Great Australian Walks. We are all doing a lot of walking these days, much to the chagrin of our animals. When things get back to normal, we will be in great physical condition to continue our exercise amongst less familiar surroundings. Below are some of our favourite walks.
Tasmania – Maria Island Walk
Tasmania offers breath taking scenery and this natural wildlife sanctuary boasting historic ruins, sweeping bays and dramatic cliffs is the perfect stomping ground for a low level walk. Maria Island is only accessible by ferry adding to its remote location which is perhaps why it’s a great bird watching spot. Eleven of Tasmania’s twelve endemic specieis may be found here including the endangered forty spotted pardalote and the rare Cape Barren goose. There’s also Forester Kangaroos, Bennetts wallabies and it wouldn’t be Tasmania without the Tasmanian Devils.
This great walk operates seasonally from October to the end of April each year. In the winter months, the Maria Island Walk offers a three day/two night Winter Escape Experience. In groups of up to eight guests, two knowledgeable and friendly guides will show you the island’s beauty, history an amazing wildlife.
Victoria – The Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk
The Great Ocean Road is on the bucket list for many including me and there’s no time like the present to visit Victoria (once the bans are lifted) and follow this trail alive with birds, fur seals, koalas and wallabies. The coast is sprinkled with shipwrecks from the transportation of British convicts over 200 years ago.
You’ll hear tales of shipwrecks and settlement and visit untouched beaches all while staying at one lodge base so only day packs to carry. This walk covers the last 55 km of the Great Ocean Walk with the trail regarded as moderate with easy and challenging sections.
South Australia – The Arkaba Walk
This four day walk departs from Wilpena Pound against a spectacular backdrop of the Elder Range. Craggy sandstone bluffs and dry creek beds lined with River Red Gums offer the landscape of the outback.
Large numbers of Red and Western Grey kangaroos, wallaroos and emus are regular sightings along the walk, and the country is teeming with stories of heroic failures from the early pioneers.
For a really authentic experience lay down on Arkaba’s signature ‘star beds’ under the night skies (or within sheltered bush huts) after an evenings around the campfire, indulging in a three-course camp dinner, with a selection of fine South Australian wines.
Queensland – The Scenic Rim Trail
South East Queensland offers the Scenic Rim Trail starting in the foothills of Main Range National park, an area famous for its stunning collection of mountains, ridges, escarpments, ancient rainforest and volcanic plateaus. From here, experienced guides will lead you through a region that contains more than 30,000 hectares of parkland, state forests and national parks.
Northern Territory – The Classic Larapinta Trek
Northern Territory offers the Classic Larapinta Trek with views of vast flood plains, razorback rocky outcrops and the the high ridgelines of the West MacDonnell Ranges, led by expert guides.
Western Australia – The Margaret River’s Cape to Cape Walk
For those who appreciate a good sauvignon blanc, The Margaret River’s Cape to Cape Walk might be the one for you. Experience the Margaret River at its finest. Stay in ocean-front luxury whilst enjoying world-class food and wine. Discover the turquoise ocean, white beaches, coastal cliffs and towering karri forest on the Cape to Cape Walk.
First Class Magazine thanks Great Walks Australia for this information – greatwalksofaustralia.com.au
For more personalised information tips and advice, or to book this incredible holiday contact your local TravelManagers’ personal travel manager here.
