October 2011 Newsletter

 

Here’s the latest news from the Auswalk desk:

New Top End trip
Cape to Cape self guided trips filling fast
Roof of Australia self guided trip - last season?
What we've been up to
Vacancies on group guided trips

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New Top End trip

It's been a long time coming, we can hear many of you saying! But it's available now for next winter. This new Top End trip includes fabulous walking in the Kakadu World Heritage Area, as well as a cultural cruise with the local Aboriginal people on the East Alligator River bordering Arnhem Land. The Aboriginal artwork here is amongst the very best in Australia. Next we explore Nitmiluk National Park, known to many as Katherine Gorge. Our favourite is a hike along the rim of the Katherine River, dropping down to several side gorges to the river itself for a refreshing swim. We also hike a section of the long distance Jatbula Trail. Next is Mataranka, famous for its thermal pools. The walk to Mataranka Falls is one of our all-time favourites with the junction of two large rivers forming a watery wonderland of streams, waterfalls and crystal clear pool. The trip finishes with the jewel of the Top End - Litchfield National Park. Cascading waterfalls abound and the walking and swimming opportunities are great. We expect our two departures on this to fill quickly so book now if you want to secure your place.

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Self-guided Cape to Cape trips

We just wanted to let you know that March 2012 is already heavily booked for these INN-to-INN walking holidays so if you are interested in going during that month then book as soon as possible and try and be as flexible as possible with your starting date. April and May still have plenty of rooms available.

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Roof of Australia self guided trips

This summer might be the last season that we'll be offering our self-guided Roof of Australia trip as we are having some issues with accommodations in the region closing for long periods and not opening every day of the year. It will be a pity to lose this one as it was one of Auswalk's original four trips when we began operating in 1994. And having run the business from the Snowy Mountains for 10 years we certainly have a soft spot for this fabulous walk. So if you've always wanted to do it then make it this summer. We can still take bookings for all of December, the first half of January, all of March and up to the end of Easter. Note that we will continue to offer our group guided departure on this itinerary.

 

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What we've been up to

Our inaugrual Cape to Cape group guided trip and Australia's South West guided trips went very well with lots of wildflowers spotted, excellent walking and a lot of comments about the fabulous food! Probably not a trip for weight-watchers! Local guide, Adrian, was assisted by Marie and Pam and a great time was had by all.

 

Marie and Lisa just returned from guiding the Great Ocean Walk. If you haven't hiked this iconic Victorian trail then you must put it on your list of walks to do. Maja from the office went along also, to experience one of our trips and she had a ball. Here are her thoughts and some photos:

"As I set off to meet the group in Melbourne on day one of the Great Ocean walk trip I must admit I felt quite apprehensive about the whole experience. Thoughts raced through my mind – would the group like me, am I up to the physical challenge and most importantly what will the food be like?

As soon as I saw Marie & Lisa and they introduced me to the rest of the group I thought that this was going to be a great holiday. After the first night's dinner and wine with the group this was confirmed. As we chatted away about the next day my appetite conquer the walk grew. Marie’s brief on the next day’s walk left me feeling confident that I could do this.

Sure enough I reach the end of day two and arrive at Cape Otway lighthouse. Our accommodation for the night is the historic head lighthouse keepers cottage. We are all mesmerized by the delightful house that we will be calling home for the two nights. After a welcome hot shower we are off for wine and nibbles followed by a scrumptious 2 course meal cooked by our own personal chef, all whilst watching the sunset over the lighthouse.

The next few days all blend in together and fly by far too quickly. We are all stunned by the variety of vegetation and the power of the sea’s that earn this region the name of the Ship Wreck Coast. The spectacular lookouts and abundance of wildlife each day leave us feeling as though the following day can’t possible beat the one before it. Before we know it we are walking our final stretch of the track knowing all too well that tomorrow will be our final day together.

We all wonder where the 7 days have gone and how hard will it be to return back to normal everyday life.

I have fond memories of delightful accommodations, a lovely group of ladies, two funny and caring guides, stacks of delicious food and snacks and breathtaking scenery."

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Group guided trips filling fast

Kangaroo Island	5 November 2011	Nearly full
Great South West Walk	14 November 2011	Nearly full
Tasmanian Coastal Hiker	27 December 2011	Spaces left
Tasmanian Wilderness Hiker	7 January 2011	Nearly full
Roof of Australia	15 January 2012	Full
Great Alpine Walk	5 February 2012	Spaces left
Great Ocean Walk	18 March 2012	Nearly full
Great Ocean Walk	26 March 2012	Spaces left
Waterfall Way	21 April 2012	Spaces left
Gold Coast Hinterland Walk	29 April 2012	Spaces left
Carnarvon Gorge	2 June 2012	Spaces left
Lord Howe Island	11 June 2012	Spaces left
Top End	23 June 2012	New trip - spaces left
Top End	7 July 2012	New trip - spaces left
Tropical Hiker	11 August 2012	Spaces left
Red Centre	20 August 2012	Spaces left
Flinders Ranges	1 September 2012	Spaces left
Cape to Cape	15 September 2012	Spaces left
Australia's South West	25 September 2012	Spaces left

Hope to see you on the track sometime soon!

Monica, Phil, Marilyn & Maja

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auswalk Pty Ltd | 4 Red Gum Lease Track | Halls Gap Victoria 3381 | Australia
Phone +61 (0)3 5356 4971 | Fax +61 (0)3 5356 4970 | Local time - |