A pilgrimage closer to home
When we think of pilgrimages, we are often drawn to international journeys. Spain’s Camino de Santiago, the Via Francigena from England to Italy, or Japan’s Shikoku, are all pilgrimages that attract thousands annually.
But you may be surprised to know there’s a unique, homegrown pilgrimage that’s rooted in Australian history and faith that provides pilgrims with an opportunity to connect with faith, reflect and challenge yourself physically.
The Aussie Camino follows the footsteps of Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first beatified saint.
Who was Mary MacKillop?
For many Australians, the name Mary MacKillop doesn’t mean much. Most remain unaware of just how inspiring and powerful her legacy is, even within the Catholic community.
Born in Melbourne in 1842 to Scottish migrants, Mary devoted most of her life to serving the poor and uneducated, particularly in rural communities. At just 24 years old, she co-founded the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart with Father Julian Tenison Woods, Australia’s first religious order. Along with this came a drive to provide free education to all, regardless of a child’s background or family’s income.
While her work eventually spread across Australia and New Zealand, the path was by no means smooth, as she faced resistance from the church, which at one point resulted in excommunication.
In 1995 Mary MacKillop was beatified and later canonised as Saint Mary of the Cross in 2010, becoming Australia’s first saint.
The spiritual path of the Aussie Camino
While many of our Aussie Camino pilgrims do not necessarily follow the Catholic faith, this trek was borne from retracing Mary MacKillop’s footsteps in founding Sisters of Saint Joseph.
Starting in Portland, Victoria, and concluding in Penola, South Australia, the trek guides pilgrims through a range of faith-based sites while also exploring the natural beauty of our southern coast, bush, and farmlands.
Regardless of faith, many pilgrims experience and enjoy the connections they build along the way, the time to reflect internally, and the physical challenges they face.
Why the Aussie Camino is different
This pilgrimage is steeped in Australian Catholic history and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after Catholic Pilgrimage Tours. Inspired by the Spanish Camino de Santiago, the Aussie Camino provides a uniquely Australian, heartfelt and personal alternative.
Unlike other popular pilgrimages, the Aussie Camino isn’t crowded, it’s quiet, peaceful and at times, uninterrupted. Allowing you to dive into sacred sites without queues or noise. As we retrace Mary MacKillop’s journey from governess to finding her calling in Penola, pilgrims often reflect on their lives in a meaningful and respectful way. Some find a reconnection with their own faith, others revisit their personal values, and some just simply build long-lasting relationships with people taking the journey with them.
The transformations we’ve witnessed in over 370 pilgrims have been outstanding. Aussie Camino really opens the heart and mind, in a way not many modern experiences can.
Pilgrimage as a modern act of faith
The Catholic World Report has highlighted the growing popularity of pilgrimages. With important sites, particularly in Europe, attracting millions of visitors each year. The Camino de Santiago has grown from under 1,000 pilgrims in the 1980s to over 300,000 pilgrims from more than 150 countries, with the tour being taken annually.
“As societies become increasingly secular and materialistic, this ancient spiritual practice is undergoing an astonishing revival.” (Rupert Sheldrake, The Catholic World Report, 2023)
And while the Aussie Camino is still in its infancy, it is also becoming increasingly popular. Over 10 days pilgrims cover 153km visiting historically important sites in Saint Mary MacKillop’s journey but also exploring coastal marvels, bushlands and fertile farmlands.
Whether you are seeking a Catholic Pilgrimage or an opportunity to connect with Australia’s beautiful landscape, the Aussie Camino does both.
The Aussie Camino offers an opportunity to engage with faith, nature, and history in a meaningful way, without the need for overseas travel. It is also highly accessible, designed to support first-time pilgrims, and offers options for trekkers to utilise our support bus if things become too much.
Often, we find that the group bond and the mutual support, companionship, and connection provide the motivation for pilgrims from all walks of life to enjoy every step of Mary MacKillop’s journey.
Learn more about the tour and availability here: https://getawaytrekking.com.au/tour/australia/the-aussie-camino-pilgrimage-vic-sa/