Trail Guides, Gear Reviews, and Backpacking Tips
From the late 1980s through to the end of the 1990s, I exclusively used hiking boots on all of my backpacking trips. They were waterproof, durable, grippy on slippery surfaces, and provided protection and stability for my feet and ankles. Read More …
Hiking downhill is often taken for granted. In the minds of some, it represents the equivalent of “backcountry gravy”; the reward that follows the exertion of a challenging ascent. Yet hiking downhill takes its toll. Twists, slips and tumbles are Read More …
Stretching along the eastern side of Hinchinbrook Island, the Thorsborne Trail is widely recognized as one of the world’s finest coastal walks. Part of Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, over the course of 32 km (19.9 mi), the track Read More …
Earlier this year I wrote an article titled 14 Signs You are Carrying too Much Stuff in your Backpack. This time around I thought I’d address the other end of the load-carrying spectrum, and list some of the red flags Read More …
There is no universal blueprint as to how you should backpack. We all have our own motivations, needs and levels of experience. That being said, one thing upon which everyone can agree is that hiking is substantially easier and more Read More …
The Western Arthurs Traverse (WAT) is one of Australia’s most spectacular and challenging treks. Situated in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, it’s a lollipop-shaped route that negotiates the western section of the famously rugged and inclement Arthur Range. Encapsulating Read More …
When many folks think of multi-day hikes in Australia, the first names that come to mind are the Overland, Bibbulmun and Larapinta. All three are great trails. However, none of them are as spectacular, and certainly not as challenging as Read More …
The Dusky Track is one of New Zealand’s toughest hikes. Measuring approximately 84 km (52 mi) from beginning to end, it crosses two mountain ranges, three valley systems, and includes some of the wettest, muddiest and buggiest conditions you are Read More …
I left Australia in my early 20’s. I’m now in my mid-40’s. Over the years I’ve returned to my homeland on many occasions, and whenever I do I try to get in as much hiking as possible. One place I Read More …
I’ve always been drawn to remote corners. If it’s out in the wilderness and off the beaten track, chances are you’ve got my attention. Throw in some ecological diversity, lots of solitude and the promise of a pretty vista or Read More …
The traverse of Southwest Tasmania consisted of two main stages – the west coast followed by the Arthurs Range. The summary below is from the first stage, a 17 day stretch from Cape Sorrell to Scotts Peak Dam. Note: For Read More …
Tassie. Australia’s southern most state. The 26th largest island in the world. Home to the the country’s oldest brewery (Cascade – established 1832), Tasmanian Devils and Princess Mary of Denmark……….pretty much in that order of importance 😉 . Some 45% of Tasmania’s total area Read More …
Situated in the heart of Northern Territory’s Outback, the Larapinta Trail is one of Australia’s premier long distance hikes. Winding its way some 231 km along the incredible West MacDonnell ranges, it traverses ridges and plains, and passes through some of Read More …
Located 335 km (208 mi) southwest of Alice Springs is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Uluru (aka Ayers Rock). One of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders, this massive sandstone monolith rises 348 m from the desert floor, is estimated Read More …
Distance: 36 miles (58 km) approx. Avg.Time: 2 or 3 days. Start / Finish: Settlement Campground, Springbrook National Park – O’Reilly’s, Lamington National Park. As of 2013, there are no public transport options to either trailhead. If you don’t have Read More …
Located in the southwest corner of Western Australia, the Cape to Cape Walk has long been recognised as one of Australia’s premier bushwalks. Tracing the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge for 123 km between the lighthouses of Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, the Read More …
Distance: 18.6 miles (30 km) Average Time: 1 or 2 days Difficulty: Easy Start / Finish: Walking Tracks car park, 4km past Coles Bay. Click here for public transport options to Coles Bay. There are regular shuttle buses from Coles Read More …
Distance: 40.4 miles (65 km) Average Time: 4 or 5 days (add on an extra day or two for side trips) Difficulty: Moderate Start / Finish: Cradle Valley – Cynthia Bay See the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service website for Read More …
Stretching along the eastern side of Queensland’s Hinchinbrook Island, the Thorsborne Trail is one of the world’s finest coastal walks. Over the course of 32 km (19.9 mi), this family-friendly track includes pristine beaches, lush rainforests, dense mangroves, towering eucalypt Read More …
Distance: 80 km (49.7 mi) Average Time: 4 or 5 days Difficulty: Moderate Start / Finish: Cockle Creek – Melaleuca There is no public transport to Cockle Creek. It is possible to take a bus from Hobart to the town Read More …