I’m still able to do most of the things I need to but I can’t carry much or get too far while on crutches. I’ve been to the outdoor gym every single day and hobble my way to coffee at a cafe afterward. After four surgeries in the past and lots of injuries throughout my life, I’ve always been on to have an enormous amount of gratitude for being able to do any sort of activity. One minute you have the capability and you never know what can happen.

Luckily, I only have two weeks post-surgery on the crutches if all goes well, and will be back to walking from basically the first days of 2022. Other than the injury, I’ve been working a bit on the blog and have transitioned to a new, faster theme called Trellis. However, you probably can’t notice because aesthetically it still looks the same.

I also launched my Patreon Page, which serves a double purpose. Firstly, it is a place for readers to support me after enjoying my free travel guides with a small monthly payment. Secondly, it’s a place where I can offer my services through mentorship and also offer different tiers of benefits such as sending out handwritten postcards, presets, and direct access to me through messaging for advice on blogging and travel tips. You can check out the full Patreon Page by clicking here to see the different tiers and membership benefits.

I hope you all had a good Christmas and finish off the year strong.

The surgery adds two pins to each side of my ankle with a cord that wraps around the joint holding the ligaments in place. They will also clean up the site of the small fracture where the bone is chipped so it heals properly. I’ll be in a boot and crutches for two weeks post-surgery and can jog after four weeks if all goes well. I think 6-8 weeks is a fair timeline to be back hiking.

It is what it is. I’ll use this time to let other parts of my body recover and to strengthen my upper body, handgrip, and core while doing exercises that don’t use my legs or mobilize the ankle. I’ll also jump on the computer when I find motivation and tidy up lots of admin and updates on the blog as I anticipate the travel traffic to increase throughout 2022 assuming the recovery does actually occur. The blog is pretty self-sufficient and when the search traffic increases so do my page views and income but there are a number of areas I can pay attention to, which will make 2022 as successful as possible. It won’t be exciting or glamorous but I’ll have plenty of downtime during this period to make sure everything is running smoothly.

As I mentioned in the last ‘Weekly’, there won’t be too many travel photos during this time. I write these short journals predominantly for myself to keep a record of my travels, and periods of my life. It’s getting close to six years now so it’s something I make sure to carry on.

I flew into Sydney from Nepal and had no restrictions placed on me. I then waited seven days out in NSW and could then enter South Australia with no quarantine there either. A pretty good result compared to a $3,000, two-week hotel stay months earlier. Unfortunately, I had my hiking accident during my time in NSW but other than that the plan went perfectly. I managed to keep it a secret from my family and arrived home a few weeks before Christmas to surprise them.

Despite my injury and need to get scans and treatments sorted in my first few days back in Adelaide, it was just good to be back home. It’s been a pretty full-on year with four out of the last five months spent living in a tent. It’s manageable but starts to wear you down bit by bit over time. A forced rest back home will rejuvenate me for 2022 on the road again. Sometimes you don’t know how much you need a break from it all until you have no choice but to take a break from it all. Rest and recovery are often neglected but never to be underestimated.

I think this next month will lack photos as I take a break from the camera and documenting adventures but that’s okay. My days will be filled with coffee, chats, and outdoor gym workouts to keep in shape while in the moon boot. It’s a phase, I’ll manage it and come out the other end stronger.

My first hike back in Australia was a 44km loop route to the ten highest peaks of the country. Halfway through I made a miscalculated decision to jump over a river. I missed the landing and was in some serious pain. With another 19km to hike out and no chance of any help, I tightened the laces on my boot and limped onwards. It turns out I’ve ruptured two ligaments and chipped the bone in my ankle joint requiring surgery.

Luckily, the surgery will happen soon and I will be out from hiking for about 4-6 weeks, which isn’t the worst result. A fractured ankle would be 8-12 weeks. So that’s the hand I’ve been dealt and I’ll carry on trying to keep a positive attitude and training for a return to the trails in 2022.

Here’s a look at the hike through the Kosciuszko National Park on the Ten Peaks Hike from the week that was.

Summiting Kosciuszko had always been an adventure I was keen on but when I found out about the 44km route of the Ten Peaks Hike, I was motivated to get out there and make it happen. It’s pretty unique to be able to touch the ten highest peaks of a country in just a couple of days throughout a single route. I landed in Sydney and picked up a campervan from Travellers Autobarn. It ended up being a great way to do this hike and a pretty cheap alternative to staying in hotels in rural towns. Much easier than camping also.

I drove down to Jindabyne, which is one of the towns nearby the hike starting point in Charlotte’s Pass. I slept one night in Jindabyne and waited until the ticket station opened in the morning so I could legally enter the Kosciuszko National Park. It’s just $17 a day for one person with a vehicle to be inside the park. Camping within the park is just a small fee per night at one of the registered campsites. I simplified things and just drove straight to Charlotte’s Pass that morning and parked my car just below the parking lot. The parking is free and it is requested that multi-day hikers park slightly below the regular parking lot, which is used for day visitors. I set off for the hike from the parking lot at about 8:30 am with the plan to be back in the late afternoon the following day having completed the 44km route of the Ten Peaks Hike.

The hike is a 44km loop route, which starts and ends at Charlotte’s Pass parking lot. Most of the reports I’ve read, recommend summiting Mount Twynam first, traveling in a counter-clockwise direction. This worked for me but I can’t see that doing it in reverse would be much different given that the incline undulates.

It snowed the week before my hike and a storm was scheduled, which is why my photos are quite gloomy and many of the summits lack an amazing photograph. However, I did get enough pockets of sunshine amidst the fog and rain to enjoy the scenery.

The hike begins along the Main Range Track, which is essentially a service road. It doesn’t feel too wild as you make your way through nature on such a wide path but after about an hour, you deviate off the trail and into the wilderness to reach your first peak of Mount Twynam. Atop each peak, you should find a clear rock stack or monument to notify you have actually reached the summit. Many of these peaks are not frequently visited and are well off the main tourist track. This is why having the GPX to follow closely helped in times when everything was covered in snow or it was a ‘choose your own path’ type of scrambling up the rocks and boulders.

Amidst the fog, I continued on to reach the next few peaks in succession as the snow began to thicken. I found myself at times completely surrounded by fog while walking in the snow. I never thought I’d experience that while hiking in Australia in November but here I was. navigation became quite hard and I was thankful to have a reliable GPX route to follow. I crossed a few beautiful lakes with little cascades and waterfalls that had broken through the ice and snow cover. It was a winter scene one would expect in New Zealand or Iceland.

After the first few peaks, the trail begins to open up a bit with some scenic views over towards Mount Townsend and Alice Rawson Peak. The fog cleared and a number of stunning alpine lakes came into view. With the spotted layering of snow surrounding the striking blue of the lake, it was quite a scene. During this traverse over towards Mount Townsend, the trail joins a metal boardwalk for a kilometer before rounding the lake and heading up for a rock scramble to join the ridge on the other side. The rock scrambling was never too extreme but for those expecting a simple walking trail, you will be up for a bit more of a challenging route than expected. No extra gear is needed but this area did get. a little interesting especially once the rocks became a little slippery in the rain.

The weather had finally caught up with me and by mid-afternoon, the rain started to come down with some force. I quickly set up camp just beneath Mount Townsend after almost 23km of hiking done and dusted. There are plenty of flat patches to camp on around these areas with water available throughout most parts of the hike aswell but this would all depend on the season. I set up early in the afternoon and hid from the rain for the rest of the day and during the night hoping for better weather in the morning.

The next morning provided some slight improvements to the weather although my first peak of the day, Abbott Peak, was completely covered by fog in a full white-out. It was now time to head down into the valley and cross over and up onto the ridge leading up to the biggest of them all, Mount Kosciuszko. Unfortunately for me, tragedy struck and I had an injury while trying to cross one of the rivers. A bad landing had me rupturing two ligaments and chipping off my bone. I continued up to the summit of Kosciuszko, despite extreme discomfort. The torrential downpour didn’t help my spirits.

Around mid-morning I made it up the snowy ridge to Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak. The clouds came and went but never fully opened up for an excellent view from the summit. This spot is normally crowded in good weather, but I met just two people atop the peak. They had done the popular Summit Trail from Charlotte’s Pass, which is a 9km route one way so 18km return trip.

From Kosciuszko, the trip is relatively easy with just two more peaks to collect, which are Ram’s Head and Ram’s Head North. The rain and bad weather continued for me with more whiteout conditions but I carried on and ended up making it back to the Charlotte’s Pass Parking Lot by mid-afternoon. The final few kilometers were among the prettiest of the entire route with the trail looking down over the river and snowy valley below. Overall, (despite the injury) it was a great journey and a hiking trail I would highly recommend to Aussies looking for a challenging expedition.

The hiking trail takes most people 2-3 days although it can be smashed out in a day for fit and ambitious trailblazers. The route follows the Main Range Track for the majority of the hike but also deviates off the path and onto natural terrain and wild paths to reach several of the peaks. It can be attempted year-round although you will find the scenery and conditions to be much more adventurous should you attempt the route during or after a snowfall.

In this guide, I will give you all the information you need in order to prepare yourself for the Ten Peaks Hike. I will go through the best times to do the hike, park fees and permits for Kosciuszko National Park, how to get there, where to stay before and after, what to expect on the trail, where to camp during the hike, and what gear you will need. I’ll also show you all of the photos and notes from my trip to give you an idea of what the trail will look like although it can vary depending on what time of year you hike.

TEN PEAKS HIKE DETAILS

Distance: 44km

Days required: 2-3 days

Total Incline: 1900m

The highest point on the trek: Mount Kosciuszko (2228m)

Difficulty:  The terrain is a mixture of service road, paved walking track, natural paths, and then some minor scrambling and bouldering. If you have basic experience of hiking ad can manage your way up through some bouldering/rock scrambling you are good to go on this one. The distance of 44km can be broken up into two manageable days or even three days if you are concerned. The incline is moderate for the most part with a consistent undulation but no incredibly steep sections. I would recommend training prior to this hike by doing a 15-20km hike on one day and then repeating it the next day. Remember you will be carrying all of your gear too!

Cost per trek: The costs for this trek are free but you will need the daily permit for the Kosciuszko National Park, which was $17 per day for me ad my vehicle.

Accommodation: The entire route is camping only with no cabins. I carried a tent and slept one night at the 23km mark just beneath Mount Townsend. Before and after the hike, I stayed in Jindabyne. This small town is just a 40-minute drive from the trailhead and has everything you need.

Best time of year for the hike: The best time of the year for the Ten Peaks Hike really depends on what weather conditions and scenery you are looking for. In my opinion, this region is prettiest with some snow cover. I had snow one week before my hike and while it made it more difficult, the scenery was amazing. If you want to completely avoid snow and have warmer conditions, December to March is going to be the best time of year for you. My hike was in November for your reference when looking at my photos.

Starting location: The hike begins in the Charlotte Pass parking lot at the end of Kosciuszko Road

GPX Map: I used this GPX map and found it relatively accurate. You can download it by clicking on the link and uploading it into your smartwatch. I prefer to upload it into an app called TrackViewer.

TEN HIGHEST PEAKS IN AUSTRALIA BY ORDER OF HEIGHT

1. Mount Kosciuszko 2228m
2. Mount Townsend 2209m
3. Mount Twynam 2195m
4. Rams Head 2190m
5. Rams Head North 2177m
6. Alice Rawson Peak 2160m
7. Abbott Peak 2145m
8. Carruthers Peak 2145m
9. Mt Northcote 2131m
10. Muellers Peak 2129mm

TEN HIGHEST PEAKS IN AUSTRALIA BY SUMMIT ORDER

1. Mount Twynam
2. Carruthers Peak
3. Mt Northcote
4. Muellers Peak
5. Alice Rawson Peak
6. Mount Townsend
7. Abbott Peak
8. Mount Kosciuszko
9. Rams Head North
10. Rams Head

TEN PEAKS HIKE MAP

GPX Map: I used this GPX map and found it relatively accurate. You can download it by clicking on the link and uploading it into your smartwatch. I prefer to upload it into an app called TrackViewer. As you can see, the route follows the Main Range Track for a large percentage of the route but veers off to reach many of the summits. Having the GPX on your phone is very handy because often I was completely surrounded by fog and could only rely on the offline map for directions.

MY EXPERIENCE ON THE TEN PEAKS HIKE

Summiting Kosciuszko had always been an adventure I was keen on but when I found out about the 44km route of the Ten Peaks Hike, I was motivated to get out there and make it happen. It’s pretty unique to be able to touch the ten highest peaks of a country in just a couple of days throughout a single route. I landed in Sydney and picked up a campervan from Travellers Autobarn. It ended up being a great way to do this hike and a pretty cheap alternative to staying in hotels in rural towns. Much easier than camping also.

I drove down to Jindabyne, which is one of the towns nearby the hike starting point in Charlotte’s Pass. I slept one night in Jindabyne and waited until the ticket station opened in the morning so I could legally enter the Kosciuszko National Park. It’s just $17 a day for one person with a vehicle to be inside the park. Camping within the park is just a small fee per night at one of the registered campsites. I simplified things and just drove straight to Charlotte’s Pass that morning and parked my car just below the parking lot. The parking is free and it is requested that multi-day hikers park slightly below the regular parking lot, which is used for day visitors. I set off for the hike from the parking lot at about 8:30am with the plan to be back in the late afternoon the following day having completed the 44km route of the Ten Peaks Hike.

The hike is a 44km loop route, which starts and ends at Charlotte’s Pass parking lot. Most of the reports I’ve read, recommend summiting Mount Twynam first, traveling in a counter-clockwise direction. This worked for me but I can’t see that doing it in reverse would be much different given that the incline undulates.

It snowed the week before my hike and a storm was scheduled, which is why my photos are quite gloomy and many of the summits lack an amazing photograph. However, I did get enough pockets of sunshine amidst the fog and rain to enjoy the scenery.

The hike begins along the Main Range Track, which is essentially a service road. It doesn’t feel too wild as you make your way through nature on such a wide path but after about an hour, you deviate off the trail and into the wilderness to reach your first peak of Mount Twynam. Atop each peak, you should find a clear rock stack or monument to notify you have actually reached the summit. Many of these peaks are not frequently visited and are well off the main tourist track. This is why having the GPX to follow closely helped in times when everything was covered in snow or it was a ‘choose your own path’ type of scrambling up the rocks and boulders.

Amidst the fog, I continued on to reach the next few peaks in succession as the snow began to thicken. I found myself at times completely surrounded by fog while walking in the snow. I never thought I’d experience that while hiking in Australia in November but here I was. navigation became quite hard and I was thankful to have a reliable GPX route to follow. I crossed a few beautiful lakes with little cascades and waterfalls that had broken through the ice and snow cover. It was a winter scene one would expect in New Zealand or Iceland.

After the first few peaks, the trail begins to open up a bit with some scenic views over towards Mount Townsend and Alice Rawson Peak. The fog cleared and a number of stunning alpine lakes came into view. With the spotted layering of snow surrounding the striking blue of the lake, it was quite a scene. During this traverse over towards Mount Townsend, the trail joins a metal boardwalk for a kilometer before rounding the lake and heading up for a rock scramble to join the ridge on the other side. The rock scrambling was never too extreme but for those expecting a simple walking trail, you will be up for a bit more of a challenging route than expected. No extra gear is needed but this area did get. a little interesting especially once the rocks became a little slippery in the rain.

The weather had finally caught up with me and by mid-afternoon, the rain started to come down with some force. I quickly set up camp just beneath Mount Townsend after almost 23km of hiking done and dusted. There’s plenty of flat patches to camp on around these areas with water available throughout most parts of the hike aswell but this would all depend on the season. I set up early in the afternoon and hid from the rain for the rest of the day and during the night hoping for better weather in the morning.

The next morning provided some slight improvements to the weather although my first peak of the day, Abbott Peak, was completely covered by fog in a full white-out. It was now time to head down into the valley and cross over and up onto the ridge leading up to the biggest of them all, Mount Kosciuszko. Unfortunately for me, tragedy struck and I had an injury while trying to cross one of the rivers. A bad landing had me rupturing two ligaments and chipping off my bone. I continued up to the summit of Kosciuszko, despite extreme discomfort. The torrential downpour didn’t help my spirits.

Around mid-morning I made it up the snowy ridge to Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak. The clouds came and went but never fully opened up for an excellent view from the summit. This spot is normally crowded in good weather, but I met just two people atop the peak. They had done the popular Summit Trail from Charlotte’s Pass, which is a 9km route one way so 18km return trip.

From Kosciuszko, the trip is relatively easy with just two more peaks to collect, which are Ram’s Head and Ram’s Head North. The rain and bad weather continued for me with more whiteout conditions but I carried on and ended up making it back to the Charlotte’s Pass Parking Lot by mid-afternoon. The final few kilometers were among the prettiest of the entire route with the trail looking down over the river and snowy valley below. Overall, (despite the injury) it was a great journey and a hiking trail I would highly recommend to Aussies looking for a challenging expedition.

I hope you enjoyed this guide about the Ten Peaks Hike and my gloomy but scenic photos gave you some inspiration for one of the top multi-day hikes in Australia.

My personal favorites things to do are Ocean Safari snorkeling in small group sizes at 2 islands and White Water Rafting for its wet and wild experience.

QUICK PICKS: 3 BEST THINGS TO DO IN CAIRNS

Don’t have time to read the whole post? No Problem. Here are my top three picks for the best activities in Cairns.

Ocean Safari

• Snorkel at 2 islands
• Turtles and corals
• Small group size

Book tour

White Water Rafting

• Wet & Wild
• No experience required
• Fun family activity

Book tour

Great Barrier Snorkel/Dive

• Snorkel & Scuba
• Maximum 80 passengers
• Less crowded option

Book tour

17 BEST THINGS TO DO IN CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA

In this blog post, I will share with you some of the best tours in Cairns aswell as a load of free activities and viewpoints to include in your itinerary.

Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Scenic Helicopter Flight

Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Scenic Helicopter Flight: You can’t visit Cairns without experiencing the Great Barrier Reef! It’s literally a must when considering the best things to do in Cairns! On this tour, you snorkel at two amazing Great Barrier Reef locations and then take a helicopter flight over the reef. You get to explore the reef from under the surface and in the air! This is one of the top-rated things to do in Cairns.

• Visit 2 spectacular outer Great Barrier Reef locations and snorkel for 5 hours
• Soar over the reef on a short scenic helicopter flight
• Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and light snack on the way back
• Relax on the full-length sun lounge or on one of the three spacious deck levels

Book your tour: Reef Snorkel & Heli Flight

Reef Snorkel & Heli Flight

• Best tour in Cairns
• Snorkel 2 Reefs
• Helicopter flight above reef

Book tour

Daintree, Mossman Gorge & Cape Tribulation Tour

Daintree, Mossman Gorge & Cape Trib Tour: This is the MOST popular tour in Cairns and gives you the whole experience in one day trip. Here’s what you can expect from the itinerary.

• Visit Mossman Gorge, the Daintree River, Rainforest Boardwalk, and Cape Tribulation
• Experience a wildlife river cruise, learn about the fragile ecosystem, and try to spot crocodiles
• Discover the scenic Great Barrier Reef Drive and enjoy panoramic views over the sparkling Coral Sea
• Participate in a Smoke Ceremony with the Kuku Yalanji people, the Aboriginal owners of the land
• Listen to highly trained guides who give an expert rainforest interpretation

Book your tour: Daintree, Mossman Gorge, Cape Trib Tour

Daintree, Mossman Gorge, Cape Trib Tour

• Full day-trip
• All the top sights
• Most popular Cairns tour

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Self-guided Kuranda Scenic Rail & Sky Rail Day Trip

Self-guided Kuranda Scenic Rail & Sky Rail Day Trip: On this Cairns tour you will explore Kuranda and the World Heritage-listed rainforest. First, you will take in the sights by historic railway before taking the Sky Rail over the rainforest.

• Discover World Heritage-listed pristine rainforest by historic scenic railway
• Take a ride on the cableway, gliding just meters above the rainforest canopy
• Visit Kuranda markets, unique shops, and wildlife parks

Book your tour: Kuranda Sky Rail & Scenic Rail

Kuranda Sky Rail & Scenic Rail

• Best way to see Kuranda
• World Heritage Rain Forest
• Full day-trip

Book tour

Half-Day Barron River White-Water Rafting

Half-Day Barron River White-Water Rafting: Test your skills on grade 3 level rapids on your journey through the rainforest. In between the fast-paced action you can take in the stunning scenery and enjoy the wildlife action on the banks of the river. Prepare to get wet and wild as this adventure is not for the faint-hearted. It definitely goes down as one of the most fun things to do in Cairns and this definitely one of the most exciting tours I’ve ever done.

• Marvel at the stunning rainforest landscapes of Barron Gorge National Park
• Ride the grade three rapids of the Barron River, including the Roostertail

Book your tour: White Water Rafting

White Water Rafting

• Wet & Wild
• No experience required
• Fun family activity

Book tour

Fitzroy Island Full-Day Adventure Tour

Fitzroy Island Full-Day Adventure Tour: The Fitzroy Island tour is the best day trip from Cairns. The beaches, snorkeling, and viewpoints on this island are just incredible and a great spot for families or couples to relax, adventure and explore.

• Cruise by ferry to Fitzroy Island and enjoy up to 7 hours of leisure time
• Snorkel the coral reef to see an abundance of marine life, or watch it from the comfort of a glass-bottom boat.
• Take wilderness hikes on up to 5 different trails, suitable for all levels of fitness

Book your tour: Fitzroy Island Tour

Fitzroy Island Tour

• Most beautiful beach
• Amazing water clarity
• Hike, SUP, Snorkel

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Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Tour

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Tour: The best way to explore the Great Barrier is on a day trip to snorkel and dive. Take a luxury boat to a private reef for a safe and relaxed snorkel and dive adventure.

• Experience a comfortable day on the reef on a modern vessel
• Dive or snorkel at 2 exclusive outer reef locations
• Enjoy a delicious pre-packed picnic lunch

Book your tour: Great Barrier Snorkel/Dive

Great Barrier Snorkel/Dive

• Snorkel & Scuba
• Maximum 80 passengers
• Less crowded option

Book tour

Babinda Boulders

Even after considering all of the fun things to do in Cairns, the Babinda Boulders is right up there for me as one of the highlights of the trip. Surrounded by lush rainforest, the Babinda Boulders is a popular swimming hole with crystal clear water.

This is a place you want to hang out at for a couple of hours. Bring down lunch or a picnic and really explore this gem of a spot. Make sure you walk around the corner to check out Devil’s Pool, which is next on the list below!

There’s an epic tour (I’ve linked it below) that includes the Babinda Boulders and also, Josephine Falls, Millaa Millaa Falls, the Volcanic Crater of Lake Eacham, Babinda Boulders, Henrietta Creek or Malanda Falls, and a Tea Plantation in one day so you can get a great taste of Cairns with one action-packed tour.

Book your tour: Cairns Full-Day Tour (includes Babinda Boulders)

Devil’s Pool

The crystal clear waters of Babinda Creek flow through the Boulders and eventually spill over into Devil’s Pool. On the day I looked out over Devil’s Pool it was carnage. I didn’t even consider touching the water. It was beautiful watching the raw power of the water as it spilled down into each pool, one after another at one of the most popular attractions in Cairns.

However, during times of less rain, the pools are actually a popular spot to jump in for a dip. There are some interesting stories surrounding Devil’s Pool. The story goes that there is a spirit of a woman, Oolana, at the bottom of the pool luring young men to their death. The tale originated after Oolana threw herself into the pool after being separated from her love. 17 deaths have occurred at Devil’s Pool, therefore proceed with extreme caution.

Daintree & Cape Tribulation Guided 4WD Tour

Daintree & Cape Tribulation Guided 4WD Tour: One of the best ways to see many of Cairns’s top attractions is on a Four Wheel Drive tour. Go where the others can and have an incredible adventure seeking the best sights of Cairns. Enjoy spectacular views on the recently-named ‘best drive in the world‘

• Spot crocodiles and other wild animals on the river cruise
• Spend free time at the famous Cape Tribulation Beach
• Benefit from a small group tour (maximum 16 guests)
• Cool down on a freshwater swim in the pristine Emmagen Creek

Book your tour: Guided 4WD Tour

Guided 4WD Tour

• Best drive in the world
• Boat and 4WD
• Great family tour

Book tour

Josephine Falls

One of the most remarkable things about Tropical North Queensland is that even when you aren’t at the beach you can be on the beach. What I mean by this is that when you sit down along the banks and look up at the epic Josephine Falls you can sit on the sand. These sandy banks are found all throughout the rainforest and add an element of the oasis to the region.

Josephine Falls was booming on the day I visited but normally you can jump in the many different cascading pools for a refreshing dip in the crystal clear water!

You can check out the tour below, which includes Josephine Falls and Babinda Boulders, Millaa Millaa Falls, the Volcanic Crater of Lake Eacham, Babinda Boulders, Henrietta Creek or Malanda Falls, and a Tea Plantation in one day so you can get a great taste of Cairns with one action-packed tour.

Book your tour: Cairns Full-Day Tour (includes Josephine Falls)

Waterfall, Wildlife, and Rainforest Tour

Waterfall, Wildlife, and Rainforest Tour from Cairns: Explore some of the best ‘wild’ places to visit in Cairns with waterfalls, swimming holes, and rivers on this full-day tour. It’s one of the top-rated activities in Cairns for those who love to have a swim and are up for an adventure.

• Visit Millaa Millaa Falls, which is Australia’s most photographed cascade
• Explore a landscape of rugged mountains, winding rivers, and rainforests
• Swim and float on inflatables at cascading waterfalls and swimming holes

Book your tour: Waterfall, Wildlife & Rainforest Tour

Waterfall, Wildlife & Rainforest Tour

• Best waterfall tour
• 10-hour adventure
• Best value tour

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Mission Beach

Halfway between Townsville and Cairns is the stunning Mission Beach. Four beach villages are linked together by 14 kilometers of golden sands. This coastline is a sunrise special, facing directly to the east and lined with palm trees need I say more. We woke up early and watched as the sun slowly rose over the ocean and finally broke through some low cloud cover.

There are plenty of things to do in Cairns or in the surrounding towns like Mission Beach, which is only a short drive away. It’s a perfect place for a walk or bike ride along the beach path.

Overnight stay on Great Barrier Reef Pontoon

Overnight Experience on Great Barrier Reef Pontoon: Once 3 pm rolls around all of the pontoon guests get back on the ferry and head back to Cairns. That is except of course, for those who are sleeping on the pontoon! That’s right you can sleep on the Great Barrier Reef. 

• Enjoy between 2-5 dives or snorkel sessions each day at exclusive reef locations
• Experience amazing coral and sea life at some of the best dive and snorkel locations on the Great Barrier Reef
• Re-energize with delicious meals prepared by the onboard chef
• Take time to relax on one of the sundecks or in the comfortable bar and saloon areas

The beauty of the overnight stay is it’s just you and a few mates on a pontoon built for 100-200 people. There are no crowds or busy tourists looking for their kids. It’s totally chill and you can really enjoy the reef experience at a much slower pace.

Book your tour: Overnight Great Barrier Reef

Overnight Great Barrier Reef

• Sunset & Sunrise
• Unlimited snorkeling
• Amazing experience

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Daintree Rainforest River Cruise

Daintree River Cruise: This was the most surprising activity of my trip. I thought it would be a relaxing cruise with not too much action but boy was I wrong. We hopped into our small river cruiser, grabbed a pair of binoculars, and tuned into our veteran guide, Ian ‘Sauce’ Worcester. Ian pretty much made the tour as good as it was with some help from the local wildlife. We saw crocs, frogmouths, snakes, and lots of birdlife throughout the tour.

Book your tour: Daintree River Cruise

Daintree River Cruise

• Amazing wildlife
• Relaxing boat cruise
• Good family tour

Book tour

Daintree River Drift Tour

Daintree River SUP or Drift Tour: The world heritage listed Daintree Rainforest is so big and so beautiful, that there are never enough ways to explore this natural gem. Cruising on a stand-up paddleboard or on an inflatable as part of a river drift are both amazing activities in Cairns. The challenging current kept us alert as we navigated our way upstream, inspecting every sandbank and Avatar tree along the route. Cruising through this beautiful scenery was one of the most relaxing things to do in Cairns!

We stopped after half an hour to eat some local fruits and have a refreshing swim. It was here that we turned back downstream, sitting and laying on our boards enjoying the serenity of the Daintree Rainforest and appreciating the natural sounds of the environment.

Book your tour: Daintree River Tour

Daintree River Tour

• SUP or Drift/Snorkel
• Very relaxing & Scenic
• No experience required

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Mossman Gorge Indigenous Dreamtime Walk

Roy Gibson had a dream and that was to preserve the heritage of the indigenous people of his region and to give an opportunity to his community to be involved in a positive project they could take ownership of. This dream became a reality when he acquired the land and backers helped him build the 20 million dollar Mossman Gorge Centre.

We went on a guided Dreamtime Walk through the Daintree Rainforest. Before we entered we took part in a smoke ceremony and asked for welcome and protection from the spirits. Along the way, we looked at communication rocks, medicinal plants, tools, and other unique aboriginal traditions and ways of life. The Aboriginal people have some of the most resourceful and unique techniques in all areas of life that helped them to not only survive but thrive in the often harsh landscapes of Australia.

The Dreamtime Walking Tour is a great introduction to the Aboriginal culture and how they interact with their environment.

Ocean Safari Tour: Cape Tribulation Snorkel

Ocean Safari Tours took me out on what was definitely the highlight of my snorkeling in Queensland. The snorkel trip uses a Zodiac-style boat, built for speed and transport. From Cape Tribulation, the boat zips you and 20 others out to a small caye/island. On this trip you can expect:

• Visit two reef sites – Mackay and Undine Reefs
• Explore the underwater world
• Spot turtles and other wildlife
• Enjoy a small group size of only 25 people

This short trip with Ocean Safari is a great way to snorkel the reef without the crowds of Cairns. Much more chill much more relaxing. The Ocean Safari half-day tour costs $145, which is far less than in Cairns and doesn’t require the long ferry in and out.

Book your tour: Ocean Safari

Ocean Safari

• Snorkel at 2 islands
• Turtles and corals
• Small group size

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Explore Thala Lodge

Thala Lodge is an eco-resort just out of Cairns. I didn’t stay at the resort but a friend suggested I stop by to hang out in their epic little palm field for an hour. Thala Lodge is an award-winning eco-resort and it would actually be a great spot to stay for a night or two with lots of attractions in the area to explore. Symmetrical palms from above are always going to be fun. Hanging out here is one of the lesser-known things to do in Cairns.

Bungee Jumping in Cairns

Bungee Jumping with a BMX bike from the top of a roof? Sure why not. AJ Hackett Cairns is the ultimate hang-out spot for adrenaline junkies. Only 15 minutes from the city center it’s one of the best things to do in Cairns that involves hardly any driving! They have a giant swing and multiple bungee platforms to entertain you for hours. At the base of the jump is a big pool of water that dunks the jumper’s head ever so slightly.

I decided to do the BMX bungee, it’s the only place to do it in Australia so why not! I first had to do one regular jump and then one running jump from the ramp on the roof. The running jump was awesome and felt like a superman cliff jump. Once I graduated from the running jump the boys set me up on the BMX and off I went, rolling down the ramp before I came hurtling down to the water! AJ Hackett Cairns is one of the top 10 things to do in Cairns for adrenaline junkies!

Book the Bungee BMX package: Bungee Jump BMX Package (3 Jumps)

Book a single bungee jump: Bungee Jump (With Cairns Hotel transfers & Souvenir T-shirt

Bungee Jump Cairns

• BMX style available
• Pool beneath jump
• Leap of faith swing

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MY TOP THINGS TO DO IN CAIRNS VIDEO

If you prefer to watch rather than read I put together a few highlights from each activity in this video:

I hope you enjoyed my guide to the top things to do in Cairns and have an adventurous holiday.

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I went to Kangaroo Island for a getaway but also to shoot some running-inspired pictures for my friends’ upcoming workshop being held on the island. That’s why you’ll see a few running-focused pictures below. I hope you enjoy these Kangaroo Island photos as much as I enjoyed the trip!

It’s been a sunny week here in Adelaide, which has left some of us scratching our heads and wondering if winter has finished or if it ever came it all. Was that it? Is that all you got Adelaide? It’s been chilly at times but the amount of sunshine I’ve consumed and golden rides I’ve been on during winter is surely down to luck. I guess we deserve a bit of luck this year.

I made my way to the gym twice this week for some maintenance, rode 140 kilometers on the bike, and put in 40kms of trail running. It was my steepest week of running ever I believe with 1100m of the incline in the bank. Maybe that is the highlight. For me, the highlight was just enjoying a few different trails throughout the week and I feel like, during this extended stay in Adelaide, I’ve really sought out some different locations in Adelaide and have made the most of my home town. It’s a beautiful home town.

Below are some of my favorite moments from the trails this week and a little video I’ve made while trying to upskill myself on the GoPro Max 360 in preparation for some epic trail running overseas later this year hopefully. I finished up a blog post this week that collated all of the beautiful trails I’ve been running in South Australia. If you are keen to check it out, it’s a handy 5,000-word collection highlighting some of the top trails I’ve run near Adelaide. You can check that out here: 20 AWESOME TRAIL RUNS NEAR ADELAIDE

However, when you find someone reliable, who you believe in they’re easy to invest energy into, you can get emotionally involved without being disappointed when their interest or motivation drops off down the track. It’s called reliability and in the world of freelancing and entrepreneurship, it’s not a regular trait.

When Josh said he wanted to run a Kangaroo Island workshop focused on running and personal development, we had a quick chat about it and by the end of the conversation, I knew he was going to make it happen. I didn’t need all the details or for it to be locked in. I could just see he was 100% committed to the idea. So, when he asked me to come over on a week-long trip to adventure and shoot photos and video creating promotional content for his workshop… I packed my bags and off we went.

As a squad of four, we set off for Kangaroo Island on a Monday and after some slight ferry delays, we arrived at the island late at night, grabbed a pub meal then checked in to our cottage-style accommodation. The next four days would be a whirlwind of adventure.

More and more, I am enjoying a challenge and a focus when it comes to photography. Having pressed the shutter hundreds of thousands of times over the last 6 years, having a bit of purpose with each click is reinvigorating. A personal challenge I set myself for this week was to create some of the most epic running photos Kangaroo Island has ever seen. This would give Josh some great material to promote his upcoming workshop and for me, it would emulate working on an official project with certain requirements and a level of quality to achieve. Something to strive for.

It had been a while since I’ve shot too much, having opted to give the camera a rest for the majority of the four months I’ve been in lockdown in Australia. Things quickly came back to me as did the adrenaline of capturing scenes during golden light and framing shots. It was all the fun stuff with a great group of guys.

We were lucky to have three great sunrises and some beautiful sunny weather throughout the trip, which made things very easy from a photography point of view. We also threw in a couple of hikes and a number of trail runs to keep the blood flowing throughout the week. I’m going to share my favorite photos from my week on Kangaroo Island shooting landscapes but also the running focused images, which will be used to promote the Kangaroo Island Session.

20 AWESOME TRAIL RUN NEAR ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

n this blog post, I’m going to share with you some of my favorite trail runs that I’ve personally enjoyed while based here in my hometown of Adelaide, South Australia. I’m no pro runner by any means but enjoy a good trail with some incline so the undulation in the Adelaide Hills and surrounds is a great training ground. Normally I love to take a photo at golden hour on my camera but most of the photos in this blog post are taken on my phone during a run (often while on the move) so don’t expect epic landscape shots but you will get a sense for what each trail offers.

CHAMBERS GULLY LOOP

Distance: 10km
Incline: 344m
Strava Upload: Chambers Gully Loop Map

Chambers Gully is one of my personal favorite trail runs near Adelaide City Center. It’s really close to the city and just minutes from the suburb of Burnside. To get there you head up Waterfall Gully Road to the most popular hike in Adelaide “Waterfall Gully to Lofty’. Two kilometers before you reach the parking lot for Waterfall Gully, you will see the Chambers Gully sign on the right-hand side of the road. There is limited parking at the entrance to the trail but on weekends you will have to search up and down the road for a parking spot.

The trail is a 10km loop and can be run in either direction. However, if run clockwise from the parking lot it is a much steadier run with 7km of incline to the summit/viewpoint rather than 3km. I’d advise this direction for maximum enjoyment.

The trail begins on a paved section of road but only for a short while before the track turns into a dirt trail that follows a small creek up through the gully. Keep your eyes open for Koalas, I spotted a couple in the early moments of the trail.

After a few kilometers, there is a steep section before the trail begins to wind up the side of the gully to lead you to the top of the ridge. Once upon the ridge, the trail opens up onto a gravel service road and shoots you straight along the ridge toward the city of Adelaide, which slowly becomes visible in the distance. This upper region of the trail on the ridge is the Kangaroo hangout zone so keep your eyes peeled for some Kangaroos lazing under the trees. I ran into a mob of about 15 roos here. At the viewpoint, there’s a bench with a stunning view of the entire city of Adelaide similar to the nearby Mount Lofty view but without the infrastructure and with fewer hikers.

The trail then winds you down the hill on a single track with some slight exposure. Take care during this descent rain as the muddy single-track can be slippery and there is a drop-off but with moderate care, there is little to fear. The descent is a great section to release the legs and drop some quick kilometers. Post-run coffee is no doubt at Base Camp Cafe, which is just near the start of Waterfall Gully Road.

FIFTY SHADES OF CLAY TRAIL

Distance: 10.2km
Incline: 208m
Strava Upload: Fifty Shades of Clay

The trail name is real before you question it. The ‘Fifty Shades of Clay’ trail is a handy track near O’Hallaran Hill, which makes it very accessible to those in the southern suburbs. While there are a number of variations to the route including crossing underneath the Southern Expressway to increase the distance of the route.

This track is a popular mountain bike area so keep an eye out for bikes while enjoying the tracks. The route I did was a 10km loop with just over 200m of incline along the very muddy trail. If it’s been raining, you may want to give this trail run a miss because it just becomes so slippery it’s hard to get any grip on the track. Even on the day, I ran there was only light rain, but as you can see we ended up covered in clay spray.

This is a great trail run to choose if you don’t want to drive for a long way up unto the hills but still want a bit of an off-the-beaten-track adventure. Post-run coffee was at the Alimentary Eatery in Brighton, which is nearby.

KUITPO FOREST – TINJELLA TRAIL

Distance: 10.5 km
Incline: 214m
Strava Upload: Tinjella Trail in Kuitpo Forest

Kuitpo Forest is one of the top Sunday ‘Longy’ trail runs in South Australia. The rows of pine trees, soft surface underfoot, and peaceful surroundings make this the top choice for runners if they are willing to journey a little further out of Adelaide in search of tranquility on the trails.

It takes just a little over an hour to reach Kuitpo Forest from the city of Adelaide but there’s never been a time I’ve regretted the long journey. The drive out to Kuitpo Forest is a spectacle in itself with tree tunnels, expansive fields, and kangaroo sightings highlights of the trip. While there are many areas to run in Kuitpo, I stick to the Tinjella trail, where I enjoy a 10-kilometer loop with just over 200m of incline. If you are keen for a longer run, you can easily rack up 30km without repeating sections in Kuitpo Forest and the great part is you will probably meet more kangaroos than people.

The trail has quite a few turns so a map can be handy but you can make it up a bit as you go if you prefer. The route I use leads you in and out of the forest, along gravel roads and gives you some nice segments of incline but nothing too steep for too long. I always leave Kuitpo Forest feeling quite refreshed mentally even if my legs are drained. It’s just a special place with a calm atmosphere, perfect for a trail run. I usually stop off at Harvest Mylor Cafe for post-run coffee, which is about 1/3 of the way back to Adelaide.

MYLOR FOREST LOOP TRAIL

Distance: 10.5km
Incline: 283m
Strava Upload: Mylor Forest Loop Trail

This sweet trail run up near Mylor is a bit of a hidden gem. I wasn’t sure to expect when we set off on this route but this track ended up having it all. The 10.5km loop has 283 meters of incline, most of which comes quite early in the trail. The early section of the trail has quite a few twists and turns as the single-track leads you through some pretty thick bush.

After a few kilometers of the winding single-track, the trail opens up a bit and you attack a couple of extra hills before following the mountain bike track along the side of the road back to the Mylor Football oval. There’s a great little cafe next to Mylor Football Oval where the trail begins for your post-run coffee called Harvest Mylor Cafe.

KINGS BEACH TO NEWLAND HEAD (HEYSEN TRAIL)

Distance: 12km (Can do 20km+)
Incline: 324m
Strava Upload: Kings Beach to Newland Head

The Heysen Trail is a 1200km trail that runs through some of the most scenic parts of South Australia. A few people have run the whole thing but most people just jump on a segment of the track for a nice trail run. One of the most scenic parts of the Heysen Trail is in between Kings Head Bech and Newland Head Conservation Park.

The distance between the two is about 15km but you can do an out and back from either side if you just want a shorter distance. We started at Kings Head Beach and ran out 6km before returning the same way to finish back up at Kings Head Beach.

The trail hugs the rugged cliffs along the coast looking out over the ocean below. Keep your eyes out for whales, kangaroos, and the colorful Rosella birds throughout the route. The surface is a mixture of sand, dirt, gravel, rock, and an occasional set of stairs. Despite the incline, it undulates, so you are never on an uphill segment for too long.

It’s truly a stunning segment of rugged track and one of my favorite trail runs in South Australia. If you are committed, you can get out here for sunrise and watch the sun come up over the ocean, a rare sight for locals who are used to watching the sunset over the ocean. Post-run snacks and coffee is at BEACHES Cafe in Port Elliot

Wallowa Track in Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park

Distance: 10.7km
Incline: 189m
Strava Upload: Wallowa Track Run

The Wallowa Track is a pretty awesome trail run near Tanunda. It’s up in the Barossa Valley, which might seem fair but to get to Tanunda it is less than one hour from Adelaide. Once you are in Tanunda, it is just 20-minutes to Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park where you will find the Wallowa Track. It’s very well signed at the entrance and the track is quite clear throughout.

It’s a classic Aussie bush trail run with beautiful native plants and lots of wildlife to look out for while you are running. I saw lots of Kangaroos and birds on the trail with Echidnas also reported being aplenty in the park.

The elevation is not too taxing as the track undulates early then evens out. It’s an out and back route with an optional detour off the track to a lookout over the plains. Watch out for the famous ‘horse head rock’ after about 5-kilometers, which looks a bit like the horse chess piece and is about 7-foot tall.

Post-run snacks and coffee is back in Tanunda at Four Seasons of Nosh Cafe.

MOUNT CRAWFORD FOREST LOOP TRAIL

Distance: 12.5km
Incline: 216m
Strava Upload: Mount Crawford Forest Loop

Mount Crawford Forest is another perfect getaway from the crowds of the city. It’s a peaceful forest run among the pine plantations, much like you can find in the popular Kuitpo Forest. However, on a weekend Kuitpo can see a few visitors but because Mount Crawford Forest is a little bit further it is usually a peaceful forest run.

I did a 12.5km loop through the forest but you could do a route of up to 30km without repeating sections. There are many gravel and dirt roads throughout the forest so you can choose your route. The incline is dependent on the route but usually, the hills in Mount Crawford Forest are short-lived but the trails are undulating so the longer you run the more hills you will collect.

The trail I did begins from a service road and leads you along the boardwalk before the track winds its way through the forest and up to several hills. We spotted a number of kangaroos as we made our way in the early parts of the trail just after sunrise. It was freezing up there and our fingers only defrosted after 6km as it is a decent elevation in the hills.

The coffee and snack stop is at ‘The Good Pantry‘ in Gumeracha, which is on the route back to Adelaide.

BROWN HILL CREEK TRAIL RUN

Distance: 13.8km
Incline: 324m
Strava Upload: Brown Hill Creek Run

Brown Hill is another little gem not too far out of Adelaide. Just moments from the suburbs in the foothills you can find yourself up in the hills away from it all on this run. A quick disclaimer about the route I took so you aren’t disappointed. The first half was all good but I always prefer a loop so I ran up to Sheoak road instead of doubling back down through my Brown Hill route and ended up on some pretty crazy roads with no path, which were dangerous if any cars came through.

However, the running in the Brown Hill Creek area is super nice as you follow the creek, which is surrounded by dense greenery. Huge trees, thick bushes, and a chance of a Koala sighting make this a great little trail run. Halfway through the run, you will reach Pony Ridge Road, which is a picturesque set of switchbacks you can see pictured below.

This trail was a good mix-up from the regulars but not my favorite trail run near Adelaide compared to Chambers or Belair. Post-run coffee was at the ever-reliable ‘Pickle in the Middle‘ in Unley.

STURT GORGE LOOP TRAIL RUN

Distance: 10km
Incline: 219m
Strava Upload: Sturt Gorge Loop

Sturt Gorge is another one of these hidden gems right on the edge of suburbia. That’s why Adelaide is a great trail running area because you don’t need to travel for hours to get to some decent hills. Sturt Gorge is a popular mountain biking area and a number of the trails in this route are actually mountain bike trails.

The route I did was a 6km loop so I double back a few times and added in a bit extra to get a 10km session done but the main part of the loop is solid via my map. The trail undulates along the mountain bike track and then dips you down into the gorge. What goes down must come up and this trail has a short but vicious switchback section, which will separate the pack. I spotted a koala and a pack of kangaroos on this hike even though it’s just minutes away from the suburbs.

Post-run coffee is at the coffee truck ‘D.OSE‘.

CITY TO BEACH – RIVER TORRENS LINEAR PARK TRAIL

Distance: 12km
Incline: 50m
Strava Upload: Brewery to Henley Route

The River Torrens Linear Trail is one of the most reliable tracks for uninterrupted running in Adelaide. It’s popular among recreational cyclists and walking groups for its relaxed vibe and stunning scenery. The best part about the River Torrens Linear Trail is that it runs right through Adelaide, which means no matter what suburb you are in it’s not too far away to find your way onto the trail.

While the trail is paved the whole way, you will find lots of dirt or bush trail sections, if you prefer for a bit more of an adventure. While there are many great sections of the River Torrens Linear Trail, I like to start at the brewery, where you can easily find parking, and run all the way down to Henley. This way you finish the run with 2-kilometers along the coast and then get to enjoy a coffee at Henley Beach after. You will need a pick-up driver or to plant a second car if you only plan to run one way as I did on the Strava upload, which you can click on above. Otherwise, you can start further towards the beach or make it a long run and go out and back for a half-marathon.

It’s truly incredible how stunning this trail is, considering it is often only meters away from busy main roads. Don’t be surprised if you spot a koala or native birds as the sunlight creeps in through the trees creating an urban oasis perfect for an easily accessible city trail run in Adelaide.

Post-run coffee is at Acacia Coffee although many loyal Malobo fans will be disappointed at that choice. Either will give you a good caffeine fix but the almond croissant at Acacia and the friendly staff wins it the nod.

WATERFALL GULLY TO MOUNT LOFTY SUMMIT (TOP OF ADELAIDE)

Distance: 9km
Incline: 500m
Strava Upload: Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty

The Waterfall Gully trail is without a doubt the most popular trail in Adelaide. On a weekend morning, you can guarantee the parking lot is full and you may have to park 2-kilometers down the road. The trails will be brimming with hikers and joggers of all abilities, out enjoying a challenge.

The reason for its popularity is the summit. From the Waterfall Gully parking lot you will follow the trail up to Mount Lofty summit, which is the highest point in Adelaide at 727m. At the summit is a cafe and a large fire tower that looks out over the Southern Lofty Ranges. It is one of the best views in Adelaide and you can actually drive to the summit if you aren’t up for the fitness challenge. The summit has panoramic views of the city and the Adelaide Plains to the west, and of the Picadilly Valley to the east.

The trail itself is a mixture of gravel and paved pathways and is quite well signed due to its popularity. Expect to share the busy trail with others and make sure you are patient with large groups of walkers who will block the way at times. The incline comes hot and heavy in the last 2-kilometers of the ascent with a grueling section of steep climbing, which is where the wheels fall off for many who are trying to run the whole way up to the summit. The Strava upload above is from a hike I did (parked a bit far away) but I have run it multiple times.

Keep an eye out for a couple of gurus who run up this track barefoot or holding bricks. This trail brings out the weird, freakishly fit, and the average Adelaidian up for a weekend session. Remember, if you don’t get an Instagram snap at the top, did you even do Lofty?

Coffee after the session is definitely at BASECAMP back at the start of Waterfall Gully Road although Utopia Cafe is right there at the waterfall near the parking lot if you fancy that.

PARK 6 URBAN TRAIL

Distance: 2km
Incline: 20m
Strava Upload: Park 6 Urban Trail

Often the main motivation for a trail run is to enjoy some soft ground underfoot and be surrounded by greenery and nature. However, you don’t always have time to drive up into the hills or foothills to access a true Aussie bush trail run. Park 6 is my favorite go-to loop for a 100% soft-dirt trail run right in the center of the city.

The loop is exactly 2-kilometers and there is ample parking so you can roll up and do as many laps as you need for your training session right in the heart of the city. Inside the track are lots of paddocks where horses are kept and you have a view of the hills from the top of the loop so it’s actually pretty nice for golden hour. There is a little bit of incline but it’s very moderate so this is a great trail run for an ‘easy’ session. Post-run coffee options are plentiful on the nearby O’Connell Street but my personal favorite is Black Eye Coffee for a caffeine hit and a fresh juice.

MACKINNON PARADE UNI LOOP

Distance: 2.2km
Incline: 10m
Strava Upload: The Loop

Every city has one. It’s the mecca, the hotspot, the hub, the go-to, the classic. Call it what you want, you can always find the supreme athletes of Adelaide down at the Uni Loop on any given day. While its not the best ‘trail run’ on this list the surface is gravel along the entire 2.2km loop. In the heart of the city, this is a popular route due to it’s verified distance and sign-posts every 200m. These factors make it easy for intervals, time trials, and those looking to do multiple loops of a flat, uninterrupted track.

Although it is in the middle of the city (literally 500m from Rundle Mall), the surroundings are quite natural as the track borders the River Torrens and parklands. You might even hear the monkey howls in the evening from across the river at the zoo.

This is a great supplement to the ‘better’ trail runs in Adelaide and it’s just a staple of the Adelaide runner’s diverse options. Watch out for Team Tempo and elite runners as they burst past you at a cracking pace giving you the reality check you didn’t ask for!

Post-run coffee and acai bowls at Delicia on Melbourne Street or the Brady Brunch Cafe.

INDEPENDENCE TRAIL (KANGAROO ISLAND)

Distance: 7km ( Can add another 7km)
Incline: 60m
Strava Upload: Independence Trail

Kangaroo Island is a decent drive and a ferry away from Adelaide but there’s some great trail running out on the island so I thought I’d add a few of them in here. After all, you can get out there in just a few hours so it’s not as far as we sometimes think.

The Independence Trail is a historic trail along the coast of the American River inlet near the town of Dudley on the eastern side of Kangaroo Island. There are placards, flags, and history lessons along the way explaining the story of ‘The Schooner’, which was the first ship built in Australia. However, if you are running the trail, there’s a fair chance you will skip the history lesson and just enjoy the scenery.

The trail is dirt for most of the route with blue wooden markers guiding you along the route. It’s a 3.5km out and back trail but we tacked on an extra 6-kilometers at the end of the trail on a gravel road to grab a bit of a longer run. The trail leads you along the swamp-like coastline of the American River, all the while winding through low-hanging trees and dense vegetation with lots of stimuli to keep you buzzing throughout the run.

Snacks after the run were at the American River General Store. It’s not the biggest town so I’m not sure if there is a cute coffee shop out there but we just grabbed post-run fuel at the general store, which had a good range of fruit, nuts, drinks, and all the essentials.

RAVINE DES CASOARS – FLINDERS CHASE NATIONAL PARK (KANGAROO ISLAND)

Distance: 7.5km Loop
Incline: 150m
Strava Upload: Ravine Des Casoars

Ravine Des Casoars is a bit of a strange name but it actually means Ravine of the Cassowaries, which is a large flightless bird from the tropics of Papua New Guinea. The gorge and an associated drainage basin are located on the west coast of Kangaroo Island about 95 kilometers west of the main town of Kingscote. There were never any Cassawories here but the first English settlers mistook the native Emu for a Cassowary and gave the ravine a factually incorrect name. There are signs of Indigenous presence in the ravine as far back as 7,500 years and I’m sure they never saw a Cassowary once.

To get to the trailhead, you will drive towards Borda Lighthouse in Flinders Chase National Park and then take a left at the Ravine Way road. Head down the road 6-kilometers until you reach the parking lot, which is well signed.

The run is an out and back, which leads you down into the ravine to the beach and caves, and then on the return, you have to climb back up the hill to the parking lot. It’s a truly stunning run, which really has it all. I visited after the tragic bush fires of 2020 but it was still incredible. The run begins by winding through the forest down into the gorge and then follows the river all the way to the beach, which seems like an oasis that must be part of a dream. When you reach the beach, be sure to explore the caves on the right side of the gorge before heading back up the hill on the return leg of the trail run.

Post-run coffee and snacks are BYO cause this run is remote!

VIVONNE BAY TRAIL RUN & RED ROAD ADD-ON (KANGAROO ISLAND)

Distance: 10 km
Incline: 77m
Strava Upload: Vivonne Bay Running

Vivonne Bayu is one of many stunning beaches on Kangaroo Island. With crystal clear blue waters beneath the iconic jetty, it provides a stark contrast to the adjacent fiery red of the dirt track that leads to the beach.

There are lots of ways to enjoy a trail run in this area but what we did was park the car out at the bitumen/paved road and run into the beach along the track. We tlikened the surroundings to a training camp with Eliud Kipchoge in Kenya. It’s 3-kilometers into the beach and then you can hook a right at the coast and run along the rocky trail, which heads straight down the coastline. It’s a bit rough and tough to keep any pace but a fun adventure nonetheless. Regardless of which surface you choose, it’s a beautiful area and if you visit in the summer, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in some seriously blue water!

Post-run feed and coffee are at the Vivonne Bay General Store. Honorable mention to the veggie burger and incredibly large ‘small’ chips.

SCOTT CREEK CONSERVATION PARK TRAIL RUN

Distance: 11.5 km
Incline: 350m
Strava Upload: Scott Creek Conservation Park Trail Run

Scott Creek Conservation Park is a great trail run if you are looking for some incline but also want some ‘runnable’ roads. Basically, throughout most of this route, you have some solid gravel paths without too many single-tracks, rocky descents, and overrun trails.

On a sunny day, this is is just beautiful. The trail will lead you around the perimeter of Scott Creek Conservation Park but also darts through the thick of it once or twice. The highlights are a couple of roads that seem to be on a ridge or at least they seem elevated above the shrubbery below. These parts were just a dream to run and made the kilometers tick past very quickly!

The incline comes early with most of the hills climbed in the first half of the run before you enjoy the descent in the second part of this trail run.

Coffee and snacks are back in Adelaide as this one is quite remote but you could stop at the Perfect Note Cafe in Blackwood, which is on the way back to the city. The classic Clarendon Bakery isn’t too far off either.

ONKAPARINGA GORGE TRAIL RUN

Distance: 13.5 km
Incline: 300-500m
Strava Upload: Onkaparinga Gorge Trail Run

The Onkaparinga Gorge is a spectacular ravine an hour south of Adelaide. It’s a beautiful spot to be when the first light begins to flow into the gorge so I highly recommend this trail run for a sunrise mission.

The trail begins right near the Long Shot Cafe and then heads straight out of the suburbs and across a small footbridge into the wilderness. It will be the first and last time you cross the river although you will follow it along the gorge throughout the trail.

This is a spectacular route but I found it difficult to run at a good rhythm with lots of rocks, narrow sections, and a fair amount of scrambling, ducking, and weaving. It was fun stuff but hard to run at a consistent pace.

After following the gorge for 5-kilometers you will climb your way up out of the gorge on the steepest section of the trail to arrive at the viewpoint with a very scenic beach. It’s a good spot to catch your breath before getting stuck into the second half of the run. It’s worth noting that I got a bit lost so don’t follow my map exactly although the first half of my run did follow the Alltrails route which is accurate.

Coffee and a bite to eat after the run are right where you started at Long Shot Cafe.

MOUNT GEORGE TRAIL RUN

Distance: 7.5 km
Incline: 210m
AllTrails Map: Mount George Trail Run

Mount George Conservation Park is a bit of an unsung hero. You won’t hear much about this beautiful little area but it sure delivers. With an abundance of strikingly tall gum trees towering over the trail, plenty of Koala sightings, and a spectacular rocky viewpoint, this trail really has it all.

The trail has two loops on either side of the parking lot that are connected as part of this route. You will be on a road for about 1-kilometer but for the rest of the route, you can expect to be fully immersed in the wild Aussie bush with a backdrop of Kookaburras laughing away as you wind through the trees along the trail.

The viewpoint up on Mount George Ridge is a great spot for a quick pit-stop to grab a photo or take in the view and it would be an epic location for golden hour. I did the whole route but when I logged my Strava I thought the gates were locked so didn’t do the second part of the loop and ran down the entry road instead. I then hiked it after to enjoy the full double loop so I shared an accurate map for your reference in the link above.

Coffee and snacks after the run are at Piccadilly Kitchen just a short drive away.

As a local, you can be sure I will keep adding to this list as I continue to explore and enjoy more trail runs around Adelaide and South Australia. If you have any suggestions of great trail runs near Adelaide that you think I should have a crack at and then add to the list just leave a comment below. Stay safe on the trails and happy adventuring guys!

I kicked off the week by finishing up in Tanunda as I wrote about in the last ‘Weekly’. After riding up to Tanunda on my bike (1300m of incline), I did a trail run with a few hills up in the Barossa and the rode back ‘down’ to Adelaide (750m of incline). I then attacked my biggest ever ride of 105km from Adelaide to Port Elliot via Hahndorf (1400m of incline). I did my ‘recovery run’ with 7kms at Kuitpo Forest with Phi’s husky Mishka and then the week finished with a trail run through Belair with 300m of incline on a cold, wet and stormy morning with the boys.

All up it was 2,153m of incline on the bike and 670m of incline on the trail runs. My body feels reliable, which is a welcome change but not one I take for granted nor expect to remain. Each week on the trails and the hills is a blessing and a temporary opportunity. I think everyone has an end date for some activities. Some expect it to be in 40 years while other more injury prone or limited athletes aren’t sure when it’s their last time out on the trails feeling able.

It can often be a bit of a negative mindset to be ‘waiting’ to get injured next but it is also realistic for someone like me. However, it drives you to do injury management, take the steps to prevent it from happening. The most important aspect for me is that I just cherish the fun days out on the trails more than most. I know what it’s worth, what it feels like to be unable, to not know if it will be there in your future. You just smile when you have it and know that it isn’t permanent. It’s just an opportunity you have right now so make the most of it.

This week I received my travel exemption from the government so I can begin to plan my journey over to Europe in the coming weeks, which is exciting but nothing is set in stone during 2020 so I’ll wait till everything is confirmed before getting too stoked on a new adventure. For now, it is a continued opportunity to hang out with friends and family while exploring SA trails and biking routes.

My plan was always to leave Adelaide with my blog in great order, in better physical shape than when I arrived, and to have just embraced the lockdown no matter what was possible or not. I didn’t want to be that person who complained about what they couldn’t do, where they couldn’t go or how it is ‘so unfair’. It’s not unfair, I’m incredibly privileged, SA is a beautiful state and I’m surrounded with positive people who have made my time here in Adelaide an exceptional lockdown.

These ‘Weekly’ reviews may not be quite as full of adventures as they used to when travel was in full swing but it’s a nice chance for me to jot down my thoughts, what I’ve been up to, and have a digital record of that for years to come. If you made it this far, enjoy the photos below from my trail runs and adventures throughout the week. I also shot photos at the SA State Champs for running so those are in here too.

Rogasch Cottage, a luxury Barossa Valley Airbnb was home for two nights over the weekend. I was fortunate enough to be invited up by the owner Scott Rogasch and it turned out to be a great family getaway to the premier wine region of South Australia.

I turned the weekend getaway into a bit of an adventure by riding my bike up to Tanunda and then back down to Adelaide a couple of days later when we checked out. It was 85km up to Tanunda with 1200m+ of an incline up through the Adelaide Hills.

There’s something about being out of the city that is quite calming. Things go slower, people are more at ease and a smile from a stranger is less difficult to come by. It’s a good place to be.

Rogasch Cottage is modern meets traditional. The cottage is on the grounds of the ‘Forage Supply’ vineyard and has kept its heritage while ensuring the modern luxuries are there to make the stay a memorable one. The highlights of the property are the underground wine cellar, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and the incredible hot tub, which overlooks the vineyards. It’s got to be one of the best hot tub views in South Australia.

Aside from enjoying the coziness of Rogasch Cottage, we also explored several nearby wineries and distilleries. However, it was our exploration in Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park that was the highlight for me. I went for a trail run throughout the Wallowa Track in the conservation park while my family hiked the route. Plenty of Kangaroos, Kookaburras, and Australian bush scenes made it a beautiful spot to explore.

Mengler Hill Lookout was our pick for sunset, which was almost as beautiful as the sunrise, with a hazy glow filling the vast plains of the Barossa Valley.

I took out my drone, 100-400mm lens, and shot the golden hour at the cottage, which turned out to be an epic, foggy morning with incredible light rays so it was lucky timing with when we decided to visit Tanunda. Below are my favorite shots from the weekend at Rogasch Cottage, Wallowa trail run and a short highlight video reel.