Great Walks

HADI Nazari (23) and two friends set out to conquer Mt Kosciuszko on December 23 last year. All experienced bushwalkers, they departed from Geehi campground with food, supplies, and thorough research of the terrain. Over three days, they summited Kosciuszko, looped around the Main Range, and headed back. The trio often hiked separately to enjoy the solitude, and they were familiar with rugged areas like Victoria’s High Country. Everything went smoothly until Hadi strayed off course on Boxing Day during the final leg – a 6.5 km stretch of the challenging Hannels Spur track and quicky became lost. Although he wasn’t panicked at first, as the sun went down, he says the wilderness became more daunting. Also, he was thirsty and hungry, having skipped breakfast, and the heat weighed on…

This is the spectacular view from Nature's Window at WA’s Kalbarri NP, a wind-eroded opening in the layered sandstone that frames a view of the Murchison River. You can explore it on a 1km return walk or take on the longer Loop Trail (9km/3-5hr) – a challenging but spectacular walk over both rocky and sandy terrain. Along the way you’ll pass vantage points that provide different perspectives on the switchback course of the Murchison River. Another highlight, perched right on the clifftop are the two platforms of the Kalbarri Skywalk that jut out over the gorge. The views from the Skywalk are incredible. Explore one of the many bushwalking trails that lead you down into the gorge and see the colour and splendour of the natural area. Along the coast,…

PRESENTED BY I hiked the Coast To Coast Path in England with my favourite hiking buddy in 2024. It’s the best hike I’ve ever done, and I’ve done perhaps 30 multi-day hikes so far. Starting at St Bees on The Irish Sea, it’s a 14-day walk to the east coast at Robin Hoods Bay. The views of the Lakes District and the stunning atmosphere of the Yorkshire Moors make this a must-do hike. The weather is variable, as you would expect, but we were lucky until we reached the North Yorkshire Dales National Park. I love the English attitude to weather. As we set off from Ingleby Arncliffe on day 11 of our hike, it was raining. Our B&B host said “Don’t worry. It could be worse”. Fateful words. As…

WE all love hiking, but everyone’s had days on which they’ve had to fight for every inch of trail. I’m not talking about bad weather or injury; I’m talking about the countryside taking on a personality of its own, one bent on making your passage through it as difficult as possible. On those days a bushwalk can feel more like combat than recreation. The trick is to fight back. Armed with legendary 5th century BC tactical text, The Art of War by Sun Tzu, Dan Slater recalls one recent such duel of wills, deep within the bosom of the Budawangs. Round 1 “Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win” - Sun Tzu, The Art of War…

SOME may say the Three Capes Track is a once in a lifetime trip. I may have even said that myself but here I stand corrected. Having just returned from my second Three Capes experience, some seven years after my first, I would have to say, like a good bottle of wine and George Clooney, it just seems to get better with age. Seven years ago, my first-born Harper was 10 and her introduction to multi-day hiking was the Three Capes Track. This time round it was my younger daughter Gem’s turn. With seven years hiking experience under my belt – and in my knees – I was noticeably more relaxed and better at using hiking poles. “I WATCH GEM STAND UP STRAIGHTER, REMINDED SHE IS ABOUT TO UNDERTAKE SOMETHING…

PRESENTED BY THIS MONTH’S WINNING PHOTO South Coast Track, Tas Mathieu Ellerby, Ashgrove Qld Camera: Cannon EOS 100D Mathieu: “Day one of the South Coast Track, Melaleuca to Point Eric, and a burst of sun shines through onto the Button Grass Plains as we wind our way through the valley towards to coast.” Hinchinbrook Trail, Qld Samantha Stitt, Cairns QLD Camera: iPhone 13 Samantha “After two days hiking the Hinchinbrook Trail, our group of 11 female hikers relaxed and soothed our sore muscles at the bottom water fall at Zoe Bay. Such an idyllic spot to cool off and recharge before hiking more of this 34km rugged island.” Tour de Mont, European Alps Kellie-Anne Briggs, Rutherglen Vic Camera: iPhone 7+ Kellie-Anne: “I snapped this photo towards the end of our…