Group of thirteen hikers standing on a paved road shaded by tall trees with light‑colored bark, possibly eucalyptus; dressed in outdoor gear with hats, backpacks, sunglasses, and walking poles; forest canopy overhead creates a serene natural setting.
Group of people seated outdoors in front of a historic roadside building decorated with vintage signs and memorabilia; Australian flag displayed, with a man standing and giving a presentation to the audience in plastic chairs; setting suggests a community gathering or educational event at a heritage site.
Echidna foraging in a grassy area, its body covered with coarse hair and sharp spines; pointed snout directed downward among grass, twigs, and a nearby rock in a natural habitat.
Group of ten people posing on a rustic train station platform labeled “COONAWARRA”; corrugated metal building and cylindrical structure beside the platform; wooden planks elevate the platform next to railway tracks; background shows expansive vineyard under a cloudy sky; group casually dressed, some standing and others sitting on the edge of the platform.
Group of seven hikers walking along a forest trail surrounded by tall trees and dense vegetation; a large fallen tree trunk lies across the path, creating an obstacle the hikers navigate around or over; each equipped with backpacks, trekking poles, and outdoor clothing.
Blue‑tongue skink lying on the ground among green grass and vegetation; patterned back with dark and light brown scales and broad flat head visible, blending naturally into its habitat.
Group of people posing outdoors, framed through a circular hole in a textured stone or concrete surface; background shows green trees, a body of water, and a forested hill under a clear blue sky.
Stained glass window divided into three vertical panels; central panel shows robed figure standing with three seated children, suggesting teaching or storytelling; left and right panels depict children under trees with colorful leaves, birds, and a flowing river; upper section features abstract blue and white swirling patterns with yellow accents, resembling sky or heavens.
Group of sea lions resting on a rugged coastal cliff with visible striations; green vegetation in the foreground; animals scattered across the rock surface, some lying close together and others spread out.
Group of thirteen people seated around a long wooden dining table in a restaurant; table set with wine glasses, cutlery, napkins, and bottles of wine; illuminated wine storage unit visible on the right; background includes windows with blinds and framed artwork; atmosphere warm and convivial, suggesting a social dinner or celebration.
Group of twelve people in hiking gear standing in front of a large roadside sign reading “WELCOME TO PENOLA”; illustrated sign includes people, buildings, and a bunch of grapes symbolizing vineyards; rural setting with grass, trees, and power lines under a clear blue sky.
Group of twelve hikers in outdoor gear standing in front of a tall white lighthouse with a red top; adjacent small building and sandy terrain visible; concrete path leads to the lighthouse; cloudy sky overhead with vegetation in the background.
Koala perched on a thick horizontal tree branch in a dense forest; surrounded by intertwining branches and green foliage with some bare limbs visible; natural habitat scene under clear daylight.
Koala perched in the fork of a tree, viewed from below against a clear blue sky; animal nestled comfortably among smooth, light‑colored branches with sparse leaves visible.
Koala sitting comfortably on a thick horizontal eucalyptus branch against a clear blue sky; sparse leaves and branches surround the animal in its natural habitat.
A close-up of a woman with blonde hair and sunglasses smiling at the camera. She is positioned on the right side of the frame, wearing a blue hiking shirt. In the background, a vast coastline stretches out with rolling blue waves breaking on a sandy beach under a clear sky. A distant headland with wind turbines is visible on the horizon.
Man trekking the Aussie Camino, walking alone on beautiful beach.
A high-angle view of a rugged coastline. A light-colored wooden boardwalk with several zig-zagging staircases and square observation decks descends a steep, scrub-covered cliff. To the left, a golden rock formation stands near the white surf of turquoise ocean waves. A long, sandy beach stretches toward distant green headlands under a clear sky.
Group of thirteen hikers standing on a paved road shaded by tall trees with light‑colored bark, possibly eucalyptus; dressed in outdoor gear with hats, backpacks, sunglasses, and walking poles; forest canopy overhead creates a serene natural setting.

Photo Gallery

Group of thirteen hikers standing on a paved road shaded by tall trees with light‑colored bark, possibly eucalyptus; dressed in outdoor gear with hats, backpacks, sunglasses, and walking poles; forest canopy overhead creates a serene natural setting. Group of people seated outdoors in front of a historic roadside building decorated with vintage signs and memorabilia; Australian flag displayed, with a man standing and giving a presentation to the audience in plastic chairs; setting suggests a community gathering or educational event at a heritage site. Echidna foraging in a grassy area, its body covered with coarse hair and sharp spines; pointed snout directed downward among grass, twigs, and a nearby rock in a natural habitat. Group of ten people posing on a rustic train station platform labeled “COONAWARRA”; corrugated metal building and cylindrical structure beside the platform; wooden planks elevate the platform next to railway tracks; background shows expansive vineyard under a cloudy sky; group casually dressed, some standing and others sitting on the edge of the platform. Group of seven hikers walking along a forest trail surrounded by tall trees and dense vegetation; a large fallen tree trunk lies across the path, creating an obstacle the hikers navigate around or over; each equipped with backpacks, trekking poles, and outdoor clothing. Blue‑tongue skink lying on the ground among green grass and vegetation; patterned back with dark and light brown scales and broad flat head visible, blending naturally into its habitat. Group of people posing outdoors, framed through a circular hole in a textured stone or concrete surface; background shows green trees, a body of water, and a forested hill under a clear blue sky. Stained glass window divided into three vertical panels; central panel shows robed figure standing with three seated children, suggesting teaching or storytelling; left and right panels depict children under trees with colorful leaves, birds, and a flowing river; upper section features abstract blue and white swirling patterns with yellow accents, resembling sky or heavens. Group of sea lions resting on a rugged coastal cliff with visible striations; green vegetation in the foreground; animals scattered across the rock surface, some lying close together and others spread out. Group of thirteen people seated around a long wooden dining table in a restaurant; table set with wine glasses, cutlery, napkins, and bottles of wine; illuminated wine storage unit visible on the right; background includes windows with blinds and framed artwork; atmosphere warm and convivial, suggesting a social dinner or celebration. Group of twelve people in hiking gear standing in front of a large roadside sign reading “WELCOME TO PENOLA”; illustrated sign includes people, buildings, and a bunch of grapes symbolizing vineyards; rural setting with grass, trees, and power lines under a clear blue sky. Group of twelve hikers in outdoor gear standing in front of a tall white lighthouse with a red top; adjacent small building and sandy terrain visible; concrete path leads to the lighthouse; cloudy sky overhead with vegetation in the background. Koala perched on a thick horizontal tree branch in a dense forest; surrounded by intertwining branches and green foliage with some bare limbs visible; natural habitat scene under clear daylight. Koala perched in the fork of a tree, viewed from below against a clear blue sky; animal nestled comfortably among smooth, light‑colored branches with sparse leaves visible. Koala sitting comfortably on a thick horizontal eucalyptus branch against a clear blue sky; sparse leaves and branches surround the animal in its natural habitat. A close-up of a woman with blonde hair and sunglasses smiling at the camera. She is positioned on the right side of the frame, wearing a blue hiking shirt. In the background, a vast coastline stretches out with rolling blue waves breaking on a sandy beach under a clear sky. A distant headland with wind turbines is visible on the horizon. Man trekking the Aussie Camino, walking alone on beautiful beach. A high-angle view of a rugged coastline. A light-colored wooden boardwalk with several zig-zagging staircases and square observation decks descends a steep, scrub-covered cliff. To the left, a golden rock formation stands near the white surf of turquoise ocean waves. A long, sandy beach stretches toward distant green headlands under a clear sky.

Overview

Take a 10-day pilgrimage across the Australian Camino, also known as the Mary MacKillop Way, a journey that perfectly balances scenery, soul-searching, and spiritual growth. This unique trek offers a chance to connect with nature while exploring the beautiful landscapes of South Australia and Victoria.

Following in the Footsteps of Mary MacKillop

Walking a Camino is a centuries-old tradition, offering pilgrims a spiritual journey inspired by lives of fulfilment and service. The Aussie Camino follows in the footsteps of Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first saint, who dedicated her life to faith, education, and kindness.

Starting in Portland, where Mary MacKillop gained her early teaching experience, the pilgrimage ends in Penola. Penola is where she co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph with Father Julian Tenison Woods. Reflecting on their humble beginnings, Mary wrote in 1891:

“Little did either of us then dream of what was to spring from so small a beginning.”

Pilgrims can visit significant sites such as the stable park, the schoolhouse, and St Joseph’s Church, taking time for reflection and prayer.

The Path of the Pilgrimage

For the first few days, the route follows the Great South West Walk (GSWW), a scenic 250-kilometre track established in 1981. It winds through stunning national parks, including Lower Glenelg, Cobboboonee, Discovery Bay Coastal, Mount Richmond, and Cape Nelson State Park.

As the journey progresses, the path continues along farm tracks, goat trails, minor roads, and even abandoned railway lines, offering a peaceful and reflective experience.

The Aussie Camino is a calm and rewarding pilgrimage for those seeking spiritual growth, personal reflection, and an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of an extraordinary woman.

“Oh, how I wish we would only remember that we are but travellers here.”– Mary MacKillop, 17 November 1866

What's Included

Included
All ground transfers from Melbourne to Melbourne
Luggage transfers daily - Carry a daypack only!
Shared accommodation in Bed & Breakfast and Country Pubs (limited single available - $750.00pp)
9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 2 dinners
Guide and Bus Driver - First aid qualified
Winery tasting and lunch in Coonawarra
Pilgrims Kit - Includes Passport, Guidebook, luggage tag, and Camino Shell
Not included
International and Australian Domestic Airfares & Airport Departure Tax
Pre and Post trek accommodation
All personal expenditures including drinks
Travel Insurance - domestic
Private ensuites - not available at all accommodation

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1:

Depart from Melbourne

Our official meeting point is the Mary MacKillop Centre in Melbourne. Our private bus will be departing from here at 10.00am. As a group we will make our way to Portland, which will be our first stop for the night.

Day 2:

Start Pilgrimage: Portland to Cape Bridgewater

Breakfast is followed by a tour of Bayview College and All Saints Church, where Mary MacKillop and her sister, Annie, taught at the school. Transfer to trek start. For the first three days, we follow the Great South West Walk, established in the 1980's and taking us through stunning country. We drive to Cape Nelson Lighthouse, where we start our trek, following coastal tracks that run along clifftops, affording spectacular views. With about 5kms to go we descend to bush tracks to the coastline and beach walk. On completion, we board our bus and return to Portland for our second night's accommodation at Victoria House.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Victoria House
20 kms

Day 3:

Cape Bridgewater to Bridgewater lakes

Day 3 is a very enjoyable day. We continue walking along clifftops, again enjoying views of stunning vistas, a seal colony, and many turbines. We then proceed to Bridgewater Lakes, our finish point for the day. Our bus will pick us up and transfer us back to Portland for the third night of our stay at Victoria House.

Breakfast, Lunch
Victoria House
21 kms

Day 4:

Mt Richmond to Swan Lake

Today, we leave the beach and the coastland to experience the Australian Bush. Our walk takes us to the Summit of Mt Richmond. We have made this change so that our bus can now meet you for lunch!
Keep your eyes out for Koalas and Kangaroos... oh and the leeches!

Lunch will be at the summit. Toilets are available.

After lunch, we will continue on the GSWW toward Swan Lake. Just follow the red arrows!

Our bus will meet us again at Swan Lake. Here, we board and head to Port MacDonnell, our accommodation for the night. Please note that tonight, we will have shared bathroom facilities at the hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel with shared bathroom
21 kms

Day 5:

Port MacDonnnell to Mount Gambier

The roads today are very quiet and flat. Moving away from the coast we head inland for around 3 hours to Mt Schank, a 100m high dormant volcano. Its cone-shaped form is a rare South Australian example of volcanic activity, that has been little affected by erosion. After a rest at the picnic ground here, we continue our afternoon trek to Mount Gambier.

Breakfast, Lunch
Federal Hotel
21 kms
3 hr

Day 6:

Mount Gambier to Bush Haven Cottage

A cafe breakfast before some sight-seeing around this beautiful city. The second most populated city in South Australia, Mount Gambier is known for its geographical features, particularly volcanic and limestone, and its Blue Lake, parks and gardens, caves, and sinkholes.

A late morning trek of around three hours, past the Mount Gambier Regional Airport at Wandilo to Bush Haven Cottage at Mingbool.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bush Haven Cottages: Dormitory bunk bed style with shared bathrooms.
12 kms
3 hr

Day 7:

Bush Haven Cottage to Kalangadoo

A relaxed start to the day allows us time to enjoy this rich agricultural district, specialising in potatoes and timber, apple orchards, beef cattle, sheep and dairy cattle. The village flourished with the construction of a narrow-gauge railroad in 1887, languishing with the introduction of cars. Kalangadoo has a general store, a farm supply store, a pub, and a timber mill. The disused railway station houses a small museum.

Breakfast, Lunch
Kalangadoo Hilton Hotel: Standard rooms are twin, however depending on availability we may need to use triple/quadruple rooms. Bathroom facilities are shared.
22 kms

Day 8:

Kalangadoo to Penola

Our trek follows the railway line for part of this long and challenging day. Penola was the central location in the life of Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods. Here, the pair established St Joseph's School, the first free Catholic school and a congregation of religious sisters, the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Otherwise known as the "Josephites" or "Brown Joeys", they continue to work with the poor and needy communities throughout the world today.

On the last day of our trek, we will celebrate what we have achieved with a relaxing dinner!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Coonawarra Motor Lodge
31 kms

Day 9:

Full Day in Penola and a Winery Lunch

A full day in this lovely town to explore and take in everything on offer. We will have the opportunity to attend Mass (for those who wish to do so), before a tour through the Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre.

This is a wonderful commemoration of Saint Mary, with some fantastic information. There's no hurry so take your time - here is where we will also receive the final stamp of our passports and collect our Compostela.

Spend some time in the recreation of Mary's first school room before wandering down Petticoat Lane and viewing the historic buildings. As Penola is at the southern end of the Coonawarra Region, we will take the opportunity to visit a winery for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure.

Breakfast, Lunch
Coonawarra Motor Lodge

Day 10:

Penola to Melbourne

After a leisurely breakfast, we will board our bus and leave Penola for the journey back to the Mary Mackillop Centre in East Melbourne, where we all began!

En route, we will stop for breaks and meals.

Breakfast

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Mary MacKillop, and what was her significance to the Aussie Camino Pilgrimage?

Mary MacKillop (1842–1909) was an Australian religious sister and educator who became the first saint of Australia. Born in Melbourne, she co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 1866, which established schools, orphanages, and services for the poor throughout Australia, particularly in rural and remote areas.

The Aussie Camino is a Mary MacKillop pilgrimage trail inspired by her life. It starts in Portland, Victoria, where she started her work as a governess and ends at Penola, South Australia, where she co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph and opened her first school. The Mary MacKillop walking trail is modelled on the famous Camino de Santiago in Spain and provides an opportunity for spiritual reflection while tracing significant places related to Mary MacKillop’s life.

You can read more about her life here: Mary MacKillop’s biography

Is the Australian Camino Walk suitable in later life?

Don’t worry about your age being a barrier. The Aussie Camino welcomes people of all ages, including those between 50 and 80 years old.

What training do you need for the Camino?

Start by incorporating a walking routine of 5 kilometres, three times a week, during the initial weeks. Over time, gradually progress to walking five days a week, achieving this by the fifth week of your training program. The next step involves steadily increasing the daily walking distance.

The ultimate objective is to work up to walking 10 to 15 kilometres for five days every week. It is advisable to vary the walking surfaces, such as walking on sand, as the terrain along the route changes.

Will I have to carry everything myself?

While on the trip, we have a dedicated support bus that accompanies us daily. This bus is responsible for transporting our luggage from one accommodation spot to another every day.

During the day, all you need to carry is a small day pack containing approximately 1 litre of water. We will have the opportunity to refill our water supply daily when we rendezvous with the bus.

Additionally, it’s important to have wet weather gear and a small personal first aid kit with you for your own use.

Australia The Aussie Camino Pilgrimage ― VIC/SA

2k+ trekkers and counting

Caterina C

The Aus Camino of March 2026, was my first Camino and can say that it was truly an amazing experience .
The whole trek was exceptionally well-organised — every detail was clearly planned and executed. The accommodation was comfortable, clean, and perfectly suited to the locations we visited. Meals were delicious and plentiful.

The trek covered some truly breathtaking places, each made even more special by our amazing tour leaders, Deb and Mike. They were incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and empathetic, always ready to answer questions and ensure everyone felt supported and included. Their enthusiasm and care really stood out and made the trek not just enjoyable, but memorable.

I’d recommend this trek to anyone looking for a professionally run, engaging, and heartwarming adventure.

April 6, 2026

Patricia W

I participated in the October 20 Aussie Camino. The actual walking was challenging as we traversed a variety of different terrains such as on rocky paths, the beach, forests, flat and VERY hilly areas (“undulations” according to Mike!) and sometimes on the road. Accommodation styles varied from Spartan to semi-luxurious. It was a delight to finally arrive in historic Penola that is so significant in the Mary MacKillop story. Deb and Mike, our leaders, were outstanding in their attention to every detail of the journey, the needs of the participants and their knowledge of the area. It was a memorable experience shared with an interesting group of fellow participants. Patricia, East Melbourne

March 17, 2026

Bernadette R

This was my first Camino and I absolutely loved it. Our leader Jonathan and driver and guide Nick were both so helpful, kind and professional. We had briefings before each daily walk which were very helpful. I improved so much throughout the walk due to their support and kindness. The rest of the group were also wonderful and we shared stories and laughs and I really achieved more on my Camino than I thought possible.
The scenery was breathtaking and I especially liked the way we were all so well prepared prior to take off with the emails and instructions from Deb. It was my first but certainly won’t be my last Camino. I am inspired to train more and be better prepared and stronger for the next one.
Loved the companionship; getting to know everyone and the food and stretching myself to achieve my goal in a supportive and inspiring atmosphere.

November 26, 2025

Norma N

I had a great time. Met some great people along the way, learnt a lot, saw some incredible places. The leaders were great and full of knowledge fun to be around. The food and places we stay in also very good

November 25, 2025

Carolyn Doh

We have just completed the Aussie Camino with Mike and Deb from Getaway Trekking and cannot recommend them highly enough.

November 4, 2025

Libby S

Having recently completed the Atlas mountains Trek & Morocco tour with Getaway Trekking, I would highly recommend Deb & Mike as a tour company.
Their personal commitment & level of care is 5 star. 100% invested in their clients before, during & after the tours.

August 3, 2025

Theresa B

In July this year, I completed the 16-day UK Coast to Coast hike (Wainwright Way) with Getaway Trekking.  It was a fabulous trip, with a perfect sized group of 15, expertly led by Getaway owners, Deb & Mike.  The hike takes you through beautiful countryside, 3 National Parks with accommodation pre-arranged at quaint little English hotels and inns.  Highly recommend for anyone who likes a very well organized and adventurous hiking trip.

August 3, 2025

Ryan M

I recently completed the Kokoda Trek with Getaway Trekking, and it was an unforgettable experience. Our guide, Laurie, was incredible—his leadership was inspirational, and he provided an authentic and deep understanding of Kokoda’s history. The communication from Getaway Trekking was outstanding. Deb, the owner, was always responsive and went above and beyond to answer all our questions. The whole experience was fantastic, and I highly recommend anyone considering the Kokoda trek to choose Getaway Trekking.

August 3, 2025

Roddyp123

I have recently returned from the Aussie Camino Walk, a 9-day package including 7 days of hiking from Portland, Vic to Penola, SA through Getaway Trekking & Adventures.
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. I also enjoyed that it was a pilgrim walk following the life of Australia’s first saint Mary McKillop. The small group of 10 people (couples, singles) made it easy to connect and to have meaningful, reflective conversations as well as having plenty of belly laughs.
The ethos of the company was supportive and inclusive. From the first briefing with our gentle knowledgeable guide, Jonathon, and organized lovely driver, Deb (also company owner), it was clear that the walk wasn’t a competition of the fastest or fittest. In saying that, pre training walking is a must to get the most out of the experience.
A support bus was available if anyone was struggling on a particular day. Whether you are looking for a diverse hiking experience or for a spiritual journey or a combination of the two this is the hike to choose

November 8, 2024

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