waterfall take the Heysen trail to Tent Rock Road. From here, return following the road to the starting point at the Trig Picnic Area.

The total distance of the Circuit was 11 km about 4 hours with a total ascent of 389 meters.

The hikes distances are:

Trig Picnic Area to Deep Creek Cove 3.2 km

Deep Creek Cove to Tapannapa Lookout 1.7 km.

Tapanappa Lookout to Deep Creek Waterfall 3.5 km

Deep Creek Waterfall to Tent Rock Road 1.7 km

Links to other hikes in Deep Creek Conservation Park :

The Pinnacle

The Pinnacle is one of the most visited lookouts in Grampians with stunning views over Halls Gap. Most of the walks are done anti clockwise.

There are different starting points.

1. From Halls Gap camping ground walk through the Botanic Garden, through Venus Bath. Follow the track that continues to the Wonderland Car park.

2. Start at Wonderland Car park (5.5 km return)

3. Start at Sundial Car park (4,2 km return)

The hike described in this post is a shorter but harder alternative. The walk is to The Pinnacle via Mackey’s Peak in clockwise direction.

The walk starts at the Halls Gap Camping ground. After crossing the main street in Halls Gap walk straight through the camping ground pass the bridge on the right side towards the trail board that indicates The Pinnacle 3.4 km.

Follow the track and soon you will start a steep ascent with lots of stair cases. The advantage is that you avoid the crowds starting from the Wonderland car park. You will be rewarded with stunning views over the Halls Gap. Once you finish the ascent, continue to walk to the Pinnacle following the yellow triangle sign over the rocky path.

After soaking the views at the Pinnacle, return via the Wonderland Loop. Take track towards Wonderland Car park. You will pass through iconic Grand Canyon and Silent Street.

The Pinnacle
The Wonderland track

Just before reaching the Wonderland car park, turn right to return to Halls Gap via Venus Baths and Botanic Gardens. On the way you can take a detour to Splitters Falls ( can be dry in summer).

The Pinnacle
Fairy Lily

The hike has a total distance of 8.8 km. Time taken was 4.5 hours with breaks. Total ascent was 450 meters.

Lac De Presset

Lac de Presset is situated in Beaufortain region of Savoie department, south of Mont Blanc Massif. This a beautiful hike that takes you pristine alpine lake, among Ibex , with views of famous Pierra Menta.

Start the hike at the car park Chapelle de St. Guerin . Follow the road to the bridge. Cross the bridge on the other side and follow the track along the creek L’Ormente. From Refuge de la Balme (2009 m) climb to refuge de Presset (2520m ) and its lake. From here you can continue to Col Grand Fond. Return the same way. The total distance is about 14 km and takes between 5-6 hours.

The current track is missing one portion at the beginning which on the same route as the return track.

Lac De Presset
Ibex at Lac de Presset

Other hikes in France :

Tour Du Mont Blanc at

https://aussietrailwalker.com/tour-du-mont-blanc/

Tour Du Mont Blanc

Hiking around Mont Blanc, which rises in its grandness at 4810 m, will be one of the most memorable experience you will have.

Switchbacks, mountain passes, magnificent peaks and impressive glaciers will create memories that last a lifetime.

The massif is surrounded and intersected by 7 valleys that spread across 3 countries. The Swiss Valaise, Italian Aosta Valley and French Savoies are linked by history and traditions.

Most tours start at Les Houches, near Chamonix and head off in counterclockwise.

Our journey begins at Montroc and the tour was done in clockwise direction. The clockwise direction you travel against the flow and the first hours of walking the path is empty. Regarding ascents and descents the difference is not significant.

Montroc to Trient

Tour Du Mont Blanc
View from Aiguillette des Posettes

First day started in Montroc. The small village of Montroc was hit in 9th of February 1999 by a massive avalanche that killed 12 people.

From Montroc railway station go up following Argullette des Possettes to Col de Possettes 1997 m turning right towards Col de Balme 2204 m and then down to Trient via Le Peuty. Refuge de Balme at 2191 m is the Franco- Swiss border. Trient is a small village and we stayed at hotel Grand Ourse. In the village there is a beautiful pink church and cemetery worth a visit. At the end of August the Ultra Trail Mountain Marathon is organised and Trient was full of life and celebrations.

From Col de Balme you have great views towards Col de la Forclaz and Trient.

Tour Du Mont Blanc
Trient in the distance

Tour Du Mont Blanc
Pink Church of Trient


This is a 14.21 km route in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, B9, France. The route has a total ascent of 908.24 m and has a maximum elevation of 2,218.03 m . Time to destination was 5 hours.

Trient to Arpette

The second day we decided to take the higher mountain route the mythic Fenetre D’Arpette.

Tour Du Mont Blanc
View from Fenetre D’Arpette, the sweeps of scree fan down the into Val D’Arpette

From Trient cross the main road Au Village follow the road through the forest and the path towards Fenetre D’Arpette. As the Fenetre D’Arpette came into view we climbed through rocky area, pass the glacier du Trient to reach the Fenetre D’ Arpette at 2665 m the highest point of our trip. After soaking the views and catching our breath we started going down the other site to Champex . This proved to be more difficult, as we had to negotiate our way through fields of boulders.

Accomodation was at Pelais D’Arpette.


This is a 13.9 km route in Orsières, VS, Switzerland. The route has a total ascent of 1307.43 m and has a maximum elevation of 2,672.78 m.  Total time 7 hours.

Ferret to La Vachey

Bus was taken from Arpette to Ferret. From Ferret we walked on the road a bit then turned right to climb to Le Peule. Some short cuts were taken on a zig zag road, reaching a foggy Le Peule .

Tour du Mont Blanc

From Le Peule we climbed to Col Grand Ferret with beautiful vistas and the border stone between Italy and Switzerland. We started descending through pastoral scenery towards Refugio Elena. All the way you enjoy amazing scenery of the high Alps. From Refugio Elena you descend through the Val de Ferret until you reach the road and then you can take the bus to La Vachey.


This is a 12.44 km route in Orsières, VS, Switzerland. The route has a total ascent of 814.58 m and has a maximum elevation of 2,530.58 m. Time to destination 5 hours.

La Vachey to Courmayeur

From hotel La Vachey follow the road Frazione Pra Sec Dessons to Val Ferrett turn right pass Refugio Bertone tocome down to Courmayeur via Rue val Sapin

Tour du Mont Blanc
At Refugio Bertone


This is a 11.69 km route in Courmayeur, 19, Italy. The route has a total ascent of 499.35 m and has a maximum elevation of 2,063.87 m. Time 5 hours.

From Courmayeur we took the bus and walked from where we left the bus 30 minutes to Refugio Monte Bianco.

Tour Du Mont Blanc
Courmayeur

Courmayeur is the Italian equivalent of French Chamonix. The town has high end shops, numerous cafes and restaurants. It is a favorite stop for those hiking Tour du Mont Blanc.

Refugio Monte Bianco -Col De La Seigne -Les Mottets

Refuge des Mottets

From Refugio Monte Bianco ( 1670 m) turn left and climb towards the ski slope and go up to departure of the chairlift. Just before the chairlift take the small path on the left that is winding up in the forest to the Refuge of Maison Vielle. From here continue towards the Checrouit and climb to reach Refugio Elisabetta. At Refugio Elisabetta you can have your lunch and a very good coffee. From here go down via Val Veny to take the path that goes to Cassermetta of Col de la Seigne. Now Cassermetta is a centre for environmental studies and uses only renewable energy sources.

Climb some more to reach the border between France and Italy and Col de Seigne ( 2516 m ). Col de la Seigne is a pass known as far back as Roman times. A good rest at the pass and after admiring the stunning views, take the track towards Refuge des Mottets.

After 1 hour and 15 minutes you arrive at Refuge des Mottets (1870 m). The refuge has its characteristic large dining room. The meal is served at the same time for everyone. You have designated places at very long tables with plates of food being passed one from one another. Old french music played at the end made all an unique experience. The Refuge has small rooms and common showers.


This is a 20.55 km route in Courmayeur, 19, Italy. The route has a total ascent of 1288.2 m and has a maximum elevation of 2,510.13 m. Time 8 hours.

Les Mottets to Les Contamines

From refuge des Mottets follow the track to Ville des Glaciers turn right at the Chapelle pass Les Tufs to climb to Col des Fours (2661 m) among the pastures, along a stream left bank. Cross the pass, starting slightly to the left heading South/South-East. After passing at the foot of an electric pylon, the trail becomes more visible, walking on the ridge direction Col de Bonhomme(2329 m). From the Bonhomme pass take the direction La Balme-Notre Dame de la Gorge.

From Nant Borrant refuge (1463 m) continue straight along the ancient Roman road on a little more than 250 m vertical drop to Notre Dame de la Gorge. Notre Dame de la Gorge was the local parish church for the residents of the valley since the 13th century. The church was rebuilt in 1699 by Jean de Vougniaz.

Tour Du Mont Blanc

This is a 17.43 km route in Séez, B9, France. The route has a total ascent of 897.25 m and has a maximum elevation of 2,681.41 m . Time 8 hours with breaks.

La Gruvaz to Les Houches

From Les Contamines, we have been driven to the start of the trail at the intersection Route de la Gruvaz with Route de la Villette. From here we followed Route de la Villette then turn right at Chemin des Chevreuils to reach Route du Champel. We continued on Chemin de l’Ormey turning right again to Bellevue for telacabin to Prion Les Houches.

Tour Du Mont Blanc
Tramway du Mont Blanc to Bellevue

This is a 9.03 km route in Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains, B9, France.  The route has a total ascent of 954.06 m and has a maximum elevation of 1,799.51 m . Time 4 hours.

During the 7 days, we enjoyed stunning views, the genuine alpine experience and the delicious food. The trail for most of part is not technically difficult with most of the hikes between 10- 18 km and ascent and descent of 1000 meters. The GPS recording can assist with trekking but in some parts the GPS signal is lost so is very useful to have a map. General the treks are well marked . Watch out for Ibex, marmots and birds of prey.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the oldest and most beautiful treks in the world, a must do on your bucket list.

Sunrise over Mont Blanc photo taken by my friend Helen

The Tour du Mont Blanc is up there with other iconic multi -day treks, Peru’s Machu Pitchu at https://aussietrailwalker.com/machu-picchu-inca-trail-cusco-peru/

and Alpe Adria Trail, Slovenia at https://aussietrailwalker.com/alpe-adria-trail-slovenia/

Mount Lofty Hiking Trails

Explore hiking trails in Mount Lofty. Mount Lofty is located close to Adelaide City centre and is popular with walkers, cyclists and tourists.

This is a list of hiking trails in Mount Lofty of different distances and levels of difficulty.

Winter Track, Pengana, Mount Lofty Loop Walk

Mount Lofty is very popular with Adelaide hikers, runners and fitness pals. Less traveled tracks are Pengana Track and Winter Track.

Winter Track, Pengana , Mount Lofty Loop Walk describes a short walk with a good hill for training. The walk has incredible views over city, making it a pleasant, short outing in Mount Lofty.

Description of the loop walk

The walk starts at Woolshed Gully Gate 11 at the address 104 Waterfall Gully Road, Waterfall Gully

Park the car in the small car park next to the Green shed. Cross the road and walk about 50 meters towards Waterfall Gully to find the sign for the start of the Winter Track and gate 11. Follow the track past the gate and after a short distance turn right at the track marked Pengana.

From here is a steep climb on the hill with an ascent of 316 meters. Reaching on the top, continue to walk on the track, watching for kangaroos lazing around near the bushes.

Continue walking forward and you will reach a signpost Pengana Spur Track which you follow. Follow the Pengana Spur track to reach soon the Perimeter track that surrounds Cleland Wildlife Park.

Here you turn left to continue on Perimeter Track, where you are greeted by emus and wallabies from the other side of the fence. Exiting the Perimeter Track follow the road and turn left at the next gate to take the Long Ridge Track. Walk along the Long Ridge Track taking in the views over the city.

Reaching the intersection with Winter track you can turn left to follow the track and return to gate 11. Optional you can walk forward for a small detour to the Long Ridge Track Lookout, for more stunning views over the city. Take a break, rest on the bench and admire the 360 degrees views.

After a deserved break, return to Winter Track to resume your journey back to the car.

The loop walk is 8.27 km and takes 2 to 2. 5 hours

Links to other walks

For a longer and more challenging walk you can go around Sugarloaf and return via the Widow Maker back to Long Ridge track. See link at https://aussietrailwalker.com/mount-lofty-training-hike/

Three Capes Track, Tasmania

Three Capes Track

The Three Capes Track in Tasmania is not only an experience of the wilderness of Tasman Peninsula but also a journey in its history .

The Three Capes Track is a coastal walk with beautiful beaches, stunning coastal and endless sea views. Along the way, you can enjoy stories about the convict heritage, life in the forests and underwater and the formation of dolerite rock and cliffs millions of years ago, in Jurassic period.

The four day walk starts at Port Arthur Historic Site with a boat cruise to Denmans Cove and ends at Fortescue Bay.

Total length of the track is 46 km. Over four days, you visit two of the Three Capes,  Cape Pillar and Cape Hauy.

Walk Description

The walk is undulating and gentle. You walk mainly on boardwalks and well maintained trails.

Furniture designers, students from Tasmania University and Tasmanian aboriginal Community, constructed 30 story seats along the trail. Each seat is unique and describes a story. This will keep you amused and enhance your knowledge of the area.

The numbers of walkers is limited. Therefore, it is is essential to book at   https://www.threecapestrack.com.au

The walk is self guided. The fee covers accommodation, the boat trip, and the bus fee to return to Port Arthur.


Day 1 Denmans Cove to Surveyors Hut 4 km, 1-1.5 hours

The adventure starts at Port Arthur Historic Site where you need to register to receive The Three Capes Track Pass and the book “Encounters on the Edge”. You have time to visit the Historic Port Arthur and to have lunch at the café before boarding on the boat cruise with Pennicott Wilderness.

At 1400 hour the enthusiastic group board the boat which takes you past Island of Dead to see the coast you will walk the next days. The Island of Dead is the burial ground of more than 1200 transportees from Port Arthur.

From the boat you will be able to see the third cape in the distance, Cape Raoul .

After you are disembark on the beach of Denmans Cove and take the compulsory photo at the Trailhead, the walk begins along the coast.

Three Capes Track, Tasmania
At the Trail Head

 The walk is short and pleasant, through coastal vegetation and eucalyptus, only 4 km from Denmans Cove to Surveyors Cabin and takes about 1 hour to 1 hour and a half.

You discover 2 stories on the trail, Dear Eliza and Waving Arms.

Dear Eliza is the representation of a “Love Token” which is a coin with an engraved message which the convicts imprisoned at Port Arthur used to send to the loved ones.

Waving Arms represents the story of the ingenious communication system used by Charles O’Hara Booth, Commandant at Port Arthur in 1983 to 1984. It consists of movable arms which were set at different angle with a numerical meaning which could be translated into words using a unique code.

Messages were sent from Port Arthur to Hobart. Obviously it did not work if there was high wind or fog!

Soon you pass The Surveyor Cove with its cobblestone beach, from where you are less than one hour from the Surveyors Cabin.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in cabin with rooms of 4- 6 people. It is worth to mention if you travel with friends as you can get accommodation together. The cabins are build eco friendly. Two adjacent rooms communicate through an open area near the ceiling for ventilation. The room has 2 bunks for 4 people. Don’t forget to take the torch and ear plugs, essential for a good sleep.

The kitchen has facilities for cooking, pots and pans, water and enough tables and chairs for everyone. You can charge your mobile phone and there is some reception for Telstra mobile phones. Books and boarding games are provided to have fun in the evening.

Each day at 1800 the Ranger tells you more stories about the Three Capes Track and informs you about the weather and the next day walk.

Day 2 Surveyors Hut to Munro Hut 11 km in 4 hours

Start walking through eucalypt forest and heath lands. After one hour walk, walk across open moorlands with occasional water views.

A short climb to Arthurs Peak, with panoramic views over Tasman Sea and Southern Ocean.

 The track zigzags through gum trees, short twisted and sturdy windswept flora of Ellarwey Valley.

More stories emerge along the track. From “Punishment to Playground” which tells the story of Port Arthur changing from the infamous prison to a place where visitors enjoy its beauty and relax at the historic site.

I have enjoyed the cube shaped seats called “Who Was Here?” The wombat sticker gives a clue that it is inspired from the wombat’s scats. I have read that wombats can hold their offerings for up to 16 days. Ouch!

Three Capes Track, Tasmania
Who Was here?

More stories on the way and you reach a track junction, left towards Retakunna and right to Munro. You turn right to walk to the second night destination Munro Hut. From the deck you will enjoy the golden sunset and the views over the Munro Bight.

Day 3
Munro Hut to Cape Pillar and return to Munro Hut to Retakunna 19 km 6-7 hours

After breakfast leave your backpack to Munro Hut shed. With only a daypack you head towards Cape Pillar.

 Initial through forests of Tasmania Waratah on boardwalk and later on rocky coastline, you will walk through Corruption Gully, along the Purgatory Hill, Hurricane heath and Desolation Gully to reach the Blade. Early adventurers Tim Christie and Reg Wiliams, who bush bash to Cape Pillar in 1967 gave most of the names in the area.

 On the way more story seats to relax and take all in. “Wind Song”, “My Blood Runs Cold”, “Sex on the Cape” to name a few.

Follow the path at the edge of the cliff to the Blade Lookout and admire the stunning views over The Tasman Island. The remote Island has a lighthouse built in 1906. The lighthouse used to flash every 7.5 seconds and was seen from 72 km away. The life of the light keepers was full of hardships on this remote place. Before joining the service at the lighthouse, they were required to have teeth extracted to prevent teeth infections. Getting produce on the island was a complex 9 steps process that involved transferring from large boat to a dinghy, to a flying fox basket and then to a landing platform. From here the load was transferred on a trolley and finally carried by a horse drawn tram to the cottages.

Three Capes Track, Tasmania
Tasman Island

Leaving the Blade, take the way to Cape Pillar with its sheer cliff rising 300 meters high and the Cathedral Rock which stands alone off the tip of the Cape Pillar.

Three Capes Track, Tasmania
High Cliffs

 From Cape Pillar, head back to Munro Hut, collect you backpack to head to third night accommodation Retakunna.

Day 4 Retakunna to Cape Hauy and Fortescue Bay 14 km, 6-7 hours

At sunrise, start walking up and over Mount Fortescue for the first hour, through a lush rain forest with thick layers of moss covering rocks, tall tree ferns and eucalypti. From here the track leads to Cape Hauy.

Three Capes Track, Tasmania
Towards Cape Huay
Three Capes Track, Tasmania
Blood on the Velvet Lounge

When you reach the junction, you can leave the back pack behind and take the track to Cape Hauy. Reaching the Cape Huay lookout enjoy the views and look for the dolerite pillar called Totem Pole that draws rock climbers from around the world. Returning to the junction, collect your backpack and head on the gentle downhill to Fortescue Bay. Take the photo finish before you swim in the pristine waters of the bay and take the bus to Port Arthur.

Three Capes Track, Tasmania
End of Three Capes Track

Your 4 day historical journey enriched your knowledge and all your senses from the dramatic landscape, to the variety of wildlife, unique flora and spectacular coast.

 Return for more challenging hikes with stunning views… Tasmania has it all!

For some of my favorites check the links below


Hallett Cove

Hallett Cove is a popular summer walk over the coastal cliffs surrounding Golf St Vincent.

Hallett Cove has a unique geology, dating back 600 millions of years ago. The cliffs at Hallett Cove have evidence of three ice ages, Precambrian age, Permian age and Pliocene period when Australia separated from Antarctica.

Hallett Cove is named after John Hallett, who discovered the area after searching for cattle in 1837.

Hallett Cove was declared a Geological Monument due to its significance and became a protected area in 1976.

Description of the walk

The walk starts at the car park next to Marino Rocks Cafe, corner Marine Parade and Jervois Terrace.

Most of the walk is on the boardwalks over the rugged cliffs tops with steep sections, five of them that will keep your heart rate high. The boardwalk which zigzags along the coast has from time to time exits to the rocky beach. The vegetation is mainly coastal heath, low shrubs and grasslands. 

Hallett Cove
Boardwalk on Marion Coastal Trail

The trail leads to the Hallett Cove Conservation Park.

Hallett Cove
Marion Coastal Trail

On the way there are interpretative signs to explain the unique geological features of the Hallett Cove Conservation Park. Continue on the boardwalk which crosses the bridge over Waterfall Creek. Further down pay attention to the Erratic Rocks which are two quartzite boulders carried by the ice sheet which covered Gondwana. Soon you will reach the Black Cliffs lookout. The well preserved scratches, carved over the dark cliffs by the moving ice sheet are another evidence of Precambrian age. From here continue the path to visit the Sugarloaf and the Amphitheatre. It is better to take the second path on the left to go to the Sugarloaf and the Amphitheatre. If you take the first left path after visiting the geological features, you will walk again on it on return.

You can start the walk at Hallett Cove from the Hallett Cove Surf Lifesaving Club.

Optional you can have a drink at the Boatshed Cafe.

Hallett Cove
Views over the ocean

On return to Marino, there are fantastic views towards Glenelg and over the blue sea with numerous boats on a beautiful summer day.

The walk is 9 km return and takes about 2.5 hours.

Newland Head Coastal Walk

Newland Head

Newland Head is  a rocky headland situated at the eastern end of Waitpinga Beach, on the coast of Fleurieu Peninsula.

Waitpinga Beach, which means in Aboriginal Language “windy place” is a beautiful beach but dangerous for swimming. Waitpinga Beach is popular for fishing, surfing and in the breeding season, whale watching.

The sand dunes at Waitpinga Beach provide a natural barrier from the ocean eroding the coast.

How to get there

Newland Head is 1-2 hours from Adelaide. From Adelaide, take the route towards Victor Harbour and exit onto Welch road towards Ring Route. At the roundabout take the exit onto Mill Road, then turn left to Waitpinga Road. Follow Waitpinga Road, paying attention to bear left onto Dennis Road, which you follow for 3.4 km to the car park.

Walking trails in Newland Head Conservation Park

Newland Head Coastal Walk
Trailhead at the carpark

The main walking trails are:

  • Coastal Cliff Loop Hike
  • Ridgeway Hill Loop Hike
  • Heysen Trail

Newland Head Coastal Walk

Newland Head coastal walk follows the Heysen Trail over the coastal cliffs of Waitpinga.

From the car park take the boardwalk over the sand dunes, following the Heysen Trail sign.

Newland Head Coastal Walk
Heysen Trail Sign

The trail head is at Waitpinga Campground. From here, continue on the Heysen Trail, which is very well marked trail.

The stone hut at Waitpinga Campground was built in 1980 by Dennis Family.

Passing the gate, walk on the sandy track paying attention to the exposed tree roots.

Newland Head Coastal Walk
On the Coastal Cliff Trail

The trail will turn right to follow the rocky cliffs, surrounded by coastal vegetation. On the way, you will see kangaroos and echidnas.  

After one hour from the start, reaching the Southern Ocean, the views are breathtaking  with sheer cliffs that drop in the ocean, with the Bluff and the West island in the distance.  Try to spot sea eagles that fly in the area.

Newland Head Coastal Walk
Waitpinga Cliffs

Reaching the track junction and information board, take a short break on the bench and decide the return way.

Newland Head Coastal Walk
Coastal vegetation
Newland Head Coastal Walk
Kangaroo hiding in the bushes

The options are :

  1. Return the same way to enjoy the coastal breeze on the hot summer day.
  2. Return inland via Ridgeway Hill walking trail.
  3. You can extend the walk to King’s Beach following the Heysen Trail which will be 11.5 km one way.

Returning back the same way, you walk a total distance of 11 km and climb 257 meters. It will take 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Choosing the option to return inland via Ridgeway Hill, the hike is slightly longer. The total distance is 11.37 km with a 278 climb and takes 3 hours and 40 minutes.

Walk Variations

You can extend the walk to King’s Beach following the Heysen Trail, which is a spectacular walk. The total distance is 11.5 km one way, so about 23 km return.

You can download this portion of the Heysen Trail from the website

The Friends of Heysen Trail https://heysentrail.asn.au/heysen-trail

Other walks in the Fleurieu Peninsula are:

2. Aaron Creek hike at https://aussietrailwalker.com/aaron-creek-hike/

3. Cobbler Hill Marrano Circuit at https://aussietrailwalker.com/cobbler-hill-marrano-creek-circuit/

Alpe Adria Trail, Slovenia

Alpe Adria Trail is a long distance trail, that starts in Austria from the foot of Grossglockner and finishes in Muggia in Italy. The trail has a total distance of 750 km, 37 stages and passes through 3 countries, Austria, Slovenia and Italy. The trail, also known as ” The Garden of Eden” is not only a scenic trail, but also a cultural and historical experience.

The Soca Valley was the scene of the greatest battle between Italian army and Austro- Hungarian military during the First World War. Along the magical scenery, the emerald of river Soca and majestic Julian Alps, many caverns, trenches, cemeteries are silent witnesses of the famous Isonzo Front from 1915 to 1917.

Alpe Adria Trail, Slovenian Stages

This post describes walking Alpe Adria Trail in Slovenia, which has 8 stages from  Stage 23 to Stage 30, starting at Kranjska Gora and finishing at Smartno. From Julian Alps with its highest mountain pass Vrsic,  the trail meanders along Soca River, follows the Walk of Peace and finishes in Brda region with its rolling hills and numerous vineyards and churches. Each stage has a different scenery with its unique beauty. The trail is of moderate difficulty and walking through the Slovenian villages was an absolute joy. I was impressed with the accommodation and the Slovenian cuisine. 

Stage 23 Kranjska Gora  to Trenta

The total distance of this stage is 19.4 km, with a duration of 8 hours.

Total ascent is 918 meters and descent is 1108 meters. This is  a beautiful stage but not always well marked.

Hiking  this stage takes you to the highest mountain  Vrsic and pass Vrsic of Julian Alps. Starting at Kranjska Gora, you walk past Jasna Lakes and then along the forest trail.

Reaching the Russian Chapel, the trail will ascend to the summit of Vrsic which is at altitude of 1, 688 m.

Alpe Adria Trail, Slovenia
The Russian Chapel

The Russian  Chapel was built in 1916- 1917 in the memory of Russian prisoners who died in the first World War buried in a large avalanche whilst keeping the strategic road clear for the Austrian army.

Close to Vrsic summit is the view point to Ajdovaska deklica which is a natural carved face of a maiden in the rock.  From the pass the trail descends to Soca Source. We got lost on this trail, ignoring a red arrow which pointed to a small path turning left and descending down. Eventually we returned back and took to the right trail. Running late we missed the detour to the Soca Source and went directly to Trenta. 

Alpe Adria Trail, Slovenia
The maiden face on the rock
Alpe Adria Trail
Vrsic Pass

Stage 24 Trenta to Bovec

This stage  has officially a total distance is 21 km , our track is 24.85 km and it takes 6 hours.  Total ascent is 325 meters and descent is 489 meters.  

This stage follows the Soca trail and is a scenic, tranquil walk. The trail follows the Soca River from Trenta to Bovec, crossing footbridges, passing though meadows and forests. Soca River trail starts at The Soca Source, where the river springs from a cave. The river is of a beautiful green color with stunning gorges. The trail is marked Soska Pot. Approaching Bovec, the river becomes wider and is popular with water sports, rafting, kayaking.

Bovec is situated in Soca River valley close to the border with Italy. Bovec was part of First World War Isonzo Front where 1.5 millions soldiers perished.

Alpe Adria Trail, Slovenia
The emerald Soca River
Alpe Adria Trail, Slovenia
In the memory of WW1 soldiers

Stage 25 Bovec to Dreznica 

Distance  of this stage of Alpe Adria Trail is 22 km with an  ascent of  410 meters and  descent 336 meters.

 The hike is described of medium difficulty and it takes 7 hours to 7 hours and 30 minutes.

From Bovec, the trail continues following the river through the Bovec Valley.

After 4 km, follow the signs post to Virje waterfall a magic place worth a visit. The Virje waterfall is 20 meters wide and 12 meters high. The drop of water creates a deep green pool. Virje waterfall was the setting for the movie The Chronicles of Narnia Prince Caspian. Returning from the waterfall continue the track for most of part along the river.

Alpe Adria Trail, Slovenia
Magical Virje Waterfall

After approx 16 km you start ascending to reach Dreznica under the mountain Krn. During the First World War, Dreznica was completely destroyed except the small church which survived. The main church in the village was built on the older site and was dedicated to Sacred Heart. During the Second World War Dreznica was an important centre of Slovenian Partisan Resistance.

In 1947 Dreznica was included in Slovenia and annexed to Yugoslavia.

Alpe Adria Trail, Slovenia
Kayaking on Soca River
Alpe Adria Trail, Slovenia
Dreznica Church

Stage 26 Dreznica to Tolmin

 This stage of Alpe Adria Trail  has a total distance= 22.1 km

It takes 8 hours with an ascent of 734 meters and  descent of 1088 meters.

This section of the trail follows the former military path, before descending to the River Soca and reaching the town of Tolmin. The walk is marked Pot Miru which means Walk of Peace.

Alpe Adria Trail, Slovenia
View over Julian Alps

From Dreznica is a strenuous ascent to Planica. On Planica the Italian military chapel was build by Captain Celestino Bes in memory of Italian soldiers that have been killed in First World war. The Italian chapel Bes, under Krn is decorated with an eagle with open wings, the symbol of alpine Italian army.  The inscription on the entrance is Consolatrix Afflictorum means “the Comforter of the Afflicted”. From Planica you descend to Krn and then Tolmin, which  is the largest town of the Soca valley.

Alpe Adria Trail, Slovenia
Sunset in Slovenia

Stage 27 Tolmin to Tribil Superiore

Alpe Adria Trail
Trenches from First World War

Total distance of this stage of Alpe Adria Trail  is 18.9 km with a duration 7 hours and 30 minutes.

Total ascent is of 1291 meters and descent of 852 meters.

This route takes you to rolling hills and valleys, on historical path of  First World War with numerous trenches, forts and caves. On this walk you reach the starting point of Kolovrat Historical Museum.  On the ridge of Kolovrat, you pass the border from Slovenia to Italy.

Alpe Adria Trail
Border between Slovenia and Italy

The ridge of Kolovrat offers panoramic views over the Julian Alps. Crossing the border, you descend on the Italian side to the village of Clabuzzaro. From here, you follow the road and then  the CAI trail 747 towards village of Rucchin. The trail continues through forest,  uphill to Mount Cum. I found this ascent more difficult than the one to Kolvrat. From top of Mount Cum you  descend to Tribil di Sopra.

Alpe Adria Trail
In the memory of Italian soldiers that fought in the First World War

Stage 28 Tribil Superiore to Cividale

Alpe Adria Trail
Hiker on Alpe Adria Trail

Distance of this stage is 23.4 Km.  It takes 7.30 hours with an ascent  of 616 meters and descent  of 1126 meters.

From Tribil di Sopra you walk through meadows and chestnut woods to reach the Marian Sanctuary of Castlemonte, from where you descend towards the city of Cividale del  Friuli. On this stage it rained and we preferred to take at times  the road instead of the path.

Stage 29 Cividale to Breg pri Golo Breg pri Golo Brdu

Alpe Adria Trail, Slovenia
Breg accomodation

Distance is of this stage of Alpe Adria Trail is 12.9 km with a duration of 4 hours.

 A flat walk with an ascent of 301 meters and descent of 281 meters. 

This is a short easy stage which involves some road walk. You can take advantage and visit the city Cividale del Friuli which is declared UNESCO  World Heritage.

Piazza Del Duomo is the historical centre and next to it is The National Archaeological Museum, known for medieval archaeology and Lombard art. The Lombards led by Albion migrated in 568 into Italy. Cividale del Friuli was the first city to fall to Lombards. The small Oratorrio di Santa Maria in Valle is one of the oldest examples of Lombard architecture.

Stage 30 Breg pri Golem Brdu to Smartno

 The last stage of Alpe Adria Trail  has a distance 25km, and a duration 8 hours, with an ascent of 699 meters and descent of  623 meters.

This stage takes you through the wine growing area, with rolling hills, vineyards and orchids and old villages.

On top of the hill there is a church surrounding by the village houses. The route begins in Breg pri Golem Brdu, passes through villages Vrhovlje pri Kozbani, Fojana, Dobrovo to finish at Smartno.

Religious Monuments on the trail
Alpe Adria Trail, Slovenia
Dobrovo Castle

Dobrovo Castle was built in 17th century in Renaissance style. It has a restaurant and a good stop for a coffee and a meal.  The route is long but not difficult. Arriving  at Smartno is worth a visit through the medieval village with its houses surrounding St. Martin Church

Alpe Adria Trail, Slovenia
Dobrovo

In conclusion, walking  the Alpe Adria trail is a track of superb variety of  natural views, from mountains to rolling hills, spectacular rivers and lakes and old medieval villages to historical sights of  First World War.  We enjoyed the trip very much and hopefully we can complete the whole Alpe Adria Trail in the future. The accommodation in Slovenia and the food was of very good. A special mention was the tourist farm  Breg in the small village of Golo Brdo where the food was excellent and very fresh, home made. 

The trail is in good condition but is not always well signed.  Also using GPS to record the track, I have noticed that the GPS signal was lost especially in the alpine area. 

More information you can find at http://alpe-adria-trail.com

There is also an application Alpe Adria Trail which can be downloaded for free.