The Great Walks Dec-Jan 2025 issue is out now! The theme is ‘New Year, New Walks’ and we showcase some of the best walks to put on your 2025 hiking calendar.
The first walk is the newly repaired and upgraded Hume and Hovell Track in southern NSW and lucky for us our writer was very familiar with the walk as part of the track went past his house!
“With five well-marked sections, the Hume & Hovell Track is easy to navigate. Whether you’re after a day hike or planning to tackle the entire route, this iconic pilgrimage has something for everyone,” writes Craig Sheather.
“It also showcases several “Hero” sections, highlighting some of the track’s most captivating landscapes and must-see sites. Over the years, I’ve explored many parts, with my most recent adventure being a three-day trek along Section Two near Tumut. Naturally, I’m already plotting my next journey! And with each hike, I’m edging closer to completing the whole shebang - one step at a time.”
We then preview a dozen new local and overseas walks opening in 2025 or 2026 include the Snowies Alpine Walk in Kosciuszko National Park - in fact, this walk will be opening any time soon!
Other new walks include Tassie’s Tyndall Range, the Murray River Adventure Trail in SA, Byron Bay’s Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk and the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk.
We then head sown to South Australia for some walking, wilderness and wine on the Clare Valley Walk and it seems our writer has truly discovered the good life!
“I don’t mind admitting, that the older I get, the more I crave a few creature comforts,” writes Gabrielle Hall. “So, my eyes lit up when I spotted a hiking holiday with comfortable and luxurious lodge accommodation, gourmet food and some of the world’s best wines on offer.”
We also explore Timor-Leste (formally East Timor), one of the newest countries in the world and head to Germany to walk the Painters Way.
Our Walksmart section reviews some of the best stoves on the market and we have a tongue-and-cheek story on the ugly truth about bushwalking.