June 2010 Newsletter
Here’s the latest news from the Auswalk desk:
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What we've been up to
It's been a busy time of year for Monica and Phil who've been doing a lot of guiding all over the country. They also squeezed in a most enjoyable three weeks in Western Australia researching some new trips to offer next year. They visited over 100 accommodation properties, searching for just the right combination of comfort, location, ambience, food and welcome. And fortunately they also got to do a lot of walking including several sections of the Bibulmun Track. Highlights include the magnificent karri forests and climbing Bluff Knoll in the Stirling Ranges. They also had a most enjoyable dinner with Perth Auswalkers, all of who did a good sales job of their beloved state, providing walking ideas, maps and books. Maybe one of them can explain why so many place names in WA end in "up"???
And a note from Mel:
Having just returned to the office after a week away walking on the Gold Coast Hinterland walk group guided trip, I’m finding it extremely difficult to keep my mind on the job and not reminisce about the trip, which I must say was absolutely amazing. The group of walkers were an absolute pleasure to spend the week with, and I had some great conversations with all of them either out on the walk or around the dinner table at the end of the day.I can guarantee you that along the way you will have the opportunity to see some of the most amazing natural land formations, one of my favourite being Purling Brook Falls. The days walks all differed and had their own special attractions from the creek crossings to the amazing waterfalls you just never knew what was going to be around the next corner you turned. I would also suggest joining in on the extra activities that the lodges have on to offer (some are free and some are at an extra price). The early morning bird walk and if you are back from walking in time the bush tucker walks were two of my favourites and both well worth doing. We got to see some of the most spectacular bird life and taste some very unique bush tucker.
I also had the opportunity to sit on the deck at some of the accommodations and take in one the most beautiful sunset or sunrises, the colours are just amazing. If you are looking to do one of our self guided or group guided walks then I can definitely recommend the Gold Coast Hinterland walk as a trip to remember.
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New trip to Flinders Island
Situated off the coast of Tasmania in Bass Strait, holidaying on Flinders Island is like stepping back in time. The pace of life here is slower, the locals friendlier, the fresh clean air nurtures you. And it's only a short flight from either the mainland or Tasmania. Wildlife abounds too.
There are tall peaks, sea cliffs, large rivers and idyllic coves. Much of the central part of the island is covered in lush green farmland and dotted with tiny settlements. The walking offers tremendous variety. There are rocky coastlines to explore, interspersed with beautiful sandy beaches. There are serene river estuaries picturesque inlets. There's an opportunity to climb the highest peak on the island as well as several smaller peaks. For those with a good head for heights there's the airy ascent of Mt Pillinger, referred to by locals as the "Eiger of Flinders Island".
There are numerous wallabies (far too many for the locals!), huge Cape Barren geese, wild peacocks, pheasants, birds of prey and large numbers of seabirds.The accommodation we stay at is a wonderful, luxurious property with coastal views. Note that there are only eight guest rooms available at the accommodation so we expect this trip to fill very quickly. Due to the small number of rooms, we can only offer two single rooms so get in quick if you like the look of this trip.
For more information including full details of the itinerary, accommodation and meals on this trip go to Flinders Island Walking Holiday.
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Special offers
Our website has a section called News & Specials. It's a good page to have bookmarked. At the moment there are special offers on the Great North Walk and Great Ocean Walk group trips. Go and check it out.
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"Find a Walking Companion" service
This is a great service for solo walkers who want to find someone to do a self-guided Auswalk trip with. We've had a fabulous response and now there are about 30 people on the list. These people are walkers from all around Australia as well as overseas. They all like the idea of doing an Auswalk INN-to-INN self guided trip but need someone to go with as we don't allow solo walkers on these trips. Some are looking for specific date, some only want to walk in a specific area and others are open to any suggestions. All you have to do is fill in a form. We will only pass on basic information such as a first name, email address and what areas you are interested in. Then it is up to you to contact others on the list and see if you can make a match. Go to Find a Walking Companion.
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Group guided trips filling up fast
Red Centre 14th June 2010 Full Flinders Ranges 27th June 2010 One room left Flinders Ranges 18th July 2010 Full Tropical Hiker 1st August 2010 Nearly full Lord Howe Island 28th August 2010 Nearly full Great North Walk 5th September 2010 Spaces left Kangaroo Island 18th September 2010 One room left Great Ocean Walk 3rd October 2010 Spaces left Great Ocean Walk 17th October 2010 Spaces left Great South West Walk 7th November 2010 Spaces left Tasmanian Coastal Hiker 27 December 2010 Nearly full Tasmanian Wilderness Hiker 3 January 2011 Spaces left Great Ocean Walk 16 January 2011 Spaces left Flinders Island 14 February 2011 Spaces left Great Ocean Walk 12 March 2011 Spaces left Great Alpine Walk 20 March 2011 Spaces left