5 minute read
Walk Talk
Dining walks in Sydney
The Sydney Connection offers clients the chance to experience Sydney in a different way from previous visits, says company owner and guide Maree Sheehan. Dining Walks take in the small bar culture and dining scene on a walk of Surry Hills, Darlinghurst or Potts Point. ‘It’s an opportunity for clients to dine at multiple venues on one night, if they’re only spending a short time in our city and want to gain a better understanding of our food culture and night-time vibe from a local’s perspective,’ says Sheehan. For more info: maree@thesydneyconnection.com.au
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Be prepared for the changing seasons
The evenings are getting darker earlier, and winter is on its way. These changing conditions are a timely reminder to take extra safety precautions when walking the Te Araroa Trail says Mark Weatherrall, Executive Director, Te Araroa Trust. Pack the right gear and don’t forget those extra layers for the changing temperatures. Also, be aware of rising rivers, and hold off on crossing if a river is too high. Some areas, particularly in the South Island high country, are more dangerous at this time of year with the possibility of avalanches, so stay alert. It is best to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. It is worth investing in a personal locator beacon or satellite emergency notification device in case of emergency., says Mark.
New Northern Territory walking cycle trails open
A new network of biking and walking trails covering 20 kilometres of Nitmiluk National Park in Australia’s Northern Territory is now open. Designed in collaboration with Jawoyn Traditional Owners, the scenic trails provide options for riders of all ages and abilities. Hikers and cyclists will find spectacular views of the first gorge, and can bike and swim in the second gorge alongside cruising and kayaking.
Berlin becomes first German city with a specific Pedestrian Law
At the end of January, Berlin’s state parliament passed a so-called Pedestrian Law laying out an ambitious to-do list for improving walkability in Berlin: longer green light phases for pedestrians, safer school routes for kids, more crosswalks and more benches; lowered curbs for improved accessibility; maintaining safe conditions around construction sites for people walking and cycling, and, more municipal enforcement against illegal parking and dangerous driving in the city. This new pedestrian law is a success story of continuous pressure from civic advocacy groups such as Germany’s Foot Traffic Association (FUSS e.V.), Changing Cities e.V. and others who lobbied for improving conditions for walking and cycling in Berlin.
Auckland Transport aims to get Aucklanders outdoors
Auckland Transport (AT) has partnered with Aucklandbased social enterprise Got To Get Out, to encourage more in the community to get outdoors and active, by walking and cycling. Got To Get Out will offer free guided walks, guided rides and mountain bike experiences that locals can join for free or a nominal fee, in different suburbs and regional parks around the Auckland region. Got To Get Out is a socially minded adventure group that arranges cheap and free activities such as mountain biking and hiking. Group founder Robert Bruce says that partnering with AT to get locals experiencing their back yard is a great initiative, and the support for his social enterprise is appreciated. “The more we can do to encourage Aucklanders to use alternative forms of transport such as walking or riding to get around the city, will hopefully help ease traffic congestion, and improve the health and wellness of residents.” AT Sustainable Mobility Team Leader, Zane Bray says: “We believe that Got To Get Out has a great ethos beyond just delivering an event, they are changing lives and offering thousands of Aucklanders the opportunity to see our city from a new angle and the skills and abilities to keep getting around in more sustainable ways.”
Walk talk
Incentive to visit Kimberley wilderness area
West Australians are being encouraged to make 2021 the year to visit the Kimberley, one of the world’s last true wilderness areas, with a new incentive on offer for potential travellers. The Kimberley Wanderer Pass is giving travellers $300 towards participating tours and experiences in Kununurra and surrounds (the eastern gateway to the Kimberley), when they buy an airline ticket from Perth to Kununurra through Virgin Australia. The offer applies to new bookings made from now until September 30, 2021, unless sold out, and visitors will receive information about how they can access their pass within three days of making their booking. The Kimberley Wanderer Pass is valid at more than 20 businesses across the region, giving visitors discounted access to experiencing attractions such as the Bungle Bungle Range in World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park, El Questro, Lake Arygle, Ord River, Mitchell Falls and more, with a range of land, air and boat tour operators participating. With the region having experienced heavy rainfall through its wet season, otherwise known as ‘waterfall season’, the landscape has been replenished, waterfalls are flowing across the region, and tourism operators are ready to welcome visitors. Above: Galvans Gorge in the Kimberley. Photo Ben Broady The world’s biggest dam mural has officially opened in the South West town of Collie – located a two hour drive from Perth. The 8,000 square metre Wellington Dam mega-mural was painted by internationallyrenowned Australian artist Guido van Helten, and is inspired by local stories and photographs which reflect the community. The mural – Reflections – is spread across the Wellington Dam wall within the Wellington National Park, just west of the Collie town centre, and represents how the waterways are culturally significant to both locals and visitors. The Wellington Dam mural forms the centrepiece of the new Collie Mural Trail, an expansive outdoor art gallery connecting the dam with Collie’s town centre. The trail showcases the talents of over 30 Australian artists, including many Collie locals, with 40 murals currently included in the trail. Above: Wellington Dam mega-mural. Photo @mkz.imagery via
World’s biggest dam mural opens in Collie, WA
