Aussie Camino

Explore the amazing Limestone Coast Landscape, in South East South Australia, on this 5-day Aussie Camino walk.

Early bird bookings for 2026 book by end of November 2025 $1,695 per person - Itinerary and booking below

Aussie Camino - Mary Mackillop Pilgrimage

Limestone Coast S.A. - Bunganditj/Boandik Country

Explore the diverse landscape and history of South Australia's Limestone Coast from the seaside town of Port MacDonnell to picturesque Penola, via the quaint town of Kalangadoo, on the Aussie Camino.

Whilst traversing this unique limestone landscape you'll see volcanos, sinkholes, wetlands, thriving farmland, pine and native forests. You will walk on back country roads, alongside paddocks and sections of bitumen as we head to Penola over four days.

As pilgrims we will walk and discover the extraordinary work of Mary MacKillop, Australia’s only saint, and Father Tenison Woods.

WALK PORT MACDONNELL /NGARANGA TO MT GAMBIER /BERRIN 21KM 4.5HRS

This morning we are transferred from Mt Gambier to the Port MacDonnell jetty. Here we walk along the esplanade prior to heading inland away from the coast, traversing back roads on route towards a large cone-shaped volcano, Mount Schank/Parreen.

We will climb Parreen making our way up a short steep ascent to the rim of the crater. At the rim of the crater you will soak in spectacular 360-degree views and look back towards the coast from where we started.

From Parreen we will be transferred to our afternoon tea stop, an opportunity for a sweet treat and a coffee. After refreshments we will continue walking towards Mt Gambier/Berrin, past the beautiful Blue Lake/Warwar, a water filled volcanic crater which turns a stunning cobalt blue during the summer months.

WALK MOUNT GAMBIER /BERRIN TO MINGBOOL 18KM 4.5HRS

No need to rush this morning, have a look around the city of Mount Gambier, after breakfast you may like to explore the sinkhole in the Cave Gardens or browse the shops in the main street.

We will start walking mid-morning, destination Mingbool. This leisurely four-hour walk takes us through the city to the outskirts of town. The undulating road gives you a wonderful view back to the tower of Mt Gambier. You will enjoy farmland, old cottages and quarries, pine plantations and finish off with a stroll through a beautiful Stringybark forest prior reaching our vehicle transfer to our evenings accommodation.

At our accommodation you can kick off your shoes and soak up the peace and slow time of this country town.

WALK MINGBOOL TO KALANGADOO - 20KM 5HRS

Today we walk to Kalangadoo through beautiful red gum country, these trees are an integral part of the landscape and culturally significant to all, providing important food, shelter and materials for animals and humans.

You may find your rhythm today, as we walk these back-country roads with views of remnant volcanic cones to the west. In a wet year you will see many wetlands and waterbirds amongst the paddocks. This agricultural district contains apple orchards, cattle, potato farms and timber.

A highlight of this walk is the beautiful avenue of eucalypts which welcome us into town, locally known as ‘Lovers Lane’ on the outskirts of Kalangadoo.

WALK KALANGADOO TO PENOLA /PINA NGULA - 18KM 4HRS

Our last day of walking today. As we leave Kalangadoo we pass significant Indigenous scar trees highlighting the bounty of this landscape on our way to Penola/Pina Ngula.

This section takes us along back farm roads and can be a bit overgrown in parts, long pants/gaiters recommended today. The last leg into Penola is along a bitumen road.

In Penola our pilgrimage ends where the story of St Mary and Father Woods began. Together they established St Joseph’s School, which was the first free Catholic school for all children and created a congregation of Sisters, known as the ‘Josephites’ or ‘Brown Joeys’.

Congratulations, Time for a celebration drink!

MARY MACKILLOP INTERPRETIVE CENTRE PENOLA

Today at 10am we visit the Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre, you will learn more about St Mary and Father Woods as you explore the gallery, detailing Mary’s life and the work of Woods. You may like to view the beautiful stained-glass window dedicated to Mary whilst finding some time for quiet reflection at St Joseph’s Catholic Church.

At the centre your Camino Passports will be stamped and official Compostela issued, recognising your pilgrimage on the Aussie Camino.

Here your guide will bid you farewell or transfer you back to Mount Gambier. We will finish up around 12pm today.

Buen Camino!