Hiking

New Zealand: Abel Tasman Track

Published May 2018 by Trevor. Updated August 2020.

In this post:

Introduction

The Abel Tasman Track is around 60km (37mi) and is one of the Great Walks of New Zealand. It is located within the Abel Tasman National Park, on New Zealand’s South Island, extending from Marahau in the south to Wainui in the north, with many side tracks.

View out to the islands from the Abel Tasman Track

My partner’s father, who was 78yo at the time, held some historical ties to the area so it was a walk back in time – even our experienced guide, who thought he knew everything about the area learnt a new thing or two.

Trampers at start of walk — The happy trampers about to head off

Settlers homestead in Bark Bay — Sign marking the location of my partner’s family original settler’s homestead in Bark Bay

Day 1

We were picked up in Nelson, South Island and made our way by road around to Marahau where we began our Abel Tasman Track hike/tramp around to Anchorage.

Walk through native forest — Walking through the lush native forest

The first night, we stayed on a delightful catamaran moored out in the bay, where a few brave souls dived into the frigid waters, enjoying a BBQ on the deck after.

The boat we stayed on for the first night (on the right)

Day 2

We hiked up and along the crescent shaped Onatahuti beach, before meandering along a boardwalk across a tidal estuary. Our second nights accommodation was in the wonderful elegant and funky Awaroa Lodge.

Day 3

On our final day, we made our way across the huge Awaroa Inlet to Pound Gully – this is a tidal crossing so the tides dictated our timing.

Swingbridge — The only swing bridge en route

From here, the track weaved its way through some amazing virgin New Zealand forest with huge podocarp trees reaching skyward, before bursting out on to yet another golden sand beach – Waiharakeke Bay.

Golden beach — Beautiful golden beaches along the way

Up and over another headland, we saw our final destination, the beach of Totaranui stretching out in the distance.

Stony Creek — A stony creek we discovered along the way on the Abel Tasman Track

From the campground, we made our way to the pick up point for our water taxi journey back to Marahau, seeing lots of dolphins frolicking along the way.

Approaching the beach, the driver of the water taxi decided to ‘gun the engines’ onto the boat trailer. A tractor then towed us back to our bus stop – all without getting our feet wet. Only in New Zealand!

Boat on the back of the tractor — The ride back into town in the boat, on the tractor!

Onwards and upwards!

Trevor

Native ferns unfurl to provide a lovely forest canopy

Insights

The Abel Tasman Track is well sheltered. With mild weather in all seasons, it is accessible and open throughout the year.
The track is graded as easy and can be walked independently or with commercial operators with guiding, camping, lodge or boat stay options.
To walk the entire track takes anywhere from 3 to 5 days.

Boat ride at the end of the walk — Getting on the water taxi at the end of the walk

Commercial water taxi and boat operators operate on a published schedule, providing pick-up and drop-off services. Note, Totaranui is the northernmost water taxi hop on/off stop.
There are a few inlet or estuary crossings, usually undertaken at low tide. The tide times will dictate as to when you can cross and pack some Crocs or sandals.
The highest point of the Abel Tasman Track is approximately 135m (443ft).
See our other posts on Great Walks of New Zealand such as the Milford Track, Routeburn Track and Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Walking on the beach — While most of the Abel Tasman Track was bushwalking, there were a few places to walk along the beach

Australia: Bluff Knoll

Published May 2018 by Trevor. Updated July 2020.

Having been born and bred in Western Australia, and staying on my Uncle and Auntie’s farm near the foot of the Stirling Ranges, I would often look up and marvel at this lovely peak called Bluff Knoll (1,095m/3,592ft). ‘One day I will climb that peak’, I said quietly to myself – well it only took me some 50 years. Better late, than never!

Bluff Knoll is Western Australia’s second highest peak – the highest is Mt. Meharry, 1,249m.

Rocky outcrop on Bluff Knoll — Bluff Knoll – somewhat clouded over

While small by our standards, it’s still a challenging climb due to the inclement weather that often blows in off the Southern Ocean, with snow often found at the top. So I chose to do it in winter! On this day, while it was literally ‘hosing’ down several kilometres away, it was dry at the start of the track and sunny. The spectacular peak, which you often encounter 360 degree views of the countryside below, was this day clouded in mist which added to the eerie atmosphere of the day.

The climb up for the first hour is relatively easy, utilising steps. After that, you head up through an old river bed then a zig zag across a saddle and on a well made trail to the top. I say the top, but due to all the mist and clouds around us, the only way of telling that you were at the top was that there was ‘no more up’ to climb. Just make sure you follow the markers as we encountered a few hikers that had gotten lost.

Anyway, it was nice to grab a rock for a seat, dangle our legs over a ledge and marvel at the ‘so called scenery’ below, eat our sandwich and contemplate life. Then it was time to head back down the same way we came up.

Unfortunately, while the views from the top were not forthcoming, I will always hold dear to my heart and marvel at the gorgeous views from my early childhood which will remain with me forever.

Onwards and upwards!

Trevor

Bluff Knoll as seen from the car park, with the hike starting from the shelter on the right.

Insights

Before heading out, download the local forecasts – Bureau of Meteorology and Mountain Weather.
Bluff Knoll is located within the Stirling Range National Park. A small fee is payable at the entrance to the National Park – AUD13.
Pack a warm fleece and rain jacket as the weather can change very dramatically at the top.
Bluff Knoll is a 6km round trip from the car park trail head. Approximately, 2 hours up and 1 1/2 hours down.

The elevation profile of the hike – steep up and down!

The Stirling Range is renowned for its unusual, and sometimes spectacular cloud formations. The Aboriginal name for the range, Koi Kyenunu-ruff, means ‘mist rolling around the mountains’ – obviously, a frequently seen occurrence. The range is also one of few places in Western Australia where snow occasionally falls.
For further information, go to the Department of Parks and Wildlife.

Stirling Ranges — Stirling Range National Park

Nepal: Ultimate Annapurna Dhaulagiri

Published May 2018 by Trevor. Updated May 2025.

In this post:

Introduction

Previously having undertaken several expeditions and treks in the Himalayas, this time we headed west to explore the Annapurna Dhaulagiri region, and away from the maddening crowds.

Fishtail and Annapurna 4 and 2 — Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna 4 and Annapurna 2

Most days, it was rewarding to have stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range. Along with Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) plus close up views of Dhaulagiri, the 7th highest mountain in the world at 8167m/26,794ft.

Macchapucchre (Fishtail) — The spectacular Machhapuchhre (Fishtail)

Mt Dhaulagiri, 7th highest mountain in the world

We were accompanied by a group of wonderful guides, porters and fellow trekkers.

Introducing some of our wonderful crew – the porters and our trek leader

With another French party staying up at Kopra Ridge, I celebrated my birthday with a cake, made from scratch at 3,600m. Having ‘happy birthday’ sung to me in French capped off a marvellous evening.

Experiences

One of the experiences of trekking in the Himalayas, aside from some of the best mountain views in the world, is that you never know what to expect. From snow and ice one day, sunshine the next, rhododendrons (by the thousands) plus a very cute dog which accompanied us for six days straight.

A blaze of colour in the rhododendron forests in the Annapurna Dhaulagiri region.

The dog who followed us for a few days. — The very cute dog who followed us for days on end

Another great highlight of this trek was forging our own way around villages and up and across ridges using old yak herder trails. This way, we avoided the main Annapurna Circuit Trail. An ever changing trail, from which we observed was very busy, especially those sections which are now dirt roads carrying vehicle traffic. I guess that’s what happens with infrastructure and so called progress arrives in these places – along with hydro power to provide electricity. But I don’t hear the locals complaining, and I guess why should they.

Capping off our adventure, was being able to soak up sunrise at a private camp with views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Views that rival those from Poon Hill, without the crowds and a 4.30am start.

Annapurna South from Campsite — Views of Annapurna South from one of our campsites

As one of our guides reminded me – the mountains are there, but they will always be there in your heart too. So true.

Au revoir.

Onwards and upwards!

Trevor

Dhaulagiri Panorama – atop of Kopra Ridge

Insights

Nepali Flats – don’t be fooled by this expression! Be prepared to often ascend 400m, then descend 1,000m. Very often!

River crossing — Down to the river crossing then all the way back up!

Most treks to the Annapurna Dhaulagiri region start with a morning flight to Pokhara which is around an hours flight from Kathmandu.

Yeti Airlines — Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

Compared to the Everest region, the Annapurna Dhaulagiri region is greener, humid and not as dry or cold. This is especially at lower altitude.
If you are planning to visit Nepal, plan to go during the main climbing seasons of April/May. You never know what famous mountain climbers you’ll bump into wandering around Thamel.
We have subsequently trekked the Dhaulagiri Circuit and also to Annapurna Base Camp as part of our Project Base8000.
Read how to get to Kathmandu.

Panorama from Kopra Ridge in the Annapurna Dhaulagiri region.

Australia: Six Foot Track

Published March 2018 by Trevor. Updated March 2020.

The Six Foot Track is a challenging 3-day hike, winding through state forests and the Blue Mountains National Park from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves, passing by rivers and waterfalls.

View across Blue Mountains — An early morning start – what a beautiful sight overlooking the Blue Mountains

Six Foot Track SIgnpost — Start of the Six Foot Track

This historic track takes in heritage sites, heath, woodlands, and rainforest, with several opportunities for excellent overnight camping.

Campsite — One of the overnight camping spots

Starting Point

Following an 1884 heritage horse track, this challenging walk starts near Katoomba – Explorers Tree. You can also commence the walk from Jenolan Caves, walking in the opposite direction.

You pass cascading waterfalls and wild rivers into the Megalong Valley, before crossing a unique swing bridge, climbing the range, before descending down to Jenolan Caves.

View from the valley — View from the Megalong valley

At night, cook up a hearty meal and enjoy some amazing stargazing before falling asleep to the sounds of the bush. Alternatively, if you don’t feel like completing the entire walk, shorter sections can be undertaken.

Onwards and upwards!

Trevor

Insights

Six Foot track starts in the Katoomba precinct of Blue Mountains National Park. To get there, follow signs to Explorers Tree between Katoomba and Medlow Bath on the Great Western Highway. Free parking is available at Explorers Tree (first in, best dressed).

Kangaroos — Local wildlife to keep you company

Length of track, 44.3km (28mi).
The track is graded as medium, with a few steep descents and ascents.

Highest point is Black Range, approximately 1,200 m (3,900 ft).
Pack plenty of water, hat, sunscreen, clothes for all weather conditions, sleeping bag, sturdy shoes, tent. If unguided, consider also packing a compass, topographic map and personal locator beacon.

Fenceline view — View through the fenceline

Campgrounds with toilet facilities are located at Old Ford Reserve, Coxs River and Black Range.
The track can be booked as a guided walk, with the advantage of not having to carry a tent, food or heavy pack, with transport included.
If you’re in Sydney, a short hike we also recommend is the Spit to Manly walk

USA: Multnomah Falls, Oregon

Published February 2018 by Trevor. Updated February 2021.

Looking for a short day hike just out of Portland? Well, a hike to the top of Multnomah Falls, 542ft (165m), may just whet your appetite – and more so. Located on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge, adjacent to the Columbia River, there are several hiking options or loops you can take.

We did the loop from the base of Multnomah Falls Lodge, to the top of the Falls along a well kept trail, then hooking right to Wahkeena Springs descending back down to Lemmon Viewpoint and Wahkeena Falls, before closing the loop back to our starting point at Multnomah Falls Lodge – all up around 6.2miles (10km), 3 hours.

Hiking Map Multnomah Falls — Hiking trails around Multnomah Falls, with our trail highlighted in yellow.

Multnomah Falls Trail — The track is good quality at the start and becomes more rocky and uneven further up.

Multnomah Falls is a 45-60 minute drive from Portland.

Onwards and upwards!

Trevor

Insights

With picnic areas and lots of hikes to choose from, the area tends to get very crowded.

Finding a park can be tricky on a weekend especially during summer months so suggest arriving early – before 10am. Parking is free.

If doing the loop from Multomah Falls, beware the trail can be quite rocky and uneven so may be wise to wear sturdy footwear.

Take adequate water, especially on a warm-hot day which you tend to get in Oregon during the summer months.
For other ideas on what to do around Portland, Oregon click here for a 2 day itinerary or read this post on Eagle Cap Wilderness