THE sun has risen, but the clouds have basted its yolk with an egg-white cataract. But our eagerness to hit the trail can’t be dulled. At Deep Creek Homestead (a 90min drive from Adelaide), Southern Ocean Walk owners, Barry and Jane Duykers, arm our tribe of eight with Osprey backpacks, walking poles, flasks, lunch boxes and water. It’s a personable, family-run operation. The couple have lived in the region for 30 years. They even got married in Deep Creek National Park.
Driver, Fraser, drops us off at the start point of Australia’s epic 1200km Heysen Trail. We’ll be hiking a 52km section between Cape Jervis and Kings Beach near Victor Harbor. Our 4-day, class 5, guided linear adventure will share South Australia’s Wild South Coast Way.
Fitter but fatter
On Ramindjeri land, we’re at the southwestern point of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Skirting black rock beaches blushing with lichen, blustery views overlook Backstairs Passage and Kangaroo Island. This easy Southern Ocean-hugging section
