Aussie Camino
Aussie Camino
Departs on a Sunday from Penola, South Australia, at 3pm (ACDT). If you are flying or catching a bus to Mt Gambier we can pick you up at 330pm on our way to Port MacDonnell where we will spend the first night in preparation for an early start the following day.
Tours depart on Sundays from April to October.
Flights - regional airline flights from Melbourne and Adelaide to Mt Gambier (1hr).
Train/Bus - Train and then bus from Melbourne is a very affordable option will full fare under $20 however it will take a good 6 hours to get to Mt Gambier this way.
Bus - Adelaide to Mt Gambier
Yes, we are able to cater
for most dietary requirements.
Our walks are graded as moderate walks. Besides volcanic craters and cones there are minimal hills in the Limestone Coast so most of the walks are relatively flat. Our walking pace is steady and designed to allow you to enjoy the diverse landscapes and the people you are walking with. There’s always time to stop take photos and savour the view.
Aussie Camino
This pilgrimage is all road walking, mainly on white limestone roads with minimal incline and sections of bitumen road and paths. There are sections of road that go between paddocks, through farmland which are covered in grass, and offer a softer surface beneath feet. The kilometres walked per day on this pilgrimage range from 12 to 25km, you need to be able to walk 3.5 to 5 hours per day, stopping for food breaks.
Not very fit? As part of your preparation we recommend choosing a variety of training activities like yoga, pilates, cycling, swimming and plenty of walking. We can offer extra advice on how to build up to a 20km walk in the 6 months prior to your departure.
Closed toe walking shoes
or hiking boots that have been worn in (but not worn out) are ideal.
Sport shoes, running shoes or trainers are fine if you have been training in
them and don’t mind if your feet get wet when walking in the rain.
Aussie Camino for a full list of
essential and recommended items please refer to the packing list on the tour page. Packing the
right gear will greatly enhance your enjoyment of the walk.
You will carry your own
day pack containing up to 2 litres of water, a weather proof jacket, extra
layers, lunch and any personal items like medication etc.
Your overnight luggage, one bag up to
15kg in weight, will be transferred from accommodation to accommodation each morning
so that your bag will be waiting for you when you arrive at our evening
accommodation.
A good rain jacket with
hood is essential and we recommend over pants if you don't like getting your legs wet, both made from waterproof
breathable fabrics. Apart from extreme weather events like severe thunderstorms or high fire danger days, we walk in all conditions.
With the right clothing you can enjoy walking in all weather conditions.
If you have a
pre-existing medical condition and are unsure please consult your GP prior to
commencing the walk. It is important that we are advised of any
pre-existing conditions at the time of booking.
Yes! Many walkers travel solo, you will be
paired with another single traveller of the same sex at no additional
cost. There is the potential for a single room at some of the
accommodation providers for additional cost. These are limited so please
contact us to discuss prior to booking.
Aussie Camino – Not all meals, you will be provided with 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 2 dinners. You will need to pay for a couple dinners and any extra snacks you like to eat whilst walking.
Aussie Camino – we walk/transferred to our accommodation each day therefore you will be accommodated by multiple different providers. We stay in historic hotels and cottages/cabins where you will have shared bathroom facilities at each site. Some places you will have your own room others you will need to share.
Mostly, this pilgrimage is road walking, mainly on compacted white limestone roads, with minimal incline and sections of bitumen road and paths. There are sections of road that go between paddocks, through farmland which are covered in grass, and offer a softer surface beneath feet. Though we are walking on roads, many that go between farmland are not used regularly and can contain tall grass at times and muddy sections after rain, knee high gaiters are recommended for some sections during winter and spring.
Traditionally a pilgrimage is where a person goes on a journey in search of new or expanded meaning about themselves, others, nature, or a higher good, potentially leading to a personal transformation.
Whilst walking the Aussie Camino, we will reflect on Mary MacKillop's journey as we take time to share a reflection each morning. Sometimes not all things go to plan, change is ok, you may be looking for a deeper meaning and connection. Pilgrimages encourage patience and resilience, appreciating one another’s reason for their journey and making small sacrifices along the way like putting up with annoying habits, sore feet, small aches and pains or simply being aware of other’s needs.
Each day there is the option to shorten the days walk. Depending on the day this can be starting 5km into the walk or finishing earlier. Please note that once again depending on the day this may mean calling a taxi at your expense.
Rest Day - sometimes pilgrims feel like a rest day and that is ok too. You can choose to relax in the accommodation or look around the town.
Your qualified day
bushwalking leader carries a first aid kit, has first aid qualifications and
will support you in the first instance of injury. An ambulance will be called
if required, therefore it is highly recommended for walkers to have ambulance
cover and personal travel insurance prior to commencing the tour. Please see Terms and
Conditions for more information.