Fourteen determined trekkers have returned from six unforgettable days on South Australia’s iconic Heysen Trail, raising an incredible $80,000 for the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF). Their journey through the rugged Flinders Ranges was as breathtaking as it was demanding, filled with steep climbs, long days, and moments of deep connection and reflection.
The adventure began with icy winds and rain as the team left Adelaide and headed north, stretching their legs on a short walk through Alligator Gorge in Mt Remarkable National Park. Despite recent bushfire damage, the gorge was alive with inspiring regrowth, offering a spectacular start to the trek before the group arrived at Willow Springs Station, a 70,000-acre sheep property five hours north of the city, where a rainbow on the horizon greeted them.
Spirits were high for the first big day of trekking as the team tackled a 17 km route along the Heysen Trail. Beginning at Black Gap, the trekkers shared the trail with a family of emus before taking on the steady climb to Bridle Gap. After a quick lunch stop with sweeping views, they descended across the floor of Wilpena Pound. There were plenty of sore feet, but also sunshine and a shared sense of achievement.
Day 3 opened with a profound cultural experience on Adnyamathanha Country. Guided by Kristian from Wadna Yura, the group explored Sacred Canyon, etched with ancient petroglyphs—timeless stories of the Adnyamathanha people passed down for thousands of years. Deeply moved, the trekkers carried this perspective into the afternoon’s steep 7 km return climb of Mt Ohlssen-Bagge, where rock scrambling pushed limits and sheer endurance prevailed.
By Day 4, the challenge intensified. After visiting the home of the endangered Andu (Yellow-Tailed Rock Wallabies), the team powered through a demanding 20 km trek across the spectacular Parachilna Gorge. The first day of spring brought both heat and swarms of flies to keep them on their toes.
On the last full day, the trekkers climbed to Tanderra Saddle, rising 450 m to 959 m above sea level for panoramic views and a closer look at the towering summit of Saint Mary’s Peak (Ngarri Mudlanha), the highest point in the ranges at 1,171 m. After moving to a homestead outside of Flinders on Nukunu Country, their final morning delivered a fitting finale. The “short, sharp and shining” 1.2 km ascent of Devil’s Peak required careful rock scrambling and rewarded the group with breathtaking 360-degree views of the ranges they had conquered.
This group pushed through steep climbs and long days with the knowledge that every step brings us closer to better outcomes for brain cancer patients and their families. Among them were many who have felt the devastation that brain cancer causes, including one very special brain cancer warrior. Experiences like this forge strong bonds between strangers united by shared passion, purpose, and pain—a core part of the Mark Hughes Foundation’s commitment to supporting patients and their families through every stage of their brain cancer battle.
We couldn’t be prouder of this incredible team and are deeply grateful for their unwavering commitment to our cause.
