Overview
The Inman Valley to Myponga section of the Heysen Trail takes you through the rolling highland country at the heart of the Fleurieu Peninsula — a landscape of open farmland, native scrubland, conservation park and sweeping views that feels a world away from the coast just 20 km to the south.
At 19.72 km with 737 m of total ascent, this is a solid moderate day walk. The terrain is predominantly agricultural with significant single-track sections through Myponga Conservation Park. It’s not technically difficult, but the distance and elevation are enough to make it a genuine full-day commitment.
This section connects the southern Heysen Trail coastal country (Victor Harbor to Inman Valley) with the northern Fleurieu stages heading toward Myponga and eventually McLaren Vale. It’s one of the quieter sections — you’re unlikely to share the trail with more than a handful of other walkers.
This is approximately Section 2 of the South-to-North Heysen Trail walking sequence from the Fleurieu. The adjacent sections are: Victor Harbor to Inman Valley (south) and Myponga to Sellicks Beach (north). The full South Coast section covers 73 km from Cape Jervis to Victor Harbor.
The Route in Detail
Inman Valley Departure (km 0 – 3.5)
The walk begins at the Price Creek Road trailhead near Inman Valley township. From the start, the Heysen Trail immediately begins working northward across farming country — broad dirt tracks between fenced paddocks, with pink triangle markers on fence posts and gates.
The Inman Valley itself is a productive rural area producing beef cattle, wool and hay. The trail crosses several properties through this section; the landowners allow Heysen Trail walkers under permit. The standard etiquette applies: leave all gates as found, give livestock space and walk with purpose.
The first 3.5 km are not dramatically scenic but they set up the climb. The land rises gently to the northwest, giving early views back over the Inman Valley floor and the hills above Encounter Bay.
The Highland Climb — Sugarloaf Approach (km 3.5 – 7)
This is where the walk earns its character. From around km 3.5, the trail begins climbing earnestly into the highland plateau — narrowing to single track through coastal scrub and native grassland.
At 373.6 m above sea level, the area around Sugarloaf Hill is the highest point on this walk. Open scrubland gives 360-degree views: south to the Inman Valley and the coastal ranges, north toward the Myponga Reservoir catchment and west toward the Willunga Scarp. On a clear morning, the views are exceptional. This is your reward for the climb.
The descent from the high point is rapid but well-graded on single track. The trail passes through some of the best native vegetation on this section — mallee eucalypts, grass trees (Xanthorrhoea) and coastal daisy bushes that flower brilliantly in late winter and spring.
Highland Plateau and Farm Tracks (km 7 – 13)
The middle section of the walk crosses the plateau on a mix of single track and farm dirt roads. This is classic Heysen Trail Fleurieu country: the trail negotiates paddocks, gates, fence-lines and creek gullies that drain north toward the Myponga Reservoir catchment.
The Myponga Reservoir comes into view for the first time around the 9 km mark — a flash of blue in a landscape of greens and ochres. The reservoir stores water for southern Adelaide's suburbs. It was constructed in 1962, flooding the original Myponga Creek valley. The view from the trail is one of the more striking on the northern Fleurieu.
Navigation is manageable through this section but requires attention. Several unsigned junctions exist where farm tracks and firebreaks intersect the trail. The pink triangle markers are present but not always at close intervals — keep your GPX track loaded.
A seasonal creek crossing sits around the 11 km mark. After significant rainfall it can be knee-deep and fast-moving. Stepping stones are present but may be submerged. In winter and after heavy rain, an alternative route on dirt roads is possible — add roughly 2 km but avoid the crossing. Check conditions before setting out in wet periods.
Myponga Conservation Park and Descent (km 13 – 19.72)
The trail enters Myponga Conservation Park around km 13 — and the landscape shifts abruptly from grazing paddocks to dense native scrub. The park protects native mallee, stringybark and grasslands along the upper Myponga Creek catchment.
Single track narrows here and the navigation becomes more intuitive — the Conservation Park track is better defined than the farmland sections. Wildlife is plentiful: kangaroos, echidnas and several species of honeyeater are regular sightings.
The final 6 km descend steadily toward Myponga township through the conservation park and then farmland again. The trail emerges onto a dirt road for the last kilometre before reaching Myponga’s small cluster of services — a general store stocking cold drinks is the welcome reward.
Practical Information
Getting There
Start: Inman Valley township. Roadside parking on Price Creek Road (limited — arrive early in winter/spring when trail use is higher).
Finish: Myponga township — general store car park or near the oval. The two trailheads are approximately 30 minutes apart by road via Inman Valley Road and Myponga Road.
Transport and Shuttle
This walk requires a car shuttle or pickup arrangement. No public transport operates between Inman Valley and Myponga. The standard approach: leave a car at Myponga, drive to Inman Valley to start.
Who Is This Walk For?
This section suits experienced day walkers who are comfortable with:
- Navigation on unmarked junctions — GPS is not optional
- Variable terrain — farm tracks to narrow single track
- A big day out — allow 5–6 hours total
Not suitable for beginners or those uncomfortable with farm-gate navigation. Strong intermediate to experienced walkers will find it very enjoyable.