England

Wainwrights Coast to Coast walk is a test of stamina. It crosses England from the Irish Sea in the west to the North Sea in the east, covering a distance of 318 kilometres (plus extra when you make a wrong turn or have to continue on a way to your overnight accomodation).

The walk passes through the Lakes District, the Yorkshire Dales and Yorkshire Moors before finishing at Robin Hoods Bay. The scenery was a mix of high peaks and remote country through the fertile dales and up into the moors with steep hills covered in heather and teaming with grouse.

We experienced all weather conditions along the way except for snow. The hospitality of the locals was wonderful and good conversation, a hearty meal and a few drinks after a long day walking made it an exception experience.

South Australia

Some soon to expire flight credits were put to good use as we spent 4 days exploring the centre of Adelaide. While we had been to Adelaide on numerous occasions we had never spent time exploring what was right in the centre of the city.

Lengthy walks were taken along the back of the Torrens River that cuts through the city to the west of the CBD. The river precinct has been rediscovered and quite a bit has been invested in creating bike paths and walkways along the river banks.

The surrounding suburbs include many examples of exquisite mansions that have been faithfully restored and reflect a wealth build largely on agriculture and mining.

The central markets were a real treat with an eclectic mix of cafes, bars, grocery and food outlets to browse and share in the regional delights on offer.

New South Wales

Mimosa Rocks National Park has become a regular short stay camping destination for us. It is possible to drive there in a day although arriving at dusk has its challenges when seeking out a flat site.

Beach side camping is always special with nothing but the sound of waves crashing into the beach at night to lull you to sleep. The campground is under-utilised in the winter months making it a quiet and peaceful location for a restful break.

We enjoyed revisiting the numerous coastal walks that took us to a secluded inlet where we watched seals chase estuary fish while we enjoyed lunch. Dolphins and the occasional passing whale were also spotted during our time along the beaches.

Camp fires and a glass of red wine was the routine towards the end of each day before crawling into bed.

Western Australia

This multi-day walk of over 130 kms covered the coastline between Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste on the south-west coast of Western Australia. We walked along white sandy beaches, through dense coastal forest, along limestone clifftops and through coastal bush bursting with wildflowers. Whales migrating south for summer often caught our eye as they surfaced for air.

Victoria

Mount Loch is located almost due north of the Mount Hotham ski resort. At 1,887m its summit provides great views of the surrounding peaks from Mount Bogong to Falls Creek, Mount Feather Top, Mount Buffalo and Mount Buller to the south. This day walk was undertaken in cold blustery conditions at the start of June, just prior to the opening of the ski season.

New South Wales

Following a short break in Canberra, it was decided to drive south through Thredbo and climb Mount Kosciuszko, the highest point in mainland Australia at 2,218 m. The walk is made easier by a network of chairlifts that take the steepest part of the climb to the summit out of the equation. The peak was shrouded in cloud for the final approach removing any chance of taking in the views from the top of Australia.

Tasmania

We wanted to do something memorable for our 40th wedding anniversary and the newly opened Three Capes multi-day walk fitted the bill perfectly. We knew what we were in for as we had previously walked one of the three capes many years ago. The Tasmanian weather was true to form with a mix of howling wind, horizontal rain and beautiful sunny conditions.

Japan

We finally found time to explore Japan with a mix of city sightseeing and a multi-day pilgrims walk on Shikoku. We also walked a short stretch of the Nakasendo Way, an ancient network of roads and trails linking cities on Hokkaido. The food was amazing, the sights were memorable and the walks were challenging. We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Japan and will definitely get back there again in the future.

Queensland

The journey to northern most tip of Australia is a real adventure. The distance alone from Melbourne to the ’Tip’ is a challenge requiring a lot of planning. The remoteness of Cape York, the corrugations, dust and heat all add to the experience. The scenery is stunning and the camping in places like Lakefield and Jardine River National Parks is memorable for its scenery and wildlife.

United States

An invitation to spend Christmas in Chicago was not to be missed. The opportunity to experience a ’white’ Christmas was a rare thing indeed. WE departed Melbourne at the start of summer and arrived in Chicago to cold temperatures and a holiday season like none we had experienced. Christmas decorations adorned the shops, the streets, private houses and gardens. Christmas markets were operating in the centre of the city. The daylight hours were short and rugging-up when outdoors was mandatory. Celebrating with the family was a huge bonus.,

New Zealand

To celebrate a milestone birthday and create lasting memories of the occasion, we decided to undertake the Queen Charlotte Walk at the northern end of the South Island of New Zealand. The multi-day way was challenging with no such thing as flat ground but it was worth it for the stunning scenery we were immersed in for the duration of the walk. Great friends surprised us by joining us for the final day of the walk back to Picton (in pouring rain). A great birthday celebration followed once we were cleaned up an in dry clothes.

Ireland

Discussions over a few dinners soon became a plan to walk the Dingle Way in Ireland with close friends. The walk covered over 130 kms in a mixture of rain, showers, heavy rain and occasional sunshine. It’s no surprise Ireland is as green as it is. The walk allowed us to take in the countryside and enjoy the slower pace of the countryside. The visit to Ireland also allowed us. to do a lap of the island and experience the scenery, small towns, pubs, castles, country roads and history along the way. Hong Kong served as a convenient transit destination.