A gastronomic stroll through rural France

Calling all wine and food lovers who also enjoy getting some exercise.

The folks from UTracks recently sent me the details of what they call a Gastronomic Pilgrimage Through France.

UTracks, describe themselves as :active Europe travel specialists' and have launched a Camino Le Puy Food Lovers Tour, a culinary/vinous twist on France’s historic Le Puy/Santiago Camino route.

The tour is described as "tailor-made those who seek the perfect pairing of food, wine and walking" through the rustic heart of rural France. It covers regions that really are off the beaten track. 

The walk blends a centuries-old pilgrimage with the indulgent pleasures of French regional cuisine. Sounds right up my alley!

Over eight delicious days, travellers walk from Le Puy-en-Velay to Aumont-Aubrac, through volcanic highlands, forested trails and sleepy villages, stopping to sample Auvergne cheeses, locally farmed lentils, artisan charcuterie, and local wines, including the star malbecs from Cahors. 

Aubrac produces some of the best beef in France and guided tastings and daily three-course regional dinners are a highlight.

“We wanted to create a Camino experience that speaks to the food lover’s soul,” says UTracks general manager Kate Baker.

“This is for travellers who enjoy walking for the pleasure of discovering what’s around the next bend, and what’s on the next plate.”

With luggage transfers, local accommodation, and a route navigation app provided, the trip offers something just a little bit different.

Departures run from May to October. See more here: https://www.utracks.com/France/Guided-Walking/French-Food-Lovers-Le-Puy-Camino

Walk the walk: Nagano wants an all-year reputation

A popular winter sports destination with Australian travellers, the Japanese alpine city of Nagano is looking to build on that popularity by luring outdoor enthusiasts during the warmer months.

Among the major regional attractions is the famous ancient route Nakasendo, which for more than 400 years has cut a path through the mountainous heart of main island Honshu.

As one of five major historic roads - known as Gokaido - to connect corners of Japan during the Edo Period (1603-1868), Nakasendo links the imperial capital of Kyoto with Tokyo, passing through the Nagano Prefecture.

It is the longest of the historic links, stretching more than 540 kilometres, although today’s hikers mainly choose to trek sections rather than the entire route.

“We aim to increase tourist interest in Nagano beyond the ski slopes, the hot springs and the bathing snow monkeys,” said Helen Wong, the Australian representative for Nagano Tourism Organization.

“Nakasendo was an important thoroughfare utilised by Daimyo lords, peasants, traders and religious pilgrims,” she said.

“To stretch the legs on a section of the road opens a fascinating insight into what life was like in Japan during the Edo Period. Equally appealing are the many panoramic viewing points and villages visited along the way.”

The move to promote Nagano as a summer destination came with the release of the latest tourism nine-month statistics (January-August) which showed a 25% growth in night stays by Australians compared with the same period last year.

To highlight what Nakasendo has to offer to Australians, a webinar will take place in March, covering the best walks along the winding trails, the mountainous scenery, various inns and bubbling hot springs.

A date for the webinar will be confirmed in the early new year.

Interest will also focus on the food scene, the fresh local ingredients used to create seasonal dishes that are distinct from other areas of Japan.

See Go Nagano (go-nagano.net)

How to take the best walks on Australia's wild side

One piece of advice that is key for anyone planning a holiday: Do your research.

You don't want to end up in a luxury hotel that is next to a major building site, or find that jellyfish make it dangerous to swim at your chosen beach resort.

Making sure you make the right choice is super-important if you are considering splashing out big bucks on one of Australia's famous - and sometimes challenging - multi-day walks.

A new book showcasing the best long-distance walks in Australia is perfect for anyone planning their next multi-day adventure.

Do you you need a tent? How much food will you need?

One of the greatest challenges can be searching through the options to find the right trail for you you and your abilities.

To help with this, editor and writer Wendy Bruere has assembled a team of experienced Australian writer-hikers, to survey and showcase the best multi-day walks Australia has to offer in the new book: Australia's 50 Best Multi-Day Walks.

Descriptions, essential planning information, tips, maps and photography will help inspire, and guide readers towards the right choice for their vacation.

Bruere is a Sydney-based writer and editor, specialising in outdoor adventure and climate change. She has combined with a team including John and Monica Chapman, who have been writing walking guides for Australians for over 40 years.

Australia's 50 Best Multi-Day Walks. Publisher: Woodslane Press. RRP: $39.99. Available at bookstores and at www.woodslanepress.com.au

Talking Turkiye from a woman’s point of view

If you want to delve into a culture then it pays to take advice from an expert.

World Expeditions will be taking a deep dive into Turkish culture with ‘Wellness, Wine & Wisdom - A Women’s Tour in Turkey with Dilvin Yasa.’

The tour will run from April 22 to May 7, 2025.

The 16-day adventure will combine indulgence in local food and wine, detoxification in traditional Turkish baths (hammams), as will as exploring diverse landscapes on foot and by boat.

Should you wish, you can even learn the art of belly dancing.

The tour will be under the guidance of Dilvin Yasa, a Turkish-Australian journalist, author, and food enthusiast.

Yas travels to Turkiye at least once a year, primarily for culinary exploration.

“If there's one thing I love more than my ancestral homeland of Turkey, it's sharing my top tips on places to go, attractions to see, and dishes to eat with those who have yet to experience the rich tapestry of the country's customs and culture,” she says.

To be able to introduce 'My Turkey' - all those quirky spots I've (literally) spent a lifetime researching - is a dream come true.”

In addition to walking and exploring the region on foot, the group will enjoy spas, and thermal pools, shop for textiles, and enjoy local food and wine.

Highlights of the tour include hot air ballooning in Goreme, private cruises around Kekova Bay and through the gin-clear waters of Kas, as well as quintessential Istanbul experiences including a scenic Bosphorus boat tour and Turkish coffee fortune telling in the winding back streets of old Pera.

Accommodation includes a range of small boutique and traditional hotels.

For bookings or info visit World Expeditions

Chic new accommodation just a stroll from the Tasmanian wilderness

Mount Field National Park is one of Tasmania's most exquisite destinations.

It is also one of the best-kept secrets on the island state despite being located less than an hour from the capital city of Hobart.

Visit midweek and you can have exquisite rainforest walks and views of spectacular waterfalls virtually to yourself.

While tourists flock to Freycinet National Park on the east coast and the Cradle Mountain National Park in the north-west, the many charms of Mount Field remain largely undiscovered.

With its several spectacular waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, a short walk through stands of some of the world's tallest hardwood trees and Tasmanian eucalypt rainforests leads to spectacular three-tiered Russell Falls (above).

There are few spots on the planet where the air is so fresh and clean and the  area has been protected for its natural beauty since 1885, when it was set aside as Tasmania's first nature reserve. It used to be home to the now extinct Tasmanian Tiger, or thylacine.

Mount Field National Park was founded in 1916, making it, along with Freycinet National Park, Tasmania's oldest national park.

Mount Field is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, so there is no accommodation inside the park, but just outside the gates you'll find the beginnings of an exciting new accommodation project..

The first stage of Mt Field Retreat opened a few weeks ago with a collection of comfortable self-contained pods.

The complex is the work of Greg and Rachel Power and their children, who also operate Waterfalls Café and Gallery in the national park visitor centre

There will eventually be 12 pods, a conference and training centre and seven luxury villas as part of the complex, which is a terrific base from which to explore the Derwent Valley and further afield.  

The pods are all impressively decked out with a king-size bed and plush sofa bed, kitchenette with stove top and dishwasher, and a shower that delivers plenty of hot water.

There are plenty of power points and USB slots and some colourful artworks on the wall. There are also TVs in both the lounge and bedroom, along with Netflix.

Make sure you bring plenty of food with you, however. The nearest supermarket is a fair drive away and the local pub only serves dinner from Friday nights onwards.

You can grab breakfast and lunch just a short stroll away at Waterfalls café - where you can expect hearty country flavours.

The National Park Hotel, also within walking distance of the pods, is a classic Australian country pub with friendly locals, a pool table and picnic area. 

The decorations include an axe that once belonged to Tasmanian champion woodchopper David Foster and pictures of long-forgotten local Aussie Rules teams.

Canoeing, trekking and cycling options are right on your doorstep here and guests might spot a platypus in the Tyenna River or endangered eastern quolls scurrying through the undergrowth.

Rates range from $250-$303 a night and in winter the slopes of the Mount Mawson ski field are just a short drive away.

Book direct for the cheapest rate at https://mtfieldretreat.com.au/

 

• # The writer was a guest of Tourism Tasmania an Mt Field Retreat.

 

New rail trail embraced by cyclists, walkers and runners

Cyclists, walkers and runners have taken to the first stage of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail with huge enthusiasm.

Data released by Tweed Shire Council showed more than 70,500 people have used the first 24km section of the trail since its opening four months ago.

The first stage runs from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek and the project will eventually connect Murwillumbah to Casino.

The figures far exceed initial projections.

Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry said there had been significant interest in the opening success of the NRRT.

“I am really proud to confirm that since its opening on March 1, the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail has welcomed approximately 70,550 people, which is an amazing achievement,” he said.

“Our Rail Trail is welcoming an average of 17,638 people per month, which is approximately 4,048 people per week or an average of 578 people per day.

“The original business case for the Tweed section of the NRRT referenced goals of 27,000 people per year. We have absolutely smashed that goal, attracting more than double the anticipated annual number of visitors in our first four months alone.

“We knew the Rail Trail would be extremely popular and there was a lot of interest in this facility but this has blown us away!

“With these impressive patronage numbers has also come confirmation that 87% of trail users have used an associated Rail Trail experience and spent money with a local business, whether it be one of the many cafés, restaurants, accommodation providers or bike-related businesses such as hire, shuttle or transport services.

“Many businesses along the Rail Trail have told us about their successes and we are continually working on trail improvements, addressing some of the impacts the popularity has had on the local villages.”

Surveys show 60% of Rail Trail users start their journey at the Murwillumbah Railway Station and more than 85% of users opt for round trips over a one-way journey.

The path features 26 bridges and two tunnels, including the 500m Burringbar Range tunnel that has micro bats and glow worms

For more info see northernriversrailtrail.com.au.

Maria Island Walk teams with top Tasmanian restaurant

Enjoy a bit of exercise? Like some decent food? Fancy checking out Tasmania? Have some cash to splash?

Two award-winning Tasmanian businesses have teamed up to create a winter weekend experience that combines all those elements.

The Maria Island Walk will pair a small-group stroll with a Sunday long lunch at much-vaunted Van Bone restaurant, an intimate dining experience in the hills above Marion Bay.

The Maria Island x Van Bone Weekend Winter Escape Walk will be an exclusive collaboration for two dates in August. Guests can choose from either Friday August 4 to Sunday August 6, or Friday August 11 to Sunday August 13

After departing Hobart on the Friday morning, guests will be transferred to Darlington on Maria Island staying at heritage-listed Bernacchi House. Over the three days they enjoy daily walks and a mountain summit, surrounded by the island’s variety of wildlife.

On the Sunday, they will stop for a long lunch at Van Bone restaurant with the menu created by executive chef Tim Hardy and hosted by restaurant manager Laura Stucken.

The two-hour lunch will include a glass of local Tasmanian sparkling on arrival, and red or white wine to complement the dishes, followed by tea or coffee.

The cost for the full experience is $1,990 per person, twin share, or $3,315 per person, single occupancy. So not cheap. 

For enquiries or to book, please contact mariaisland@wildbushluxury.com or call Wild Bush Luxury at (02)9030 6216.

A serious heli adventure in Tasmania

So you are visiting Tasmania. You are feeling energetic and are cashed up.

Life’s An Adventure, the company that offers a range of multi-day walking experiences across the island state, has just announced an addition to its Walk Three Capes three-day itinerary - the opportunity to heli hike on Tasman Island.

Guests can select from three experiences as part of their Tasman Peninsula pack-free adventure: a boat cruise with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, a 20-minute scenic flight over Cape Pillar and Tasman Island, and now the chance to land and walk on Tasman Island.

“We are thrilled to partner with Rotor-Lift Aviation to offer this once in a lifetime experience as part of our Three Capes adventure,” says Mark Norek, CEO of Life’s An Adventure.

“It is an extraordinary opportunity to walk on an island few have ever had the opportunity to see up close.”

The Tasman Island helicopter landing is available to four guests on each tour.

It includes a flight over the dramatic coastline with its dolerite capes, before landing on Tasman Island for a guided tour led by a Rotor Lift pilot. Tasman Island is home to sea birds and seals as well as offering views of dolphin pods and migrating whales.

The island is part of Tasman National Park and Rotor Life has exclusive permission (you have to ask how and why) to touch down on the outpost.

Guests who land on the island then enjoy a direct scenic flight back to Hobart by helicopter, skipping the two-hour bus return. This is followed by transfers to their desired hotel.

For more details see https://www.lifesanadventure.com.au/tours/three-capes-walk/

Image: Richard Bennett

Exploring the Clare Valley on foot, in style

The Clare Valley is undoubtedly one of the most scenic wine regions in Australia and a newly launched walk through the region is aimed at food and wine buffs who also enjoy an entertaining meander to work up an appetite.

The Life's An Adventure Clare walk runs over three days with guests being picked up from, and returned to the Hilton Hotel in Adelaide, two hours away.

The Clare is one of the oldest and best-known wine regions in Australia with plenty of history and some delightful cellar doors and pubs to be enjoyed.

This walk is just as much about wine and food as it is about walking.

There are two dinners, two breakfasts and three lunches featured, including two long winery lunches.

Accommodation for both nights is at Bungaree Station - a heritage-listed historic country retreat with a history that dates back to 1841.

The initial walk will be from May 27-29 with more dates to be announced, and groups will be limited to 12 people.

 


Highlights include lunch at the delightful Skilogalee winery, an a la carte dinner or degustation at the superbly renovated Watervale Hotel (above) and lunch at Pauletts Wines and Bush DeVine Restaurant, where the views are magnificent.

Tastings range from one-man operation Mad Bastard to bigger operations like family-owned Taylor's.

All the walks are pack-free - guests just carry a small day pack. The trails comprise largely back roads, road reserves and private property and there is a local guide on hand at all times.

the first day walk is around 10km, the second day 12-14km and the third day 10km - all easily manageable.

This link has further details and how to book:

https://www.lifesanadventure.com.au/tours/3-day-clare-valley-wine-wilderness-walk/

Walking, or running, in Sydney sunshine

 

I no longer run very much. Unless someone is chasing me. 

Which doesn't happen very often. 

But I do remember from my days living in Sydney that the city is a runner’s and walker's paradise. 

From the Bay Run and the Bondi to Coogee Walk to the Pool to Pool Run that takes you past some of the city’s most renowned sights, here are some suggestions from Destination NSW. 

The Bay Run

Just a 10-minute drive from the city centre in the inner western suburbs, this 7km loop around the shores of Iron Cove Bay links the suburbs of Drummoyne, Russell Lea, Rodd Point, Haberfield, Leichhardt, Rozelle and Balmain. It’s one of the most popular harbourside running tracks in Sydney, traversing the natural course of the cove and never more than 20 metres away from the water. The predominantly flat, well-maintained track is a local favourite, regularly frequented by cyclists, dog walkers and pram pushers. A recently added 500-metre extension for cyclists and pedestrians has just been opened to offer more space for everyone.

The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

One of Sydney’s most iconic tracks (above), this 6km run starts at the southern end of Bondi Beach and follows the coastline to Coogee via Tamarama and Bronte. Though the course is not particularly long, you’ll encounter stairs, hills and narrow parts along the path, as well as plenty of locals who take a more leisurely pace, taking two hours or so to complete their walk. You can choose to tackle portions of the track, then reward yourself with a dip in the water at one of the beaches and pools along the way including Clovelly, Gordons Bay, McIvers Baths, Wylies Baths and Giles Baths. For those looking for a further challenge, continue onwards from Coogee to Maroubra, another 5km stretch. 

The Manly to North Head Walk

On the Northern Beaches, a string of sandy beaches stretching north from Sydney, start this 10km stroll at the lagoon near Queenscliff, then head towards Manly Beach and Shelly Beach, admiring the cliff faces. From the path at the Shelly Beach carpark, you can begin your ascent to North Head - this run is a little more challenging due to the steep incline. Reach the Fairfax Walk at North Head for spectacular views across Sydney Harbour Heads. This paved track, ideal for a run, starts at the end of the North Head Scenic Drive and circles around the top of North Head, encompassing three lookouts. 

The Pool to Pool Run 

A perfect way to start a Sydney summer’s day, this invigorating run will have you sweating then swimming to cool right off. You’ll also pass some of the city’s most beloved spots. Starting at the pretty-as-a-picture North Sydney Olympic Pool at Milsons Point, this run will take you over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, along the Cahill Expressway passing Circular Quay. You can jog past the Sydney Opera House and then sprint into Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, finishing at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and Andrew Boy Charlton Pool in a pocket alongside the garden for a recovery splash in the striking outdoor pool. 

A new Tasmanian walk with a comfortable bed each night

Given its incredible scenery, it is no surprise that wilderness walks are popping up all over Tasmania like mushrooms.

The latest is a new Lake St Clair, Cradle Mountain and Walls of Jerusalem walk. 

It features four days of pure Tasmanian wilderness with a shower, glass of wine and comfortable bed at the end of each day.

And the adventure is designed for guests who want to experience hiking in Cradle Mountain National Park without having to undertake an arduous walking experience with heavy packs. This new walk is day packs only.  

Life’s An Adventure have chosen some of the the best Tasmanian trails and combined them with luxury accommodation, Tasmanian food and wine, and knowledgeable guides.

And accommodation includes three nights at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge - one the best accommodation addresses in the state - and dinners in the atmospheric Highland restaurant featuring dishes like wallaby porterhouse scaloppini and pressed Scottsdale pork belly with cauliflower purée and chilli caramel. 

The walks Inside this World Heritage Area wilderness include some of Australia’s unique national parks with diverse animal life, flora and fauna.

The itinerary includes parts of the world-famous Overland Track as well as the Walls of Jerusalem walk.

For further information see www.lifesanadventure.com.au