Hello fellow trail trekkers! Welcome back to another instalment of my blog where I dive into the world of fastpacking. In the past few blogs, I've shared how we ventured into this fun hobby and watched our passion for hiking evolve into something truly transformative. Today, I'm here to share my experiences on some of Australia's Great Walks, and how they have not only tested our endurance but enriched our lives.
We began our long-distance hiking journey with some of Australia's iconic tracks, a perfect introduction for us many years ago. Perhaps like you, we took to the trails unsure of how transformative the experience would be, but we quickly fell in love. Our treks have taken us from the remote beauty of Hinchinbrook Island in North Queensland to the rugged expanses of Tasmania’s Overland Track, and the serene hinterland of the Gold Coast. Each trail has its own character and challenges, and we've been fortunate enough to walk the 96 km long K'gari Great Walk a remarkable four times—yes, we're beach lovers at heart, and this trail offers a perfect blend of coastal and forest landscapes.
Our inaugural multi-day hiking endeavour was the Hinchinbrook Island Track. Spanning over 6 days, this hike was more than just a walk; it was a dance with nature, as we navigated the obstacles of water sourcing and fended off relentless blowflies. Despite these challenges, the natural beauty was breathtaking—lush forests with ocean vistas. It's an area of Australia that truly captures your heart.
Let me take you back to that first trail experience. We set off with friends, equipped with our trail gear: brand new boots, walking poles, and hefty backpacks. Bob, my trail partner, wore an 18-kilo pack, while I managed around 13 to 14 kilos. It was an initiation into the world of long-distance hiking that we’ll never forget. One of the essential pieces of gear that stood out were our walking poles. They were indispensable, especially when contending with heavy loads over rugged terrain, saving our knees plenty of strain.
Fast forward to today—our packs have become lighter, thanks to fastpacking techniques. Now, I carry a mere 6.5 kilos, and Bob manages about 9 kilos. The transition has been life-changing, allowing us to move swiftly yet comfortably across the landscape without needing frequent rests. The joy of fastpacking is in the balance it provides; you're immersed in the surroundings, maintaining that almost meditative pace while still enjoying each step without the burdensome weight.
Reflecting on the gear we packed for our first great walk, lessons were learned the hard way. Items like the 1.5kg fruitcake—which we hastily ate on the first day to lighten our load—and the three-pronged chairs certainly taught us minimalism in the best way. Over time, our gear choices have become more strategic and lighter, which makes the experience not only more manageable but also more enjoyable. Looking back, each trail we've conquered was an adventure unto itself—teeming with new discovery about ourselves and the world around us.
As we plan to revisit some of these Great Walks with lighter packs, I anticipate a different experience; one where we can delve even deeper into the landscape, savouring each vista with renewed energy and perspective. I’ll be sharing some photos from those early days on Hinchinbrook to our more recent fastpacking adventures, showcasing just how much we've evolved on the trail. Our love for these walks continues to grow, as does our enthusiasm for revisiting them, armed with lighter packs and the endless spirit of adventure.
I hope this inspires you to lace up your boots and embark on your own journey through Australia’s magnificent trails. Happy hiking and running!
