One of my long-held dreams is coming true, it would seem. I’m going to be co-author of a hiking guide book. As in, a real book… One that will be on shelves in bookshops and stuff.
I’m excited beyond words, which (as I’ve said before) is a bit of a worry for someone who calls himself a writer (ssshhhhhh… don’t tell the publishing company). I obviously can’t wait to get started, so sometime in the next month I’ll be heading down to the Great Ocean Road for an epic camping trip – the goal being to HIKE ALL THE THINGS.
Image stolen from the incredible Hyperbole and a Half, and altered by me. Thanks Allie Brosh!
You might be wondering how this happened (hell, I’m kind of scratching my head too)… So back in February 2012 I got an e-mail from the lovely Julie Mundy, who writes a blog called Walks Melbourne and, at the time, had just released a book called Melbourne’s Best Bush, Bay & City Walks. She asked me if I wanted to review the book and, naturally, I agreed.
My jealousy must have come across quite well during our e-mail discussions, because it wasn’t too long after that blog post that Julie suggested the idea of co-writing one of the next books together. I was absolutely stoked, but didn’t want to get my hopes up. These things tend to fall through when you get yourself all excited. Then, a few weeks ago, I had an e-mail from Julie to ask if I was still keen. I said yes and now here I am, ready and raring to go.
The book is aimed at the tourist market, so the walks aren’t going to be huge day-hikes or overnighters. It will cover some of the most beautiful spots along the Great Ocean Road though, and would also be suited to people with young children or those who aren’t all hardcore about their hiking.
At this stage it looks like being on shelves by Christmas 2014, but I plan to write up a few of the hikes for Bushwalking Blog. Most of them haven’t been covered here already, so stay tuned for some new additions.
So, what are your favourite short hikes on the Great Ocean Road? Is there anywhere that you think I absolutely shouldn’t miss. Let me know in the comments section below.
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Neil, I just stole your stolen your graphic, altered it and I’m using it as my avatar… Cheers
Haha no worries. π
I’m pretty keen to get my hands on a decent bushwalking book Neil, how can I go about buying a copy of yours?
I really like Maits rest rainforest walk in the Otways, short but good.
Cheers
Hey Matt,
Cheers for the comment. If you can wait until around Christmas time, mine is due out then (if all goes to plan), and will be available right here. I should really make a mailing list for interested people. I’ll get right on that asap.
Otherwise, most good book shops have one or two guide books. A lot of them will be mostly full-day walks though. Julie (who I’m co-authoring this one with) has got a couple out that cover some shorter walks around Melbourne.
Cheers
Neil
Thanks for that Neil. Yeah I’m happy to wait a few months. I’ll check out the website.
Cheers.
I love the Erskine Falls walk near Lorne.
Hey Kirsten,
Thanks for the tip. I love that one too. Gorgeous in summer, even when it’s too hot to hike most other places around Lorne.
I think that might be one of the walks that Julie was writing up for the book, so hopefully it will make the cut.
Cheers
Neil
Wow! Get you! Congratulations.
Don’t forget the little people when you’re famous!
Haha thanks Linda! π Don’t worry, I won’t. π
Cheers
Neil
Congratulations Neil, I look forward to reading about the walks, since I’m an avid photo-taker, can I suggest that you include some information on good spots to capture the scenery as well :D.
Thanks David. Great idea! We’ll definitely see what we can do about that.
Cheers
Neil
Thanks heaps for the comments everyone. Those are some great suggestions and some of them are already planned for the book. Winners have been contacted by e-mail.
To update on the book, about half the walks have been hiked already. I’ve got some serious writing and map-organising to do!
Cheers
Neil
It absolutely must include the Gables Lookout walk: short and sweet, with some of the highest coastal cliffs in Australia.
My favorite part of Great Ocean Road is the circuit that includes Won Wondah, Henderson and Phanton Falls. This circuit includes The Canyon and in my opinion, this is the nicest part of the Otways. The track takes approximately 3 hours to complete but is fairly flat and easy to complete.
One of my favorite waterfalls that is easily accessible is Erskine Falls. They are 30m high and simply stunning, especially after heavy rain. Further down stream is Straw Falls and for the more adventurous, Splitter Falls however to access these two falls creek crossing are required.
Congratulations Neil! I hope it goes well. You could enlighten me, as other than doing the Great Ocean Walk twice, I can’t say I know a lot about walks down that way. Hopefully your new book could guide me in the right direction π
Cheers Greg! At least a couple of the walks will include sections of the Great Ocean Walk, but I’m jealous as I haven’t done the whole thing yet!
Cheers
Neil
I think stevensons falls, between Forrest & Gellibrand (inland along the Otway ranges) is a great spot for a stroll with families. The path is in good condition for prams and other mobility aids, and the falls are up there with the best of the otways.
I was there in September and enjoyed every walk. One surprise was the Mails Rest Area walk.