Where do the tours depart from?

Aussie Camino

Departs on a Sunday from Penola, South Australia, at 3pm (ACDT) from April to October.

You can fly or catch a train/bus to Mt Gambier from Melbourne or Adelaide and we will meet you there.

How do I get to Mt Gambier S.A. if I'm not driving?

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

Do you cater for special dietary requirements?

Yes, we are able to cater for most dietary requirements.

How fit do I need to be?

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 enjoy 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 21km, 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.

What type of shoes will I need?

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.

What do I need to bring?

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.

What do I have to carry each day on the Aussie Camino?

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.

What happens to my overnight luggage on Aussie Camino?

Your overnight luggage, one bag up to 15kg in weight, will be transferred from accommodation to accommodation so that your bag will be waiting for you when you arrive at our evening accommodation.

What happens in bad weather?

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.

Can I do this with a pre-existing medical condition?

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.

Are you able to accommodate solo walkers on the Aussie Camino?

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.

Are all meals provided?

Aussie Camino – Not all meals, you will be provided with 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 1 dinner. You will need to pay for most dinners and any extra snacks you like to eat whilst walking.

What type of accommodation will we be staying in?

Aussie Camino – we walk or are 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 may have your own room others you will need to share.

Is the Aussie Camino S.A. section all road walking?

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.

What is a pilgrimage?

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.

Do I have to walk the whole way every day on the Aussie Camino?

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 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.

What happens if there is a mishap during the walk?

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.