Tramping and camping in the more remote areas around the world is rightly considered a joyful pass time. For my twin sister, my friend and I it has been a path of pure enjoyment to drive through this vast continent of Australia where rocky escarpments and outcrops provide both beauty and huge vistas.

One does need to be aware however that traversing these remote areas can present challenges that must be prepared for. But the vistas are well worth the effort as seen below. Simpsons Gap, Kings Canyon and the mighty monolith Uluru are just examples of the beauty of these areas.

We travel often to the centre of the continent or through that area to access the North of Western Australia or much further to tropical North Queensland. Regardless we are always treated to the vast vistas of an area called the Outback because of the isolation and distances involved.

Camping and tramping in these remote areas is very comfortable for us as we know what to expect and how to prepare for the venture. We often visit Ormiston (above) and Trephina Gorges (below) and have a fulfilling time in company with the wild life around us…albeit some are venemous.

a history of tramping

In truth this history of tramping has been, for us, decades in the making. In combination with professional careers our friendship group has walked as far away as the Annapurna Dhaulagiri region of Nepal, NewZealand and even to Antarctica. The latter was a truly awe inspiring adventure, which on an Icebreaker allowed us to explore many places we would never ordinarily see.

This trip was not without its excitment as the Drake passage (as is its way) provided us with massive waves spewing over our ship as the crew tried to outrun its ferocity.

The theme of snow continued as an unexpected bonus in one of our many walking trips in New Zealand. Expecting fine weather for our repeat of the Routeburn and Greenstone tracks we were confronted with thick snow and ice. Beautiful but treacherous on the steep mountain sides. So dangerous in fact that we needed a helicopter to get around to a safer zone.

On one trip there our friends left us to visit their NZ family after our first walk. My sister, and I were advised by a tourist bureau to walk the Hollyford track and we therefore flew to the recommended area to join the trail. However it soon became painfully obvious that it was in disarray as markers simply disappeared in the bogs surrounding us. So, we were stranded but did have a GPS and map. As dusk fell and after hours of bush bashing we found the trail again close to the backpackers hut. The other occupants gleefully told us that not only was that route no longer maintained but the one for the next day was called the “Devils Trail”…and it was!

New Zealand has been a happy hunting ground for walks, but one memorable highlight was the crossing of the Tongariro volcanic crater. Having tried unsuccessfully to do this walk previously because of the ferocious winds we made our second attempt. A stunning and unique vista. In truth it was a battle even on this occasion not to be blown into the crater.

Closer to home a walk we always enjoy is the Overland track in Tasmania.

The Overland is such a contrast to the dry interior of Australia and is rightfully a very popular walk with good facilities at the various huts along the way.

Another favourite walk in the mainland is the Larapinta trail, which is much longer than the Overland being 223kms along the Western MacDonnells from Alice Springs to Mt Sonder. Facilities along the way include pit loos and sometimes (when we walked) a water tank. Carrying sufficient water is a must as its a quite a strenuous walk. This aside it is my favourite multiday trek in Oz as the vistas are stunning.

For us this walk was accomplished over a few years because of work commitments. But for many years before the trail was established, or GPS made available, we walked these magnificent hills using the landmarks way off in the distance. Nothing different there for avid walkers as you would never reach the areas you want without just heading out and up. Admittedly there were some misadventures, but we always ended up in the right spot in the end. These days there is no excuse for getting lost (or as my friend says temporarily misplaced).

In the early days my sister joined us on our walks here. Then another friend came on a later excursion with us.

Counts Points is just one of the plethora of majestic views on this trail

The final stage is the climb of Mt Sonder, which we have done many times in the past and more recently. Still it is an achievement for anyone to finish the trail and stand tall at the top of this (my favourite) NT mountain.

These days we seldom consider popping the big multiday back pack on the shoulders. But we do enjoy longer distance day walks such as those provided by the Heysen trail in South Australia (now completed), around the Adelaide hills and of course any mountain that takes our fancy out bush.

And so we will continue to tramp up mountains and along the trails for now….