Paul D
- Start date: 9 March 2023
- Age When Completed: 47
- Direction Walked: South to North
General Comments
I loved this track and have so much love for the people that made this possible. The construction and maintenance is not easy but it is most definitely appreciated. Much love also for the excellent people met along the way - so many great, positive trekkers coming out, sharing experiences, and living a great life.
Food/Supplies Comments
Be ready to have your tastes change along the track. What works at the beginning may not work for you after so many days. Also be ready to improvise if you’re buying food in trail towns - most of the basics will be consistent, but you might have to work around a shortage in one town or another. And for sure, there are also positive, unique surprises from town to town so keep your eyes open!
Favourite Section
Valley of the Giants! The sunrise from Rame Head was epic and other locations had their highlights, but the tingle trees were so magical.
Highlights
Trail magic is real. Meeting new friends to keep after completing the trip. Getting a performance from a busker at one of the huts (juggling and singing/squeezebox playing). The track will provide if you’re open to new experiences.
Personal Reactions
My longest thru-hike to date and the best in many ways. Very grateful for the good people I’d met along the way, the varied landscape & pathways trodden, the unique & fun trail towns, the care & concern taken by those in charge of different sections (including walking up to random hikers like me to perform impromptu surveys). So many great memories to take away from my time here.
Wildlife
Seeing quokkas was perhaps the highlight. Lots of competition from the majestic red-tailed black cockatoos, kookaburras, majestic blue wrens, and other bird life but they are just too cute. The spiders took some getting used to (especially in Spider Alley) and the snakes provided some elevated heart rates, but they all played nicely when treated with respect.
Your Best Equipment
MSR Pocket Rocket for dependable, lightweight cooking and the REI sleeping quilt for warm, lightweight sleeping system.
Your Worst Equipment
Heavy backpack. It definitely worked for what I needed, but there is no need for a 3kg pack when other packs are readily available at 1kg (or less).
Advice for Others
Don’t be afraid to step out and try this one. Maybe not a full end to end if you’re new or have limited time, but whatever you can handle. There is an amazing community of people ready to provide advice before you get started and also once you’re out on the trail. There will be time alone for you and your thoughts, but also great people to visit with along the way. Get base level fitness, get the gear basics (and don’t pack too much), and make time to explore!