Walkers on one of the Adelaide Hills' most popular stretches of the Heysen Trail can once again enjoy a safer and more direct route after a section at Cudlee Creek was secured for public access and upgraded.
The State Government has purchased nearly one kilometre of land where the trail previously crossed private property. When the route was closed by the former owner, hikers were forced onto the narrow and winding Tippett and Gorge roads.
The 5.97-hectare site will now be added to Cudlee Creek Conservation Park, giving walkers a permanent route between Cudlee Creek and Kersbrook and helping preserve access to a well-used section of the 1,200-kilometre trail.
Department for Environment and Water staff worked alongside volunteers from Friends of the Heysen Trail to upgrade the route, installing new trail markers and signage.
Friends of the Heysen Trail president Neil Hendry said the project was a positive outcome for walkers.
"We appreciate the work done to achieve a solution that improves walker safety at Cudlee Creek," Mr Hendry said.
"Actions like this and the creation of a dedicated coordinator position reinforce the importance of the Heysen Trail as an asset for the state and help secure its future."
The land purchase is part of the government's $1.2 million commitment to nature-based tourism projects on the Heysen Trail and at Admirals Arch on Kangaroo Island.
The investment also includes a new dedicated Heysen Trail Coordinator role, with Senior Ranger Genki Kondo appointed to oversee projects, support landholders and manage maintenance funding along the trail.
A new annual $55,000 maintenance fund has also been established to help improve and maintain the trail network.
Mr Kondo said he was excited to take on the role and work with the trail's volunteer community.
"It is a true honour to be entrusted with this crucial work, and my ultimate drive in this work will be to increase connection and access to the incredible breadth of nature this trail offers to all Australians and international visitors alike," he said.
"I look forward to working with a team of experienced DEW staff and building relationships to support the passionate Friends of the Heysen Trail towards expanding the enduring legacy of wilderness immersion in Australia's longest dedicated walking trail."
Stretching from Parachilna Gorge in the Flinders Ranges to Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula, the Heysen Trail attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year and passes through 23 national and conservation parks across South Australia.
