Mount Brown via the Heysen Trail

3 h to 5 h
1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

11.9 km
return

↑ 596 m
↓ -596 m

Hard track
Starting from the Gate 3 car park at the end of Richman Valley Road, Quorn, this walk takes you to the summit of Mount Brown and back via the Heysen Trail. Mount Brown is one of the tallest peaks in the South Flinders Ranges, standing at a height of 964 metres, named by Matthew Flinders after Scottish botanist Robert Brown, who climbed the mountain in 1802. This hike initially follows a fire track for a short distance past Waukarie Falls, then heads south along the Heysen Trail. The first few kilometres through the valley are fairly easy-going, followed by a relentless climb up a long ridge towards the summit of Mount Brown. At the summit, there's interpretive signage and a lookout tower commemorating Robert Brown, which offers panoramic views over the surrounding area, including Richman Valley, the Dutchman's Stern and Mount Remarkable. This hike consists of narrow walking trails, with very steep hills and some uneven rocky surfaces, suitable for moderate fitness levels. All junctions are clearly marked, with yellow distance markers and checkpoints with maps along the way, and there are usually printed brochures in the metal box at the trailhead. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start At the intersection of Mt Brown-Olive Grove Trail & Richman Valley Road (-32.4667039,138.0151746)
Mode Car
DirectionsFrom Augusta Highway, Stirling North.
  • Turn on to Range View Road then drive for 31 km
  • Turn right onto McConville Road and drive for another 2.7 km
  • Turn right onto Richman Valley Road and drive for another 11.2 km
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Mt Brown-Olive Grove Trail & Richman Valley Road Start heading along Mt Brown-Olive Grove Trail (a walking track).
After another 85 m continue straight.
After another 430 m turn left, to head along Heysen Trail.
After another 4.4 km (at the intersection of Heysen Trail & Mt Brown-Olive Grove Trail) continue straight, to head along Heysen Trail.
After another 990 m come to "Mount Brown".
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 6 km to get back to the start.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Mount Brown via the Heysen Trail


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 11.9 km
Time 3 h to 5 h
Quality of track Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Signage Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather Foretasted & unexpected storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
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Articles
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Get more information
| WalkingSA | WeekendNotes | Mount Brown CP | Brochure and Map
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