Beating Burnout by Walking in Nature

The signs arrive quietly: short sleep, a tight chest before meetings, a mind that won’t settle even when the day is over. Burnout rarely crashes in; it builds. And it feeds on one thing most of us can’t seem to find: space.

Walking gives that space back. It’s simple, accessible, and deeply human. Step after step, the body regulates, the breath deepens, and the mind finds room to soften. This is not about chasing a personal best. It’s about coming back to yourself.

Summary

• Walking is a natural circuit breaker for stress and mental fatigue.
• Even short walks can lift mood and clarity; multi-day walks amplify the effect.
• Research links time in nature with lower stress markers and calmer brain activity.
• Gentle, practical walking rituals protect energy during busy weeks.
• Multi-day guided walks create sustained space for reflection, connection, and rest.

Why walking works when you’re stretched thin

In Australia, reports of burnout are worryingly high compared with global averages. Microsoft’s Work Trend Index highlighted that around 62% of Australian employees were experiencing burnout versus 48% globally, a trend echoed across Australian summaries of the data (sources: Microsoft Work Trend Index; news.com.au; MHFA Australia).

Short walks help right away. A Curtin University team found that a 30-minute lunchtime walk in previously inactive office workers improved enthusiasm, relaxation, and motivation during the workday (source: Thøgersen-Ntoumani et al., Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 2014–2015 coverage). It’s a reminder that you don’t have to overhaul your life to feel different by 3pm.

Nature’s effect on stress and mood is measurable

You can feel the difference the moment you step under trees or onto a coastal path: air cooler on your cheeks, light shifting through leaves, shoulders dropping without permission. Research backs that felt sense.

• Stress physiology: Spending just 20 minutes in nature can reduce stress hormone levels in everyday settings (source: Harvard Health, 2019).
• Brain activity: After a 60-minute walk in a natural environment, activity in the amygdala — the brain region involved in stress processing — decreases. The same change doesn’t appear after an urban walk of the same length (source: Sudimac et al., Molecular Psychiatry, 2022; open-access summary via PMC).
• Mental health: Accumulating an activity volume similar to 150 minutes of brisk walking per week is associated with roughly a 25% lower risk of depression (source: Pearce et al., JAMA Psychiatry, 2022).

The power of stepping away for days, not minutes

If a single lunchtime stroll can shift your mood, imagine what happens when you give yourself several days of steady walking in nature. With multi-day walks, your nervous system finally has time to settle into a different rhythm: walk, eat, rest, talk, notice, sleep. Repeat.

There’s also a creativity effect when you spend longer outdoors. In research involving multiple days in natural settings, participants improved creative problem-solving performance by around 50% compared with pre-trip baselines, suggesting that extended time away from screens and schedules restores attention and sparks new thinking (source: Atchley, Strayer, and Atchley, PLoS ONE, 2012).

Walking with others restores connection

Burnout thrives in isolation and constant self-pressure. Walking gently breaks that pattern. Conversations flow easier when you’re moving side by side. Silences don’t feel awkward; they feel restorative. Whether it’s a lap around the block with a colleague or several days on a guided track, shared steps create a sense of belonging that softens stress.

Simple walking rituals that protect your energy

• Micro breaks: Trade a scroll between meetings for 5–10 minutes outside. Notice three things you can see, hear, and feel.
• Walking meetings: Take one recurring catch-up on the move each week. Many people find ideas arrive more easily when the body is in motion.
• Transition walks: A short morning loop to start the day with intention; an evening loop to mark its end.
• Weekend reset: Choose a bush trail, a coastal path, or a riverside track and give yourself a longer, unhurried walk.
• Multi-day immersion: A guided walking holiday removes decision fatigue. You walk, you’re fed, you rest well, and each day builds on the last.

What multi-day walking in Australia can feel like

Australia’s landscapes invite you to slow down. Think of long coastal boardwalks with the hush of surf, forest trails where the air smells faintly of eucalyptus, and high-country paths with big skies and clean horizons. On multi-day guided walks, meals are taken care of, and each day’s route brings fresh terrain and fresh headspace. You don’t have to think about logistics. Your only job is to keep putting one foot in front of the other and let the noise fall away.

If you’re starting to imagine a few days of walking, Great Walks of Australia curates guided, multi-day experiences across iconic regions. The collection includes coastal routes, alpine landscapes, island trails, and desert country guided by experienced operators, with comfortable stays at day’s end. The practical upside matters when you’re tired: someone else handles the planning, while you focus on your steps, your breath, and the conversations you’ve been too busy to have.

What changes when you walk regularly

• Your inner pace shifts. The world can still be fast, but your responses aren’t.
• Sleep returns a little more easily. Longer outdoor time often supports better sleep quality.
• Your mind has a place to put hard thoughts. They move through rather than around in circles.
• You remember what steady progress looks like. No urgency. Just steps.

Walking reminds us that progress isn’t always about pushing harder. It’s about showing up, moving gently, and letting nature do some of the work. Burnout keeps you stuck. Walking is motion, momentum, and medicine — one honest step at a time.

FAQs

Is walking enough exercise to help with burnout?

• For many people, yes. Even gentle, regular walking can reduce stress, improve mood, and support better sleep. The key is consistency and, when possible, time in green or blue spaces.

How long should I walk to feel a difference?

• Many people notice benefits from 10–30 minutes. Research suggests 20 minutes in nature can lower stress hormones, and a 60-minute nature walk can calm stress-related brain activity.

Do I have to hike hard trails to get the benefits?

• No. The benefits come from steady movement, time outdoors, and your own comfortable pace. A flat riverside path can be as restorative as a climb. Many of our walks have mixed terrain some particularly covering a variety of trail types over the course of days. This can suit different fitness levels. Take a look at our planning guide here to find the walk that suits your fitness level.

What if I’m not very fit?

• Start small and be kind to yourself. Our walk operators offer support leading up to your multi day walk and suggest a training plan. There are clear daily distances for each walk. Aim for regular short walks during the week to prepare and ideally do some back to back walks eg. longer walk on sat/sun or during the week thur/fri – if you can to prepare your body to the consecutive days walking.
• And if it’s more a confidence thing, about whether you can do it, mentally more than physically, take a look at our article her on Comfort and Confidence for First-Time Multi-day Walkers.

What makes a guided Great Walks of Australia multi-day walk helpful for burnout?

• Fewer decisions, a supportive group, delicious food and sleep, and a simple daily rhythm. You get the restorative parts of walking without the mental load of planning.

Got more questions? Head to our Frequently Asked Questions to find out more, or Contact Us and ask your specific questions. Dreaming about your next adventure: explore all of the guided multi-day options here at Great Walks of Australia

References

• Microsoft Work Trend Index: Great Expectations: Making Hybrid Work Work (2022) and Australian summaries (news.com.au; MHFA Australia).
• Lunchtime walking study: Thøgersen-Ntoumani et al., J Behav Nutr Phys Act (2014/2015 coverage via PubMed; Psychological Science news brief).
• Nature and stress hormones: Harvard Health Publishing, “A 20-minute nature break relieves stress” (2019).
• Amygdala and nature walks: Sudimac et al., Molecular Psychiatry (2022).
• Physical activity and depression: Pearce et al., JAMA Psychiatry (2022).
• Multi-day nature immersion and creativity: Atchley, Strayer, and Atchley, PLoS ONE (2012).

Great Walks of Australia is a collective of premium, guided, multi-day walks run by reputable Australian operators in iconic locations, with a strong focus on sustainability, expert guiding, and thoughtful hospitality. Walks typically run 4 to 6 days, use lodge-based or point-to-point accommodation, and feature curated local food and wine that reflects the place you are walking through.

If you’re new to multi-day walking in Australia, you might have a few questions about “Greats”? There’s a TV show called Great Walks, a magazine called Great Walks, and you may have heard about Great Walks of Tasmania or NSW.

So what exactly makes a Great Walk of Australia truly great?

In Summary

The collective is a selected group of premium Australian guided walks united by high standards of sustainability, guiding, safety, and hospitality.

Some key core elements:

• Iconic and immersive locations
• Leave No Trace-aligned practices
• EcoTourism Australia certification appreciated
• Environmental governance and community responsibility
• Multi-day premium walking experiences, often 4 to 6 days
• Expert guides with deep knowledge and genuine care
• Lodge-based or point-to-point itineraries
• Meals and beverages that showcase local provenance

The Great Walks of Australia, a Tourism Australia Signature Experience’s collective brings together independently run, premium guided walks across the country. Each walk meets agreed standards around environmental care, quality guiding, safety, and highly thoughtful guest experience. While the magazine and TV show share stories and inspiration about walking, the collective refers to the collective and collaboration between actual operators and their guided, bookable multi-day experiences across Australia.

Why this matters for first-time walkers?

When you pick a walk inside this collective, you are choosing a trip designed with care for both the environment and the traveller. That means considered routes, trained guides, an emphasis on safety, and an experience that feels complete from the first briefing to the final shared meal.

Key Elements That Make a Great Walk of Australia – Great!

Iconic, immersive locations

The settings are the reason you lace your boots each morning. Expect landscapes that feel distinctly Australian: wild coastlines, ancient ranges, cool temperate forests, highland tarns, red desert light. These walks are designed to bring you into the rhythm of place. Think dawn birdsong as you shoulder your daypack, the soft give of sandy tracks, the scent of eucalyptus after rain. Routes are chosen to offer variety, quiet moments, and a sense of unfolding story.

Sustainability and Leave No Trace practices

Care for country is non-negotiable. Operators use Leave No Trace principles across daily operations, route planning, and guest briefings. You will likely notice clear guidance on staying on track, pack-in pack-out practices where appropriate, and thoughtful infrastructure that minimises impact. This is about walking well and leaving the landscape as you found it.

EcoTourism Australia certification

EcoTourism Australia certification that is relevant to member’s product is highly regarded. This independent certification signals ongoing commitment to environmental performance and continuous improvement. For travellers, it is a simple way to know the walk has been assessed against recognised sustainability criteria.

Environmental governance, conservation, and community responsibility

Behind the scenes are permits, partnerships, and policies that protect sensitive environments. Many operators contribute to conservation initiatives, respect cultural heritage, and prioritise local employment and training. You benefit from access that is carefully managed and relationships that have been built over time. It adds depth to what you see and learn on the track.

Multi-day premium walking experience, typically 4 to 6 days

Time matters. With four to six days, you settle into a comfortable pace. You feel your body adjust to steady movement. You sleep better. You notice more. The itinerary length allows for a complete arc: gentle introduction, a few big moments, a relaxed final day. For many travellers, especially those who prefer to plan with confidence, this structure supports fitness, comfort, and enjoyment.

Expert guides with knowledge and hospitality

Guides are the heart of the experience. They know the local geology, plant life, bird calls, weather patterns, and safety protocols. Just as important, they read the room. They set a pace that suits the group, create space for quiet, and bring warmth to shared meals. You get story-rich interpretation, patient coaching on tricky sections, and the kind of calm presence that builds trust.

Point-to-point or lodge-based experiential accommodation

Some Great Walks of Australia take you from point to point. Others return you to a private lodge or a series of eco-accommodation each night. Either way, the stays are intentionally designed for comfort and connection with place. Expect hot showers, a welcoming common area, and details like drying rooms and boot stations that make walking life easier. You rest well and begin each day refreshed.

Curated local produce and wine that reflect provenance

Meals matter, especially at the end of a full day on the track. Dinners may feature local meats or seafood, small-farm vegetables, or regionally roasted coffee, or wines that tell the story of the surrounding country. It is not about extravagance. It is about thoughtful, well-prepared food that tastes of where you are. The table becomes part of the experience, and conversations with guides and fellow walkers deepen what you have seen.

How to choose the right Great Walk of Australia for you

• Terrain and pace: Coastal paths, alpine trails, or arid country feel very different. Consider your comfort with steps, gradients, and daily distance.
• Accommodation style: Do you prefer the rhythm of a different location each night, or returning to a comfortable lodge base?
• Seasonality and weather: Check the typical conditions for your dates and plan layers accordingly.
• Sustainability values: Look for details about certification, local sourcing, and conservation efforts that align with your priorities.
• Group style and support: If you value personal attention, ask about group size and guide-to-guest ratios.

FAQs

What exactly is the Great Walks of Australia collective?
It’s a national collective of premium, guided, multi-day walks delivered by trusted Australian operators. It’s different from the TV show or magazine called Great Walks. Expect considered routes, expert guides, and hospitality that reflects the place you’re walking through.

How long are the walks and what does a typical day look like?
Most sit around 4 to 6 days. Days include steady walking with regular breaks, story-rich guiding, and time to pause for views and photos. You’ll usually carry a daypack unless on a point to point walk, with water, layers, and lunch; check your chosen itinerary for daily distances and what you’ll carry.

Do I need to be very fit, and how should I prepare?
A steady base helps. If you can comfortably walk for several hours with breaks, you’re well on your way. In the weeks before your trip, add a few longer walks even back to back on the weekend, on varied terrain and include some gentle strength for legs and core. Well-fitted shoes you’ve already worn in make a big difference.

Where do we sleep and what are meals like?
Walks are either point-to-point with eco-accommodation or return to a comfortable private lodge. anticipate hot showers, a welcoming common area, perhaps a foot bath and thoughtful details like a cool towel at the end of a walk or drying rooms. Evenings feature considered, locally sourced meals and regional wines that reflect the region you’re visiting. Note some walks provide alcoholic as an optional extra.

How do you care for the environment and local communities?
Behind the scenes are permits, conservation efforts, cultural respect, and local partnerships that guide how we operate. You’ll be briefed on low-impact walking so we leave places as we found them. Read more on sustainability here.

To understand more about our specific walks, head to Our Walks page here and explore each of the different walks in the collective. For any questions, please reach out via the Contact Us.

We look forward to seeing you on the trail!

To find our more about Tourism Australia’s Signature Experience Collectives watch here.

What does it mean to truly know a place? For many, it’s not enough to simply pass through a landscape, we want to understand it, to listen and learn, and to feel a genuine sense of connection. The Arkaba Walk in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges offers this kind of experience: a chance to walk in ancient footsteps, guided by those who know the land intimately, and to absorb stories that stay with you long after the journey ends.

Have you’ve found yourself searching for more than just breathtaking views, hoping for real insight, quiet wonder, and the comfort of being welcomed as part of something incredibly meaningful? The Arkaba Walk is an invitation to learn, to feel, and to remember why we travel in the first place.

Through guided walks, shared stories, and moments of quiet observation, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Australia’s ancient outback, its ecological challenges, and the personal histories woven through this vast landscape. The Arkaba Walk is an extraordinary opportunity to learn, from the land, its wildlife, and the passionate people who care for it. And you’ll find yourself changed – calmer, more connected, and genuinely moved.

Quick Summary

• The Arkaba Walk is more than a hike; it’s a deeply personal, educational experience in the Flinders Ranges.
• Learn first-hand from expert guides about geology, wildlife, and conservation efforts.
• Sensory moments – the colours at sunset and the hush of dawn – these moments stay with you long after the visit.
• Ideal for those seeking space, nature, peace, and perspective.

South Australia in Motion: From Vineyards to Red Ranges

Consider the journey itself as part of the Arkaba experience. Leaving Adelaide, the country opens gently, from vineyards and paddocks to saltbush plains and the first hint of ancient ridgelines ahead. There’s time to settle, to watch river red gums trace dry creek lines, to notice the changing light and the soft scent of eucalyptus through an open window. A relaxed picnic stop sets the outback pace, and the scenic drive home becomes a quiet debrief, with new views and small towns rolling by as you swap highlights with your driver. You might spot emus moving through the scrub or a wedge-tailed eagle riding a thermal, and when in season, roadside bloom adds a wash of colour. By the time you arrive, you’re already tuned to South Australia’s rhythm, and by the time you leave, you understand why the long road feels worth every kilometre.

What Makes the Arkaba Walk Different?

There are guided walks, and then there’s the Arkaba Walk. Here, learning is inseparable from every step. Fiona from Sydney said after her visit “It’s an extraordinarily special part of Australia. Having travelled extensively around the globe, Arkaba pulls on the heartstrings for many reasons – the expanse, the colours at sunset, the magnificent wildlife in moments both expected and unexpected, and the tireless effort of staff to deliver a profoundly Australian experience. For those living in cities craving space, nature, and peace, or for visitors from overseas, you’ll never feel quite the same again after having lived and experienced a stay at Arkaba.”

Walking with Purpose: Nature as Teacher

From the first crunch of dry earth under your boots, you’re learning. Not just about the Flinders Ranges’ dramatic geological history, incredible ancient seabeds and towering ridgelines, there is an extraordinary delicate balance between wildlife and environment.

Guides at Arkaba are storytellers as much as naturalists. You might find yourself tracing the path of a yellow-footed rock wallaby, pausing in silence while a wedge-tailed eagle glides overhead. The guides share insights into conservation, pointing out where regeneration projects are bringing the land back to life after years of overgrazing.

Walking at Arkaba isn’t rushed. There’s time to stop and notice the scent of eucalyptus warming in the sun, to listen to the distant call of corellas, and to feel the shifting texture of the earth beneath your feet. Dusk brings a hush that invites reflection. It’s peace many city dwellers realise they’ve been missing.

Real Stories, Real People

What sets Arkaba apart is the human element. Staff are passionate and generous with their hospitality and their stories, whether its explaining which wildflowers have returned thanks to conservation, or sharing a favourite spot for stargazing. Every meal is an opportunity to ask questions, swap impressions, and learn from others’ experiences.

Many travellers mention how staying here feels like reconnecting to nature, to community, and to themselves. This is a place where notes are scribbled in travel journals, and where conversations linger over good food and local wine.

Opportunities to Learn and Grow

• Geology: Learn how the Flinders Ranges were formed, and spot ancient fossils.
• Wildlife: Identify kangaroos, emus, and elusive rock wallabies.
• Conservation: Understand the ongoing projects to restore native habitat and reduce introduced species.
• Culture: Hear about the deep connection Aboriginal peoples have with this land, honouring thousands of years of wisdom.
• Personal Reflection: The landscape’s scale and silence invite your own thoughts. What matters most, what you want to remember.

A Walk that Stays with You

Many guests say the real gift of the Arkaba Walk comes later. It’s in the memory of light changing on ancient stone, a surprising animal encounter, or the feeling of belonging to a bigger story. As Fiona from Sydney shared after her visit “You’ll never feel quite the same again after having lived and experienced a stay at Arkaba.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How challenging is the Arkaba Walk?
A: The walk is moderate, covering about 45km over four days with plenty of breaks and support. Guides adapt the pace to suit the group.

Q: What will I learn about wildlife and conservation?
A: Guides share insights into local species, the challenges they face, and practical conservation work happening on the property. You’ll see signs of rewilding and habitat restoration first-hand.

Q: Is this suitable for solo travellers or those over 50?
A: Absolutely. Many guests are solo or in the 50+ age group, valuing the social and reflective aspects of the experience.

Q: What is the accommodation like?
A: Accommodation blends comfort with connection to nature: think swag beds under the stars or a rustic homestead with heartfelt hospitality.

Q: How do I get there?
A: Return road transfers are included in the 4-night Arkaba Walk itinerary. The journey from Adelaide takes around 5 hours with a relaxed picnic lunch enroute. The return follows a scenic route of about 7 hours, with lunch included. Many travellers find the road time becomes part of the Arkaba experience. It’s unhurried time to take in South Australia’s wide skies and changing colours, to shift out of city pace, and to let the outback come gently into focus. Think of it as a soft arrival and a slow, grateful farewell.

Picture the glow on the ranges at day’s end, the hush before dawn, and stories shared over a simple, good meal. Start dreaming about your next adventure. To learn more visit the Arkaba Walk and our Frequently Asked Questions about all of our Great Walks of Australia.

Have you ever pictured yourself on a beautiful trail, wondering quietly, “Could I really do a multi-day walk? Or is that just for the super-fit?” If you’re feeling curious yet also a little unsure, you’re not alone, and you’re exactly who these journeys are made for.

Most first-timers ask the same honest questions:

• Will I keep up?
• What if I get tired?
• Will I feel out of place?

The answers might surprise you. Great Walks of Australia are designed for real people. People with busy lives, a range of fitness levels, and a genuine desire to connect with nature (and each other) at a human pace. You don’t need to prove anything here. What you’ll find is gentle encouragement, good company, and a space to walk your own path with comfort and confidence.

Walking Together: Real Companionship, No Pressure

Every walk is different, and the people you share it with matter just as much as the scenery. Some come as couples or friends, looking to reconnect. Others join solo, seeking new friendships or a bit of quiet. The magic often happens in the in-between moments. Someone sharing a story over a snack break, a guide offering a quiet word of encouragement, or an easy silence where you simply walk together.

There’s no race, and nobody’s left behind. Experienced guides keep an eye on everyone, checking in and supporting you without fuss. You’re free to find your pace, take a break, or simply soak up the landscape whenever you need. It’s not about endurance. It’s about enjoying the journey.

Gentle Transformation: What Really Changes

You might start your walk with doubts. Most do! But by the end, those worries tend to soften. Not because you suddenly turn into a hard-core adventurer. Instead because you find pride in your own quiet achievements, you notice how capable you really are, and realise you’re warmly welcome just as you are.

The landscape itself does half the work: the hush of morning mist, birds calling through the trees, breath-taking views, the comfort of a warm shower and good meal at day’s end. The real reward is how you feel.

More present, more connected, and more confident in yourself.

What To Expect: Support Every Step of the Way

• Choose the walk that fits you: Explore our range of walks here on Great Walks of Australia website helping you to understand and compare different trails, from gentle coastal paths to more adventurous routes.
• Comfort is built in: Some walks offer solo or twin-share rooms, hot showers, and nourishing meals are part of the experience.
• Pace is gentle: Guides adapt to suit the group. Breaks are encouraged. No one is left behind.
• You are heard: Whether it’s dietary needs or a little extra reassurance, you’re welcome to ask.

FAQs

What if I need to slow down?
Everyone is supported. The group moves together. Rest when you need to. No pressure.

Will I have privacy?
Some walks offer single supplement for private or twin-share rooms. Check your chosen walk itinerary for details.

Can I find quiet moments?
Absolutely. There’s plenty of space for solitude and reflection, as well as gentle company.

Special diet?
Most operators are happy to accommodate. Just let them know in advance.

Final Thoughts

If you’re drawn to the idea of a Great Walk yet feel a little nervous, that’s natural. All you need to bring is curiosity and a willingness to try. The comfort and confidence you build along the way will surprise you. As will the incredible warmth and care from those you travel with. Real comfort, genuine encouragement, and a place where you’re truly welcome are waiting for you, every step of the way.

When you think about the highlights of an extraordinary walking holiday, you might picture the breathtaking landscapes, the gourmet dining, or the sense of achievement after a big day on the trail. Yet, for many travellers, what stays in their hearts long after the journey ends are the people — the warm welcome, the personal touches, and the friendly faces who make every moment special.

This season at Pinetrees Lodge, home of the award-winning Seven Peaks Walk on Lord Howe Island, was one to remember. Guests and guides alike enjoyed a season filled with laughter, adventure, incredible food, and plenty of heartfelt moments — right down to the hugs (and yes, a few tears) at the airport farewells.

A Season of Highlights

Across the season, Pinetrees hosted:

• 14 Seven Peaks Walks – showcasing the island’s spectacular peaks, pristine beaches, and unique wildlife.
• Two Ocean Swim Weeks with Australian Ironman legend Trevor Hendy.
• The indulgent Food & Wine Week with renowned chef Tom Kime to close the season.

Each event brought together guests from across Australia and around the world, united by a shared love of nature, active adventures, and exceptional hospitality.

Farewell to a Legendary Duo

This season also marked a significant chapter in the Pinetrees story, as the team bid a fond farewell to Denis and Lara, who, for the past 10 years, have been an integral part of creating the Pinetrees experience. Their unwavering dedication, enthusiasm, and attention to detail (including Denis’ much-loved “nerdy perfectionism”) have played a huge role in Pinetrees being voted Best Hotel in Australia on TripAdvisor for multiple years.

Tourism is about places, and it’s also about people. The genuine care and professionalism of staff can turn a great trip into an unforgettable one. Denis and Lara have done exactly that for countless guests, and their legacy will continue to shape the lodge for years to come. As they set off to travel the world with their family, the entire Seven Peaks Walk and Pinetrees community wishes them well on this exciting next chapter.

A Warm Welcome Back

While farewells are never easy, there’s excitement for the future too. The upcoming season will see the return of Deb Townsend, bringing her own unique blend of warmth, drive, and humour to the role. Guests can look forward to the same high standard of hospitality, with new energy and ideas to keep the Seven Peaks Walk and Pinetrees experience as exceptional as ever.

Plan Your Lord Howe Island Adventure

Whether you’re chasing winter sunshine, craving a springtime escape, or dreaming of a summer holiday with a difference, now’s the perfect time to plan your visit. Pinetrees Lodge has a special offer for September, October, and November stays, along with limited availability over the summer holiday season.

The Seven Peaks Walk is one of Australia’s most unique and breathtaking multi-day guided walks — and with the incredible team at Pinetrees Lodge looking after you, it’s an experience that combines world-class walking with warm, personal hospitality.

The mighty Murray River is home to one of Australia’s most iconic freshwater fish – the Murray Cod. Once abundant, this legendary species is now listed as vulnerable in South Australia. Habitat loss, overfishing, altered river flows, and the removal of millions of fallen logs (“snags”) during the paddle steamer era have left the Murray Cod without the safe breeding and feeding grounds they once relied on.

Murray River Trails, operator of the Murray River Walk, has launched an inspiring regenerative tourism project to help change that story – building “fish hotels” to restore essential habitat and give Murray Cod populations a fighting chance.

Why It Matters

From the Millennium Drought to climate change and river regulation, the Murray’s ecosystem has faced decades of pressure. Re-snagging the river helps:

• Increase Murray Cod populations
• Boost numbers of other native species
• Reduce invasive carp through natural predation
• Enhance the benefits of small and medium floods that trigger breeding

This is regenerative tourism in action – going beyond low impact to actively restore river health.

What’s a Fish Hotel?

A fish hotel is a large, purpose-built structure made from Murray River red gum logs, designed to mimic the natural snags that native fish use for shelter and breeding. Each hotel:

• Weighs around 1.4 tonnes
• Is built to last for over a century
• Includes a concrete breeding pipe to protect Murray Cod eggs from predators
• Provides safe shelter for other native fish like Golden Perch and small-bodied species

Within months of installation, fish hotels can be buzzing with life – offering food, shelter, and breeding habitat in sections of the river where natural snags are scarce.

The Project Plan

Working with conservation partner OzFish, Murray River Trails will install 10 fish hotels between Lock 5 and Lock 6 in 2025–2026. Experienced local fish habitat expert Kym Manning will lead construction and installation, drawing on more than 15 years of fish habitat restoration experience.

First Nations Connection

The Murray Cod, or Pondi, is central to the Dreamtime creation story of the river. Local First Nations people have supported the project and continue to work with OzFish on fish monitoring programs, ensuring cultural heritage and environmental restoration go hand in hand.

See It for Yourself

Guests on the Murray River Walk may have the chance to cruise above the fish hotels, using a side-scan sonar to spot their new “residents” and learn about the project directly from guides. To experience this remarkable stretch of river and learn more about the Fish Hotel project in person, join the Murray River Walk – one of Australia’s signature guided walking experiences.