FITNESS GUIDE
It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed. Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.
The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, average daily distance is 16.8km, average daily elevation is 448m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.
DISTANCE - ABOVE AVERAGE
Distance training is a major consideration in your overall training program. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.
Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 17-25 km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row. Take every opportunity you can to walk. If you have a fitness watch or phone, you should try to reach >15,000 steps every day.
Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.
ELEVATION - BELOW AVERAGE
Elevation is not a major consideration in your overall training program. However, you should still incorporate some form of resistance training to increase your endurance.
TERRAIN
UNEVEN TERRAIN
Preparation for hiking on uneven terrain demands a blend of physical and mental readiness.
Begin with balance-enhancing exercises, such as one-legged stands and stability ball workouts, laying a groundwork for stability and coordination. Strengthening the lower body is especially important, achieved through the incorporation of squats, lunges, and step-ups. Gradually increase the complexity of the terrain on which you walk, moving from gravel paths to rocky trails. Cultivate mindfulness during your practice, directing focused attention to both your immediate surroundings and precise foot placement.
The importance of suitable footwear cannot be overstated; prioritise options that offer robust support and reliable grip to navigate varying terrains with confidence. Build endurance through consistent hikes, progressively increasing distance and difficulty.
FLAT TERRAIN
Whilst training for walking on flat and hard terrain, you should focus on building endurance and ensuring you can maintain a comfortable pace.
Start with regular walks on sidewalks, roads, or paved paths to get used to the surface. Maintain a proper posture and engage your core muscles to support your back, keeping a steady gait. Ensure that you have comfortable, supportive footwear with adequate cushioning. If endurance is important, consider incorporating low-impact cross-training activities like swimming or cycling into your routine.
SELF GUIDED
5 DAYS 
Easy to Moderate 
SELF GUIDED
5 DAYS 
Easy to Moderate 
Adam B
Leanne and I have thoroughly enjoyed our two AusWalks. The format – with beautiful day walks that are book-ended with high quality accommodation, meals and comfy beds – is superb. There is a great peace-of-mind to be able to arrive knowing that all of the logistics, track navigation, meals and the like are in-hand – which frees us up to savour the sights, food and drinks and have a fantastically invigorating holiday! Thank you AusWalk, one and all.
Mary F
An easily accessible walk from Melbourne that was rewarded with beautiful coastal scenery, fascinating history and abundant bush, despite never being far from civilisation. Comfortable and luxurious accommodation, seamless transport arrangements and excellent trip notes made this a delightful escape from city life.
Marianne K
I loved every minute of this walk! Interesting walking tracks and awesome coastline, spectacular scenery and wonderful accommodation with very helpful, friendly hosts. The meals were beautiful. I could not have been happier with the overall experience.