Australian Walking Holidays

03/09/2026

Two countries. Two cultures. One extraordinary journey together.

After a month spanning Aotearoa and Central Australia, the 2026 Indigenous Youth Exchange has come to an end.

But the kilometres walked and places visited tell only part of the story. The real impact lies in the relationships formed between Aboriginal and Māori young people, the cultural knowledge generously shared by Elders and knowledge holders, the confidence built through new experiences, and the possibilities participants now see for their futures.

On 29 August, we came together in Mparntwe for A Celebration of Connection, where the young people shared in their own words what the journey had meant to them.

“Our bloodlines connect us to the past, and these new relationships connect us to the future.” Alesha Braun

And, as Sharni Cardona so powerfully expressed: “We as Indigenous Nations are stronger together. It’s time to unite as one.”

This exchange has always been about more than travel. It is about culture, connection and leadership and creating pathways for young First Nations people into education, training, tourism and employment.

Our deepest thanks to the Elders, cultural knowledge holders, mentors, families, Indigenous organisations and communities across Aotearoa and Central Australia who welcomed, guided and cared for the young people, and to World Expeditions Foundation , , Northern Territory Tourism & Events , Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia and for believing in the vision and investing in the next generation of Indigenous leaders.⁠

The journey may have ended, but the relationships and the opportunities they create are only beginning.

Link in bio for the full story.

26/08/2026

Bush tucker lesson, courtesy of the legend herself. 🌿 Our Native Nations Indigenous Youth Exchange crew has been learning all about bush tucker from Aunty Rayleen Brown in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges - cultural educator, Kungkas Can Cook founder, and someone who knows this Country inside out.⁠

Between that, campfire stories and a big walk up Rwetyepme/Mount Sonder, it's been a huge few days. The crew's also meeting people already working in Indigenous tourism - like William Palmer, studying with towards his Certificate III in Tour Guiding. Proof your path doesn't have to be a straight line. 🙌⁠

Thanks to , Northern Territory Tourism & Events , Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia , and World Expeditions Foundation for making it happen.⁠

Link in bio for more 👣

19/08/2026

The journey continues - walking on Country together. This week, Māori rangatahi from Aotearoa arrive in Mparntwe/Alice Springs to reunite with the Aboriginal young leaders they travelled with through New Zealand earlier this month.⁠

The second chapter of the Native Nations Indigenous Youth Exchange will take the group across Mparntwe, Tjoritja and Uluṟu–Kata Tjuṯa – walking on Country, camping beneath the desert stars, learning from Elders and cultural knowledge holders, and meeting Indigenous tourism and education leaders along the way.⁠

Our goal is to help young people to see that their pathway doesn't have to be a straight line and that opportunities in tourism, education, business and beyond can start with a single step.⁠

The Central Australia exchange is supported by World Expeditions Foundation , , Northern Territory Tourism & Events , Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia and , alongside and our Aboriginal-led delivery partners.

Learn more about the program here - https://bit.ly/4gilYdB

13/08/2026

The Aotearoa leg of the Native Nations Indigenous Youth Exchange has come to an end, and our participants are now preparing for the second leg of the journey in Central Australia.

Over the past ten days, they've walked alongside Māori rangatahi, learned from Māori cultural tourism experiences, and been welcomed onto Country across Aotearoa. Along the way, they've formed the kind of friendships that don't end when a trip does.

It's exactly what we hoped this exchange would do: give young people the chance to see their own culture reflected in another, build confidence in who they are, and connect with peers who understand their story.

This programme is delivered by Native Nations United and made possible with the support of Charles Darwin University, Northern Territory Tourism & Events, Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, Paddy Pallin and World Expeditions Foundation.

Read more here -https://bit.ly/4wr026a

13/08/2026

🏷ON SALE🏷 Ngaro Track & Thorsborne Trail 2027 dates just dropped - and so did the price.

The Early Bird gets the Cane Toad! Well, not where we go. Come join us on Far North Queenslands hottest new walking trails next year - for $200pp less!

03/08/2026

Get ready to walk the spectacular Ngaro Track through the Whitsunday Islands.

2027 self-guided Ngaro Track departures will be released on 11 August.
Small group guided trips are already taking bookings.

From rainforest trails and coastal headlands to the iconic views of Whitehaven Beach, this is one trip you'll want to get in early for.

📍 Whitsunday Island, QLD

31/07/2026

We are proud to support Native Nations - Tracing Indigenous Footsteps, an Indigenous-led youth exchange connecting Aboriginal youth from Central Australia with Māori rangatahi from Aotearoa.

Over three weeks, these young leaders will walk ancient trails on both sides of the Tasman, learning from elders, sharing culture and building friendships that cross oceans.

It's a powerful reminder of what travel can do: open doors, build confidence, and change the course of a young person's life. We can't wait to share their story.

Learn more about the exchange here:

Australian Walking Holidays supports Native Nations 2026, an Indigenous youth leadership exchange linking Aboriginal and Māori rangatahi across Centra

03/07/2026

Lock in 2026 prices before they're gone.

Now's the time to secure your next walking adventure at 2026 prices.

For a limited time, you can book selected Australian Walking Holidays with travel available through to September 2027, giving you the flexibility to plan ahead and secure your preferred dates.

Hurry, this offer is for one week only!

Book now: https://bit.ly/4gjGufU

28/05/2026

Have you ever stayed at our Fearless Camp on the Larapinta Trail and wondered about the story behind the name?

Our Eco-Comfort campsite nestled beneath the foot of Mt Sonder at the western end of the Larapinta Trail, is named in honour of Sue Fear - and today marks 20 years since we lost her.

Sue was one of the most beloved guides in the Australian Walking Holidays family, leading trekkers along the Larapinta Trail through the ancient West MacDonnell Ranges for many years. She had a deep and genuine love for this landscape, and she shared that love with every traveller lucky enough to walk alongside her.

We called her 'Fearless'. Not just because she was the first Australian-born woman to summit Mt Everest, or because she climbed five 8,000-metre peaks, or because she was one of only ten women in the world to have done so - but because of the way she lived every single day. With courage, generosity and an unshakeable joy for the wild places of this world.

Twenty years on, Sue lays in the abode of the gods in her beloved Himalaya, but her spirit is very much alive on the Larapinta Trail.

Rest easy, Fearless. We miss you dearly. ❤️

🏔️ "Climbing is a bit like rolling a dice - sometimes things fall into place and you achieve your aim. Sometimes your number comes up." - Sue Fear