Meet the New Executive Officer Championing Great Walks of Australia
Having walked miles with my dad as a young kid, it’s in my DNA. Throughout my twenties and thirties, friends and I were always out on trails, walking, exploring, and talking. Always talking — a lot!
One of my favourite things about multi-day hikes is the incredibly deep and long-lasting connections we make walking together across days.
The other very special factor? You never return home the same. Inside a little (or sometimes a lot) of you transforms. It shifts as you reconnect with the land, life, and love. With every footstep, we disconnect from the rush, hustle, and noise of everyday life.
That’s why I’m so excited to have stepped into this role — to advocate, educate, and invite both seasoned walkers and those new to the trail to experience the magic of multi-day walking. It’s time to discover the incredible offerings from our diverse and passionate group of walking operators.
About Great Walks of Australia
Great Walks of Australia is a collection of 13 of the country’s most exceptional multi-day guided walks. Each one is located in a spectacular and remote corner of the continent. From Tasmania’s windswept headlands and the ochre ridges of the outback, to tropical islands and rainforests brimming with life — these walks showcase Australia’s awe-inspiring natural beauty.
Why Walk? Why Now?
Walking is one of the most enriching ways to experience the best of what Australia has to offer.
Instead of rushing through destinations, we get to slow down.
With every step:
- We reconnect with the beauty that surrounds us
- We absorb stories of country, culture, and connection
- We build clarity, creativity, and calm
- We foster meaningful conversations and moments
There are many ways to see Australia by plane, train, caravan, coach or car however experiencing Australia on foot creates a deeper, more lasting connection with the places you visit, one self and those you walk with. It is a truly enriching and unforgettable life experience.
What Makes These Walks So Special?
Each walk is operated by trusted local businesses and led by expert guides, storytellers with deep knowledge of ecosystems, Indigenous culture, and the unique character of each location.
Because the experiences are fully supported and small-group, travellers feel safe and connected — while still getting close to nature and the heart of the landscape.
Spanning Australia, with departures scheduled across all seasons, year-round we’ve got something for every kind of explorer whether first-time walkers, seasoned hikers, solo travellers, couples or groups.
Our walks are ideally suited for those seeking comfort with their adventure — think eco-lux stays, incredible regional food and wine, and warm, seamless hospitality from start to finish.
Our Commitment to Walking Tourism
As part of Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences, Great Walks of Australia is committed to growing walking tourism. Together with our member operators, we’re working to ensure Australia is recognised globally as a top-tier walking destination.
Now more than ever, travellers are seeking experiences that offer wellness, nature, and purpose. Multi-day walks deliver all three — with unforgettable scenery and life-changing perspective along the way.
Whether it’s coastal cliffs, ancient ranges, lush rainforest, or island trails – there’s a walk waiting for you.
If you’re ready to stretch your legs, breathe deeply, and discover a side of Australia that stays with you long after the boots come off, explore the full collection of walks at greatwalksofaustralia.com.au/our-walks and start planning your next extraordinary journey on foot.
Look forward to seeing you out on the trails or email me here: eo@greatwalksofaustralia.com.au
Happy Walking!
Genevieve
Yes, you read that correctly! We’ve got a super hot and exclusive Great Walks offer for you: book Seven Peaks Walk for any departure in Spring 2023 and you’ll score a bonus free night at Pinetrees Lodge, WITH free meals, to make the magic of Lord Howe Island and your Great Walk last a longer.
This offer is exclusive to Great Walks of Australia and for bookings made through Pinetrees Lodge.
Use the promo code GWOA0923 to secure an extra night on the house and free meals on your Seven Peaks Walk booking for this Spring.
The five day/six night Seven Peaks Walk has been a wildly hot ticket for hikers over the past few years for good reason; the island’s pristine natural beauty, diverse hiking terrain, gorgeous beaches, crystal clear waters, and unique flora and fauna make for a slice of paradise that’s enchanting, fascinating and a dream to explore on foot!
Plus, if you want to experience truly awesome and sustainable hospitality, Pinetrees Lodge – your hosts and accommodation on the Seven Peaks Walk – has just won TripAdvisor’s hotel of the year for the fourth time and is the first hotel in Australia to become certified as carbon neutral through the Climate Active program.
Book Seven Peaks Walk Now
T&Cs: Available on new bookings only for Seven Peaks Walk made through Pinetrees Lodge. For travel from September to December 2023, until availability is sold out. Not transferable.
Great news if you want to hike solo on the Classic Larapinta Trek In Comfort; Australian Walking Holiday’s popular special of a free upgrade to a private tent for solo walkers (no single supplement) has been extended throughout the 2024 walking season.
A limited number of spots per trip are available for those traveling solo to have a tent to yourself at no extra charge.
An outback odyssey, the six day Classic Larapinta Trek In Comfort is a bucket-list journey for many walkers around the world, and one that delivers personal achievement and reward in spades.
Big days adventuring through the West McDonnell Ranges gets you up close and connected with the outback, while nights are spent in the comfortsof award-winning safari style eco-camps.
Book the Classic Larapinta Trek In Comfort Walk now
If you’ve been thinking of walking the four day Scenic Rim Trail in Queensland with your mates, here’s a brilliant reason to do so now: book for four or more people staying twin share and you’ll save $250 per person with this hot deal.
This offer is for walks from June to November 2023, and bookings must be on the same departure (subject to availability).
The four day Scenic Rim Trail covers 60km through Main Range National Park and Spicers’ own private nature reserves, taking you from soaring mountain tops down into the lush ancient world heritage listed Gondwana rainforests – some truly epic scenery.
Located just 1.5 hours from Brisbane, it’s the area is much loved by walkers in the know as Queesland’s best kept secrets and places to hike.
The Scenic Rim Trail 2023 walking season has just kicked off, it’s such a sensational time to hike in Queensland, so make the most of this great cost saving and book today.
Book the Scenic Rim Trail Bring Some Friends offer
Bay Of Fires Signature Walk has joined with Barnbougle Golf Links once again to offer hikers their popular limited edition hike and golf walks in 2024, featuring two of northern Tasmania’s great outdoor experiences.
These special walks combine the full four day Bay of Fires Signature walk with two days golfing at nearby Barnbougle – one of Australia’s premier golf courses and one of the Great Golf Courses of Australia – including transfers and executive club hire.
Two exclusive departure dates are available, for up to 10 people per date.
January 13 – 18, 2024 | Price $3,595 per person
March 16 – 31, 2024 | Price: $3,595 per person
Book now or get more info on Bay Of Fires Signture Walk & Golf At Barnbougle
For those that have done Maria Island Walk, you’ll know your final pit-stop of historic Bernacchi House in Darlington is a much loved and welcomed place to spend your final night of this four day walk, with its comfortable lounges, lovely dining area, porch perfect for wine and cheese, and hot showers.
Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Listed area of Darlington, Bernacchi House recently received a beautiful and gentle heritage restoration by the Maria Island Walk/Wildbush Luxury team, bringing back much of the charm and sparkle of its former glory when it was one of the finest houses on the island.
Local Tasmanian designer Laura Stucken, also co-owner of Van Bone Restaurant, was in charge of redesign and choose a colour palette in warm natural earthy to breathe freshness into the homestead, which is a local landmark for her.
“As Van Bone looks out over Maria Island, I am very familiar with the landscape, environment, and the history of the island, and understand how important materials, furniture and finishing touches are to capturing the spirit of a place,” she said.
“I was delighted to work with the team on the re-design of Bernacchi House which now feels refreshed and sophisticated but still remains true to the building’s fabric and story.”
Local artisans were commissioned to design and make some new furniture, including Simon Ancher Studio’s beautiful sustainable Tasmanian timber beds and Scott Van Tuil’s sandstone tables, paying homage to the gorgeous Painted Cliffs on the island, much loved by the community.
Local potters Tim and Tammy Holmes also brought their work to ceramics through the house, and other furnishings and joinery was sourced from artisans and suppliers in the Hobart area.
To come and experience the revitalised beauty of Bernacchi, book the award-winning four day, three night Maria Island Walk today. Running from October to May each year, it celebrates fantastic walking (with optional climbs if you like), indigenous culture, settler history and wildlife galore, as Australia’s unofficial home of wombats and many other animals.
Book Maria Island Walk Now
