Shows
Australian Hiker310 - Bibbulmun Track Interview with Trudie MarieIn 2018 Tim hiked the Bibbulmun Track as a solo male hiker, but what’s it like hiking the Bibbulmun as a solo female hiker? In this episode Gill takes control of the microphone and asks Trudie all about her experience on-trail, along with the reasons for undertaking this trip, and what she came away with from this long distance hiking experience. www.australianhiker.com.au
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Australian Hik...2025-03-041h 11Australian HikerAH 308- Snowies Alpine WalkIn January 2025 over the Australia Day Long weekend Australian Hiker headed up to Kosciuszko National Park to walk the newly opened Snowies Alpine Walk. We, more specifically Gill, completed the whole walk in three days and I played a support role due to injury completing about 18km of the 56km walk.
While this walk was designed to be done over four days from a number of hikers that I have both talked to, and seen, do this walk as a 'choose your own adventure' option, and this seems to be how people are approaching it.
...2025-02-0449 minAustralian HikerAH 306-Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail revisitedIn late 2017 our friend Kellie, Gill, and I undertook a five day walk on the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail in South Australia and to this day, this walk still ranks as one of our favourite hikes of all time, it was that good. In 2020 major bushfires decimated Kangaroo Island including this trail and much of the Flinders Chase National Park in which it resides. It wasn't until around 2023 that hikers could again do unsupported trips.
In this podcast episode we catch up with hiker Julia Patten, who with a friend recently walked the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail...2025-01-0751 minAustralian Hiker301-Australian Hiker’s Multi-day Australian Bucket List HikesIn this podcast episode we talk about our bucket list of Australian-based multi-day hikes. Each of these hikes, regardless of their length, has something that resonates with us (particularly Tim) and while they may not be your cup of tea, they are all on our ‘to do’ list for the coming years. Our bucket list hikes range from 62 km all the way up to the longest trip on the list at around 1200 km.
Use these walks as a guide and hopefully it will spark some enthusiasm for you to add one or more of these walks to you...2024-10-2922 minAustralian HikerAH 271-Kokoda ChallengeIn October 2023 Gill and I took part in the Kokoda Challenge at Lake Macquarie, NSW. The aim of the Kokoda Challenge is to raise funds for the Kokoda Youth Foundation’s programs and the great work they do.
This episode consists of three segments with the first being an interview with the Kokoda Youth Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Johllene Elson who shares more about her organisation, the work they do and what the Kokoda Challenge is all about.
The second segment of this episode involves a series of recorded interviews about our experience on the da...2023-10-1756 minAustralian HikerAh 241-South Coast Track; Interviews from the trail-part 2In this episode we bring you the 2nd episode of our on trail recordings from Tim's 2022 journey on the Tasmanian based, 85km South Coast Track. In this episode we bring you a series of recordings from the second half of the trip.
In our next episode, episode 242 will then discuss reality vs expectations and make recommendations based on what we found on trail to help plan your adventure. In addition the write up of this trail will be released very shortly (prior to Christmas 2022). www.australianhiker.com.au
Australian Hiker can also be fo...2022-12-2256 minAustralian HikerAH 240-South Coast Track; Interviews from the trail-part 1In this episode we bring you a series of on trail recordings as well as some interviews with other hikers from Tim's 2022 journey on the Tasmanian based, 85km South Coast Track. In this episode we bring you a series of recordings from the first half of the trip with next weeks episode bringing you the second half of the trip in episode 241.
Episode 242 will then discuss reality vs expectations and make recommendations based on what we found on trail to help plan your adventure. In addition the write up of this trail will be released very shortly (p...2022-12-1854 minAustralian HikerAH 218-Socks for hikingSocks are one of the smallest items of hiking clothing but just as important as the bigger more obvious pieces of equipment. Many people will use any pair of old socks they have in their sock drawer when they head out bush. If you put some thought into the decision about the socks you'll wear, will ensure a more comfortable and less problematic hike. In this episode we talk everything socks to help you choose the ones that will suit your individual needs. www.australianhiker.com.au
Australian Hiker can also be found on our v...2022-05-1733 minAustralian HikerAH 217-Choosing a jacket for hikingIn every hobby or activity we do there is always an ‘unofficial uniform’ and with hiking it’s the down jacket. But did you know that sometimes the ‘down’ jackets we see, while looking very similar, are made with other materials, sometimes natural alternatives like wool and sometimes synthetic materials; which is why these jackets are often known generically as ‘puffy/puffer jackets’. In this podcast episode we look at the pros and cons of the different insulation options on offer when choosing a jacket for warmth and hopefully provide a bit more clarity in helping you choose a jacket. www.aus...2022-05-0325 minAustralian HikerAH Episode 216-Canberra Summits Walk
It's Easter 2022 and I was supposed to be finishing off the remaining section of the Hume and Hovell Track but things didn't go to plan. I discovered too late that a large number of Australians were travelling after three interrupted years due to bushfires and COVID and as such many of the campsites that I needed to use were booked out so a change of plan was required. Typically I like to do hikes that are a bit more secluded or at least not so crowded so I opted to swap my planned hike with a long distance urban hik...2022-04-191h 04Australian Hiker215-Nordic WalkingI first came across Nordic walking around 7 years ago and thought ‘what the hell is that’? This was also the same reaction I had when I first came across trekking poles over 15 years ago. Being an avid hiker, I saw the similarities, but also the differences between the two types of pole useage. When one of our followers suggested we look further into Nordic walking so I decided it was time to touch base with the Canberra Nordic walking community to find out more. In today’s episode we talk with with Kristen Pratt, the owner and lead instructor of Cap...2022-04-0537 minAustralian HikerAH Episode 214-Wharf to Wharf Walk (NSW)Located on the far southern coast of NSW the 27 km Wharf to Wharf Walk which officially opened in mid 2021 is one that is still relatively unknown and undiscovered by many. Over the weekend just gone we chose to do this amazing walk in a single day but for most people a 2-3 day version is the norm. In this episode you can hear our on trail recordings of how our day went and at the end of the podcast we discuss logistical issues surrounding transport and accomodation and make recommendations on options that will suit all levels of hikers....2022-03-1549 minAustralian HikerAH Episode 213-Pillows and hikingFor many people transitioning to overnight hiking or camping brings a lot of new considerations. Where do you go to the toilet? What do you eat? What additional gear do you need? While we will usually think about the big items like packs, tents and sleeping bags (the Big 3), the ancillary items like pillows often tend to be an afterthought. For many hikers, pillows tend to be considered a luxury but the ability to get a good night sleep depends on a number of factors and comfort is a big one. These days there are many pillow options available t...2022-03-0815 minAustralian Hiker212-Hammock Camping; from the trailIf you want an expert opinion on hammock camping then this episode isn't it! We've been playing with hammock gear for a couple of months and while we used them during the daytime for one reason or another we just couldn't get out and spend a night hanging from a tree.
There are plenty of converts out there who have lots of experience in hammock camping but this episode has been deliberately recorded as a 'first timers' experience of what its like to spend a night in a hammock and for many people who try hammocks without...2022-02-2230 minAustralian HikerAH 210-Food on the trail; a detailed lookWhen overnight hiking you have lots of additional things to consider; where to camp, when to camp, where to go to the toilet and what to eat are just some of them. Once you start doing multi-day and multi-week hikes these considerations multiply (no pun intended). Food is a big consideration in this planning process particularly because it often requires planning ahead weeks in advance and really thinking about what you may want to eat. In this article we discuss food requirements for multi-day and multi-week hikes that can also easily be used for shorter hikes. www.australianhiker.com...2022-02-0129 minAustralian HikerAH 209-Bikepacking; interviews from the trailIn this episode we bring you a series of recordings from a recent overnight trip on the Canberra Centenary Trail. While i've done plenty of one day trips this was my first overnight backpacking trip and one with some sharp learning curves that will make me rethink the way I not just ride in the future but also hike.
At the end of this episode we discuss what I learnt on this trip and what I'd do differently next time I head out on two wheels. to get the best from this episode go to the Australian...2022-01-2536 minAustralian HikerAH 208-BikepackingBikepacking can best be considered as an allied form of backpacking and instead of walking your chosen route on foot you undertake your journey with the aid of a bike, travelling at a different speed, seeing the landscape in a different way. In this episode we provide an introduction to bikepacking and the opportunities it affords. www.australianhiker.com.au
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Australian H...2022-01-1823 minAustralian HikerAH Episode 205-Three Capes Track, an introductionThis is the first in a planned series of 3 podcasts to be released over the next 3 weeks. In today’s episode we set the scene for our upcoming trip and provide some background on what we expect from this trip. We hope you enjoy. www.australianhiker.com.au
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2021-12-2126 minAustralian HikerAH Episode 204-Day Trip Sydney Guidebook: interview with the authorsLike most guidebooks Day Trip Sydney 52 Nature Adventures provides you with the basics you need to do these walking adventures but where it stands out is by not assuming the participants are keen hikers. In addition, the images used to highlight each adventure can best be described as hero shots that just invite you to visit. In today’s episode, episode 204, we catch up Andrew Grune and Evi O authors of the Book Day Trip Sydney 52 Nature Adventures to find out more about this book. www.australianhiker.com.au
Australian Hiker can also be found on...2021-12-0736 minAustralian HikerAH 203-Getting back into hiking after lockdown, Interview with Joe BoningtonJoe Bonington is the creator of Joe's Basecamp gym, Sydney’s Premier adventure training facility and over the past few years he has transitioned his training delivery into an online model and now has clients across Australia and New Zealand, Asia, and even back in his place of origin the UK. Joe developed his program to provide the inspiration, training, and support to help his clients achieve their bucket list goals, outdoor adventure and wilderness sports and activities. Joe doesn’t just talk training he is highly experienced in the fields that they train for with his main goal is to...2021-11-2355 minAustralian HikerAH 202-Australian Hiker 5th BirthdayOn 11 November 2021 Australian Hiker celebrated its 5th birthday. When we started in 2016 we had no idea where we would be today. In this episode we reflect on our past year, and look at where we are heading over the coming year. We close this episode by answering the often asked question about how we got into hiking. www.australianhiker.com.au
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A...2021-11-1630 minAustralian HikerAH 201-Christmas gift ideas for hikers 2021It’s that time of the year again when you start to consider gifts for the special hiker in your life. In this podcast episode we focus on the best and brightest products including those released over the past year. Just because it’s Christmas doesn’t mean you have to spend up big, in fact you may not even have to spend any money at all.
In this podcast episode we discuss gift ideas in price categories with something to suit all budgets ranging from not spending money at all through to some big ticket items. www.au...2021-11-0240 minAustralian HikerAH 200-Episode 200!There are estimated to be approximately 2,000,000 podcasts in existence however many of these are no longer in production. Many shows start with a flourish but peter out after around 7 episodes once their creators realise the amount of work involved in getting an episode to air. Reaching 200 episodes is a rarity, particularly for outdoor podcasts with only a rare handful lasting this long.
In this episode we discuss where the Australian Hiker podcast has come from, where we are heading to, and what we have learned along the way.
Both Gill and I would like to t...2021-10-2626 minAustralian HikerAH 199-Hiking and Plane TravelFor many hikers getting to the start of a hike typically requires a car ride either in your own vehicle that you return back to at the end of a hike, or a drop-off and pick up by friends or family. Other forms of public transport such as buses and trains may fit the bill depending on the options of getting to a trailhead. But what about when you travel interstate or overseas and need to transport yourself, and all your hiking gear, on a plane?
Travelling by plane creates a whole new set of logistical issues t...2021-10-2134 minAustralian HikerAH 198-Tent pegs for hikingUnless you camp in exactly the same location, with the same soils, and the same environmental conditions, it’s unlikely that you’ll get away with one particular type of tent peg for all your hiking needs. Choosing the right pegs and your tent should stay put in almost any conditions, chose the wrong pegs and you may find yourself shelterless at the most inconvenient times.
In this podcast episode we look at a range of different tent pegs types used for hiking tents, talk about when to use them, and make suggestions based on what we use...2021-10-0525 minAustralian HikerAH 197-Urban HikingUrban hiking is a self explanatory term which implies that instead of hiking in remote, or not so remote, bushland you instead take the opportunity to hike through your local urban areas. Depending on where you live this may be through totally built-up town or city infrastructure with hardly a tree or shrub in sight through to areas that include local parkland or if you are lucky enough, through areas that include adjacent bushland.
But is this ‘real’ hiking or just a poor alternative? In this podcast we discuss some key considerations of urban hiking as well as i...2021-09-2826 minAustralian HikerAH196-Bondi to Manly Walk Guidebook: interview with the authorThe 80km Bondi to Manly Walk is one of Sydney's hidden gems that many people don't even know exist. In today's episode we catch up with author Tara Wells to chat about her new guidebook for this amazing trail The Bondi to Manly Walk : The Definitive Guidebook. This book will help those who are keen to plan and complete this walk. www.australianhiker.com.au
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Australian Hiker Pintrest2021-09-1435 minAustralian HikerAH 195-Tim‘s hiking podcast listening listThe Australian Hiker podcast turns five years old at the end of 2021 and is Australia's longest running and most downloaded hiking podcast. But what hiking and outdoor related podcasts does Australian Hiker listen to? In this episode we provide a brief overview of what's on Tim's podcast listening queue that covers a range of different styles. www.australianhiker.com.au
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Australian H...2021-08-3122 minAustralian HikerAH193-Tasmanian Trail: week 2 on the trailThis podcast episode consists of a series of recordings from Tim in his second week on the Tasmanian Trail. In addition to his on trail recordings Tim also discuss Trail towns.This podcast episode consists of a series of recordings from Tim in his second week on the Tasmanian Trail. www.australianhiker.com.au
2021-08-0953 minAustralian HikerAH 192-Tasmanian Trail: week 1 on the trailThis podcast episode consists of a series of recordings from Tim in his first week of the Tasmanian Trail. It’s been an interesting and challenging week that has forced some route changes to due environmental conditions. Www.australianhiker.com.au
2021-08-041h 12Australian HikerAH191-Tasmanian Trail here I comeIn February of this year I decided that my long distance hike for 2021 was going to be the 1200km south Australian Heysen Trail and part of my decision for bringing this trail forward a year was that I wanted a trail that was based in a single state and unlikely to be impacted my COVID related issues. It didn’t quite work out that was and as a result I had to pivot to another trail and my choice became the 480km Tasmanian trail. In this episode we discuss the trail itself, and my upcoming trip including my concerns and...2021-07-2733 minAustralian HikerAH 190-In the Footsteps of the Cannibal ConvictIn 1820 Irish thief, Alexander Pearce, was sent to Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) to serve a seven year sentence for stealing shoes and if the story ended here, it wouldn’t be particularly noteworthy, but rather than just one of many similar stories. Where is becomes interesting is in 1822 when Pearce and seven other convicts escaped from their penal colony in western Tasmania and made their way eastwards across some of the most rugged and inhospitable terrain in Tasmania in a break for freedom. Starvation pressed the party into a series of grim decisions including cannibalism with Pearce being the so...2021-07-2057 minAustralian HikerEpisode 189-Interview with the author-A Book of Australian TreesIn today’s episode we talk with author Inga Simpson about her latest book and first children's book, The Book of Australian Trees. Trees tell stories about places and Australia has some of the tallest, oldest, fattest and most unusual trees in the world. As hikers, trees are our constant companions on many of our hikes. While this book is aimed at children, it will also please adults as well and makes a great coffee table book. www.australianhiker.com.au
2021-07-0629 minAustralian HikerEpisode 188-Industry Interviews June 2021For a second year in a row I was due to attend the Australian Outdoor Retailer Show in Melbourne only to have it cancelled by COVID. I still managed to catch up with a number of suppliers and manufacturers and in this podcast episode we find out about some new and exciting equipment releases as well as how Australian outdoor industry is going. www.australianhiker.com.au
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2021-06-291h 23Australian HikerEpisode 187-Trail VolunteeringWhether you walk trails only a few kilometres long or are into big trails many hundreds of kilometres in distance the next time you put feet to the ground spare a thought for how the trail gets there and manages to stay in such good condition. While the state governments play a role in both the construction and maintenance of trails much of the work is done by volunteers; those unsung hero's who quietly get on with the job so that we who hike them, can do so in a comfortable fashion.
In this episode we talk...2021-06-151h 13Australian HikerEpisode 186-Hiking and epilepsyIn episode 163 and 164 we discussed hiking with Injuries and disabilities but where does epilepsy fit into the mix given that around 3.5% of Australians will experience epilepsy at some point in their lives.
In today’s episode we talk to Carol Ireland, the CEO of Epilepsy Action Australia about her organisation, the impact that epilepsy has on activities like hiking, and provide an overview of their upcoming fundraising hike on the Larapinta Trail that will take place from 16-22 August 2021.
In addition, we will also be catching up with Nicole who participated in the Great Wall of...2021-06-0848 minAustralian HikerEpisode 185-Whats in a name?Backpacking, bushwalking, hiking, tramping, trekking, thru hiking, rambling… So many terms are used to describe getting outside with a pack on your back. Also, is it a track or is it a trail? Do you have tracking poles or trekking poles?
Each term has its own connotation and depending on which country you come from (or which part of the country) you will find yourself gravitating more towards one term over another to describe what you are doing when you head out into nature. In this podcast episode we look more closely at the terms used to des...2021-05-2525 minAustralian HikerEpisode 183-Powering your hikeFor many hikers getting out bush and going off grid is a means to get away from all the technology and the constant pinging of your mobile phone. If you aren’t connected for a few days does it really matter? If however you need to power various electronic devices on the trail the type and quantity of your power recharge needs is dictated by whether you can get away with just a single charge, a single set of batteries, or whether you need to have a back up option. In this podcast episode we provide a basic introduction into...2021-04-2724 minAustralian HikerEpisode 182-A day in the life of a long distance hikerI’m a bit of an obsessive about some things and one of those is what a typical day on a multi-day hike looks like. In this episode we break it down from waking up at the start of the day to going to sleep and the days end. While the overall structure of a day will be similar for everyone the specifics will be unique to each of us. Knowing what a typical day looks like will make each day easier to plan an easier to walk. So, what does a typical long distance hiking day look like for...2021-04-2042 minAustralian HikerEpisode 181-Westward ho!Over Easter 2021 Gill and I headed out towards the Broken Hill region in far western NSW to hike some of the more remote National Parks. Over a period of seven days we drove over 2000km, visited Mutawintji and Mungo National Parks, and did some hikes that we weren't expecting to be as good as they were; there really are some hidden gems if you know where to look. This episode consists of a series of recordings undertaken both 'on road' and 'on trail' as well as our summation of the overall trip. Over the coming weeks we will be...2021-04-131h 09Australian HikerEpisode 179-Are equipment manufacturers missing the mark?Being a relatively small country on the world stage Australia often punches above its own weight in so many areas. One area where we under perform is the product range available in retail stores and this includes hiking gear. Is this because the product doesn't exist or are manufacturers and importers missing the mark? In this episode we discuss possible reasons for this apparent mis-step. www.australianhiker.com.au
2021-03-2331 minAustralian HikerEpisode 178-Luxury items and hikingWhenever we go hiking we make decisions about the equipment we carry. These gear choices can be broken into two broad categories; those pieces of gear that we need from a safety perspective (i.e. the necessities) and those that aren’t really necessary but we want to carry (i.e. luxury items). In this episode we discuss the key luxury items that I see on the trail but having said that this category is endless. www.australianhiker.com.au
2021-03-0930 minAustralian HikerEpisode 177-Operation FlindersOperation Flinders is an Australian organisation that exists to provide young men and women who have been identified as being at risk, with demanding outdoor challenges and support. The aim of this organisation is to help participants develop their personal attitudes, self-esteem, motivation, teamwork and responsibility, so they may grow as valued members of the community. In today’s episode we talk to Brendan Raets about the Operation Flinders organisation and the programs that they run. www.australianhiker.com.au
2021-02-2342 minAustralian HikerEpisode 176-Considerations for choosing a hikeWhether you are new to hiking or have been doing it for years, deciding on what walk you are going to do will depend on a number of factors. Surprisingly the answer you get when you work through these factors may differ each time you have to make this choice. While some of these factors cross over with general hiking planning there are also a number that are purely subjective. In this podcast episode we look at seven main factors to consider when choosing a hike to get the best outcome for all concerned. www.australianhiker.com.au
2021-02-0925 minAustralian HikerEpisode 175- Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail: Fighting Monks and Burning MountainsIn this episode we interview author Paul Barach about his epic journey on the 1200 km Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail in Japan. This was a trail I hadn't heard of until talking with Paul and reviewing his book Fighting Monks and Burning Mountains : Misadventures on a Buddhist Pilgrimage but now it’s firmly on my to-do list. This is a great episode that showcases this Japanese pilgrimage trail and provides an insight into Paul’s adventure that is both informative and amusing. www.australianhiker.com.au
2021-01-261h 12Australian HikerEpisode 173-Hiking with animalsThe human connection with animals is timeless. First as food, then as working partners that carried our loads, helped us hunt or managed and protected our herds, and then evolved into companions. Animals have become an integral part of our lives in one way or another so it’s not surprising many of us want to include them in our hiking activities. While taking domestic animals on hikes is much more common in the USA, this is also starting to become more common in Australia. In this podcast episode we look at the options for taking animals on the trail...2021-01-1242 minAustralian HikerEpisode172-Guided hikesWhen it comes to hiking there really is no ‘one way’ to get involved. Some people stick to shorter hikes that can be completed in a day or less. For others it may mean hiking that includes day hikes that expands out to those lasting multiple days, weeks or even months either as a solo or group activity. Even then there is a decision to make about whether you are doing all the organisation and logistics yourself or taking part in a guided hike. In this podcast episode we look at being part of a guided hike including the pros a...2020-12-2934 minAustralian HikerEpisode 171-Social media and hikingEveryone has their own reason(s) for hiking; exercise, solitude and scenic views are just some.For many people photography also forms a key part of getting out bush. Sometimes this will be the main reason with the focus being to take photos of wildlife and sunrises. At other times it may be a minor reason with the odd photo being taken as a means of remembering the trip but for many its the lure of social media. In this episode we look at the negative impacts of social media and discuss ways in which we can minimise this. w...2020-12-1521 minAustralian HikerEpisode 170-Finding water on a hikeAt home we tend to take the availability of water for granted, we walk to the tap, the fridge, or if we are out and about the store, and drink as we need. When we are hiking, particularly in remote areas the availability of water becomes a more complex issue. For short hikes we may just carry a water bottle or we may wait until we get back to the car or trailhead to rehydrate. For overnight hikes we can often carry what we need. The problem arises when we start to do multi-day hikes and it becomes impossible t...2020-12-0133 minAustralian Hiker169-Great North Walk; a Failed thru HikeIn November of 2020 Tim commenced his journey on the 260 km Great North Walk which runs between the Australian east coast cities of Newcastle and Sydney. This journey ended up being a very short walk as he pulled the pin on this hike just prior to lunch on day 2 for reasons he discusses in this podcast episode.
In this episode we provide an introduction to this trail, bring you recordings made on 1.5 days on the trail before discussing reasons for halting this hike. www.australianhiker.com.au
2020-11-171h 14Australian HikerEpisode 168-Australian Hiker 4th BirthdayOn 11 November 2020 Australian Hiker celebrated its fourth birthday on what has been a difficult year. In this episode we reflect on our past year, a difficult one, and where we are heading into the future. www.australianhiker.com.au
2020-11-1134 minAustralian HikerEpisode 167-Christmas Gifts for Hikers 2020It’s that time of the year again when you start to consider gifts for the special hiker in your life. In this article we focus on the best and brightest products including those released over the past year. Just because it’s Christmas doesn’t mean you have to spend up big, in fact you may not even have to spend any money at all. It’s best to avoid grand gestures unless the gift receiver has been really specific with their request. Think of this from your perspective of getting an expensive gift you don’t really want. If you...2020-11-0334 minAustralian HikerEpisode 166-Take a HikeIn 2016 well known research company, Roy Morgan, undertook a study on hiking (bushwalking) and unsurprisingly found that the proportions of Australians who participate on a regular basis was on the increase and in 2015 accounted for 27.3% of the population (more than 5.3 million Australians). From my perspective these figure are backed up by the increased number of people that we are seeing on the trail and while many of the people may only hike every now and again this is definitely the Australian pastime, and one that people do throughout their lives.
This podcast episode is aimed fairly and sq...2020-10-2735 minAustralian Hiker165-Plan N2020 is likely to be a memorable for so many reasons! I had planned to be walking the Australian Alps Walking Track in mid November but between the fires and COVID, this track is off the menu and likely to be so for the next few months. The term 'flogging a dead horse' comes to mind in my attempt to do this walk. As this podcast goes to air it's one month out and it's time to make a decision. In this podcast episode we discuss the planning process for this walk, what I have decided to do and why, a...2020-10-1326 minAustralian Hiker164-Hiking with a disabilityMost hikers will have an injury or two that they have collected over their lifetimes but when this goes beyond being just a minor issue and becomes a permanent disability the ability to continue hiking can be greatly impacted, or in some cases not even an option. In this week’s episode we interview hiker Jenny Woodhouse who talks about hiking whilst managing permanent spinal disability. www.australianhiker.com.au
2020-10-061h 13Australian Hiker163-Hiking with InjuriesMost of us we start life reasonably fit and healthy and as we get older we start to collect various injuries and illnesses along the way. In most cases we aren’t talking about major medical problems that are going to stop us from hiking altogether but rather issues that may only be minor niggles but either in isolation, or in combination, they injuries can become more of an issue making life just that bit more difficult. In addition to these pre-existing issues we can also collect new ones when we hike. Dealing with these injuries can be a rea...2020-09-2928 minAustralian Hiker162-Soldier OnIf you are in the armed services, you will be familiar with the Soldier On organisation. However, if you’ve never had family or friends in the military you may never have heard of them. Soldier On’s mission is to enable veterans and their families to thrive and they do this by offering a holistic and integrated set of services to Defence personnel, veterans and their families.
While this may seem to be an odd interview for a hiking podcast, you may be surprised to learn that one of the programs offered by Soldier On, March On...2020-09-1537 minAustralian Hiker161-Hiking and camping stylesWhen we think about hiking we create a picture in our mind of what the day looks like and if there is an overnight stay involved the camp forms part of the picture. The thing we need to remember is that hiking is different for everyone and there is no right view of the image we create. How we come to hiking and camping will generate this mental picture. Are we life long hiking enthusiasts that started as part of a family activity? Are we new hikers who have only just started? Are we the occasional hiker who does an a...2020-09-0828 minAustralian Hiker160-Perfect MotionAustralian Hiker is all about walking and when Jono Lineen, author of the book Perfect Motion, contacted me a few months ago to talk to talk about doing a review for his book ‘Perfect Motion’ it not only made sense to review the book but also to interview him for the podcast as well.
As a keen long distance hiker this book resonated with me in so many ways, particularly in the way that I feel when doing my big hikes. Perfect Motion was the culmination of his journey that was set in motion with the death of hi...2020-09-0159 minAustralian Hiker159-Back country touringIn our last podcast episode, episode 158, we talked about snowshoeing in the Australian Alps. But for those that want to go a step further there are other options including skiing and snow camping. In this episode we catch up with Gary Tischer and find out about options for skiing, and snow camping away from the resorts. We talk about safety and logistics in the back country in general, including more than you every wanted to now about what to do with toilet waste in the snow! To round off this episode we catch back up with Bruce Easton from...2020-08-2555 minAustralian Hiker157- Pack TrainingPhysical preparation is a part of getting ready for any hike. For shorter easier hikes the training may be almost non existent while for longer and or more complex hikes you may spend weeks if not months preparing. Training for longer hikes involves many different physical aspects including cardio and weight training, as well as lots of walking/hiking both with and without a pack. In this podcast we talk about the do’s and dont's of pack training to help you get the most out of your hike. www.australianhiker.com.au
2020-08-1126 minAustralian Hiker156-Industry Interviews August 2020 Part 2Over the past three years Australian Hiker has attended the annual Outdoor Retailer Australia Show. This show is a chance for Australia’s outdoor wholesalers and manufacturers to showcase their new and existing products to Australia’s outdoor retailers and allied media. Due to the pandemic, the show was cancelled for 2020 but rather than let the opportunity pass us by we managed to catch up with a number of suppliers for an update.
This is the second episode in this series in which we bring you a further three interviews. As a follow up to our dis...2020-08-041h 23Australian Hiker155-Industry Interviews July 2020 Part 1Over the past three years Australian Hiker has attended the annual Outdoor Retailer Australia Show. This show is a chance for Australia’s outdoor wholesalers and manufacturers to showcase their new and existing products to Australia’s outdoor retailers and allied media. Due to the pandemic the show was cancelled for 2020 but rather than let the opportunity pass us by we managed to catch up with a number of suppliers for an update. In this, the first of two episodes in this series, we bring you two interviews.
In our next episode, episode 156, to be released next week...2020-07-281h 45Australian Hiker153-Peak Bagging: the what and whyPeak bagging is the practice of climbing to the summit of a hill or mountain in an attempt to collect peaks in a particular region. I must admit that from my perspective the whole concept is just plain strange. My view on hiking is that I will follow the designated trail and if the trail goes over a summit, I will follow it but if it doesn’t, then there needs to be a really good reason to head up hill. In this podcast episode we look at the concept of peak bagging and discuss some Australian options for th...2020-07-1421 minAustralian Hiker152-Contributing to Australian Outdoor MagazinesIn episode 138 we talked with Craig Sheather who writes hiking guide books and in episode 135 we caught up with adventure photographer Danyal Taylor. In this week’s episode we continue the theme and talk with Gary Tischer about what it takes to be a contributor of both photography and written articles to the Australian outdoor magazines.
Gary has been contributing to some of Australia’s best known outdoor magazines for nearly 40 years and while you may not know his name, chances are you have read his articles over the years. Today we find out how he became invo...2020-06-3053 minAustralian Hiker151-Stepping out againIt's now mid-June 2020 and at long last the restrictions around coronavirus are easing, seemingly at a rapid rate. Pending a second wave of the virus, the ability to travel, while not yet back to normal, has been greatly relaxed and we can now travel further afield and do some longer and more complex hiking. In episode 145 we discussed things we can do when we can’t hike, or our hiking has been greatly curtailed for any reason, but what should we be doing now we can get out and about? In today’s episode we discuss things to consider as y...2020-06-1622 minAustralian Hiker150-Donkeys on the Bicentennial National TrailIn 2004 Liz Byron undertook a 2,500 km journey on the 5,300 km Bicentennial National Trail. As Australia’s longest designated shared trail, her story would not be too unusual until you realise she did her trip with the assistance of two donkeys, Grace and Charley, who acted as her pack animals and her companions. In this podcast episode we catch up with Liz not long after the release of her book, The Only Way Home, that details her amazing journey.
This is a great episode and one that provides an unique alternative on the traditional human powered hike. www.au...2020-06-021h 40Australian Hiker149-Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage TrailIn today’s episode we discuss the Japanese Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail. This trail, which was included on the World Heritage list in 2004, is a network of several ancient pilgrimage routes that converge on Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, in the mountainous heart of Wakayama Prefecture. Apart from the shrines, the landscape itself is one of the key highlights that everyone talks about.
In today’s episode we combine a series of three interviews and each of our interviewees provide a different perspective on this amazing trail system. We hope you enjoy! www.australianhiker.com.au
2020-05-191h 47Australian Hiker148-Australian Bush Legends and MythsAustralia like most countries, has a series of legends and myths that form part of our cultural identity. While some of these are based on fact, and others have at least some basis of truth, there are a number that are just downright fabrications. Whatever degree of truth is involved is doesn’t stop us from talking about them and where possible, having fun at the expense of gullible people, mainly overseas tourists The following myths and legends are Australia’s best known although I’m sure there will be some that you may never have heard of. www.austral...2020-05-1219 minAustralian Hiker147-Things that go bump in the night: getting a good night's sleepOne of the most common complaints I hear from hikers who camp overnight is the inability to get a good night's sleep. And while some of this can be put down to gear related issues, more often than not it can be a state of mind. The first time you camp in the bush, in particular by yourself, every little sound is magnified. The slithering or crunching just outside your tent, the movement of your tent when there is no wind, can all combine to make hikers a bit agitated.
In this episode we discuss those issues...2020-04-2832 minAustralian Hiker146-An update in strange timesIt's mid April 2020 and already this has been the the strangest year that we have had in a long time and we still have most of the year to go. In this episode we just wanted to provide a bit of an update as Covid 19 is in full swing about how some of the people we have been following, along with the outdoor industry in general, is going. www.australianhiker.com.au
2020-04-1426 minAustralian Hiker145-Things to do when you can't hikeIt’s early 2020 and Australia has had a hell of a start to the year. First we had a summer full of bushfires that have impacted much of the country, destroying large sections of the bushland that we as hikers spend so much of our time exploring. If that wasn’t enough just as the opportunity to return to the bush presented itself we have the Coronavirus and with it, the ability to access many of our walks has again been curtailed but clearly for a different reason.
There are so many other more mundane reasons within our...2020-03-3128 minAustralian Hiker143-Te Araroa Trail, a catch upIn this episode we catch catch up with musicians Mickey and Michelle who are currently hiking the 3,000km New Zealand Te Araroa Trail, playing gigs as they go. When we first caught up with them in episode 124 they were just about to start this amazing trail and now around five months later they have completed just over 2,200km with around 750 km left. Find out about the trail, the highs and lows, the scenery, and the people as they head towards the finish line. www.australianhiker.com.au
2020-03-1056 minAustralian Hiker142-What to pack for a day hikeIt's Saturday morning and the weather is perfect so you decide to head off to a local National Park with friends to do a hike. Nothing complex, but it's more than just a 20 minute walk and you may or may not have a phone signal so you start thinking about what you will take with you. This hike won't require any overnight equipment such as a tent or sleeping bag but you're not really sure what you should take. This is where it can get confusing - take too little or take the wrong things and you may not...2020-03-0332 minAustralian Hiker140-Everest Base CampIn this week's episode we catch up with Annie Connor who is a keen Canberra-based hiker and who has spent over 20 years hiking throughout Australia, New Zealand and overseas including treks such the Larapinta Trail and the Annapurna Base Camp. Towards the end of 2019, Annie completed the Everest Base Camp Trek and as this trek sits on many people’s bucket lists, we wanted to catch up with Annie to find out all about her experience. www.australianhiker.com.au
2020-02-1145 minAustralian Hiker139-Games on the trailIf you hike with children or are just into board and card games then this is the episode for you. There are literally hundreds of choices available for playing games when out hiking and in this weeks podcast episode we look at some options that wont weight you down and are simple to learn and to play. While you wont necessarily take all of these with you on a single hike having one or two of them in your pack may save your sanity if you are tent bound for an extended period due to bad weather. www.australianhiker...2020-01-2830 minAustralian Hiker138-So you want to be a Travel WriterIn episode 135 we discussed what the life of an adventure photographer/videographer was like. In this weeks episode we talk to Craig Sheather about about being a travel and guide book writer including what's involved with getting articles and books to print, and how he got into this field. Www.Australianhiker.com.au
2020-01-1448 minAustralian Hiker137-What's up in 2020?In this our first episode for 2020 we take a look at the impacts that the current bushfires gripping many parts of Australia at the time of this podcast are having on hiking and what this may mean for the longer term. In addition, hiking is receiving a boost from state governments so we review proposed walking trails due to open later in 2020 as well as others scheduled for future years and discuss why the NSW Government in particular, is investing in these new trails. www.australianhiker.com.au
2019-12-3131 minAustralian Hiker136-Apps for HikingMobile apps have become such a familiar part of life that there is an app for just about everything. And hiking is no exception. In this episode we have collected together a range of apps for hikers to make your life easier. Our list isn’t exhaustive by any means with the options only limited by your imagination! Listen to our episode to find out more. www.australianhiker.com.au
2019-12-1734 minAustralian Hiker135-So you want to be an adventure photographer?Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a professional adventure videographer and photographer? To wander the world and be paid to video and photograph some amazing scenery and individuals doing some amazing things. In this episode we talk to Danyal Taylor whose job is just that and find out a bit of what his life is like and what it takes to do his job. www.australianhiker.com.au
2019-12-101h 04Australian Hiker134-Choosing a Sleeping BagThe problem when choosing a sleeping bag is the huge range of choice we have available on the market. There are hundreds of bags available in the retail stores and online. When choosing a sleeping bag there are some key considerations that come into the mix and in this episode we discuss what to look for in selecting a sleeping bag for your camping needs. www.australianhiker.com.au
2019-12-0332 minAustralian Hiker132-Outward BoundIf you have been involved in the outdoors for any length of time then chances are you have heard of Outward Bound. Outward Bound has been providing eduction in the outdoors for over 70 years and they don't just teach you about being outdoors, they also help you learn more about yourself as an individual. In this episode we talk to Helen at the National headquarters in Tharwa, on the Southern edge of Canberra city about what they do and the services they offer. www.australianhiker.com.au
2019-11-1925 minAustralian Hiker131-Australian Hiker 3rd BirthdayOn 11 November 2019 Australian Hiker celebrated its third birthday. In this episode we reflect on our past year and where we are heading into the future. As the request of our listeners we also provide an overview of some key aspects in getting the Australian Hiker podcast to air. www.australianhiker.com.au
2019-11-1238 minAustralian Hiker130-Christmas Gifts for Hikers 2019It’s that time of the year again when you start to look for presents for that hiking fanatic in your life; maybe it's you?
In this episode we focus on the best and brightest that has been released over the past year and those iconic status items that all hikers would be pleased to own ranging from the inexpensive to the grand gesture. Have a listen to see if you can pick up any ideas. www.australianhiker.com.au
2019-11-0531 minAustralian Hiker129-Going to the toilet on the trailWhen you start hiking and camping there is so much to learn. What gear do you buy, how do you deal with food, where are the good walks to do and last but not least how do I go to the toilet in the bush?
In this episode we discuss going to toilet on a hike, the process and the do's and don'ts (pun intended) to hopefully give you a bit of peace of mind if you haven't needed to consider this basic function before. 2019-10-2938 minAustralian Hiker128-Book and Movie Review 2019In this episode we review a series of hiking and outdoor movies that we have watched over 2019 as well as some outdoor based books that we have read. If you are into the outdoors and are looking something to do on those non hiking days then consider these options. Leading up into Christmas these books and videos make great options for the hiker in your family even if thats you! www.australianhiker.com.au
2019-10-2230 minAustralian Hiker127-Dehydrated Food on the TrailStart talking about food options for hiking and it’s amazing how quickly the conversation becomes heated as individuals passionately defend their preferred meal options and tell you why your choices are wrong. This is definitely a topic I try to avoid when at camp in the evening.
Having said that I do have my preferences and as much as I like cooking and eating well when I’m at home, I prefer to keep things simple when I’m on the trail. While my main meals tend to be freeze dried I also integrate dehydrated food into t...2019-10-1532 minAustralian Hiker126-Catching up with Tangles and Tail: September 2019In this episode we catch up with Lucy Barnard from Tangles and Tail who is walking the length of the world from the bottom of South America to the top of North America. This 30,000 km journey will take her around 5-6 years to complete. It's been over four months since we last talked with Lucy and we catch up with her in San Ignacio, Peru where she has a two day journey before she leaves Peru and enters Ecuador. www.australianhiker.com.au
2019-10-0849 minAustralian Hiker125-Choosing what to bring on a hikeIf you're anything like me then you have more hiking gear the you are ever likely to use so how then do you decide what to bring on a hike? In many cases there is no one right answer when assembling a set of gear for your upcoming adventure and this this episode we look at considerations for making your choice. www.australianhiker.com.au
2019-10-0124 minAustralian Hiker123-Hume and Hovell Track-a premature end to a thruhikeWhat started out as a 19 day thru-hike has now been turned in to a section hike due to injury after completing 310km of this 426km trip. In this episode we discuss our last few days on the Hume and Hovell Track, our reasons for cutting the hike short, and where we go to from here. Rest assured there are plans in place to finish this trip off! www.australianhiker.com.au
2019-09-1745 minAustralian Hiker122-Hume and Hovell Track Week 2In this weeks episode we continue our on trail episodes from our Hume and Hovell Track adventure this time with recordings from day4-9. www.australianhiker.com.au
2019-09-111h 40Australian Hiker120-Choosing a camping siteI have memories of camping dating back over 40 years and in many cases these memories were positive ones that consisted of some amazing experiences shared with friends and family. On the other end of the scale there were also trips where things went horribly wrong because we chose bad sites to camp. In this episode we discuss things to consider when choosing a place to put you tent to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable nights sleep. www.australianhiker.com.au
2019-08-2727 minAustralian Hiker119-The John Muir Trail; an Australian perspective.mp3In this week’s episode we talk with Blair Woodcock who recently completed a thru-hike of the 211 mile (340 km) USA based John Muir Trail. Many backpackers say this trail contains the finest mountain scenery in the United States, and runs (mostly in conjunction with the PCT) from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, in California. In this episode we provide an overview of one of the world’s most spectacular trails and hear a firsthand overview of what a thru hike was like. www.australianhiker.com.au
2019-08-2157 minAustralian Hiker118-Zen and the Art of HikingThere are any number of reasons why we enjoy hiking; the flora and fauna, the majestic views, the little stuff, the big stuff. While there might be some common themes we all enjoy, there will also be some unique reasons for each of us which are likely to be different. In episode 010 we provided a broad overview of some of these reasons and this week in episode 118 we look at some of the more 'spiritual reason' (for want of a better phrase) behind why we hike.
www.australianhiker.com.au
2019-08-1333 minAustralian Hiker117-Hume and Hovell Track: in the footsteps of explorersOver the next month Gill and Tim from Australian Hiker will commence their end to end on the Hume and Hovell Track. This track, in the state of New South Wales (NSW), travels between the towns of Yass to the north and Albury to the south, for a distance of 426 km.
In this episode we provide some background to one of Australia's lesser known long distance trails, talk about some of the logistics involved, as well as our expectations for this trip.
Once we commence this trip we will be releasing regular social media posts...2019-08-0629 minAustralian Hiker116-Choosing a Sleeping MatChoosing the right sleeping pad/mat can be the difference between a bad night’s sleep and a great night’s sleep. But it is not as easy as grabbing the first pad you see. Navigating the range of brands and models can be confusing. In this episode we look at the things to consider in selecting a sleeping mat. www.australianhiker.com.au
2019-07-3029 minAustralian Hiker113-European Peace Walk-interview with Lexi ConnorsIn this weeks episode we talk to traveller and avid hiker Lexi Connors about her recent trip on the European Peace Walk Trail. This trail is relatively unknown but provides and alternative to the heavily used Camino trails. In this episode we discuss the logistics, the ups and downs, and the highlights of this unique trail. www.australianhiker.com.au
2019-07-0944 minAustralian Hiker112-When is it time to quit a hike?As a hiking blogger who is also interested in long distance hiking, quitting a hiker is always something in the back of my mind. However quitting a hike is not confined to long distance trails and can be a consideration on any hike. Sometimes calling it quits on a hike is just the sensible thing to do. In this podcast we discuss some of the reasons that we may pull the pin on hike.
www.australianhiker.com.au
2019-07-0234 minAustralian Hiker001 - How Do You Select Hiking Equipment. A Guide For Beginners.A beginners guide to choosing hiking equipment
Osprey Exos 48 pack review
Overnight Oates recipe
website www.australianhiker.com.au2016-11-0632 minAustralian Hiker000 - Australian Hiker - An IntroductionEpisode 000-This episode is a brief introduction to the Australian Hiker podcast and website. Australian Hiker launched on 11 November 2016 and is aimed at providing a resource on hiking in Australia as well as providing a southern hemisphere view on hiking overseas.
Podcasts will be normally be released every two weeks with additional bonus episode from the trail as they occur.
Join us as we create this resource. Please let us know if you if there is anything that you would like to see discussed on either the podcast or website. www.australianhiker.com.au2016-11-0504 min