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Dear walkers and friends,
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 An absolutely wonderful experience with our friends exploring the many beautiful coastal and bushland walks, visiting some of Australia's best wineries and as well, learning the history from a part of Australia that many of us wouldn't know about unless you were to actually visit. Thank you to Graeme and Angie who were a lot of fun and looked after us so magnificently."Harry from Bairnsdale, Australia [2023] |
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Best of the West  13-day Walking tour in South West WA, Albany, Bibbulmun Track, Cape to Cape, Margaret River, Australia. |
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29 April | Perth WA, Australia |
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13 May | Perth WA, Australia |
Flinders Island Gourmet Retreat
Once again in May we made our way across the Bass Strait to Flinders Island for a second time. Wendy, at Flinders Island Gourmet Retreat, spoiled us again with her superb hospitality and delicious meals.
The coastal scenery on the island is pretty hard to beat and its colourful history is fascinating - we were lucky enough to visit the Furneaux Museum at Emita on the last day of their "Flying by the seat of their pants" exhibition; a captivating display of aviation in Bass Strait between 1919-1939. Don't miss out on our tour for next year - only 4 spots left!
| My introduction to the wonders of Flinders Island was an interesting experience. The accommodation had a warm and homely atmosphere. Delicious meals from breakfast to dinner using local produce. Home baked bread, cakes and cookies too. The walks & company were great." Judith from Camberwell, Australia [2023] |
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Flinders Island 7-day Walking tour on Flinders Island, Bass Strait, Tasmania, Australia. |
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27 May | Whitemark, Tasmania, Australia |
Lamington NP's Birding Paradise in Queensland
Once again June proved to be the perfect time to escape the cool weather in the south by visiting magnificent Lamington National Park. It is located in the hinterland behind the Gold Coast and is a classified World Heritage Area. This is certainly one of our most relaxing tours - each morning after breakfast we simply walk out the door and we are on our way.
Lamington is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary birdlife - there was a reason why David Attenborough and his team of naturalists chose the park for their documentary series "Life on Earth"! Our pre-breakfast morning bird walks are an opportunity to see birds which we often hear but rarely see - for example, the Eastern Whipbird.
I'm sure no one will ever forget the eerie call of the Green Catbird - perhaps more reminiscent of a crying baby than a cat! We were also lucky enough to see an Albert's Lyrebird on our final walk of our last tour - patience is a virtue! Next year's three Lamington walks will be at the same time in June.
| A most enjoyable trip! Lovely accommodation and food; spectacular views from our room. Our leader, Graeme, was very experienced and well informed about the Lamington region. He had a gentle manner that allowed him to engage easily with all members of the group, providing support and guidance when required to ensure that all went smoothly." Cheryl from Melbourne, Australia [2023] |
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Lamington National Park 5-day Walking tour in the Lamington National Park, Gold Coast Hinterland, Queensland, Australia. |
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09 June | Gold Coast QLD, Australia |
| 16 June | Gold Coast QLD, Australia | |
| 23 June | Gold Coast QLD, Australia |
Bibbulmun Track, Albany
Cape to Cape, Margaret River
Ajar Restaurant, Denmark
Castle Rock at Flinder Island
Wendy at Cooma House
Sunset from O'Reilly's
Lost World Spa Lamington
Picnic Rock Lamington
Gondwana Rainforest
It has been a busy spring in Europe and Japan, and we are excited to share our recent adventures with you.
Hidden Gems of Spain & Portugal
In Andalusia, we immersed ourselves in the dreamy ambiance of the Alhambra, hiked through the majestic Sierra Nevada, walked along rugged trails and traversed verdant valleys in the Sierras of Ronda and Grazalema. We indulged in the rhythmic melodies of flamenco in Sevilla and enjoyed a delicious Easter lunch at the beautiful beach in Bolonia, next to the well-preserved Roman archeological site of Baelo Claudia.
Crossing the border into Portugal, we explored the sun-kissed Algarve with its golden beaches and walked along the rugged coastline. In Lisbon, we strolled through the narrow cobblestone streets of Alfama, listened to fado music, and savoured Portuguese cuisine. We walked in the breathtaking Douro Valley, where terraced vineyards and world-class wines awaited us. Our journey ended in the picturesque city of Porto.
There has already been a lot of interest in this tour for 2024, so don't miss out to reserve your spot and embark on this inspiring journey, contact us if you are interested in the pre-departure notes.
| The Pilgrim's Way is a completely different way to see and understand northern Spain. Apart from the magnificent scenery and fantastic location - the Paradors of Spain have to be experienced to be believed! - walking the Pilgrim's Way and having the opportunity to visit places like Leon, Burgos and Santiago de Compostela, as well as the villages along the way, gave me a whole new insight into part of Spain's history. Ainhoa in France and the Hotel Ithurria were also fabulous as our starting point. Even though it's been 10 years since I travelled (through Italy) with Walkabout Gourmet, WGA has lost none of its expertise in organisation, support, great company and showing off some of Europe's finest in terms of food, wine, walking trails, and places to stay. I've already been checking out the brochure for my next WG trip!" Lorne from Orange NSW, Australia |
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A Journey back in Time   18-day Walking Tour in Portugal and Spain, through the Douro Valley, Algarve and Andalusia. |
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01 April | Granada, Spain |
Sicily unveiled: Ancient Temples & Volcanic Isles
After Andalusia and Portugal, we embarked on a captivating journey through Sicily. We immersed ourselves in the island's history by admiring the remarkably preserved Greek temples of Selinunte and Segesta.
We hiked along Monte Cofano and the Zingaro Nature Reserves, then ventured into the magnificent Madonie Regional Natural Park. It is home to ancient forests, charming villages, like our base in Petralia Sottana and awe-inspiring peaks like Pizzo Carbonara, which we climbed. A unique experience was also our hike up Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano where we could witness its lunar-like landscapes.
We explored the enchanting Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea. These seven unique islands are a paradise for nature enthusiasts, with the active volcano Stromboli providing captivating lava fireworks display at night. We stayed on Lipari, the largest island, and discovered the dramatic cliffs and secluded coves of glamorous Panarea. We also hiked up Vulcano's Gran Cratere, witnessing sulphur vents and steaming fumaroles.
The islands' delightful treats include mouthwatering gelato and granita, perfect for the Mediterranean heat.
We spent our last 4 nights in Ortigia, the historical heart of Syracuse, exploring its Baroque architecture and bustling markets. Syracuse offers an archaeological park with a Greek Theatre, still used for performances today.
Sicilian cuisine is a tantalising fusion of flavours influenced by Greeks, Arabs, and Normans. We indulged in arancini, pasta alla Norma, and cannoli. The culinary symphony of delicious wines and fresh seafood, such as swordfish, sardines, and red prawns, left us craving for more.
Prepare for an extraordinary exploration of Sicily's wonders on our Dolce Vita walk next year.
| Annie and I want to thank You and Helmut for a great walk. We really covered the "hotspots" of Sicily very well plus the walks were great. We were remarkably lucky with the weather as well. We thought the group was wonderful as well. Now we have to decide on walk No. 11! John & Annie, Adelaide, South Australia [2023] |
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La Dolce Vita  15-day Walking tour in Sicily and the Aeolian Islands. |
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28 April | Palermo, Sicily, Italy |
Epicurean walk through Italian Landscapes, Cuisine & Culture
Lastly, we explored the beauty of Italy on our Epicurean walk - combining breathtaking landscapes, thrilling hikes, mouthwatering culinary delights, and rich cultural experiences.
Our journey started in Sorrento, exploring the renowned Amalfi Coast with its dramatic cliffs, charming towns, and crystal-clear waters. We hiked the Path of the Gods, indulged in seafood and limoncello, and visited Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Capri.
Next, we ventured to the enchanting Gargano Peninsula in Puglia, a coastal paradise of rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and ancient forests. We hiked through the stunning Forest Umbra, discovered hidden coves, and enjoyed Vieste's mediaeval charm as well as a delicious cuisine. We also visited the ancient sanctuary of Monte Sant' Angelo and walked up to Monte Sacro. A special highlight was our dinner on a traditional Trabucco with its fishing platform.
Leaving the coast behind, we explored the untamed beauty of the Abruzzo Mountains, traversing the Meta Range. We hiked through forests, meadows, and rocky terrains, and visited the Madonna di Monte Tranquillo in Abruzzo National Park. In Umbria, from our base in Norcia, we travelled to Castellucchio in the Monti Sibillini National Park. The park dazzled us with its vibrant display of wildflowers, including gentians, orchids, lilies, and poppies, creating a picturesque landscape.
Save the date for our next Epicurean walk, join us for this incredible journey filled with natural wonders, delicious cuisine and cultural discoveries.
| We especially loved the sections of the holiday spent around Sorrento, on the Amalfi Coast and around Norcia and the mountains. The accommodation was excellent as well as the local scenery and attractions." Deirdre from Adelaide, SA Australia |
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Epicurean walk through italy 16-day Walking Tour in Italy along the Amalfi Coast, the Gargano Promontory, Abruzzo Mountains, Monte Sibillini National Park and Umbria. |
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08 June | Sorrento, Italy |
Duoro River Portugal
Lunch at Paradors Granada
Sierra de Ronda, Andalusia
Mount Etna
Greek Temple, Selinunte
Panarea Eolian Islands
Arco Naturale Capri, Italy
Walk of the gods, Amalfi coast
Trabucco San Nicola, Peschici
Discovering Japan's Wonders
| This was a fantastic trip. Our guide's knowledge of Japanese culture and history added immensely to my understanding of the country. The days varied, both in walking difficulty, scenic appeal and cultural experience. Both Penign and Gabriella were kind, considerate, and encouraging." Sue from Ohakune, New Zealand [2023] |
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The Spirit of Japan  Walking Tour in Japan from Tokyo to Hiroshima |
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25 October | Tokyo, Japan [16 days] | |
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10 May | Tokyo, Japan [18 days] | |
| 19 October | Tokyo, Japan [18 days] | ||
Itsukushima Shrine Miyajima
Okonomiyaki pancake, Hiroshima
Snowmonkey, Kamikochi Valley
Gourmet food on Miyajima island
We are thrilled that our European vacations have resumed smoothly post-Covid disruptions.
France Italy: Breathtaking Ligurian Coast & Cote d'Azur
| Liguria boasts some of the best food in Italy - including pesto Genovese, minestrone and focaccia. Because Liguria is on the coast, seafood and fish are a big part of the diet. Provence-Cote d'Azur has a rich blue Mediterranean coastline and delicious sunshine food like tapenade, omelette aux truffes, Ratatouille, Aioli, Tarte Tropezienne or Fromage de Chevre." Angela, Carlton, VIC, Australia [2015] |
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Walk to the stars  14-day Walking tour through Italian & French Riviera. |
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29 August | Aix-en-Provence, France |
| This adventure exceeded my expectation! Walkabout Gourmet has created a winning combination of sensational food, wonderful wine, exceptional venues and the opportunity to see and explore places not found along the usual tourist trails. I would now have no hesitation to travel solo after experiencing the inclusive and welcoming nature of the guides and my fellow adventurers. Despite Graeme's love of ascents and reluctance to take the most direct route, so as to not miss any of the exceptional vistas we experienced, we were gently guided to the finish line each day to be rewarded with a fabulous meal, a glass or two of wine and a comfy bed knowing that there was more to see the following day." Joanna from Sydney NSW, Australia |
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Taste of Europe  14-day Walking Tour in France and Germany, Black Forest, Alsace and Champagne. |
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08 September | Lyon, France |
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24 September | Luzern, Switzerland |
African Safari Adventure is calling
Graeme is very excited to be finally heading back to Africa again in October. Our African Safari will begin in Namibia, home to some of Africa's most outstanding game parks - seeing these great African animals up close is something our guests never forget. It's not only the wildlife which leave their mark - the African people themselves also leave a huge impression - their smiling faces and their kindness are traits you will always remember. Botswana is also a haven for wildlife - here we have the opportunity to see the magnificent hippos in their natural habitat. We are finishing our safari at the famous Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world.
We still have 3 spaces left so don't miss your opportunity to experience these three jewels of Southern Africa.
| Another great trip from WGA, really enjoyed my travels in Namibia, along the sometimes long and dusty roads seeing and experiencing the real Namibia. Some great animal viewing thanks to our wonderful guide Norbert along with amazing African sunsets almost every night. Seeing and visiting happy children that don't have much in their schools and villages, lunch under at tree in the middle of somewhere, happy faces and smiles everywhere we went, swimming pools with great views over plains and where elephants and giraffes drink and roam. As our guide summed up on his t-shirt that he gets for himself every trip - there's more to Africa than just the animals. Thanks Graeme for another memorable trip." Judy from Sydney NSW, Australia |
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African Walkabout    22-day Safari Holiday from Windhoek in Namibia to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. |
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14 October | Windhoek, Namibia |
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15 October | Windhoek, Namibia |
Sestri Levante, Liguria
On the way to Monte Aquarone
Aperitivo, Sestri Levante, Liguria
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Alb Valley, Black Forest
Obernai, Alsace, France
Champagne tasting!
Sossusvlei Dunes Namibia
Rhino's grazing, Namibia
Hippos' Chobe NP, Botswana
| We had a private group of 9 and collectively we had a sensational trip. The walking and touring were absolute standouts, and we enjoyed our accommodation and terrific meals (and beverages) at night. Graeme and Angela were the best hosts we could have asked for and we loved having them join in with everything we did. I would strongly recommend this tour. The scenery and variety were some of the best experiences we have had. Fred from Melbourne, Australia |
Celtic Way
Cape Leeuwin, Western Australia
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08/07 | Fireside Yarra Valley [16 days] |
Yarra Valley, VIC |
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21/07 | Brisbane French Festival [3 days] |
Musgrave Park, QLD |
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21/07 | Perth Good Food & Wine Show [3 days] |
Perth, WA |
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28/07 | Winter Reds Weekend [3 days] |
Adelaide Hills, SA |
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28/07 | The Curated Plate [4 days] | Sunshine Coast, QLD |
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10/08 | Taste Port Douglas [4 days] |
Port Douglas, QLD |
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19/08 | Macarthur Food & Wine Festival [2 days] |
Mount Annan, NSW |
Bastille Day Festival, Brisbane
Perth Good Food & WIne Show
| What a perfect place to stay! Calm and cool with a gorgeous patio to sit under the vines. Incredibly comfortable bed with lovely linen sheets. The kitchen had everything we needed. Nastassja was so helpful and the check in and booking process was smooth and efficient. She went out of her way to make sure we had a perfect stay. The village is beautiful to walk around in and we recommend walking up to the citadel". Gail from Adelaide, Australia |
Open kitchen & dining, Eleonore
Snow Shoeing in Lure Mountains
Our apartments' courtyard
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