I’ll be the first to admit, when I first heard about packrafting, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. 

The idea of paddling a small, inflatable boat through wild rivers seemed both thrilling and a little intimidating. But after spending three days on the Mersey River during the Alum Cliffs Wilderness Packraft trip, I can confidently say that it’s one of the most rewarding and unforgettable experiences I’ve ever had.

If you’re wondering what it’s really like to packraft, and whether it’s something you can handle, here’s a glimpse into my adventure—and how the incredible guides made all the difference in helping me feel safe, confident, and ready for anything.

What is Packrafting, Really?

I’d heard of packrafting before, but it wasn’t until I tried it that I understood just how versatile and accessible it is. Packrafts are small, inflatable boats designed for navigating rivers and lakes, and unlike larger kayaks or canoes, they are incredibly light and portable. The best part? They are super stable, which made me feel much more at ease as a first-time packrafting paddler.

Tasmania's Alum Cliffs Wilderness trip is the perfect place to try packrafting. We spent three days exploring the Mersey River, which weaves through one of Tasmania’s most pristine and remote landscapes. 

There’s something magical about being in a small boat, gliding along the river, surrounded by towering cliffs and dense rainforest. It was like entering another world.

How Does a Packraft Work?

I was a little nervous about how to handle the packraft, but I quickly learned how easy it is to get started. After we were outfitted with our gear, including life jackets, helmets, and paddles, our guide gave us a thorough briefing. We practiced paddling techniques on calm waters, learning how to steer, move forward, and stop. The packraft itself was surprisingly stable and forgiving, which made me feel more comfortable right away.

What really struck me was how responsive the packraft was. In flat sections of the river, it was effortless to glide along. But when we reached some of the rapids, things got a little more exciting. Our guide was fantastic at helping us adjust to the changing conditions. She was patient and encouraging, guiding us through the process of navigating faster water, while always ensuring we stayed safe.

As the days went on, I felt more confident, especially when we entered the narrow, rocky sections of the river. The packraft’s stability and the guide’s tips allowed me to focus more on enjoying the scenery rather than worrying about balancing.

Is Packrafting Safe?

One of my biggest concerns going into the trip was safety. After all, we were navigating a river with some challenging rapids. 

But from the very start, our guides made sure we were fully prepared. They took the time to explain the risks of paddling on moving water, pointing out potential hazards like rocks and swift currents, and most importantly, she taught us the techniques to stay safe.

During the entire trip, I always felt like I was in good hands. Before we started, the guides did a thorough safety briefing and showed us how to handle the packraft in different situations. They also talked us through what to do if we fell out of the boat (which I’ll admit, I was a little worried about!). Having their expertise at my side made all the difference. If we ever got into tricky situations, they were right there, ready to offer tips and encouragement.

There were a few moments during the rapids when I lost balance, but the guide’s calm and clear instructions helped me get back in the boat with ease. She was never far away, and that reassurance was invaluable.

Is Packrafting Hard?

At first, I thought packrafting might be difficult, especially when we encountered rapids. But with our guide’s help, I quickly realized that it’s not as hard as it seems. The packrafts are designed for stability, and our guide was there every step of the way to help me build my skills.

The first day was all about learning the basics—how to paddle, how to steer, and how to work with the water. Our guide explained everything in a way that made sense, and by the time we got to some of the more challenging sections, I felt comfortable navigating the river. 

Of course, there were moments when I was unsure, but that’s when the guide’s support really shone. They helped me improve my technique, corrected my strokes, and made sure I was always in the right position to avoid obstacles.

By the third day, I felt like I had really mastered the basics. I wasn’t an expert by any means, but I could confidently paddle through the calmer stretches and was starting to handle the rapids with more ease.

What’s the Difference Between a Packraft and an Inflatable Kayak?

Before the trip, I was curious about how a packraft differed from an inflatable kayak. Both are inflatable, but I quickly learned that packrafts are smaller, lighter, and more maneuverable. While inflatable kayaks are great for calm lakes or slow-moving rivers, packrafts are built to handle a range of conditions, including rougher waters and narrow, rocky rivers like the Mersey.

What really sold me on packrafting was its portability. We were able to go to remote areas and then set up camp without worrying about bulky equipment. That kind of flexibility and ease of transport is something I hadn’t experienced before, and it made the adventure feel even more immersive.

How Stable is a Packraft?

I’ll be honest: I was nervous about stability. But the packrafts are incredibly stable, especially for such small boats. They’re wider and shorter than kayaks, which makes them much more forgiving in terms of balance. Even when we hit some fast-moving sections of the river, I felt secure.

Of course, nothing is foolproof, and I did tip over once or twice, but it wasn’t as bad as I expected. Our guides were right there to help me out of the water, and the packraft was easy to get back into. Overall, the stability made the experience much more enjoyable because I didn’t have to worry constantly about flipping.

How Fast Can You Paddle a Packraft?

Paddling speed wasn’t something I focused on much during the trip. On calm stretches, the packraft moved at a decent pace, but the real fun came from navigating the rapids and taking in the scenery. The guide made sure we didn’t rush; the goal was more about enjoying the experience and mastering the skills as we went along. In the faster currents, we sped up a bit, but we were never in a race—we were there to explore and appreciate the beauty of the wilderness.

Looking back on my Alum Cliffs Wilderness Packraft trip, I can honestly say it was an adventure of a lifetime. Packrafting turned out to be far less daunting than I thought, and with the guide’s support, I was able to quickly gain the confidence I needed to handle the Mersey River’s varying conditions.

If you’re considering a packrafting trip, I highly recommend giving it a go. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some paddling experience, the stability of the packraft, combined with the guidance of an experienced instructor, will make for a fun, safe, and rewarding experience. For me, the best part was being able to explore Tasmania’s wild and remote landscapes from a completely different perspective. The beauty of the river, the cliffs, and the forest, combined with the excitement of paddling through it, made this an unforgettable adventure.

Linda, QLD

Louise Southerden from Traveller joins Tasmanian Expeditions on a discovery trek through the biblical inspired Walls of Jerusalem National Park. Read Louise's experience in Traveller - original article here.

Bathroom scales are not to be trusted. Not when you're trying to lose weight, of course, and not when you're psyching yourself for a full-pack trek in deepest, remotest Tasmania and you decide, on a whim the night before you leave, to weigh the pack you'll be carrying for the next six days. 

Nevertheless, after adding a few final items supplied at our trip briefing in Launceston that afternoon (a Gore-Tex jacket here, a sleeping mat there), I lift my pack on to the scales in my hotel room. Fifteen kilograms had been my limit during pre-trek training; at thisweigh-in,my pack is only 14 kilos. But that's before half a tent is added (my tent-mate will carry the other half) and the three-kilogram food bag our two aptly named guides, Victor Traill and Steve Trudgeon, have promised to give each of us the next morning. It's a three-hour drive from Launceston to the start of our trek, a join-the-dots journey through Deloraine and Mole Creek, past honey farms and wildlife parks to the middle of Tasmania, so there's ample time for anxiety to set in. It doesn't help that Traill has told us the hardest part of this six-day walk is the beginning: a two-hour uphill slog in the heat of the day, just after lunch, with our packs as heavy as they're going to get. 

After a picnic by the rushing Mersey River, we put on knee-high gaiters (to protect our legs from spiky scoparia bushes; Trudgeon says they also make you feel "at least 20 per cent tougher") and shoulder our fully laden packs for the first time. It's then I discover something those bathroom scales didn't indicate: packs don't feel as heavy once you're moving. Sure, it takes us two hours to cover the first two kilometres to Trappers Hut - a replica 1940s possum-trappers' refuge - and one of my fellow walkers overheats and throws up but the guides are good at distracting us by pointing out pretty pink mountain berries, yellow dogwoods and Clumner Bluff. Still, it's easy to see how such a start could, and does, discourage less-prepared visitors.

Despite being right next to the ever-popular Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Walls of Jerusalem National Park is an oftenoverlooked piece of Tasmania's natural heritage; the girl-next-door to Cradle's screen siren. Not that the Walls is plain, and many Tasmanians, including Traill, regard it as their favourite park. It gets fewer visitors than its better-known neighbour: about 3500 annually, compared with the 170,000 people who visited Cradle Mountain last year (including 8084 who tackled the famous Overland Track). Why so few? For one thing, there's no road access. 

The only way into the Walls of Jerusalem is on foot via the aforementioned two-hour slog - and that's just to get to the plateau; after that, it's another two hours to the campsite and the most scenic section of the park. It's also Tasmania's only true alpine national park and unlike, say, the Overland Track, where you climb to high points during the day and retreat to lower huts or campsites at night, most of theWalls of Jerusalem lies above 1200 metres, so you're more vulnerable to extreme weather, which can come at any time. Summer snowfalls are not uncommon - there's ice on the tents one morning of our trip in early February - and every day we carry rain jackets, thermals, fleeces and beanies because, as Traill puts it, "the weather can change up here like flicking on a light switch". Of course, that's all part of the adventure and the fact that the Walls isn't as popular as some other parks in Tasmania is one of its chief attractions. 

My seven companions and I have come from all over Australia seeking what Tasmania promises in spades - and delivers in double spades here: a way to escape the human-centric world for aweek. It's the kind of place where, if you're up for a challenge, you're in for a treat. One of six national parks that make up the 1.35-million-hectare Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area - which includes Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair and Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers national parks - the 51,800-hectare Walls of Jerusalem puts the "wild" back in "wilderness". Its landscape was created by grinding glaciers thousands of years ago and features dolerite monoliths and fortress-like walls, fairytale forests of pencil pines and broad valleys that glitter with tarns (theWalls and adjacent Central Plateau Conservation Area contain almost 4000 glacial lakes and tarns). It's also ideally suited to base-camping - carrying in everything you need, setting up camp on the plateau and exploring without packs on subsequent days. That's how we come to abandon our packs on our first morning in the park - two of our six days involve day walks - to explore the Walls. 

It feels a bit like a Sunday-school excursion at first, thanks to the biblical names bestowed on the landforms around us by two pious men: surveyor James Scott in the summer of 1848-49, and Launceston solicitor and keen bushwalker Reg Hall in the 1920s. Two-plank boardwalks lead us through a pass called Herod's Gate, past Lake Salome and between King David's Peak (1500 metres, on our right) and Zion Hill (1395 metres, on our left).We stop to admire their reflections in the peaceful Pool of Bethesda before strolling on to Damascus Gate. Here, we leave the track to scramble up a scree slope and through a slot canyon to the top of Solomon's Throne (1450 metres), which gives us a view of some of the high points on the Overland Track - Cradle Mountain, Barn Bluff and Mount Ossa - just 40 kilometres to the west as the raven flies. Of course, the Walls of Jerusalem's landforms are much older than even the ancient city of Jerusalem. 

As we look down on the valley we've just walked along, Traill gives us a brief lesson in glaciology. When the last ice age peaked, he says, everything below us was covered by the largest ice sheet in Australia - 100 metres thick in places. Now the Walls is littered with telltale signs of its icy past: mountains as flat as tabletops because their crowns were worn away by ice; low hillocks called glacial moraines, where glaciers once bulldozed the earth; and, underground, highly flammable peat, which formed after the glaciers retreated (the reason campfires are banned). To help us travel even further back in time, Traill places a few of our trekking poles end-toend on the ground in front of us - to represent 45,000 years of Aboriginal culture in Tasmania. "Here," he says, walking to the far end of his timeline and pointing to a spot five centimetres from that end, "that's when white man came to Australia. In that last five centimetres, 45,000 years of Aboriginal culture was lost." 

Today, sadly, there are no records of even Aboriginal names for features in the Walls of Jerusalem, so we take a few moments to acknowledge the people who called this place home long before glaciers, pious surveyors and walkers made their marks. A wedge-tailed eagle soars below us. Back down on the plateau, we stroll to Dixon's Kingdom. This dark, eerie pencil-pine forest - with its cubby-house hut made of weathered wood - is named after trapper and grazier Reg Dixon, who first came here in the 1930s and allegedly saw a Tasmanian tiger nearby in the '60s, long after the last thylacine is believed to have died in captivity in Hobart Zoo in 1936. Some days, we travel across the park, often leaving the marked trails, to explore remote and seldom-visited areas. "One of the great things about the Walls," Traill says, "is that Parks Tasmania doesn't discourage off-track walking as it does in other parks." It's refreshing to walk in a national park where you don't feel regulated at every turn. Of course, that puts the onus on us to travel responsibly - which is easier when you have a guide. Whenever we come to soft ground, for instance, Traill, in the lead, reminds us to fan out to minimise the impact of 10 pairs of hiking boots on the plants underfoot. And we carefully sidestep cushion plants - low, lurid-green blobs that can cover several square metres; each one is a colony of symbiotic species, much like the polyps that make up corals - and just as fragile. Twice we camp beside lakes. 

Once we swim, at Lake Meston, where the water is especially clear and inviting after a hot day of walking. It's warm, too, at least where it's ankle deep; when we're waist deep, we decide we've come too far to retreat so we dive in - and all resurface gasping and yelping. I shiver back to the shore and as I'm wriggling into thermals, it strikes me that it's not every day you get to swim (albeit fleetingly) in a remote glacial lake in alpine Tasmania. Later that evening, we return to the lake's beach at sunset and listen to frogs talking to each other, like squeaky hinges. 

To round off a perfect day, Traill, head chef as well as trip leader, surprises us after dinner with dessert: homemade chocolate mousse chilled in the lake. Dinners aren't often a highlight on hiking trips but night after night, our guides present us with treats - from risotto and udon noodle dishes to apple crumble and miso soup - magically conjured from ingredientswe've carried in our packs. On our last morning, after negotiating a vast maze of button grass and following a narrow track off the plateau, we arrive at Mersey Forest Road, further south than where we began almost a week ago. 

On our way back to Launceston, Traill mentions that we can again see some of the Overland Track's high points. Cradle Mountain and its legendary walk really do dominate this part of Tasmania but they can't tempt us now. The wild Walls of Jerusalem and its fair-weather fairies, which have smiled on us all week, have won us over. Louise Southerden travelled courtesy of Tasmanian Expeditions and Tourism Tasmania.

Find Out More

The Walls of Jerusalem is in central Tasmania, three hours' drive west of Launceston. Tasmanian Expeditions has several walking trips in the national park, between October and May, including the six-day Walls of Jerusalem Circuit. The trip includes two guides, transfers to and from the track, all meals, camping gear and some hiking gear (waterproof jackets and pants, gaiters, backpacks, trekking poles). Some pre-trek fitness training is recommended. 

The Larapinta Trail leaves an impression on travellers long after they've returned back home. From sweeping views of across the sunburnt landscape to water gorges that refresh just when you need it most; and sunrises which bathe the sky in vibrant hues of pink, orange and deep purple, it's an experience like no other.

One of Australia's most iconic walks that spans 223 kilometres across from east to west of Alice Springs across the West MacDonnell Rangers, the Larapinta Trail will take you on a journey through some of the most incredible ancient landscapes in the heart Australia. The trail is broken up into 12 sections, each with a unique array of sights and highlights to experience as you journey along this rewarding trail.

Traveller, Latonia Crocket, completed the Larapinta End to End and shares her adventure tales.

What inspired you walk the full 223km Larapinta Trail? Is it something you always wanted to tackle?

I have always wanted to go to the Australian outback but had never heard of the Larapinta Trail. 

I've done the Mera and Island Peak expedition in Nepal with World Expeditions. We climbed to 6500 metres and it was one of the most thrilling and challenging things I have ever done. The team that took us were just awesome – very organised and professional, so I looked at what else World Expeditions had to offer that was challenging but not as extreme. 

As soon as I saw the Larapinta End to End trip I knew it was my next challenge.

How did you find it being “disconnected” to the outside world? Was it a welcomed break?

I would spend all day on my email or phone for work, so I loved having my phone off. It's a feeling of freedom. 

We don't usually get opportunities to just be in the 'now' and I think having no phone makes it possible. You start focusing on what's around you and maybe what's for dinner!

What were your top 3 highlights of the trip?

1. Sleeping under the stars in a swag. I had never done that. So peaceful.
2. Climbing the large rocks in the river beds. Everything was so large and old, felt like we were on a Jurassic Park movie set and a raptor might run past.
3. River crossing up to my chest in water to then find out it wasn't necessary – brilliant. It had me laughing for the day.

What kind of camera did you use and can you share any photography tips?

My camera is an Olympus M10, Mark 2. I am still learning the camera, but it is fantastic. I can rave about it for hours.

My tip would be: take the photo. There are a few times I saw a photo opportunity but didn't want to stop and later wished I had. You can always catch up to the team and it's worth stopping for a moment of two. Oh, and take lots of batteries, as there are minimal charging opportunities.

How many people were in your group and what was the group dynamic like?

Our trip had three males and three females. Everyone was relaxed and a lot of fun and were great to have a laugh with – or at me being a New Zealander! I'm not sure what they were talking about, I don't have an accent?!

Everyone seemed to know what they were in for and enjoyed it!

I think this kind of trip attracts like-minded people and so we had no one unhappy or complaining. 

What was the food like?

I loved the food. The guides were great cooks. I ate a lamb shank the size of my head – it was truly awesome! In saying that, we had a vegetarian on the trip and she was still a part of all the BBQs, but just a tofu option. 

The lunches were so tasty even though it was all carried in parts and put together on the track. Pasta salads with everything in them. I was very impressed by the food. 

One of the guides would always pull out a sneaky chocolate bar just when you needed it.

What are 3 gear essentials you couldn’t have lived without on the Larapinta Trail?

Sun block, deep heat and wet wipes.

What are 3 pieces of gear you wished you had brought with you?

I have been thinking about this for awhile and I actually can't think of anything. The gear list was pretty accurate. Maybe some cold beer!

What were your campsites like? Did you sleep under the bright stars at all?

What I liked most about the campsites is that they were really private and we were the only ones there. So they were quiet at night. And yes, I slept under the stars, but also a few nights in a tent. The option is there for what ever you feel like on the night!

What were your guides like?

Wonderful. Very different to each other but the combination of the two worked perfectly. The one thing they did have in common was that they were very passionate about what they did. They had a lot of knowledge and the great part was they were enjoying the journey as much as us.

What advice would you give to someone considering taking on the full Larapinta End to End?

Be prepared to lose luxuries for the two weeks and not care. When you realise it doesn't matter that you haven't seen what you look like for a week and that your crazy hairstyle probably isn't offending anyone, it's very relaxing. 

Have an open mind to being part of nature, like sleeping under the stars. 

I would also suggest overnight trekking experience prior as the overall day lengths are not hard, but getting up everyday even when your body/feet are a bit tired and doing it again and again is tough.

Great Walks of Australia, the premier collection of Australia's greatest multi-day guided walking experiences - done with a dash of eco-luxury comfort - has officially named our Flinders Island Walking Adventure - In Comfort as the 13th walk in their exclusive line-up.

To say we're thrilled is an understatement. After years of hard work developing a unique walking experience on this mesmerising island featuring spectacular mountain and coastal landscapes, epic views, abundant wildlife and, of course, our pioneering beachside Eco-Comfort Camp, we believe it is truly deserving of the prestigious inclusion. 

The trip joins the ranks of 12 other incredible walks, like our award-winning Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort, which, so far, has earned five Brolgas in the Northern Territory's official tourism awards.

Our six-day guided experience covers 42 kilometres of easy-to-moderate walking exploring what is considered the hidden hiking jewel of Tasmania. With the full support of expert guides, walkers travel with only a daypack, and sleep in exclusive safari-style tents, complete with a see-through roof so you can drift off under a blanket of stars, with the beach almost at your doorstep. 

“We’re so thrilled to be adding the 13th Great Walk of Australia to our collection.”

“Rugged, pristine and remote, this gem of a destination is perfect for anyone wanting to get off the beaten track to a unique, undiscovered wild landscape with blockbuster views and feel like you have it nearly all to yourself.”

“I have no doubt hikers from around the world are going to be excited about having this special new experience launch and love it as much as our other 12 incredible Great Walks,” 

- Liz O’Rourke, Great Walks of Australia Executive Officer

What makes this a ‘Great Walk’?  

Spectacular Walking Opportunities and Eco-Comfort Camping 

Hike past lagoons, woodlands and coastal heaths, skirt around striking granite mountain ranges and summit the dramatic peaks of Mt Killiecrankie and Mt Strzelecki, affording you spectacular views over the entire island.

One of the biggest highlights of this walk is our exclusive Eco-comfort Camp, which are big on comforts but small on environmental impact.

The extra creature comforts make all the difference on a multi-day walk. Our innovative retreats are full of life's little luxuries that many don't expect in a wild and remote setting like a bed, hot shower and toilets. The camp also has a private beach access, and generously sized safari pod tents with clear roofs so you can enjoy sleeping under a starry Tasmanian night sky.

Australian Walking Holidays has again claimed the coveted Brolga Award for 'Adventure Travel' for our renowned Larapinta Trail program. 

The win marks our FIFTH Brolga Award and second consecutive win in the 'Adventure Travel' category. Our Larapinta Trail program, including the award-winning Classic Larapinta Trek In-Comfort, consistently sets the benchmark for industry excellence.

The Brolga Awards are the Northern Territory’s official tourism awards program and recognise and encourage tourism businesses that strive for excellence in every area of their operation.

We've secured three awards in the 'Eco-Tourism' category in 2016, 2017 and 2019, in addition to the 'Adventure Travel' accolade in 2022, and now again in 2023.

 I am thrilled that our combined efforts to deliver tours of the highest standards have been recognised with this award – our fifth Brolga to date. This is a huge achievement by everyone involved in Australian Walking Holidays, especially given the sheer number of adventure tourism operators in the NT. I extend my congratulations to our very hardworking team for their consistent dedication to delivering outstanding adventure travel experiences.

- Michael Buggy, General Manager of Australian Walking Holidays

The ‘Adventure Tourism’ Brolga Award acknowledges our entire Larapinta Trail program, which incorporates exclusive Eco-Comfort Camps, indigenous-focused activities and treks guided by experts. 

We offer trips in every State and Territory except the ACT, and are Australia’s most experienced operator of high-quality, small-group walking holidays. These exclusive itineraries are not only known for adventure, but also for being 100% carbon offset. Since pioneering walking tours on the Larapinta Trail in 1995, we've been continuously refining and enhancing our offerings. Our Larapinta Trail walks have become synonymous with a commitment to responsible tourism practices and supporting local communities.

As we head into our 28th year on the Larapinta Trail, we remain humbled by the acknowledgment of our peers.

It would be an understatement to say Tim Cope is an inspiring person. He has journeyed over 10,000km from Mongolia to Hungary by horse, rowed 4,500km in a leaky wooden boat down the Yenisey River from southern Siberia to the Arctic Ocean, and cycled from Moscow to Beijing by bike - a 10,000km journey that took him 14 months.

Needless to say, he's incredibly adventurous - which is why he's been named the past Australian Adventurer of the Year, Mongolian Tourism Envoy and is the recipient of the Mongolian Tourism Excellency Medal. He's also the author of one of Australia's bestselling books, "On The Trail Of Genghis Khan: An Epic Journey Through the Lands of the Nomads" which won the 'Best Adventure Travel Book' and the 'Grand Prize' at the Banff International Mountain book and Film Festival 2013.

We sat down with Tim to find out what exactly he finds so fascinating about travelling the world, in particular his passion for exploring Mongolia. From finding out his most transformative travel experiences, favourite words of wisdom from the Kazakhs, and how the spirit of adventure became so deeply entwined in his way of life, be prepared to meet an extraordinary human being and find out how you can join him on his next adventure!

1. You’ve got a pretty interesting history and have seen a lot of Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Siberia. Where was the first place you travelled? Was it off the beaten path or something touristy that inspired you to seek less packaged experiences?

I was fortunate to have a father who was an outdoor educator, so all my early journeys were in my home region of Gippsland. Hiking at Wilsons Promontory, cross-country skiing in the Victorian Alps, and surfing at Waratah Bay are some of my fondest childhood memories. However my first overseas trip, which I think influenced my path greatly, was trekking in the Annapurna region of Nepal when I was 16 years old (in 1994). I went to a small school in the town of Warragul, and the concept of travelling to Nepal was first put to students of our year level by my English teacher Rob Devling. Over two years we all had to earn our way to Nepal including raising money for the Fred Hollows Eye Foundation. The trek was actually run by World Expeditions, and the combination of physical challenge, culture and awe-inspiring landscapes that unfolded (for me particularly meeting the Nepalese people was the highlight) have remained the recipe for the kind of journeys that drive me on today.

2. In 2004 you took off on a 10,000 km journey from Mongolia to Hungary by horse called “In The Footsteps of Genghis Khan”. That’s a pretty incredible journey – what are the biggest lessons you learned on that trip?

On a journey that ballooned from an 18-month plan to a three-and-a-half-year epic, patience was something that Nomads taught me. The Kazakhs have a saying - "If you must rush in life...rush slowly" - it is an approach to life that I have tried to carry over into my life since the journey. But perhaps the greatest lesson was the need to constantly appeal to the better side of human nature wherever I went. I had to make friends from all walks of life, and as a result both my inner and outer world expanded dramatically and I came to appreciate how important human relationships are.

3. On this journey you experienced some significant moments; including receiving your loyal dog Tigon as a gift, being invited to the Khan’s palace in Crimea, and having your horses stolen at 2 a.m., five days into your 10,000km journey. It’s a hard ask, but what’s your most memorable moment on your trip?

Ultimately I think one of the most memorable moments was riding through the high Altai Mountains of Mongolia in 2004. I remember clinging onto the mane of my horse for dear life on the edge of a gorge only for a lady leading a six-camel caravan to come casually riding down from a labyrinth of rock. When she stopped she made the lead camel kneel down, and then revealed a young baby wrapped up in a cane basket high up on the camel's humps.

It left me with the impression that these people live so closely with their animals, in camaraderie with them, that they put more trust in their animals with their precious loved ones than we might do with fellow human beings sometimes in our own society. For me, this symbolises the symbiotic and harmonious relationship that nomads have with their animals and in turn with the land.

4. Did you see a contradiction in being deliberately and geographically isolated from civilization yet technologically connected to the outside world via your sat phone and laptop?

Horses allowed me to transcend the modern era and slip back into a timeless age, free of mechanical transport and roads. The world is still a very big and enchanting place from the back of a horse, and the needs of a horse haven't changed since they were first domesticated on the Eurasian steppe about 6,000 years ago. At the same time, I did what any nomad does today - I took with me the technologies that could help me (and in my case help share my journey) but which don't compromise that horseback, free-roaming way of life. It was a contradiction in some ways, but I would probably argue that I wasn't trying to isolate myself from civilisation - I was trying to immerse myself in a different kind of ancient civilisation, that of nomadic society.

5. You’ve won a number of awards which commend you for your spirit of adventure. Can you tell us a bit about your passion for embarking on journeys and why they are so important to you?

Journeys allow me to pursue my curiosity, expand my horizons, and ultimately bring me a greater sense of understanding on my return home. Even in the information age of the internet, there is no substitute for that very sensory experience of adventure.

6. Most recently, you’ve received the Mongolian Tourism Excellency Medal and have been inaugurated as tourism envoy for Mongolia. What is it about Mongolia that resonates so deeply with you?

It is the only nation on the Eurasian steppe, and perhaps the world, where nomad culture still dominates. Out on the steppe time is measured more by the seasons, the availability of grass, and water, and less by hours, days and weeks. I believe the sense of harmony and sustainability with which the nomads live with the land holds valuable lessons for us all.

7. You’ve been quoted as saying that “To live in the city, in a world of abundance and disconnection where everything is controlled at the touch of a button, for me that feels like... death." What do you think we could learn from the nomadic cultures of Mongolia?

There is a Mongolian saying that certainly transformed my own understanding of the world and rescued me time and time again out on the Eurasian steppe. When, on the fifth day of my trip my horses were stolen, and then recovered, a nomad said to me "A man on the steppe without friends is as narrow as a finger... a man on the steppe with friends is as wide as the steppe." Nomads after all embrace the reality that only by being part of a community and getting along with others from all walks of life, is life survivable let alone enjoyable.

That is one of many lessons that I have learnt and have tried to convey in my book, film, and the ongoing series of talks that I give. Beyond that, as I mentioned in my last answer, I believe that the way in which nomads acknowledge they are part of a much greater web of life and live in harmony with their environment is something that is deeply moving and that I hope resonates with the participants of my treks.

8. As an inspirational speaker, you show people that individuals are capable of great things. Is that part of why you take on these journeys and adventures?

Writing was my first passion even before travel - when I was 14 I was determined to become an author. I've always loved digesting things for myself in words and then sharing them with others and over time this has expanded to documentary films, photography and speaking. I like the way in which storytelling can engage people and allow them to step out of the frame of their normal lives even if it is just temporarily.

9. Can you tell us who inspired you to challenge yourself, test your limits and travel so extensively across some of the more remote countries in the world?

   Apart from my father, who I think sewed the seeds of adventure in me as a young child, I would have to say that listening to Tim Macartney-Snape speak when I was 16 years old and then later watching his film and reading his book had a big impact on me. Authors such as Wilfred Thesiger and Joe Simpson also inspired me in different ways - the former for his fascination and admiration of nomad culture, and the latter for having the courage to pursue an unconventional path in life.

    

For over 30 years, award-winning photographer Mike Edmondson has been viewing our world’s most spectacular landscapes through the lens of a camera, capturing the beauty of the outdoors. 

Now, he’s taking travellers on their own photography journeys - so, keep reading and get to know this Jindabyne local legend.

Firstly, describe yourself in five words.

• Friendly

• Creative

• Outdoorsy

• Fun

• Passionate

What are you most proud of?

I incorporated my photography and creativity into starting and running the Paddy Pallin Jindabyne franchise outdoor shop for 23 years.

From 1981 to 2005, Mike owned and managed the Paddy Pallin Outdoor Adventure shop in Jindabyne. From here, he started guiding people into the backcountry of Kosciuszko and used his photography skills to market the business. He also opened the first photographic gallery in Jindabyne - showcasing the best of his alpine photography.

Do you have a life motto? 

My life purpose is to reconnect people to nature through my photography and guided walks.

What is the best travel advice someone has given you?

Be adaptable & and respectable in different cultures.

How do you define ‘adventure travel’? 

Exploring new and more isolated areas in different cultures.

Three items you pack for every trip:

1. Camera – (Most of Mike’s images are taken with a Linhof Technorama 617, Nikon FE2 and F90 Film Cameras, as well as an Olympus C-8080, Nikon D700, Nikon D800E and Nikon D850 Digital Cameras)

2. Waterproofs 

3. Curiosity

What are the key factors you consider when selecting an adventure travel destination?

Is it a new experience? 

Is it active, in nature, with spectacular scenery? 

Will I be sharing it with good company?

I’m looking forward to exploring and sharing the Walls of Jerusalem in summer wildflower bloom and autumn colours with other excited photographers. 

Do you have any preparation tips for trekking photographers?

Try hill walking with a loaded backpack and the boots you’ll be wearing. Carefully plan out what to pack using a checklist, and practice manually focusing on stars for astrophotography in the dark before you come.

Respecting the traditions of First Nations people, working in partnership to promote education of cultural heritage, is one of the core tenets of our Thoughtful Travel Charter. As a company, we support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Not only by engaging with them in our operations as we currently do, thus bringing a precious perspective of the importance of connection to land, but also and on a broader level, their pursuit for equality and recognition. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people hold a unique status as the first peoples of Australia, having lived here for more than 65,000 years. We believe that it is time to acknowledge their connection to our great country. 

For almost 40 years we have worked with Traditional Landowners and local First Nations communities in order to bring to you some of Australia’s greatest adventure experiences. When the Garma Festival first allowed non-indigenous travellers to attend, the World Expeditions Travel Group were honoured to have been chosen to be the only company to assist with travel arrangements. 

Having long worked with remote and minority communities around the world, whether providing a community or Regenerative Project for our travellers, or Service Learning experience for schools, one key learning has been that only through consultation and feedback from the communities on matters relating to them can we hope to truly assist them. 

Based on our experiences, we believe what the Voice proposes is a very reasonable proposition.

Recognition: We agree that it is time our nation formally recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first people of Australia. 

Voice to Parliament: A representative body of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, sitting outside the parliament, providing advice – not a veto or decision-making capacity - on issues related to them, is a sensible way forward based on what we have learned assisting communities around the world. 

Referendum: To avoid such a policy becoming a political hot-potato, we agree that the only way for formal recognition is a permanent change in the national rule-book – the Australian Constitution. 

Since Federation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have advocated for constitutional reform to recognise their rights as the first people of our nation. In 1967, the Australian people overwhelmingly responded to change the Constitution to count First Nations people in our census. In 2023, they seek to be formally recognised on a land that they have occupied for over 65,000 years. 

For these reasons, we support the ‘Yes’ campaign for the Voice to Parliament.

In 1967 we were counted, in 2017 we seek to be heard. We leave base camp and start our trek across this vast country. We invite you to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future. 

Uluru Statement From The Heart

In 2022, our Australian program was Triple Certified by Ecotourism Australia, which includes Respecting our Culture Certification.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

• Voice to Parliament Handbook: All the detail you need - Thomas Mayo, Kerry O'Brien and Cathy Wilcox
• Voice to Parliament online training course
• Reconciliation Australia
• Uluru Statement From The Heart - read the full Statement
• Constitutional Amendment and Referendum Question

Regenerative Travel is a relatively new term in travel circles that aims to go beyond sustainable travel practices. While sustainable travel focuses on minimising negative impacts and returning a net neutrality on the environment and local communities, Regenerative Travel aims to have a positive and transformative effect on those environments and communities. 

Put simply, the core principle of Regenerative Travel urges travellers to have a positive impact by giving back more than they take from the destinations they visit. 

The term was born during the Covid pandemic, when locations typically overtouristed began to see improvements in key indicators like air quality, and less pollution. 

The question was soon posed - how can these improvements continue when travellers return? How can a destination benefit yet still incentivise the protection of natural and cultural assets AND still provide an enriching experience for the traveller? 

Enter, Regenerative Travel. 

A Regenerative Travel program involves travellers committing to activities such as actively restoring and regenerating ecosystems, supporting local economies, engaging in community lead initiatives, fostering cultural exchange and reducing their carbon footprint. 

The benefits of Regenerative Travel are seen on many levels. This type of 'slow travel' seeks to create a net positive cycle, where travellers and destinations mutually benefit from the experience, leaving a lasting positive impact on the environment, building capacities for local communities, and increasing respect for cultures encountered during the journey. 

When travellers support locally driven initiatives and businesses, the communities receive the resources they require to care for and protect their environment. 

The demand for this style of travel also drives the local communities to engage in activities supporting this regenerative approach, and the traveller, sharing more meaningful experiences during their journey, is more driven to respect and protect the land and local communities while travelling. 

We have teamed up with a local NGO, T-HELP, to implement a service program and help train local female farmers in the techniques of vermicomposting. This is combined with a group trek through the Annapurna Range through small farming communities and villages, into the location of the service program, gaining an understanding of the local environment and terrain, as well as gaining incomparable views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. 

Overall, Regenerative Travel offers travellers a unique opportunity to combine personal growth, cultural understanding, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. It empowers people to become responsible global citizens who actively contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive world.