About our
Story
Once upon a time, a fascinating chapter unfolded in 1986 at the renowned Holiday and Adventure Travel Show in Melbourne's Exhibition Buildings. Little did we know that this moment would set the wheels in motion for a remarkable journey ahead.
Walkabout's Story
Adventurous Trails and Flavoursome Tales since 1986
Our story began in 1986 at the Holiday & Adventure Travel Show held at the historic Melbourne Exhibition Buildings. With a booth adorned with our distinctive “sign post and cockatoo” and a picnic table, we found ourselves surrounded by renowned tour operators, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation.
In the neighboring booth stood Tim Macartney-Snape, a mountaineer who had recently achieved the incredible feat of being the first Australian, alongside Greg Mortimer, to conquer Mount Everest. Little did we know that Tim’s introduction to us would provide the reassurance and encouragement we needed on Walkabout’s very first day.
Those three days at the exhibition marked a significant turning point for Walkabout. As the event concluded each day, we eagerly rushed home to check our answering machine, hoping to find messages from potential guests. Prior to the exhibition, we had prepared a small brochure, showcasing our planned walks for the upcoming year. Among them was our inaugural adventure, a journey to Fraser National Park at Lake Eilden in Victoria.
When we returned home after the final day of the exhibition, our excitement reached its peak. The blinking red light on the answering machine signaled a message from Jeanie and Allan Todd. They eagerly booked our very first tour, accompanied by their friends Margaret and Ken McArthur. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Walkabout’s journey.
Launch of Walkabout Gourmet Adventure in 1986 at the Travel Show, Melbourne 1986
Curious travellers often ask us how we came up with the idea in the first place. It all traces back to our time in Germany in 1984, when we were contemplating a move back to Australia. Initially, we had envisioned organizing “Surfing Safaris” and even printed brochures in Germany, meticulously planning routes and beaches between Melbourne and Sydney. However, we soon realized that promoting the concept of Walking Tours alone was challenging enough, and selling Surfing tours would have been an ambitious endeavor.
The idea for our Walking Tours truly took shape during an evening spent sharing slides of Wilson’s Promontory National Park with our European friends. Their curiosity about accessing such incredible natural wonders in Australia sparked a realization within us. We recognized an opportunity to provide overseas guests with the means to explore Australia’s National Parks, which were often difficult for them to access.
Little did we expect that it would be Australians themselves who would eagerly join us on our Australian tours and, in turn, inspire us to showcase the most breathtaking walking destinations in Europe. During our Australian walks, we not only led the way but also prepared delicious meals for our guests, creating a unique culinary experience.
Walkabout hikers at Dinner Plain in Victoria's High Country, 1997
As the years passed, our guests became an integral part of our journey. Their valuable input led us to realize the significance of the culinary aspect of our tours. Responding to their suggestions, we rebranded ourselves as Walkabout Gourmet Adventures, placing even greater emphasis on the culinary delights intertwined with our extraordinary walking experiences.
From the Lens of Time: A Pictorial Odyssey Unveiling the Chapters of our Story
Today, with decades of experience and a deep love for exploration, Walkabout Gourmet Adventures continues to offer unforgettable journeys filled with scenic beauty, cultural discoveries, and culinary delights.
