We’ve just returned from yet another memorable ParkTours journey — one that reminded us, once again, just how special it is to explore Australia in a small group, with time to truly take it all in.
Our tour, The Wild Alpine Summits and Coastal Trails of the Southeast, was a wonderful example of what a guided walking holiday can offer — a thoughtful balance of walking, discovery, and time to simply enjoy each place along the way.
It began in the beautifully planned city of Canberra. It was the perfect place to ease into the experience, staying in a wonderful location close to Parliament House and many of the city’s highlights. From there, it wasn’t long before we found ourselves out in nature — walking through open grasslands dotted with twisted gum trees, with kangaroos never too far away, and spending time in the Brindabellas viewing Indigenous rock art that speaks to the deep history of this landscape.
As we travelled on, the scenery continued to unfold in that effortless way that makes this style of travel so enjoyable. We explored the National Arboretum, including the Bonsai House, and wandered through forests that felt both unique and unexpected. Soon after, we reached the coast — and with it, a change of pace. There’s something special about this stretch of Australia: coastal gardens filled with banksias and hakeas, fresh sea air, and those striking white beaches set against clear turquoise water. It gave us time to slow down, enjoy the surroundings, and experience some of the region’s excellent local food.
There’s also a quiet reassurance in journeys like these — travelling closer to home, with familiar comforts never too far away, while still experiencing the sense of discovery and adventure that makes travel so rewarding.
Heading further south, we stayed in a character-filled guesthouse overlooking the bay, watching the weather roll through and enjoying the ever-changing views. A real highlight here was getting out on the water with local operators and witnessing white-bellied sea eagles feeding along the coastline — one of those moments that’s hard to forget.
Of course, no journey is without a little unpredictability. An overnight weather change brought fallen trees across the road and even a brief blackout in a small town while refuelling. But as always, a flexible approach and a good sense of humour carried us through — and often these are the moments that end up being part of the story.
From there, we made our way into the Snowy Mountains, where the landscape shifted once again. Staying by the lake in a peaceful setting, we were treated to an early snowfall around Thredbo and Kosciuszko — something none of us had quite expected. It didn’t take long before a spontaneous snowball fight broke out, adding a bit of fun to an already memorable stay.
We continued through classic country towns, keeping an eye out for wild brumbies and taking in those wide, unmistakable Australian vistas. Exploring caves and staying in cabins tucked deep within the mountains felt almost cinematic at times.
One of the standout experiences — and a true highlight of this guided walking holiday — was taking the chairlift and walking up to Mount Kosciuszko. Reaching the summit and sitting down together for lunch, surrounded by alpine views, was a moment to savour. We also visited the Snowy Hydro Scheme, gaining a deeper appreciation for the scale and significance of this remarkable project.
As always, it wasn’t just about the places we visited — but the experience of travelling together. Great meals, plenty of laughs, and the easy camaraderie that comes with small-group touring all played their part. It’s what makes these journeys so rewarding, and why so many guests choose to travel with us again.
For those who joined us, thank you for being part of such a wonderful trip — it’s always a privilege to share these experiences.
And for those thinking about travelling with us in the future, this is just one example of the kind of journey you can expect — thoughtfully designed itineraries, immersive experiences, and the flexibility to make the most of each destination.
If this sounds like your kind of travel, we invite you to visit the ParkTours tour page take a look at our upcoming tours. We’d love to have you join us on the next adventure.
