Katie KesselExplorer

Please note that a lot of the track is exposed, so make sure if it's a nice day to bring a hat and sun protection. If it's rainy, please be careful of the rocks and note that the trail can get boggy.At certain times of the year, you can see whales off the coast as the track follows their migratory route.From the parking lot, there's a track on the left side that goes into the forest. Follow the...

This is a great hike while you're in Queenstown to see a gorgeous view of the area if you have a few hours to kill. The hike is very well marked with lots of information boards on the area. Please make sure to dress appropriately - there can be some snow on the ground in the winter. From the carpark, follow the trail for around 1.5km until you reach a fork in the road. This is the beginning of ...

The Otways National Park sits right on the Great Ocean Road, a stunning, lush park with lots of amazing tracks to explore. This track takes you through dense trees and walks along several stunning waterfalls.  Day One (4.8km) From Sheoak car park, follow the track up the hill towards Sheoak Falls. You will reach a junction that indicates Castle Rock to the left (this is the way you will come do...

This is a great hike if you're looking for some stunning views, but also has some sections of unmarked trail where you will need to have either GPS or the ability to navigate with your compass/map (preferably both!). The mountains are stunning, but as you are at a high altitude the weather can change dramatically. As there is often ice and snow, please also take caution when summiting as some o...

Rottnest Island is probably most famous for its adorable Quokka population, but the island also has lots more to explore outside the main settlement.  With well-marked walking and biking trails both on the beach, track and road, there of tons of places to see. With trails as long as 40km, you can spend any number of hours taking your bike or walking shoes around the island. There are several ma...

These walks allow you to see some of the most spectacular and famous portions of Flinders Chase National Park. The park is well-marked and informative of the different areas, making it very interesting to visit. Make sure to start at the visitors centre, which is on your way into the park, in order to get permits before your trip.The first section of the hike is 3km return. The walk takes you f...

This hike is short, but there are tons of opportunities to take in beautiful views of the bay and we saw tons of kangaroos! It was close to dusk, so this is a time when they're typically quite active.The car park is past the campsite towards the bay itself. On the drive in, please note there are park entry fees (there was a box where you fill out the fee and deposit $10 in cash, but sometime in...

Bells Beach is one of the first stops on the Great Ocean Road and an awesome spot to either surf or enjoy the small beach town vibe in the town of Torquay. Bells has some awesome storms and surges that come through so it's a great place to surf or watch the waves break. This trail can be either hiked or run - there are some uphill climbs but nothing significant. Park at Bells Beach and make you...

The best times to go are either during a big swell so you can admire the waves crashing against the rocks, a bright sunny day so you can admire the red rocks and beautiful turquoise water, or at sunset where you can admire the sun setting over the Indian Ocean. To be honest, it would be hard to find a time where visiting this beach wouldn't be spectacular.From the parking lot, head left onto th...

Please note that this walk is quite steep, so leave ample time to get up and down the walk. As well, please note that water levels can vary on the Lerderderg River, so ensure you are prepared to get a little wet at certain times of the year!  From the parking lot, walk through the picnic area and walk to the right as identified by the Lerderderg Circuit Walk signs, following the river. The firs...

This is a great place to explore - the beach is quite large and has some beautiful places to watch the waves or jump in. There are also lots of walks such as the 8km Jerusalem Creek Walk, which you can find instructions for in the link below:  http://www.nationalparks.nsw.g... Make sure to book ahead of time as the sites are reserved and the camp is quite popular. Please also note that all of t...