Australian Hiker is Australia’s premier hiking podcast as well as providing a southern hemisphere view on overseas hiking. We are Australia’s most downloaded hiking podcast with regular episodes being released every two weeks covering gear and trail reviews, hiking practice, recipes and skills. Bonus episodes will be released at least once a month and include interviews from the trail as well as with relevant industry and allied professionals. Let us do all the research for you.
Episodes
Tuesday Dec 31, 2019
137-What's up in 2020?
Tuesday Dec 31, 2019
Tuesday Dec 31, 2019
In this our first episode for 2020 we take a look at the impacts that the current bushfires gripping many parts of Australia at the time of this podcast are having on hiking and what this may mean for the longer term. In addition, hiking is receiving a boost from state governments so we review proposed walking trails due to open later in 2020 as well as others scheduled for future years and discuss why the NSW Government in particular, is investing in these new trails. www.australianhiker.com.au
Tuesday Dec 17, 2019
136-Apps for Hiking
Tuesday Dec 17, 2019
Tuesday Dec 17, 2019
Mobile apps have become such a familiar part of life that there is an app for just about everything. And hiking is no exception. In this episode we have collected together a range of apps for hikers to make your life easier. Our list isn’t exhaustive by any means with the options only limited by your imagination! Listen to our episode to find out more. www.australianhiker.com.au
Tuesday Dec 10, 2019
135-So you want to be an adventure photographer?
Tuesday Dec 10, 2019
Tuesday Dec 10, 2019
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a professional adventure videographer and photographer? To wander the world and be paid to video and photograph some amazing scenery and individuals doing some amazing things. In this episode we talk to Danyal Taylor whose job is just that and find out a bit of what his life is like and what it takes to do his job. www.australianhiker.com.au
Wednesday Dec 04, 2019
134-Choosing a Sleeping Bag
Wednesday Dec 04, 2019
Wednesday Dec 04, 2019
The problem when choosing a sleeping bag is the huge range of choice we have available on the market. There are hundreds of bags available in the retail stores and online. When choosing a sleeping bag there are some key considerations that come into the mix and in this episode we discuss what to look for in selecting a sleeping bag for your camping needs. www.australianhiker.com.au
Tuesday Nov 26, 2019
133-Light to Light Walk
Tuesday Nov 26, 2019
Tuesday Nov 26, 2019
Located on the far southern coast of NSW the 31 km Light to Light Walk is one that while well known by many, still remains a bit of a hidden gem. Over the weekend just gone we chose to do this amazing walk in a single day but for most people a 2-3 day version is the norm. In this episode you can hear our on trail recordings of how our day went and at the end of the podcast we discuss logistical issues surrounding transport and accomodation and make recommendations on options that will suit all levels of hikers.
We recommend that as you listen to this podcast you follow along with the written version of this walk that contains plenty of images of what we are seeing. The written version complete with images of this walk can be found here.
Tuesday Nov 19, 2019
132-Outward Bound
Tuesday Nov 19, 2019
Tuesday Nov 19, 2019
If you have been involved in the outdoors for any length of time then chances are you have heard of Outward Bound. Outward Bound has been providing eduction in the outdoors for over 70 years and they don't just teach you about being outdoors, they also help you learn more about yourself as an individual. In this episode we talk to Helen at the National headquarters in Tharwa, on the Southern edge of Canberra city about what they do and the services they offer. www.australianhiker.com.au
Tuesday Nov 12, 2019
131-Australian Hiker 3rd Birthday
Tuesday Nov 12, 2019
Tuesday Nov 12, 2019
On 11 November 2019 Australian Hiker celebrated its third birthday. In this episode we reflect on our past year and where we are heading into the future. As the request of our listeners we also provide an overview of some key aspects in getting the Australian Hiker podcast to air. www.australianhiker.com.au
Wednesday Nov 06, 2019
130-Christmas Gifts for Hikers 2019
Wednesday Nov 06, 2019
Wednesday Nov 06, 2019
It’s that time of the year again when you start to look for presents for that hiking fanatic in your life; maybe it's you?
In this episode we focus on the best and brightest that has been released over the past year and those iconic status items that all hikers would be pleased to own ranging from the inexpensive to the grand gesture. Have a listen to see if you can pick up any ideas. www.australianhiker.com.au
Wednesday Oct 30, 2019
129-Going to the toilet on the trail
Wednesday Oct 30, 2019
Wednesday Oct 30, 2019
When you start hiking and camping there is so much to learn. What gear do you buy, how do you deal with food, where are the good walks to do and last but not least how do I go to the toilet in the bush?
In this episode we discuss going to toilet on a hike, the process and the do's and don'ts (pun intended) to hopefully give you a bit of peace of mind if you haven't needed to consider this basic function before. www.australianhiker.com.au
Tuesday Oct 22, 2019
128-Book and Movie Review 2019
Tuesday Oct 22, 2019
Tuesday Oct 22, 2019
In this episode we review a series of hiking and outdoor movies that we have watched over 2019 as well as some outdoor based books that we have read. If you are into the outdoors and are looking something to do on those non hiking days then consider these options. Leading up into Christmas these books and videos make great options for the hiker in your family even if thats you! www.australianhiker.com.au
Tuesday Oct 15, 2019
127-Dehydrated Food on the Trail
Tuesday Oct 15, 2019
Tuesday Oct 15, 2019
Start talking about food options for hiking and it’s amazing how quickly the conversation becomes heated as individuals passionately defend their preferred meal options and tell you why your choices are wrong. This is definitely a topic I try to avoid when at camp in the evening.
Having said that I do have my preferences and as much as I like cooking and eating well when I’m at home, I prefer to keep things simple when I’m on the trail. While my main meals tend to be freeze dried I also integrate dehydrated food into the mix.
This podcast discusses the pros and cons of using dehydrated food and provides a few suggestions for dehydrating. www.australianhiker.com.au
Tuesday Oct 08, 2019
126-Catching up with Tangles and Tail: September 2019
Tuesday Oct 08, 2019
Tuesday Oct 08, 2019
In this episode we catch up with Lucy Barnard from Tangles and Tail who is walking the length of the world from the bottom of South America to the top of North America. This 30,000 km journey will take her around 5-6 years to complete. It's been over four months since we last talked with Lucy and we catch up with her in San Ignacio, Peru where she has a two day journey before she leaves Peru and enters Ecuador. www.australianhiker.com.au
Tuesday Oct 01, 2019
125-Choosing what to bring on a hike
Tuesday Oct 01, 2019
Tuesday Oct 01, 2019
If you're anything like me then you have more hiking gear the you are ever likely to use so how then do you decide what to bring on a hike? In many cases there is no one right answer when assembling a set of gear for your upcoming adventure and this this episode we look at considerations for making your choice. www.australianhiker.com.au
Tuesday Sep 24, 2019
124-Musicians on the Te Araroa
Tuesday Sep 24, 2019
Tuesday Sep 24, 2019
In this week’s episode we have something slightly different for you as we interview Mickey and Michelle about their upcoming journey on the Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand. This is one of the world’s premier long distance hiking trails starting at the top of the north island and finishing at the bottom of the South Island for a total distance of 3,000km.
In itself this is a big trip that presents many challenges and will take a number of months to complete but if that wasn't enough they have a few other complications to make this trip more difficult. Michelle is only 29 and suffers from Osteoporosis. In addition they are both musicians and deciding that they didn’t want to have such a long period away from music they will be doing a series of concerts along the way as a means of funding their trip and to help raise awareness of Osteoporosis which affects 1 in 3 women and one in 5 men (over the age of 50).
In this episode we provide a brief overview of the Te Araroa trail before talking to Mickey and Michelle about their upcoming journey.
Tuesday Sep 17, 2019
123-Hume and Hovell Track-a premature end to a thruhike
Tuesday Sep 17, 2019
Tuesday Sep 17, 2019
What started out as a 19 day thru-hike has now been turned in to a section hike due to injury after completing 310km of this 426km trip. In this episode we discuss our last few days on the Hume and Hovell Track, our reasons for cutting the hike short, and where we go to from here. Rest assured there are plans in place to finish this trip off! www.australianhiker.com.au
Wednesday Sep 11, 2019
122-Hume and Hovell Track Week 2
Wednesday Sep 11, 2019
Wednesday Sep 11, 2019
In this weeks episode we continue our on trail episodes from our Hume and Hovell Track adventure this time with recordings from day4-9. www.australianhiker.com.au
Monday Sep 02, 2019
121-Hume and Hovell Track Week 1
Monday Sep 02, 2019
Monday Sep 02, 2019
In this weeks episode we listen to our on trail recordings of our first three days on the 426km Hume and Hovell Track. We will post over the next three weeks from the trail as signal availability allows.
Wednesday Aug 28, 2019
120-Choosing a camping site
Wednesday Aug 28, 2019
Wednesday Aug 28, 2019
I have memories of camping dating back over 40 years and in many cases these memories were positive ones that consisted of some amazing experiences shared with friends and family. On the other end of the scale there were also trips where things went horribly wrong because we chose bad sites to camp. In this episode we discuss things to consider when choosing a place to put you tent to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable nights sleep. www.australianhiker.com.au
Wednesday Aug 21, 2019
119-The John Muir Trail; an Australian perspective.mp3
Wednesday Aug 21, 2019
Wednesday Aug 21, 2019
In this week’s episode we talk with Blair Woodcock who recently completed a thru-hike of the 211 mile (340 km) USA based John Muir Trail. Many backpackers say this trail contains the finest mountain scenery in the United States, and runs (mostly in conjunction with the PCT) from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, in California. In this episode we provide an overview of one of the world’s most spectacular trails and hear a firsthand overview of what a thru hike was like. www.australianhiker.com.au
Tuesday Aug 13, 2019
118-Zen and the Art of Hiking
Tuesday Aug 13, 2019
Tuesday Aug 13, 2019
There are any number of reasons why we enjoy hiking; the flora and fauna, the majestic views, the little stuff, the big stuff. While there might be some common themes we all enjoy, there will also be some unique reasons for each of us which are likely to be different. In episode 010 we provided a broad overview of some of these reasons and this week in episode 118 we look at some of the more 'spiritual reason' (for want of a better phrase) behind why we hike.
Tuesday Aug 06, 2019
117-Hume and Hovell Track: in the footsteps of explorers
Tuesday Aug 06, 2019
Tuesday Aug 06, 2019
Over the next month Gill and Tim from Australian Hiker will commence their end to end on the Hume and Hovell Track. This track, in the state of New South Wales (NSW), travels between the towns of Yass to the north and Albury to the south, for a distance of 426 km.
In this episode we provide some background to one of Australia's lesser known long distance trails, talk about some of the logistics involved, as well as our expectations for this trip.
Once we commence this trip we will be releasing regular social media posts as well as podcasts from the trail. To follow our regular written posts go to https://australianhiker.com.au/journeys/
Tuesday Jul 30, 2019
116-Choosing a Sleeping Mat
Tuesday Jul 30, 2019
Tuesday Jul 30, 2019
Choosing the right sleeping pad/mat can be the difference between a bad night’s sleep and a great night’s sleep. But it is not as easy as grabbing the first pad you see. Navigating the range of brands and models can be confusing. In this episode we look at the things to consider in selecting a sleeping mat. www.australianhiker.com.au
Tuesday Jul 23, 2019
115-Outdoor Retailer Australia Show July 2019 Part 2
Tuesday Jul 23, 2019
Tuesday Jul 23, 2019
This episode is the second in this two part series from the 2019 Outdoor Retailer Australia Show which was held on 14-16 July 2019 at the Flemington Exhibition Pavilion at the Melbourne Showgrounds. In this episode we talk with a further six companies on new and upcoming product. You can also listen to the previous episode, 114, in this series here.
Wednesday Jul 17, 2019
114-Outdoor Retailer Australia Show July 2019 Part 1
Wednesday Jul 17, 2019
Wednesday Jul 17, 2019
The 2019 Outdoor Retailer Australia Show was held on 14-16 July 2019 at the Flemington Exhibition Pavillon at the Melbourne Showgrounds. This annual show is a chance for Australia’s outdoor wholesalers and manufacturers to showcase their new and existing products to Australia’s outdoor retailers and allied media. This is the third year that Australian Hiker has attended this ‘trade only show’ as a media representative.
This year has been our biggest yet and we recorded 13 seperate interviews over the 2.5 days of the exhibition with the first seven of these interviews contained in this episode with the remainder to be released in episode 115 to be released in the following week.
From our discussions with the various suppliers at the show we will be undertaking a number of gear reviews over the upcoming year that will be of interest to you. For pictures associated with this episode go to here
Tuesday Jul 09, 2019
113-European Peace Walk-interview with Lexi Connors
Tuesday Jul 09, 2019
Tuesday Jul 09, 2019
In this weeks episode we talk to traveller and avid hiker Lexi Connors about her recent trip on the European Peace Walk Trail. This trail is relatively unknown but provides and alternative to the heavily used Camino trails. In this episode we discuss the logistics, the ups and downs, and the highlights of this unique trail. www.australianhiker.com.au
Tuesday Jul 02, 2019
112-When is it time to quit a hike?
Tuesday Jul 02, 2019
Tuesday Jul 02, 2019
As a hiking blogger who is also interested in long distance hiking, quitting a hiker is always something in the back of my mind. However quitting a hike is not confined to long distance trails and can be a consideration on any hike. Sometimes calling it quits on a hike is just the sensible thing to do. In this podcast we discuss some of the reasons that we may pull the pin on hike.
Wednesday Jun 19, 2019
111-Freeze Dried Meals
Wednesday Jun 19, 2019
Wednesday Jun 19, 2019
Talking about hiking food can get you into a lot of trouble; everyone knows best, and their view is always the correct one! Its not quite in the same category as talking politics over Christmas lunch but it sometimes comes close. Everyone has their food preference and ours is freeze-dried food. In this podcast episode we’re going to discuss why that is.
Wednesday Jun 12, 2019
110-Boots McFarland Interview
Wednesday Jun 12, 2019
Wednesday Jun 12, 2019
The Boots McFarland hiking cartoon is the brainchild of Geolyn Carvin. In this episode we get a bit of background on Geolyn and 'Boots' and discuss how the creative process for this wonderful hiking cartoon comes about.
Wednesday Jun 05, 2019
109-Environmentally Friendly Hiking
Wednesday Jun 05, 2019
Wednesday Jun 05, 2019
In this episode we discuss options for waste reduction and how we can care for the environment as hikers. Now before you switch off thinking we are going to take the moral high ground, be warned that while we are all about minimising our impact on the environment, it’s not as simple as it sounds.
Wednesday May 29, 2019
108 Tangles and Tail; and interview with Lucy Barnard
Wednesday May 29, 2019
Wednesday May 29, 2019
In this week's episode we interview Lucy Barnard from Tangles and Tail as she attempts her journey from the southern-most point of South America to the northern-most point in Alaska. This is an epic journey, almost solely by foot, covering around 30,000 km in distance. In this episode, we find out a bit about Lucy (Tangles) and Wombat - the ‘Tail’ member of her team, the reason behind her trip, the logistical issues surrounding such a massive undertaking, and how her journey has gone so far. This is an episode not to miss!
Wednesday May 22, 2019
107-Fire and Hiking
Wednesday May 22, 2019
Wednesday May 22, 2019
Fire is one of those things to which we all seem to be drawn. It warms us when we’re cold, it was the main method of cooking since cooking began and for whatever reason it creates an emotive reaction in most of us - we can just sit and watch it for hours on end. On the flip side fire can be extremely dangerous causing massive damage to the environment, to property and occasionally loss of life. In this episode we discuss fire and hiking looking at the do’s and don’ts to help you create the best experience when dealing with fire on the trail.
Wednesday May 08, 2019
106-How much does it cost to hike?
Wednesday May 08, 2019
Wednesday May 08, 2019
Pick any activity that you do and no matter what it is there are costs associated with it; hiking is no different. Costs for gearing up and for undertaking trips can be almost negligible but at the opposite end of the scale they can also add up costing many thousands of dollars. In this episode we discuss options for getting on the trail and look at where you should be targeting your funds to get the best bang for your buck.
Wednesday May 01, 2019
105-Kiandra to Tharwa; a taste of the Australian Alps
Wednesday May 01, 2019
Wednesday May 01, 2019
Over three days in Easter 2019 I walked the 112km from Kiandra in the Snowy Mountains to Tharwa (a section of the Australian Alps Walking Track). Doing an extreme walk is one of the annual challenges I set myself and this one was also a learning opportunity to do some pre-planning for a planned thru hike of this alpine trail. This podcast contains a series of recordings over the three days and describes what I was seeing and how I was feeling; I learnt some hard lessons on this hike!
Wednesday Apr 24, 2019
104-The History of Australian National Parks
Wednesday Apr 24, 2019
Wednesday Apr 24, 2019
If you live in Australia, or for that matter many other countries in the world, then you will be familiar with with the concept of National Parks. In fact many of the walks that we do as hikers around this country are to be found in National Parks. But what are they and how did they come about? In this podcast we provide a brief overview of the history of National Parks what they mean from an Australian perspective.
Wednesday Apr 17, 2019
103-One Man's Climb; interview with Adrian Hayes
Wednesday Apr 17, 2019
Wednesday Apr 17, 2019
In this episode we go beyond the realms of this hiking podcast and are talking with British adventurer, and author, Adrian Hayes about his latest book ‘One Man’s Climb’ which details his account of his first unsuccessful attempt to summit k2, the worlds second highest mountain, also known as the ‘mountaineers mountain’, or the 'Savage mountain' in 2013 and his subsequent successful attempt in 2014. You may never aspire to summiting K2 but Adrian has some key takeaways that are applicable to anyone who is thinking of putting themselves outside their comfort zone to achieve there goals.
Wednesday Apr 10, 2019
102-Mind, Body, and Soul; the health benefits of hiking
Wednesday Apr 10, 2019
Wednesday Apr 10, 2019
As long as the humans have been around we have been looking at ways of improving our lives. But with this improved lifestyle we are progressively becoming a less fit, fatter, more sedentary population, that spends little time exerting any energy. So while our average lifespan is now at its longest our fitness hasn't necessarily improved and this is where hiking comes in. Hiking gets us into the bush and has many positive impacts; physical ,emotional, and mental, and that's what we will be discussing in todays episode.
Wednesday Mar 27, 2019
101-Packing Your Fears
Wednesday Mar 27, 2019
Wednesday Mar 27, 2019
'Packing your fears' is a way of saying you are carrying items in your pack based on your worries or fears; your worst case scenario. In today's episode we discuss how to overcome these this tendency to overpack.
Wednesday Mar 20, 2019
100-Trail Design
Wednesday Mar 20, 2019
Wednesday Mar 20, 2019
Have you ever thought about how the trails that we know and love so much come to be? The design and construction of modern day hiking trails is a complex and time consuming process and if done right the trail will appear as if it's always existed.In this episode we interview the Project Manager, and the Architect, for the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail to find out what's involved in bringing a new trail online.
Wednesday Mar 13, 2019
099-Altitude and Hiking
Wednesday Mar 13, 2019
Wednesday Mar 13, 2019
Ever wanted to hike Kilimanjaro, the Himalayas, or the Andes? One of the major considerations on these hikes is the impact of Altitude Sickness which can become very serious; in fact it can sometimes have lethal impacts. In this episode we discuss ways of mitigating the impacts of high altitude on hikes to ensure that we get the best out of our experience.
Wednesday Feb 27, 2019
098-Coffee on the Trail
Wednesday Feb 27, 2019
Wednesday Feb 27, 2019
Drinking coffee when you're out hiking is a quandary. Do you put up with bad coffee just because you're away from your fancy machine, or do you give it up until you are back home? Well maybe you don't have too. This episode discusses options for making coffee on the trail from the 'just Ok' to the 'this is pretty dam good'. We also discuss coffee alternatives if you want your caffeine fix without the hassle of making coffee.
Wednesday Feb 13, 2019
097-Q & A (Hiker Questions)
Wednesday Feb 13, 2019
Wednesday Feb 13, 2019
We thought that we would try something a bit different and in this episode we are answering a series of questions asked by our listeners.
Wednesday Feb 06, 2019
096-Aussie 10 Walk
Wednesday Feb 06, 2019
Wednesday Feb 06, 2019
Each year over the Christmas holidays Gill and I undertake a multi-day walk. Over Christmas in 2018 we decided to do the Aussie 10 Walk. This walk, located in the Australian Alps in the state of New South Wales, takes in Australia's 10 highest peaks. This isn't a formal trail but rather a route based on the well known Main Range Track. This episode consists of a series of recordings undertaken over our 2.5 day journey.
Wednesday Jan 30, 2019
095-Transitioning to multiday hiking
Wednesday Jan 30, 2019
Wednesday Jan 30, 2019
One of the biggest transitions that most hikers make is shifting from day hiking to overnight hiking. Transitioning from just a night or two to multi-day trips brings a whole new set of considerations that can seems just as daunting. This podcasts discusses the main considerations for multi-day hiking and hopefully will provide you with some background if you are considering taking this next step.
Wednesday Jan 16, 2019
094-Night Hiking
Wednesday Jan 16, 2019
Wednesday Jan 16, 2019
So, you’ve been hiking for a while and are looking for something a bit different to mix it up a bit; maybe a new trail, or a new location. But what if instead all you need is a new way to view that tired old trail you’ve been hiking for a while? And that’s where night hiking comes in. This podcast discusses the pros and cons of hiking at night as well as the factors that need to be considered to ensure we do it as safely as possible.
Wednesday Jan 09, 2019
093-First Hike Project
Wednesday Jan 09, 2019
Wednesday Jan 09, 2019
The First Hike Project is an organisation that takes newly arrived immigrant and refugee kids and introduces them to the Australian Bush. Originally the First Hike Project originated in Perth and has now spread to a number of cities around Australia. In this episode we talk to the Coordinator of the Canberra chapter of the First Hike Project as well as one of the participants about their experiences.
Wednesday Jan 02, 2019
092-Media Review
Wednesday Jan 02, 2019
Wednesday Jan 02, 2019
This podcast episode reviews some of the most well known hiking/outdoor movies of all time and where available compares them the books. If you are into the outdoors and haven't seen these movies then add them to your must see list.
Wednesday Dec 19, 2018
091-Impacts of Long Distance Hiking
Wednesday Dec 19, 2018
Wednesday Dec 19, 2018
Thinking of doing a long distance multi-week hike? This podcast episode discusses the physical and mental impacts of undertaking a thru hike including some considerations that you may not have even thought of.
Wednesday Dec 12, 2018
090-Big Agnes Tents
Wednesday Dec 12, 2018
Wednesday Dec 12, 2018
In this weeks episode we talk to the store manager at well known southern Queensland outdoor store,Wild Earth, on Big Agnes tents. The episode showcases three of the newer tents in the range.
Wednesday Dec 05, 2018
089-Eye Care and Hiking
Wednesday Dec 05, 2018
Wednesday Dec 05, 2018
If you ask most people what is their most important sense 'sight' is usually the one that they will name. But just how much thought do we put into looking after our eyes when we head out on the trail? This episode discusses the basics of eye care and what we should be doing to care for our eyes out on the trail.
Wednesday Nov 28, 2018
088-The Great South Coast Walk
Wednesday Nov 28, 2018
Wednesday Nov 28, 2018
The Great South Coast Walk can best be described as Australia's greatest coastal walk that very few people have heard of. This walk starts on the outskirts of Sydney at Bundeena, NSW, and winds its way south finishing 660km later in the Victorian town of Mallacoota. In this episode we interview David Briese, one of the instigators of this walk and find out what's so special.