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Page 1: IN PARTNERSHIP WITH · Introducing an unforgettable new four-day guided eco-walk that explores the Scenic Rim’s most breathtaking natural treasures by day, before delivering a Spicers

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Page 2: IN PARTNERSHIP WITH · Introducing an unforgettable new four-day guided eco-walk that explores the Scenic Rim’s most breathtaking natural treasures by day, before delivering a Spicers

WWW.BRIDGEANDWICKERS.CO.UK

Great Walks of Australia is an exclusive collection of some of the best walking experiences Australia has to offer. Each of these independently owned and guided walking experiences is unique, and together they cover some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes – from the untamed Tasmanian wilderness to the rugged Victorian coastline; to the ancient volcanic plateaus of Queensland and the magnificent and ancient outback of South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Nothing sparks the senses quite like spending time in nature and these eight multi day adventures present an unparalleled opportunity to experience the landscape, up close, in depth and on foot. The journeys are led by expert guides with a deep understanding of the environment who help to bring alive the culture, nature and history of each destination along the way.

Small intimate groups, exclusive accommodation and gourmet food and wine combine the remote wilderness with the comfort of a luxury holiday. If you are one of the privileged few that chooses a Great Walk of Australia, you will be rewarded with a heightened sense of physical and emotional wellbeing but more importantly a sense of reconnection.

A reconnection with nature; a reconnection with the person you arrived with and a reconnection with the layers of your life, slowly peeled back each day until your heart breathes easy and your joy returns.

At Great Walks of Australia we live life one step at a time, at walking pace. We are used to welcoming those stressed by life and returning a better version home, with a mind full of joyful moments and a body filled with a yearning to walk again.

FLINDERS RANGES – SOUTH AUSTRALIA02

THE GREAT WALKS OF AUSTRALIA

Page 3: IN PARTNERSHIP WITH · Introducing an unforgettable new four-day guided eco-walk that explores the Scenic Rim’s most breathtaking natural treasures by day, before delivering a Spicers

04 GREAT OCEAN WALK – VICTORIA WWW.BRIDGEANDWICKERS.CO.UK

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THE LARAPINTA TRAIL

SCENIC RIM TRAIL

THE ARKABA WALK

TWELVE APOSTLES LODGE WALK

BAY OF FIRES LODGE WALK

FREYCINET EXPERIENCE WALK

THE MARIA ISLAND WALK

CRADLE MOUNTAIN HUTS WALK

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‘ALL WALKING IS DISCOVERY. ON FOOT WE TAKE THE TIME TO SEE THINGS WHOLE.’ – HAL BORLAND

currently delivers eight unique pieces that together reflect a pilgrimage of Australian walking, designed to evolve over time. When you finish one journey, you will be ready for the next. Take the first steps to becoming a Great Australian Walker; not a destination but a true journey.

Intense discovery leads to the most amazing revelations and so it is with Great Walks of Australia. Spend four or six days in one region, truly immersing yourself in the wonder of the small, whilst refreshing your appreciation for how nature comes together as a whole.Australia cannot be surmised in one walk alone. The collection

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Page 4: IN PARTNERSHIP WITH · Introducing an unforgettable new four-day guided eco-walk that explores the Scenic Rim’s most breathtaking natural treasures by day, before delivering a Spicers

06 MARIA ISLAND – TASMANIA

BECOME A GREAT AUSTRALIAN WALKER Broaden your sense of freedom, your perspective and wellbeing; reconnect one step at a time, one walk at a time. Addictive, reviving, and with something different to earn from each, Great Walks of Australia recommends those looking to gain the full experience invest in all eight. Will you be the first Great Australian walker?

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE

Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk The Arkaba Walk

Bay of Fires Lodge Walk Bay of Fires Lodge Walk Bay of Fires Lodge Walk Bay of Fires Lodge Walk Bay of Fires Lodge Walk The Larapinta Trail

Cradle Mountain Huts Walk Cradle Mountain Huts Walk Cradle Mountain Huts Walk Cradle Mountain Huts Walk Cradle Mountain Huts Walk Scenic Rim Trail

The Maria Island Walk The Maria Island Walk The Maria Island Walk The Maria Island Walk The Arkaba Walk

Freycinet Experience Walk Freycinet Experience Walk Freycinet Experience Walk Freycinet Experience Walk The Larapinta Trail

The Arkaba Walk The Arkaba Walk Scenic Rim Trail

The Larapinta Trail

Scenic Rim Trail

JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

The Arkaba Walk The Arkaba Walk Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk

The Larapinta Trail The Larapinta Trail The Arkaba Walk Bay of Fires Lodge Walk Bay of Fires Lodge Walk Bay of Fires Lodge Walk

Scenic Rim Trail Scenic Rim Trail The Larapinta Trail Cradle Mountain Huts Walk Cradle Mountain Huts Walk Cradle Mountain Huts Walk

Scenic Rim Trail The Maria Island Walk The Maria Island Walk The Maria Island Walk

The Arkaba Walk Freycinet Experience Walk Freycinet Experience Walk

Scenic Rim Trail

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Page 5: IN PARTNERSHIP WITH · Introducing an unforgettable new four-day guided eco-walk that explores the Scenic Rim’s most breathtaking natural treasures by day, before delivering a Spicers

Walking the high ridgelines of Alice Springs, you’ll gain a rare perspective of vast flood plains, razorback rocky outcrops and the awe-inspiring scale of this ancient land. Over six days, The Larapinta Trail will delight wilderness lovers and challenge the seasoned hiker. The Larapinta Trail is ideal for the more ambitious walker with some challenging stages passing over remote ridges and canyons, walking up to 16 kilometres per day.

This desert walk is enhanced with stylish, award winning architect designed, semi-permanent wilderness campsites, which come complete with hot showers and a heated dining and lounge tent, exclusive to World Expeditions travellers on the Larapinta Trail. Permanently set up, you just arrive and relax. Your professional support crew take care of the details like dinner, while you enjoy the diverse desert scenery.

Carry only your day-pack as you walk with guides into the harsh surrounds of the Australian outback. In the footsteps of traditional owners, early explorers, and modern adventurers, the stories of the Larapinta Trail will come to life with every passing desert step. Let the land move you, as the changing moods of the country work their magic – we know by the end of your walk you will have fallen in love with the landscape and its secrets, like so many before you.

Accessed from: Alice Springs, Northern TerritoryDuration: 6 days/5 nightsTotal distance: up to 72km (44 miles)Graded as: moderate to hard

THE LARAPINTA TRAIL BY WORLD EXPEDITIONS

THE DESERT RANGES OF THE RED CENTRE DELIVER THE QUINTESSENTIAL AUSTRALIAN EXPERIENCE ON THE LARAPINTA TRAIL.

WWW.BRIDGEANDWICKERS.CO.UK08 WWW.BRIDGEANDWICKERS.CO.UK

Page 6: IN PARTNERSHIP WITH · Introducing an unforgettable new four-day guided eco-walk that explores the Scenic Rim’s most breathtaking natural treasures by day, before delivering a Spicers

Introducing an unforgettable new four-day guided eco-walk that explores the Scenic Rim’s most breathtaking natural treasures by day, before delivering a Spicers Retreats inspired sense of relaxed luxury by night.

This truly unique adventure starts in the foothills of South East Queensland’s Main Range National Park, an area famous for its stunning collection of mountains, ridges, escarpments, forests and ancient volcanic plateaus.

From here, experienced guides will lead you through a region that contains more than 30,000 hectares of parkland, numerous state forests and national parks. Combined with large portions of private land, including Spicers Peak Station, a 2,000 hectare nature refuge, you’ll enjoy a rare opportunity to explore land previously only touched by early pioneers.

Throughout your journey you’ll also hear tales, rituals and traditions of the region’s indigenous inhabitants – people forever woven into the natural environment of this land.

And because you’ll be a guest of Spicers Retreats, you can expect luxurious accommodation, gourmet food and wine, and attentive service every step of the way.

Accessed from: Brisbane or Cunninghams Gap, QueenslandDuration: 4 days/3 nightsTotal distance: 30km (18 miles)Graded as: easy to moderate

SCENIC RIM TRAIL BY SPICERSNATURAL TREASURES, STUNNING FORESTS AND ANCIENT VOLCANIC PLATEAUS: EXPLORE THE EXCLUSIVE NATURE REFUGE AND HAVENS ALONG THE SCENIC RIM TRAIL.

WWW.BRIDGEANDWICKERS.CO.UK10 WWW.BRIDGEANDWICKERS.CO.UK

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THE ARKABA WALK

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600 million years of geological history echo through the stratified layers of Wilpena Pound and the Elder Range, providing spectacular backdrops throughout the walk; the craggy sandstone bluffs and dry creek beds lined with River Red Gums are a quintessential Australian scene.

Groups of up to ten walkers depart from Wilpena Pound on day one, escorted by one or more of Arkaba’s specialist field guides, whose passion is in opening up the secrets of the country and reconnecting guests with the bush. Arkaba is also a private conservancy; walkers learn of the work that has been done in removing feral animals, and the results to be seen and heard with the return of native bird, mammal, and reptile species to the area.

Arkaba’s evenings are spent around the campfire indulging in a three-course camp dinner and a selection of South Australian premium wines before retiring to Arkaba’s signature star beds. The final night is spent in the comfort of Arkaba’s beautifully renovated 1850’s homestead.

Accessed from: Adelaide, South AustraliaDuration: 4 days/3 nightsTotal distance: 45km (30 miles)Graded as: moderate

TRAVERSING THE ANCIENT LANDSCAPE OF THE FLINDERS RANGES IN OUTBACK SOUTH AUSTRALIA, THE ARKABA WALK IS A FOUR-DAY EXPERIENCE THAT IMMERSES WALKERSIN THE STORY OF THE LAND.

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14 WWW.BRIDGEANDWICKERS.CO.UK

Just two and a half hours from Melbourne, you can be in remote wilderness and tick off a world walking icon on the Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk. In four days and over 55km, marvel at the rugged coastline, ever-changing terrain, and dedicated walking trails, ending at the iconic Twelve Apostles. Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk highlights the best and most remote sections of the trail known as the Great Ocean Walk. Explore marine sanctuaries, wild coastal walks, old-growth rainforests and beaches that are as remote as they are empty.

Accompanied by guides who are committed to providing you the best Australian walking experience, you will be safely escorted along the trail, hearing stories of shipwrecks and adventure while facing the wild Southern Ocean head on. The team is complemented by an onsite chef, showcasing fabulous regional food and, of course, some of Victoria’s best wines. On the final day, walk into the Twelve Apostles, finishing with an included helicopter flight over the coast just travelled.

Unique to Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk is the exclusive hiking lodge, built to be your home away from home. Relax for three nights at our hiker-only eco lodge, with ensuite bathrooms and single rooms at no single supplement. Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk allows only ten guests at a time to experience this unique Advanced Eco-Certified journey, purposely limited to ensure sustainable trail use and exclusive guest experiences.

Accessed from: Melbourne, VictoriaDuration: 4 days/3 nights Total distance: 55km (34 miles)Graded as: moderate

TWELVE APOSTLES LODGE WALKDISCOVER BEAUTIFUL VICTORIA ON THE GREAT OCEAN WALK. MARVEL AT THE RUGGED COASTLINE, EVER-CHANGING TERRAIN, DEDICATED WALKING TRACKS ENDING AT THE ICONIC TWELVE APOSTLES.

WWW.BRIDGEANDWICKERS.CO.UK

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AT THE EDGE OF MT WILLIAM NATIONAL PARK IN NORTH-EASTERN TASMANIA, THE MAGNIFICENT WILDERNESS COASTLINE KNOWN AS THE BAY OF FIRES PROVIDES DRAMATIC LANDSCAPES, ECOLOGY AND WILDLIFE.

WWW.BRIDGEANDWICKERS.CO.UK16

BAY OF FIRES LODGE WALK

Immerse yourself in one of the most pristine environments that Tasmania has to offer; walk the sandy beaches, explore coves, and kayak the Ansons River. See unique Australian wildlife – wombats, forester kangaroos, echidnas, dolphins, and whales in their natural habitats – and discover aboriginal heritage up close.

Departing daily from October to May, the walk is a four-day/three-night experience. The first night’s accommodation is spent at Forester Beach Camp, a private haven nestled in a protected dune swale behind a stretch of clean, white-sand beach.

The second and third nights’ accommodation is at the multi-award winning Bay of Fires Lodge. Set 40 metres above the beach, this eco-conscious building is an architectural feat comprising two long timber and glass pavilions, and an open living area complete with fireplace and private twin-share bedrooms. All meals are provided for the duration of the walk, using only the finest Tasmanian local produce, and dinners complete with world-class Tasmanian wines.

If you are looking for a little indulgence why not book a massage or treatment at our new exclusive boutique spa located 100 metres from the lodge. Accessed from: Launceston, TasmaniaDuration: 4 days/3 nightsTotal distance: 33km (20.5 miles) one day optional sea kayakingGraded as: easy to moderate

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Page 10: IN PARTNERSHIP WITH · Introducing an unforgettable new four-day guided eco-walk that explores the Scenic Rim’s most breathtaking natural treasures by day, before delivering a Spicers

Set against the dramatic backdrop of pink granite mountains, you will be led by engaging guides to rarely explored corners of the Freycinet National Park including the breathtaking Schouten Island. Here you will discover diverse marine and wildlife, secluded turquoise bays and rich coastal forests. Travelling in the footsteps of the Oyster Bay Tribe, the walk traverses the same ancient bush tracks trodden some 30,000 years ago.

On day two there is a choice between a challenging walk over Mt Graham or a leisurely coastal route before re-grouping at the end of the day at the spectacular Wineglass Bay. Travelling light you will only need to carry a small backpack for your lunch and a camera.

The ambience at Friendly Beaches Lodge is informal but sophisticated. The relaxing atmosphere is accompanied by delicious meals using the best of Tasmanian produce – freshly caught flathead, local oysters and wines of the region. The lodge is exclusive to your group (maximum ten) where you will have private rooms with comfortable beds and enjoy friendly personal service.

We recommend a final swim at Friendly Beaches, it is exhilarating!

Accessed from: Freycinet Peninsula, TasmaniaDuration: 4 days/3 nightsTotal distance: up to 37km (22 miles) Graded as: easy to moderate

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FREYCINET EXPERIENCE WALKTHE FREYCINET EXPERIENCE WALK IS A FOUR-DAY EXPLORATION OF THE FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK ON TASMANIA’S EAST COAST. RETURNING EACH NIGHT TO THE FRIENDLY BEACHES LODGE RENOWNED FOR ITS AWARD-WINNING ENVIRONMENTAL ARCHITECTURE.

WWW.BRIDGEANDWICKERS.CO.UKWWW.BRIDGEANDWICKERS.CO.UK

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THEMARIA ISLAND WALK

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COMBINING RARE WILDLIFE, CONVICT HERITAGE, AND ELEGANT ACCOMMODATION, THE MULTI-AWARD WINNING MARIA ISLAND WALK, LETS SMALL GROUPS OF JUST TEN GUESTS AND TWO GUIDES ENJOY GENTLE WALKING BY DAY AND CANDLELIT GOURMET DINING AT NIGHT.

Just a few kilometres off Tasmania’s east coast, Maria Island is 100% national park with a population of just two park rangers and their one car. This world heritage island is a sanctuary, and a Noah’s Ark for rare Tasmanian birds and animals including an introduced population of disease-free Tasmanian devils.

The Maria Island Walk is a soft adventure led by warm, friendly and knowledgeable local guides. The packs are light, the food is fresh and local, the wine is Tasmania’s best, and a comfortable bed each night awaits. The walk itself is light and undemanding with options to add challenge as desired. You don’t need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy it.

Guests stay overnight in two delightful wilderness campsites, both a stone’s throw away from pristine, white-sand beaches. These beaches are the perfect place to unwind with a glass of wine, enjoy a barefoot stroll exploring for rare shells, or a swim in the turquoise waters that grace the island’s shores.

On the final night, guests of the Maria Island Walk stay in a heritage house in Darlington, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled on the northern tip of the island. Once a busting penal settlement with over 600 convicts, Darlington is now home to a medley of well-preserved historical buildings. It’s also an excellent place to see wombats!

Accessed from: Hobart, TasmaniaDuration: 4 days/3 nightsTotal distance: 25 to 43km (15 to 25 miles) Graded as: easy to moderate

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CRADLE MOUNTAIN HUTS WALKOVER SIX DAYS, EXPLORE ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST SPECTACULAR WORLD HERITAGE AREAS WHILE TREKKING AUSTRALIA’S ICONIC OVERLAND TRACK IN THE PEACEFUL AND EXQUISITE TERRAIN OF CRADLE MOUNTAIN – LAKE ST CLAIR NATIONAL PARK.

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At the end of each day, wind down in the warmth and comfort of the only private hut accommodation on the track. These eco-huts have been discreetly located off the main trail and offer hot showers, a drying room, guest lounge with open fire and private twin-share rooms. At day’s end your wilderness guides prepare an inspired three-course dinner while you sit back and relax with a glass of Tasmanian wine.

This itinerary maximises opportunities for optional side trips including Mt Ossa – Tasmania’s highest peak (weather permitting), Lake Will and a number of lookouts and waterfalls. Each day you’ll walk between seven and twelve kilometres (excluding side trips) over varied terrain including button grass plains, temperate rainforests, alpine meadows, lichen covered trails and open moorland. The park is home to Tasmanian Devils, wombats, wallabies and an array of birdlife. At the end of this six-day adventure, enjoy the spectacular 17-kilometre boat trip across Lake St Clair before returning to Launceston.

Accessed from: Launceston, TasmaniaDuration: 6 days/5 nightsTotal distance: 60km (37 miles)Graded as: moderate to hard

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GREAT WALKS OF AUSTRALIA: AT A GLANCE

WWW.BRIDGEANDWICKERS.CO.UK24 LARAPINTA TRAIL – NORTHERN TERRITORY

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*Elevations are indicative only and are not to scale. Walkers should contact individual walk companies to better understand the terrain and difficulty of each walk.

walk, opt for a four-day wander through unadulterated countryside in northern Tasmania, a walk on the beach on Maria Island, or the Great Ocean Walk region in Victoria. Whatever your ability or predilection, you’ll find the perfect walking holiday in the Great Walks of Australia collection.

Whether you want to challenge yourself or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll, these charts are designed to help you decide on the right track for you. For a challenging walk, perhaps opt for the six-day trek through the Larapinta Trail, or the six-day walk over Cradle Mountain. For a more relaxed

Standard walks:

Optional walks:

TWELVE APOSTLES LODGE WALK

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Page 14: IN PARTNERSHIP WITH · Introducing an unforgettable new four-day guided eco-walk that explores the Scenic Rim’s most breathtaking natural treasures by day, before delivering a Spicers

‘LOOK DEEP INTO NATURE, AND THEN YOU WILL UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING BETTER.’– ALBERT EINSTEIN.

FREYCINET PENINSULA – TASMANIA26

With so much to discover, our website www.greatwalksofaustralia.com.au is the perfect resource to get started on planning your adventure – offering online itineraries, seasonal guides and transport details for each destination.

Follow Great Walks of Australia on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook and share your experiences, stories and photos with our walking community, and learn more about the next Great Walk to be had on your list.

Some images courtesy of Tourism Australia.

Page 15: IN PARTNERSHIP WITH · Introducing an unforgettable new four-day guided eco-walk that explores the Scenic Rim’s most breathtaking natural treasures by day, before delivering a Spicers

25-27 Vanston Place, London SW6 1AZ

[email protected]

02035 530701

www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk