Aussie camino

[Anamya]

Has anyone done the Aussie Camino from Portland (VIC) to Penola (SA), in Australia?
Self-guided or tour? What are your thoughts on it?
How much history/pretty landscapes did you see?

 

[Walli Walker]

Hi Anamya, I’m a member of the Sunshine Coast Camino Group in Queensland. Quite a few of our group have done this Camino. Check them out on Facebook. I’m sure that you’ll get lots of help. Jacki.

 

[John Hungerford]

Dear Anamya - A group of us did the Aussie Camino in May 2018. 4 started and 3 finished as one had terrible blisters. The walk is really in commemoration of Sister Mary Mackillop - Australia's only Saint. There's a good website at www.aussiecamino.org. We saw no others on the 10 days that we took - self guided. We stayed in Portland and arranged transport to pick up/deliver us for the first 4 stages to Nelson. Then we stayed in booked accommodation (usually a hotel) at the end of the other stages. All booked before we commenced. Part of it is along the beach (walking into the wind). If you PM me I'll provide more information. Buen Aussie Camino

 

[sharon w]

Has anyone done the Aussie Camino from Portland (VIC) to Penola (SA), in Australia?
Self-guided or tour? What are your thoughts on it?
How much history/pretty landscapes did you see?

Hi Anamya. I walked this route in April, 2016. There were 9 of us. We organised a friend to drive a rental car as backup between Portland and Nelson. We used Luke Mills’ guidebook, but organised everything ourselves.

 

[sharon w]

Hi Anamya. I walked this route in April, 2016. There were 9 of us. We organised a friend to drive a rental car as backup between Portland and Nelson. We used Luke Mills’ guidebook, but organised everything ourselves.

The landscape is stunning along the coast. Then, after Port MacDonnell you head north through rolling hills. I thought the walk was beautiful.

 

[sharon w]

The landscape is stunning along the coast. Then, after Port MacDonnell you head north through rolling hills. I thought the walk was beautiful.

If you are prepared to camp between Cape Bridgewater and Nelson, you won’t need a backup vehicle. There are camping spots with water and toilets. Also, the manager at Cape Bridgewater Lodge will do pick up and drop off if you organise it with him.

 

[Anamya]

If you are prepared to camp between Cape Bridgewater and Nelson, you won’t need a backup vehicle. There are camping spots with water and toilets. Also, the manager at Cape Bridgewater Lodge will do pick up and drop off if you organise it with him.

I'm usually not a big fan of camping, but this is very good information. I will be in Melbourne for work later this week and will see if I can stop by the Mary McKillop Centre to get one of Luke's guides

 

[Anamya]

Just got the guidebook ($15) , 2 passports ($5 each) and our first stamps at the Heritage Centre in Melbourne. Very interesting read, it is a strong contender for a next camino

 

[Steven B]

Has anyone done the Aussie Camino from Portland (VIC) to Penola (SA), in Australia?
Self-guided or tour? What are your thoughts on it?
How much history/pretty landscapes did you see?

Hi Anamya, I was planning to walk this year. Checked out the beach campsites last week. Surprised to see flushing toilets and water! I live near Penola and have the luxury of walking a Camino that takes me home! The weather has turned cold and wet this week and wet is normal here from autumn to spring. I am planning to walk in a couple of weeks if that does not work out will wait till next year as I will be off to another Camino in France or Spain in August. Cheers Buen Camino.

 

[sharon w]

Just got the guidebook ($15) , 2 passports ($5 each) and our first stamps at the Heritage Centre in Melbourne. Very interesting read, it is a strong contender for a next camino

If you do the walk, you receive a certificate like the one in Santiago. We were also given refreshments when we arrived at the centre in Penola.

 

[Anamya]

The weather has turned cold and wet this week and wet is normal here from autumn to spring.

Very useful info, thanks! We are not sure when we are going, probably will have to break it in two trips as we have not much leave left.
If we break it, where is a good point to stop and then restart, in terms of logistics? Nelson? Port MacDonnel?

If you do the walk, you receive a certificate like the one in Santiago. We were also given refreshments when we arrived at the centre in Penola.

Oohhh, that would be quite adorable Not that we are seeking certificates, but it is always a nice way to mark a nice experience. In general, did you enjoy it? What were the easiest and hardest aspects of it?