Why walking is the best way to holiday

“PUT one foot in front of the other for long enough and you might just forget where you came from.” It’s this sort of romanticism that perfectly sums up a getaway on foot.

“PUT one foot in front of the other for long enough and you might just forget where you came from.”

It’s this sort of romanticism that perfectly sums up a holiday on foot.

Since I embarked on my first ever walking trip to Tasmania this summer, I have fallen completely in love with hiking.

Wanting to get off the beaten track and see the real Tassie, my partner and I booked ourselves on the Wineglass Bay Sail Walk with the Tasmanian Walking Company.

We wanted to see the untamed wilderness and breathtaking scenery, but with the comforts of gourmet food and wine, hot showers and a comfortable place to rest our heads.

But we experienced a whole lot more than just that.

Stunning Wineglass Bay after being tendered ashore from the Lady Eugenie.

Encompassing both gentle strolls along the beach as well as spectacular climbs, it was a once-in-a-lifetime trip that was as challenging as it was rewarding.

The only tour of it’s kind in Tassie, the four day trip takes in the spectacular (and I mean spectacular!) beaches, peninsulas and island trails found in national parks along the east coast.

Treks during the day are complemented by morning sails on the your floating accommodation for the trip — the Lady Eugenie, a 23-metre (75-ft) luxury classic ketch.

We saw places we never would have seen had we ambitiously attempted to plan our own itinerary. The historic wonders and wildlife of Maria Island, the wilderness of the Freycinet Peninsula, the beauty of Schouten Island while sailing along the Tasman Peninsula.

Arriving in some of the beautiful remote islands of Tasmania.

We fished among schools of mackerel leaping from the water, sunbaked on the deck, cruised past colonies of seals and learnt how to hoist the sails.

And every day we arrived somewhere different to explore and climb.

Here’s five reasons why walking is the best way to holiday:

Meeting new people

You will meet people from all, pardon the pun, walks of life on a walking tour. But one thing you will quickly find you have in common is a sense of adventure. It’s the most wonderful way to meet people, and pick up excellent travelling trips from your fellow adventurers. You’ll arrive as strangers, but leave as friends. The crew and guides are also a wealth of knowledge offering expertise and an encyclopedia of fun facts about your surrounds. They’ll point out things you may have missed and give a unique take on the landscape and it’s history.

Walking along the beach at Maria Island.

The Lady Eugenie waiting in the background.

Exercise

It’s an obvious one, but there’s nothing better than getting your heart rate up and the legs moving. You’ll enjoy that beautiful glass of Tassie wine and a cheese plate (we certainly did on board the Lady Eugenie) even more after knowing you’ve walked a few miles. The walk across Wineglass Bay is absolutely breathtaking, but after the rigorous climb to the lookout, looking back at the beach below, knowing you conquered the climb up is a rewarding feeling. Walking also can reduce your blood pressure, helps to shed excess weight and increases your muscle tone and it’s highly addictive too. You’ll be planning your next trekking trip in no time.

Being tendered ashore after a long day’s walk.

Off the Beaten Track

There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the spectacular landscape of Tasmania than by getting off the beaten track. You’ll see things you never would have seen. The stunning landscape and fascinating history of Maria Island is a perfect example. With no limits and boundaries, you can explore the natural wildlife sanctuary and offshore retreat with historic ruins, sweeping bays, dramatic cliffs and plenty of stories at your leisure. You’ll get up close with wildlife (and plenty of wombats) and feel like you’re truly in the heart and soul of the historic landscape.

Walking the stunning beach of Wineglass Bay, voted one of the top ten beaches in the world.

Sense of achievement

Standing at the top of Mount Graham, overlooking Wineglass Bay was one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done, but standing at the bottom, looking up and wondering how I ever got up there was even better. Hiking 18kms was something I never thought I was capable of doing, but there’s nothing like the feeling of reaching the top.

Peace and quiet

As you experience the wonderful landscapes, the serenity leaves you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. It’s nothing but you and the wilderness. Mobile reception is often few and far between, and I felt like I’d truly switched off.

Being greeted by champagne and cheese after climbing Bear Hill on Schouten Island.

Tasmania is a haven for walkers, with 20 per cent of the state World-Heritage listed. 17 national parks are crisscrossed with thousands of kilometres of trails ranging from gentle walks to epic adventures. The Tasmanian Walking Company also offers walks through the Bay of Fires and Cradle Mountain. So strap on your hiking boots, put one foot in front of the other and start exploring!

There’s a new photo opportunity at every turn.