The Aussie Camino – A journey of nature, history and connection
The Australian Camino – or as it’s more affectionately known, the Aussie Camino is the ultimate 10-day pilgrimage tracing the life of Australia’s only saint, Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Pilgrims taking the trek are immersed in a spiritual journey, a perfect path for healing and self-reflection.
We commenced our Aussie Camino trek in 2021 and have since guided over 370 pilgrims across the 153 km journey, following in the footsteps of Mary MacKillop. With at least 10 Caminos planned for 2025 and 43 Caminos already completed, we felt it was a good time to provide you with a better insight into what you will experience.
Whether you are travelling alone or with friends, the Aussie Camino offers an opportunity to connect with yourself, with others and with nature.
“A group of 8 friends did the Aussie Camino Walk starting from Portland Vic and finishing in Penola SA.
We had a wonderful guide Therese and our driver Tony. They were excellent in their roles.
We would highly recommend this adventure.” Breta C Oct 2024
A journey begins – Portland to Cape Bridgewater
Our pilgrims gather at the Mary MacKillop Centre in Melbourne before making our way to Portland. You can always feel the excitement and anticipation in the air as the group gets to know each other. The start of new friendships and shared experiences that last a lifetime.
A visit to Bayview College and All Saints Church is our first exploration into history and faith. Learning Saint Mary MacKillop’s story and why she is so central to this pilgrimage we’re all about to take.
With many kilometres ahead, we pace ourselves through bush tracks to the coastline and enjoy a beach walk with our new companions.
Coastal wonders – Seals, Kangaroos, and the power of the ocean
As we delve into the spectacular coastline of Victoria, pilgrims are blown away by the power of the Bass Strait.
Once a volcanic island, Cape Bridgewater is where the cliffs meet the crashing waves. The raw beauty is only matched by the wonderful wildlife encounters, such as seals basking, kangaroos grazing, and the odd, unexpected, echidna sighting.
Whether we’re enjoying sunshine, wind, or rain (yes, sometimes it can be refreshing), we’re reminded of nature’s presence in every step.
With now 40 kms under our belts, we return to the warm hospitality of the Victoria House Bed and Breakfast for our third and final night there.
Into the bush – Tall gums, hidden creatures, and a change of pace
The transition from the rugged beauty of the coastline to the lush bushlands of Mt Richmond reveals a different type of natural landscape.
Towering eucalyptus trees stand guard alongside the grass trees. This diverse environment is not only visually striking but also teeming with life; pilgrims can encounter koalas nestled in the branches, elusive snakes gliding through the underbrush, and even blue-tongue lizards sunning themselves as we pass by.
The lush bushlands encourage a slower, more mindful pace, allowing for a deeper connection with the sights and sounds of nature but also fellow trekkers. The gentle rustle of leaves and the distant call of birds are a stark contrast to the crashing ocean waves but equally calming and invigorating.
For those looking to refuel after a day of exploration, a delightful dining option is available at Port MacDonnell’s Bay Pub. Here, guests can enjoy a hearty meal featuring fresh local produce, all while taking in picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.
“I absolutely loved it! It was my first hike, and I loved trekking through such a diversity of landscapes including beach, cliff-top tracks, farmland, forest, old railway line, and country roads. The coastal views of the ocean with pods of seals frolicking on and off rocks was magical. Seeing Australian fauna such as mobs of Wallabies, Echidna, Koalas, Rosellas and native Aussie flora up close was a real highlight for me. “ Roddy P Nov 2024
The striking blue waters of Blue Lake, a true natural wonder, captivated us along the way.
The open road – Farmlands and unexpected encounters
Walking from Dismal Swamp to Kalangadoo, is often considered the most challenging but also rewarding part of the Australian Camino. The pilgrims take on another 21km day of walking while enjoying the open road.
The scenery unfolds once again. This time giving space to endless stretches of vibrant farmlands. Cows, bulls and sheep dot the hills alongside apple orchards, potato farms and timber mills.
We take time out to visit the Kalangadoo Railway Museum, where history comes to life through the captivating tales spun by Peter Savage. His tales transport us back to a time when trains chugged along the tracks, connecting communities and shaping the landscape.
As the sun sets, the Kalangadoo Hotel welcomes pilgrims for a lively evening filled with camaraderie. Over hearty meals, we share stories, challenges and compassion with our fellow trekkers.
Walking into Penola – The finish line and the celebration
The final 31km of our journey combines exhaustion, exhilaration, and deep reflection. Even as some fight fatigue, pilgrims are often filled with the thrill of nearing our destination.
Arriving in Penola, the rich history of Saint Mary MacKillop lives on, through St Joseph’s School, the first free Catholic school.
Here we gather for a well-deserved celebration dinner. We raise our glasses to honour not only the journey pilgrims take but also the friendships forged in the process.
“I have recently returned from the Aussie Camino from Portland Victoria to Penola in SA. A truly wonderful experience for me who had never trekked before and one that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys walking and the outdoors. We were also blessed to have 2 amazing people looking after us on our trek, Therese was a fantastic leader and provided us with a lot of support and encouragement along the way and Adam our coach driver did a wonderful job getting us to our accommodation and setting up our meal stops each day. A well-organized trek from start to finish !!” Meldsan – Oct 2022
To find out more about the Aussie Camino tour, click here.