Where do the tours depart from?

Taste of the Aussie Camino

Departs on a Sunday from Penola at 4pm (ACDT). If you are flying or catching a bus to Mt Gambier we can pick you up at 430pm on our way to Port MacDonnell where we will spend the first night in preparation for an early start the following day.

Tours depart on Sundays from April to October.

How do I get to Mt Gambier for Taste of the Aussie Camino from interstate if I'm not driving?

Flights - regional airline flights from Melbourne and Adelaide to Mt Gambier.

Train/Bus - Train and then bus from Melbourne is a very affordable option will full fare under $20 however it will take a good 6 hours to get to Mt Gambier this way. This can be done on a Sunday and still make transfer to Port MacDonnell in time.

Bus - Adelaide to Mt Gambier.

Walk the Limestone Coast will organise transfers for pilgrims travelling by air or bus to Mt Gambier on the following days:

Day 1 - transfer Mt Gambier to Port MacDonnell

Day 6 - transfer Penola to Mt Gambier with estimated arrival time of 1pm

The above transfers are included in the price of the tour.

Do you cater for special dietary requirements?

Yes, we are able to cater for most dietary requirements.

How fit do I need to be?

Our walks are graded as moderate walks. Besides volcanic craters and cones there are minimal hills in the Limestone Coast so most of the walks are relatively flat. Our walking pace is steady and designed to allow you to enjoy the diverse landscapes and the people you are walking with. There’s always time to stop take photos and savour the view.

Taste of the Aussie Camino

This pilgrimage is all road walking, mainly on white limestone roads with minimal incline and sections of bitumen road and paths. An exception is on day four where we walk along some the old railway line. There are sections of road that go between paddocks, through farmland which are covered in grass, and offer a softer surface beneath feet. The kilometres walked per day on this pilgrimage range from 20 to 29km, you need to be able to walk 4.5 to 8 hours per day, stopping for food breaks.

Caves > Cabernet > Coast

There is a mixture of terrain on this walk through forestry reserves, conservation parks, and on the beach. 

Not very fit? As part of your preparation we recommend choosing a variety of training activities like yoga, pilates, cycling, swimming and plenty of walking. We can offer extra advice on how to build up to a 20km walk in the 6 months prior to your departure.

What type of shoes will I need?

Closed toe walking shoes or hiking boots that have been worn in (but not worn out) are ideal. Sport shoes, running shoes or trainers are fine if you have been training in them and don’t mind if your feet get wet when walking in the rain.

What do I need to bring?

For a full list of essential and recommended items please refer to the packing list on the tour page. Packing the right gear will greatly enhance your enjoyment of the walk.

What do I have to carry each day?

You will carry your own day pack containing up to 2 litres of water, a weather proof jacket, extra layers, lunch and any personal items like medication etc.

What happens to my overnight luggage on Aussie Camino?

Your overnight luggage, one bag up to 15kg in weight, will be transferred from accommodation to accommodation each morning so that your bag will be waiting for you when you arrive at our evening accommodation.

What happens in bad weather?

A good rain jacket with hood is essential and we recommend over pants both made from waterproof breathable fabrics. Apart from extreme weather events we walk in all conditions. With the right clothing you can enjoy walking in all weather conditions.

Can I do this with a pre-existing medical condition?

If you have a pre-existing medical condition and are unsure please consult your GP prior to commencing the walk. It is important that we are advised of any pre-existing conditions at the time of booking.

Are you able to accommodate solo walkers?

Yes! Many walkers travel solo, you will be paired with another single traveller of the same sex at no additional cost. There is the potential for a single room at some of the accommodation providers for additional cost. These are limited so please contact us to discuss prior to booking.

Are all meals provided?

Taste of the Aussie Camino – Not all meals, you will be provided with 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 1 dinner. You will need to pay for four dinners of choice when staying in the hotels and any snacks you like to eat whilst walking.

Caves > Coonawarra > Coast – Yes, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided whilst you are on tour with us. You will need to provide any snacks you like to eat whilst walking.

What type of accommodation will we be staying in?

Taste of the Aussie Camino – we walk to our accommodation each day therefore you will be accommodated by five different providers. We stay in historic hotels and cottages/cabins where you will have shared bathroom facilities at each site.

Caves > Cabernet > Coast – ensuite accommodation.

Is the Taste of the Aussie Camino Pilgrimage all road walking?

Yes, this pilgrimage is all road walking, mainly on compacted white limestone roads, with minimal incline and sections of bitumen road and paths. There are sections of road that go between paddocks, through farmland which are covered in grass, and offer a softer surface beneath feet. Though we are walking on roads, many that go between farmland are not used regularly and can contain tall grass at times and muddy sections after rain, knee high gaiters are recommended for some sections.

What is a pilgrimage?

Traditionally a pilgrimage is where a person goes on a journey in search of new or expanded meaning about themselves, others, nature, or a higher good, potentially leading to a personal transformation.

Whilst walking the Taste of the Aussie Camino, we will reflect on Mary MacKillop's journey as we take time to share a reflection each morning. Sometimes not all things go to plan, change is ok, you may be looking for a deeper meaning and connection. Pilgrimages encourage patience and resilience, appreciating one another’s reason for their journey and making small sacrifices along the way like putting up with annoying habits, sore feet, small aches and pains or simply being aware of other’s needs.

What is the difference between the two multi-day products?

Taste of the Aussie Camino – on this pilgrimage you will be walking long days on a variety of road types through farmland and towns of the lower Limestone Coast. We will take time for a reflection prior to our walk each morning as we reflect on the lives of Mary MacKillop and Father Woods. Accommodation and facilities will be shared, clean and basic. Some of your meals will be covered except for four evening meals which you will be required to order on those nights. On the final day we visit the Mary MacKillop Interpretative Centre where you will receive your Compostela.

Caves > Cabernet > Coast – food, wine, nature and walking. This weekender takes in the diversity of landscapes that make up the Limestone Coast region and the wonderful produce we grow. There will be a focus on our premium food, wine and natural wonders. Don’t drink alcohol? You will still enjoy all this trip has to offer including non-alcoholic beverages and the rich history of the Coonawarra.

What happens if I am injured or can't walk the whole way?

Your qualified day bushwalking leader carries a first aid kit, has first aid qualifications and will support you in the first instance of injury. An ambulance will be called if required, therefore it is highly recommended for walkers to have ambulance cover and personal travel insurance prior to commencing the tour. If you do not require an ambulance, but can no longer walk to our destination a taxi will be called at your expense to take you to our accommodation. Please see Terms and Conditions for more information.