Early on Saturday morning people of all shapes and sizes tumbled off buses and on to the start of the Tongariro Crossing track. At 19.4km it’s no stroll, with many steep inclines along the way to thin out the crowd. It’s reputation as one of New Zealand’s best day walks is well deserved, although perhaps … More Tongariro Crossing
Often it’s easy to overlook what’s on your own doorstep. For me that’s the Blue Mountains. I have been trying to make more of an effort to explore there. One particular Friday morning I popped my gear and tent in the car and once the office day was done I headed for the hills. I … More Exploring on my doorstep
I had been doing well with the weather in Tasmania, but on my last day came the wind and rain. I was headed to Wine Glass Bay with some short tracks to see in the National Park on the way. The first stop was Cape Tourville Lighthouse, listed on Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks. It’s a very … More Blowing away the cobwebs
I have been to Byron Bay a number of times and each time I’m at the lighthouse and look across the ocean to see the peak of Mt Warning, I promise myself the next time I’m here I’ll hike up it. Well I learned from my past mistakes and this time organised myself to get … More Will procrastinate another day
Hi, long time no talk. Hope you are all well. More recently being Niamhonleave has only been a fleeting state of mind in-between busy weeks working. However I got to spend some time in New Zealand over the Easter and it was very easy to slip back into my former ways. Just a shame I … More A State of Mind
Over time I have stayed in many wonderful places and have enjoyed great company, yet something about camping alone in Mt Kosciuszko captured my imagination. In my last post I shared some photos of the hike but I left out these ones….possibly because I think they deserve their own post! I set up camp in the … More Carry on Camping
I decided to do an overnight trail in Kosciuszko National Park. Its been a while between hikes involving a full pack so this one was at a gentle pace. Mt Kosciuszko, whilst the highest point in Australia, the track there is not the most demanding. It is however beautiful this time of year. This area is more familiar … More Top of Australia
I think Captain Cook may have been too polite. Sailing past in 1770 he named this distinctive peak Pigeon House. The Aboriginal name of Didthol, a word meaning “woman’s breast” seems closer to the mark. Either way, I made my way up on a gloomy morning, passed numerous times by enthusiastic boot campers and trail runners. … More Raising the pulse
I had read much about this trail before getting here. It was clear it was going to be a tough one. In fact I didn’t finish it. The Castle Track in the Budawangs is not for those seeking a gentle stroll. Instead this largely unmarked trail in wilderness is challenging, demanding and I can only … More The Castle
Niamh on Leave 