Standard arrangements for field work in the
Flinders Ranges, Barossa and other sites

• this note is to encourage participation by all who have enjoyed activity in the past and those contemplating involvement for the first time.
• we would be pleased to see you even for short periods; you might consider mixing it with other activity.
• to meet Department of Environment and Water (DEW), Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare requirements we ask you for a $5.00 annual subscription to become a member of the Walking Trails Support Group as a precursor to any involvement.
• Please direct any queries to:—
       Secretary
      71 Osmond Terrace, NORWOOD SA 5067
      contact@wtsg.au

 

Safety

• your well-being is our prime concern, we operate in natural and sometimes remote locations with attendant risks  It is critical that you keep yourself informed of daily activity arrangements and courses of action in the event of emergencies
• it is your responsibility to provide us with any information critical to your health and susceptibilities, to bee stings etc. Information can be provided in a sealed envelope only to be accessed in an emergency
• it is your responsibility to provide us with your emergency contact details
• we always operate on a ‘buddy’ system so that should an accident occur you are not alone; always make sure that someone responsible knows where you are and of your specific intentions
• all tools and hand, ear, eye protective equipment is provided
• always have with you in a daypack, clothing adequate for all conditions, water adequate for 24 hours, some high energy food and a box of matches
• limit your exposure to the elements: sunhat, sun glasses, long sleeved shirts, long trousers and strong boots
• avoid physical risks associated with lifting awkwardly, falling, repetitive strain and use of tools and chemicals
• maintain safe distances from others when tools are used
• as power equipment is used on occasion you must have the appropriate skill, training or experience to use such equipment.

 

Our objectives

• to develop and maintain sustainable, safe and satisfying walking opportunities in natural areas
• sustainability is achieved by locating tracks in the right place with the right grades together with regular maintenance
• safety relates to clear, well marked tracks
• satisfaction is provided by clearly defining walk parameters and succinct interpretation

 

Range of activity

• we endeavour every year to walk over each bush walk to check the waymarking, that the track is intact and whether there are any fallen trees, loose rocks to move etc.
• problems that are identified are rectified immediately if practicable or recorded for future attention
• time permitting, attention is given to upgrades of waymarking and track improvement.

 

The locations

 

Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park
Arkaroola Wildlife Sanctuary
Moolawatana Stationc

• Based at Balcanoona Shearers Quarters in Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park
• 700 km north of Adelaide
• phone in emergencies Balcanoona office  8648 4829.  Otherwise, card only Telstra phone at Balcanoona, and coin phone at Arkaroola Village – no mobile phone access
• Terrapinna Tors (7.0 km) 100 km north of Balcanoona on Moolawatana Station
• Bararranna, Acacia Ridge, Mawson Spriggina some 21 km in total on Arkaroola Wildlife Sanctuary
• Oppaminda Nudlamutana, 15.2 km - links Arkaroola Village and the entrance to Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary at Munyallina Trailhead
• Weetootla and Italowie some 30 km in total in Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park.

 

Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

• Based at DEW Oraparinna Shearers Quarters 30 km north of Wilpena
• phone in emergencies Flinders Ranges National Park Wilpena 8648 0049 — no mobile phone access
• 500 km north of Adelaide
• Wilkawillina, Haywards Huts and Bunyeroo Wilcolo, some 44 km in total.

 

Southern Flinders

• Based at DEW Dutchmans Stern some 10 km north of Quorn
• phone in emergencies at Mount Remarkable NP, Mambray Creek 8634 7068.  Some mobile access from high spots or public phone in Quorn
• 300 km north of Adelaide
• Dutchmans Stern 10.6 km
• Mount Brown 15.0 km.

 

Barossa

• Ex Adelaide a day at a time
• 50 km north of Adelaide – mobile phone access generally available
• Barossa Goldfields - Para Wirra Recreation Park
• Hale Walk – Hale Conservation Park
• Jenkins Scrub – Mt Crawford Forest
• Mt Crawford Summit – Mt Crawford Forest
• Little Kaiserstuhl – Barossa Council
• Mt Pleasant Summit – Mt Crawford Forest
• Sandy Creek – Sandy Creek Conservation Park
• Steingarten – Barossa Council
• Warren Tower – Warren Conservation Park/Mt Crawford Forest

 

Transport Adelaide to a particular base or to the Barossa

• you are at liberty to use your own transport
• there are always two seats available, UP at the beginning of the period and DOWN at the end
• if you are bringing your own car and can firm up the dates, you may wish to offer a seat coming or going to another person
• Dutchman Stern, Oraparinna and Balcanoona are readily accessible by 2WD.
• we use a minimum of vehicles and where practical try to reduce walking to one direction which can involve ‘drop offs’ and ‘pick ups’.

 

Accommodation

• you are welcome to make your own arrangements, with caravans or tents
• DEW provides gratis good ‘shearers quarters’ or equivalent at the three bases
• hot showers and flushing loos
• beds and mattresses are provided but you will need a mattress cover, a sleeping bag and pillow
• kitchens are adequately equipped with gas cooking, gas or electric refrigeration and generally small freezer
• you need to provide your own food; by arrangement evening meals are often communal.

 

Working days

• Generally eight hours base to base, travel can often consume a couple or more of those eight hours
• It is necessary to take lunch, morning and afternoon tea
• We do not expect high temperatures, but one should provide to carry up to four litres of water per person if required
• Practical clothing to cater for weather fluctuations, especially adequate sun protection and good walking boots are needed
• Sunglasses, Sunscreen and Fly nets, are personal decisions and responsibility but contribute significantly to a more pleasanr experience

 

Emergency Contact Numbers - Summary