I don’t know about you but I seem to be itching to get out there into the wide open spaces and stretch my legs, breath in deep and let go of the pressures and restrictions of the past 10 months. Let’s get out there discovering and exploring all the amazing opportunities we are lucky enough to have on our doorstep. Here are my Top 5 walks and hikes out there to scratch that itch for 2021.
Clare manages Back Track’s trekking suite of products, and is an avid trekker who’s trekked on six continents. She leads treks and designs new itineraries. Her most recent trekking holiday was Patagonia.
1. KARINJINI NATIONAL PARK
Walking in the Karijini National Park in the Pilbara region of WA has been high on my list for a few years now.
Exploring the ancient cavernous gorges, swimming beneath cascading waterfalls, climbing over some of the oldest rocks on the planet and camping under a wide open outback sky, what’s not to enjoy. An adventure to the heart of the red centre is calling my name.
2. NGARO SEA TRAI
Many of us have been to the Whitsundays. Taken a selfie on Whitehaven beach. On this unique trip we explore the ancient trails and paths of the Ngaro Sea Trail.
The Whitsundays is the homeland of Ngaro people. For 9000 years the Ngaro have continued their connection to the land and as visitors to the region we are welcomed to their homeland to experience our own journey through the Ngaro Sea Trail.
Exploring the tropical rainforest, grasslands and ever constant view of the islands spotted around the Coral Sea.
3. OVERLAND TRACK
The iconic Australian walk that just has to be done by anyone calling themselves a hiker. A 65km six day trek through the heart of the Cradle Mountain-Lake Sinclair National Park within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. This stunning, challenging walk attracts people from around the world to explore the glacially carved valleys, deep forests, alpine meadows and spectacular highland landscapes and vistas. You can trek staying in comfort and relative luxury in beautiful lodges every night or experience the remote wilderness from your camp site.
4. CAPE TO CAPE
I did this walk a few years ago, absolutely loved it and can’t wait to go back. I am looking forwards to walking the coastline from Cape Naturalist to Cape Leeuwin enjoying the beauty of the coastal cliffs, towering Karri forest and hidden beaches of this section of the West Australian coastline.
In 2021 travel with Back Track Adventures and enjoy the walk with a little bit of comfort on the side – Comfortable accommodation every night, 3 course dinners, margaret river wines and our wonderful trek leader extraordinaire Megan Davidson sharing the path with you on this Indian Ocean adventure.
5. SEVEN PEAKS WALK, LORD HOWE ISLAND
The Seven Peaks 5day guided walk is a great way to explore this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage listed island and only a couple of hours flight away! On Lord Howe the sublime nature is best enjoyed on this walk where the adventure is high, the food and wine is superb, and your accommodation is beautifully comfortable. Let’s climb the islands peaks, explore the lookouts and enjoy some of the best tropical island views in the world.
