Innholdsfortegnelse for AG Adventure #12 September i Australian Geographic

THE LAST SIX months has seen the Aus Geo ADVENTURE team busy creating plenty of inspiring outdoor-focused content for our website (www.ausgeoadventure.com), with loads of gear testing, reporting on some exciting adventures in Australia and overseas, while continuing to provide expert advice on outdoor activities, in our website’s How To section. I do love the digital sphere, and we’ve been incredibly successful with it; of all the Australian Geographic (AG) content that goes up on Apple News each month, Aus Geo ADVENTURE’s articles make up half of the top 20, which leaves us pretty stoked that our efforts are appreciated. It is, however, always nice to get back to producing this print magazine. Some say print is old-school, but I still believe it’s one of the best ways to deliver…

Kosciuszko Main Range, NSW After an action-packed stint in the Nepalese Himalaya last year, The North Face trail runner David Byrne returned home with bigger ambitions—and a realisation that he needed to hone his big-mountain skills. Back in Australia, Dave, grinning, confessed, “I’ve been known to dive into wild adventures with more enthusiasm than expertise, which is how I picked up the nickname ‘Dodgy Dave’”. Determined to turn that reputation around, Dodgy Dave traded his running shoes for mountain boots this past Southern Hemisphere winter, joining the Climb the Seven Summits Winter Alpine Academy. The goal? To evolve from Dodgy Dave to Dexterous Dave. He’s pictured here honing his alpine-axe technique, illuminated by headtorch, in the fading light over the Kosciuszko main range. Bikepacking Oregon The appeal of packing your…

HIKING Frenchmans Cap Tasmania When Sir Edmund Hillary described Tasmania’s Federation Peak as ‘Australia’s only true mountain’, he probably had his back turned on Frenchmans Cap. Though the 1446-metre peak stands around 100 metres lower than other Tassie mountain darlings such as Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff (but more than 200m higher than Federation Peak), it appears so much larger, with its summit draped in 400-metre-high white quartzite cliffs. It’s been the scene of epic rock climbs, airy BASE jumps and a $1.1-million bequest from Dick Smith to reroute the track and do away with the notorious Sodden Loddon slog to get here. No longer does the hike slop through knee- or hip-deep mud in the Loddon Valley, rising instead onto firmer slopes above the river. In the wake of…

IN A CAREER spent documenting global adventures through both lens and pen, Aus Geo Adventure senior contributor Mark ‘Watto’ Watson has explored numerous corners of the world, yet few places have captured his imagination like the Cook Islands, a haven of natural beauty, adventure, and with a vibrant cultural heritage. With direct flights now available from Sydney to Rarotonga with Jetstar, Watto set out to uncover whether this Polynesian paradise is more than just poolside vibes and a honeymooner’s dream. He quickly learned that bush beer carries a punch, birds can see in the dark, and a ‘tijuana sandwich’ might just be the best post-hike meal ever. If you ever find yourself on a remote Pacific Island, I might suggest that getting to know the locals is essential, and on…

LET’S GET ONE thing clear: I’ve never seen a dog ice skate on two legs while pulling off a high-speed, poo-on-the-move. Yet here I am, witnessing it. But I can’t dwell on this marvel; I’m clinging for dear life as five Alaskan huskies drag me across a frozen Arctic lake on what looks like a body bag strapped to a makeshift billycart on flimsy skis. Everything’s fine on the flat, but we’re approaching a forest, and threading a sled through dense spruce trees is an expert-level activity best left to experienced Arctic adventurers, not myself, on day two of my new-found mushing career. As we speed towards the trees, my anxiety spikes and I recall our lead musher’s golden rule: “Whatever you do, never let go. You’ll be left behind.”…

IF YOU’VE EVER wanted to combine your inner Jamie Oliver or Nigella Lawson with the Bush Tucker Man (yeah, remember him), then the Gerber 16-piece ComplEAT Cook Set might be your ticket to culinary glory in the great outdoors. Yep, that’s right, Gerber, the crew who make sleek multitools and stylish pocketknives have branched out to appeal to the car camper. Fireside flexing does not come cheap, but for $329, you get a lot of bang for your buck and can now bring an entire kitchen disguised as a cleverly nested stack of cookware. And it’s colour-coded to boot. When our chief product tester Watto isn’t traipsing through the wilderness, he’s a self-proclaimed Pinot-loving luxe car-camper, and so who better to throw a shiny stainless steel cook set at than…

ROOFTOP-MOUNTED BIKE racks are one of the most popular ways to transport your bicycle, whether roadie, or MTB. There are numerous incarnations of this pushy-lugging solution, ranging from those that attach to the bike frame, through to those that attach via the bike wheels. The Yakima HighRoad has been around for a few years now (this writer owned the original version), and it has been one of the US brand’s most popular here in Australia, thanks to its ability to fit most bikes easily and effectively – especially carbon-frame bikes, thanks to its wheel-mounted setup (ensuring the frame is not damaged). This ease of use has been challenged lately, though, simply through the increasing length of today’s mountain bikes; it’s not uncommon for a big, burly enduro rig to have…

LET’S BE HONEST. The Vic High Country and Kozi main range aren’t the Himalayas or Andes, and they don’t hit the extreme lows of the Arctic. But if you’ve ever climbed Quartz Ridge to camp atop Mt Bogong in a windstorm or hunkered down on the NSW Main Range as the temperature plummets, you’ll know a night in minus-double digits is no summer holiday. When a blizzard strikes, things quickly become uncomfortable or even dangerous. A hot cup of soup in the vestibule of a solid four-season tent can help, as can a well-dug camp and a warm sleeping bag. But the real unsung hero is your sleeping pad. That baffled nylon sleeve at the bottom of your pack can make or break any winter trip, whether battling the snow…

THERE IS SOMETHING therapeutic about long-haul rail travel. The mesmerising views out the picture windows as you chug past wildly spectacular changing landscapes, through vibrant cities and quirky rural towns, the joy of meeting interesting new people from all over the world, and the chance to relax to the rhythmic clickety clack of the train on the track. One of the best long rail journeys is VIA Rail’s The Canadian Train, which runs between Vancouver and Toronto, across 4,466kms. The four-day journey showcases the Rocky Mountains, the Prairies and the wonders of Northern Ontario. The Canadian itself will be a highlight of any trip. Once on board in Vancouver, enjoy the camaraderie with your fellow train guests. Unlike other trains, passengers are not limited to an allocated seat that they…

WITH THE RECENT opening of the 70km-plus eastern section of Mogo Trails, at Mogo, just south of Batemans Bay, in the south coast’s Eurobodalla Shire, an awesome new mountain bike road trip is now a possibility. Adding Mogo’s amazing new trails to the recently expanded 85km trail network at Narooma, the 58km Gravity Eden MTB Park, in the Sapphire Coast’s popular tourist town of Eden, and throwing in the long-established 55km Bundadung MTB trails at Tathra (around 12km from Bega), there’s really no excuse for any mountain bikers not to tackle what looks to be a mega road trip. This MTB road trip is packed with a variety of riding experiences, thanks to each network’s unique trails. From Gravity Eden’s 300 metres of vertical gain that offers plenty of challenging…

GERBER HAS MADE an indelible mark in the world of tools, outdoor gear and bushcraft equipment. Over its 85 years of operation, the company has transformed from a small family business producing culinary knives into a global leader, best known for its knives and multi-tools. Now, with the imminent launch of its ComplEAT camp cookware in Australia, Gerber is seemingly coming full circle – returning to its roots while continuing to innovate and expand its product range. This journey, spanning nearly nine decades, stands as a testament to Gerber’s commitment to quality, ingenuity and adaptability. Humble beginnings Gerber’s story begins in 1939 in Portland, Oregon, with the founding of Gerber Legendary Blades. Initially, Joe Gerber’s business focused on advertising, but his path took an unexpected turn when he decided to…

I AM IN the moment; a tranquil period of time and space, this is when my sea kayak and I are one with the ocean on this beautiful autumn morning, moving with the swell and tide as me and a group of fellow paddlers float along the edge of a rocky, densely forested island, synonymous with my location: the World Heritage-listed Great Bear Rainforest, on British Columbia’s north and central coast. At 6.4 million hectares, this region is famous as one of the largest temperate rainforest areas in the world. It is wild, it is remote, and it is incredibly beautiful, especially when experienced at sea-level, over a week of kayak-based island hopping, interspersed with some of the most pristine beach campsites you will ever experience. Yes, it is a…

THE AFRICAN BUSH elephant is the world’s largest land animal, with an average weight of 6000kg – yes, that’s six tonnes; and just to note, the heaviest ever recorded was estimated at between 10 and 12 tonnes – and I am watching two huge male specimens wrestle each other not more than 20 metres away from the open-top vehicle I am sitting in. When Ford Australia invited me to South Africa’s Kapama Game Reserve to experience this wild country, and to see how its popular Ford Everest 4WD wagon performed in this rugged environment, ultra-close encounters of this kind probably didn’t come up in the pre-trip planning meetings. Which probably explains why me, some fellow journalists, and Ford Australia’s PR Manager, are sitting in captivated silence, mesmerised by this stunning…

AT AUSTRALIAN GEOGRAPHIC Adventure, it’s that time of year when we stuff too much gear into a backpack and set off for epic adventures through Australia’s thawing alpine regions. Whether camping under the stars to catch the last bit of spring-corn snow, heading into the bush for a multi-day trek, or finally tackling that remote Tasmanian peak, one thing is essential: the right backpack. A solid technical pack can distinguish between a trip filled with delight and one plagued with disaster. But the age-old question is: do you go for the ultra-light, spine-saving alpine mountain pack, or do you gear up with a fully featured, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink trekking pack? Thankfully, the good folks over at Osprey have seemingly solved that dilemma with the Aether™ Pro 75L—a hybrid pack that might just…

EMBARK ON AN unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Western Australia, where ancient mountain ranges and unique isolation have fostered a rich and diverse ecosystem found nowhere else on Earth. Join our world-renowned cruise to the Bremer Canyon, home to local Orcas, and witness the majestic spectacle of blue whales, sperm whales, and other pelagic wonders. Explore the cultural history of the Noongar Nation, experience the giant karri trees in Pemberton’s forests, and participate in vital citizen science programs focused on climate change impact. Led by the experienced and passionate wildlife guide, Scott Roberts, this adventure promises an in-depth exploration of natural history, ecology, and indigenous heritage, ensuring an enriching and educational experience for all nature enthusiasts. HIGHLIGHTS • The region boasts a unique and diverse ecosystem. You will…

WHEN YOU TALK about bucket list experiences, there is one that is on everyone’s list. It’s an other-worldly show, created by Mother Nature’s artistic side, and it totally enchants all who see it. I am referring, of course, to the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, a magical and bewitching phenomenon that is rooted in mythology but has scientific explanations. No matter the how and the why, seeing the sky come to life with striking hues that shimmer and dance is unforgettable. Canada is a hotspot for Northern Lights viewing, and the best season to grab a front row seat for this humdinger of a show is winter. There are many places you can see the Aurora Borealis, but it is in the north, in Manitoba, the Northwest Territories and the…

YAKIMA ONRAMP LX RRP $1499 Yakima’s OnRamp LX is ideal for longer, heavier bikes (including e-bikes/e-MTBs) and those bikes with fenders. The OnRamp LX weighs in at 24.3kg and can carry two bikes, utilising its adjustable, telescopic bike trays to fit bikes that have a wheelbase length of up to 1370mm, with a maximum wheel size of up to 29-inch and five-inch wide tyres. As well, cargo bikes, kids’ bikes, BMX and roadies are all easily carried on the OnRamp LX. To avoid bikes banging into each other when loaded, the OnRamp LX uses tiered and adjustable bike trays, that Yakima dubs “Stadium Seating”. There is a three-position tilt drop for easy access to the rear cargo area of your vehicle and the OnRamp LX can be folded flat against…

I HEAR VOICES. Or perhaps it’s wind singing through the canyon. We push and pedal toward a notch in a spiny ridge. Goat prints and rock cairns mark the way. The view makes me giggle. Old trails in old lands have that effect. A playground of rock rolls and sandstone slabs funnel toward a strip of trail as white as gypsum that cuts across a bench of rare flat ground. “Yalla!” Sari calls out, Arabic for “Let’s go.” That’s the second most important expression for mountain bikers in Jordan – all dozen or so of them. The first is “Inshallah” (God willing.) New trails in an ancient land If you wish for something to happen then go to the top and invoke God – “Inshallah.” Even a non-believer like me…

THE CANADIAN GODFATHER of canoeing, Bill Mason, once famously said, “Anyone who says they like portaging is either a liar, or crazy. “Portaging a canoe is the act of carrying the canoe, and equipment, over land to either reach a destination or to avoid an obstacle. It’s not a task that many people relish but it is quite unique for a single person to carry a vessel that can accommodate four.” Modern canoes and the art of portage Many years ago, I began leading bushwalks into the Upper Shoalhaven River Gorge near Bungonia National Park. It was an incredible tease looking at such an enticing section of navigable whitewater river, knowing that it was so challenging to access as a paddler. The two ways to access this portion of the…

IT’S BEEN FOUR months now since I changed my camera setup over to OM SYSTEM. Formerly known as Olympus, OM SYSTEM has been leading the charge of the micro four-thirds sensor-equipped mirrorless segment of the camera market for many years, with its biggest release, around two years ago, the lauded OM-1 camera, now followed by the OM-1 Mark II. Having tested the original OM-1 and been very impressed, I took the plunge and bought the OM-1 Mark II, swapping camera brands for the first time in 35 years. For me, the OM-1 Mark II’s compact size, robust build (it has an IP53-rated water- and dust-resistance rating), feature set and computational photographic features has proved up to the task of capturing images in the most challenging conditions. Of course, this is…

IT’S HARD TO believe it has been close to four months since our long-term Gloss White Santa Cruz Tallboy CC XX SL AXS RSV landed in our gear shed. It’s gone fast, and also been quite frustrating, although that had nothing to do with the bike. The Tallboy’s arrival coincided with the worst winter we’ve seen in Sydney for many years. Heavy rainfall across May, June and July saw this gleaming white rig stay pretty shiny and clean due to the blanket track closures across and around Sydney. The ride-time on this schmick rig has been lower than we’d like but, following on from our initial report online back in early June, we still have been seriously impressed with this trail-loving machine. As most MTBers know, Santa Cruz has long…

IF YOU’RE ANYTHING like Aus Geo ADVENTURE team members, you’ll have one or two favourite outdoor activities. Of course, you probably (again, like us) have several ‘favourites’ that you look forward to enjoying over a weekend, a week, or longer, whether in Australia, or further afield. Having a favourite outdoor pursuit is a very good thing – and it really doesn’t matter how long you’ve enjoyed that one activity more than others. And that’s for a very simple reason… Regardless of whether you’ve been a lifelong paddler, climber, hiker, bike-rider or keen camper, even though what you still do now may seem ‘old’ to your friends and/or family, that doesn’t mean it is the ‘same old, same old’ when you do get out there and enjoy it. In a world…

VIA RAIL HAS made train travel on the east coast of Canada even more appealing, with its new Corridor services. Brand new state-of-the-art trains depart from Toronto, and run to Ottawa, Montréal and Québec City. The new award-winning carriages are roomy, comfortable and fully accessible and are a more sustainable way of travelling compared to flying or driving. In fact, the trains are 1.8x more efficient than driving and 3.2x more efficient than flying. Adventure World’s ‘Authentic Eastern Canada by Rail’ is a 10-day itinerary with rail journeys on the Corridor trains from Toronto to Ottawa, Montréal and Québec. Travel is in Business Class, which means guests travel in grand style, with access to the in-station Business lounges – where available – priority boarding, free Wi-Fi and a delicious lunch…