Panel
words:
Amber
Bramble.MORE INFO
For more information,
contact Australian
Walking Company
on (03) 5237 4276 or
visit auswalkingco.
com.auLodge Walk
swirling sea crash against some
of our tallest coastal cliffs, and
one lone seal take on the swell.
A copperhead spotting on day
one rattles a city girl like me, so
I thank Mother Nature when she
sends a sweet swamp wallaby
and rare bandicoot my way.HIGHLIGHTS
A hike along Milanesia Beach
triggers a story about 105-million-
year-old dinosaur footprints
found here in 2010. Guide
number two Tom is a walking
encyclopaedia – I hit him up for
answers to life’s big questions
like, “Do ants chat to each other?”
Sensing our curiosity, the
boys treat us to a spontaneous
night-time excursion to spot
glow worms. It’s a real highlight- and that’s without the hot
choccie and marshmallows on
the chilly drive home.
Three days of traversing the
coastline, through bush, on sand,
over rocks, past shipwrecks, and
it’s not until day four I catch my
first glimpse of the Apostles.
Leading the way is a troop of
roos bouncing ahead along the
track. It’s a pinch-myself
moment as I realise it doesn’t
get any more Australian.
As we inch closer to the
cluster of not 12 but eight
limestone stacks, I’m struck by
their grandeur – the way they
soar some 45 metres from the
raging Southern Ocean.
Like magic, the grey skies and
heavy rain disappear just in time
for our bird’s-eye view. For all
the Lodge Walk’s thoughtful
inclusions, it’s today’s 15-minute
chopper ride over the formations
that makes for a finale so grand,
this first-time hiker got her
fancy movie moment after all.There was
fine food in
abundance.Roos greeted
us on our
approach to
the apostles.epicpilgrimages,
immerseyourselfin theseexperiences
rrrrroomshort walks to
Treks to
HEKOİiMD
yourself’
Camino De Santiago – SPAIN
History, culture and adventure
combine on this famous pilgrim trail,
with stunning terrain and landmarks,
local culture and fine food. The full
self-guided walk is 41 days, or there
are shorter tours, women’s tours and
mountain biking. rawtravel.comThe Dingle Way – IRELAND
Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula has
been dubbed the most beautiful
place on earth by travel pros and
it’s easy to see why. Hike from
four to 12 days and see castles,
Irish pubs and miles of stunning
countryside. hillwalktours.comThe Kumano Kodo – JAPAN
Once a sacred pilgrimage reserved
for emperors and samurai, this
serene and majestic network of
trails weave through the mountains
of Kii Peninsula, south of Osaka.
Experience authentic Japanese
culture and stays. rawtravel.comThe Queen Charlotte Track – NZ
Walk 4-5 days on one of the most
stunning trails in the world, while
stopping off each night to enjoy
great wines and delicious meals.
A moderately difficult walk that
combines adventure with creature
comforts. marlboroughsounds.co.nzTravel