Walking a Camino is a centuries-old tradition. It offers a spiritual journey inspired by lives of fulfilment and service.
The Aussie Camino Pilgrimage starts in Portland, where Saint Mary MacKillop learnt her teachings. The trek concludes in Penola, where she founded the Sisters of St Joseph.
This experience offers a chance to connect with nature, fellow walkers and enjoy beautiful views — you can do it at any age.
If you’re feeling uncertain about joining the Aussie Camino Pilgrimage, we understand. We’ve created this pilgrimage with your comfort in mind, and we believe it holds an incredible experience for people of any age. Read on to see how accessible the Camino is for anyone of any age.
Is the Camino suitable for my age?
If you’re worried that age might be a barrier, think again. The Aussie Camino is welcoming to all, we frequently have people ranging from 50 to 80 years old. Our support bus is with us every day, meeting us for lunch approximately 10 kilometres from the start point. This means you can enjoy the walk without carrying heavy loads or worrying about falling behind.
You’ll only need a day pack with water, wet weather gear, basic first aid and a few snacks. The bus provides a comfortable place to relax and recharge, giving you freedom to enjoy the experience more.
What training do you need for the Camino?
Preparing for the Camino shouldn’t be daunting, but preparation is key. We suggest starting with walking 5 km three times a week for the first few weeks. Then, slowly increase to five days a week, by week five of your training. We then suggest you continue to increase the distance you walk every day.
The goal is to build up to walking 10 to 15 km for five days each week. We recommend walking on different surfaces, including sand, as the terrain along our path varies.
On your pilgrimage, you need to be able to walk every day for seven days, so endurance is key!
Will the group wait for me?
We start the day as a group and finish the day as a group! We keep line of sight with everyone and ensure that we leave no one behind.
The group atmosphere is supportive and friendly, with members often chatting and supporting each other along the way. If some members of the group like to walk fast, we remind them to stop at any turn. This way, we can make sure everyone is on the same path!
If you prefer a slower pace or need to take breaks, that’s perfectly okay. The group spirit is all about mutual support and enjoying the walk together.
Will I have to carry everything myself?
Absolutely NOT!
We have a support bus that travels with us every day. The bus transfers luggage from each accommodation spot every day.
We also meet on the bus for lunch every day so that we can sit down and have a nice lunch with a cup of tea or coffee.
You only need a small day pack with about 1 litre of water. We can refill it daily when we meet the bus. You also need to carry wet weather gear and a small first aid kit for your personal use.
What happens if I don’t think I can finish the trek?
Our support bus is there for you every day!
If you wake up one morning and don’t feel like walking, you can stay on the bus and join the group at lunchtime. You can also stay on the bus if you prefer to have the day off.
Sometimes, our pilgrims start the walk and then take the bus for the afternoon; it is totally up to you.
Our bus meets us approximately every 10 km, so you can manage your day as you see fit.
Your safety and comfort come first
Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. Our guides and bus drivers are first aid trained, and we carry first aid kits and a portable defibrillator.
We also carry mobile phones, satellite phones, and walkie-talkies to ensure constant communication.
We are only two hours from emergency medical assistance if required.
Take your time and enjoy yourself
This is your journey. Accommodation is pre-booked, so there’s no need to rush. The Aussie Camino offers a relaxed pace, time to reflect, and chances to make lasting friendships no matter your age.
Discover more about the pilgrimage here: The Aussie Camino Pilgrimage