Real Trail Talk

Episode 38 - Bibbulmun Track - Walpole to Denmark

Continuing on our Bibbulmun Track journey, we are joined by Steve Sertis from the Bibbulmun Track Foundation to discuss the Walpole to Denmark section. Often described as one of the best town to town sections on the track, both Donovan and Steve talk about their experiences and the many great sites you can see along the way.

Episode 37 - Tasmanian Day Walks

In this episode we discuss the wide variety of day hikes that we've both covered in Tasmania. With hundreds of walks to explore around the island we limited ourselves to walks we've experienced ourselves and between us we've covered most of the "greatest hits". Ranging from Southwest National Park to Mount Field National Park to Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Park, this is a great listen for those planning a holiday to Tasmania. 

To check out the hikes we talk about visit thelongwaysbetter.blogspot.com/ or www.thelifeofpy.com 

Episode 36 - Wilsons Promontory Southern Circuit

In this episode we talk about Donovan's adventures on the Wilsons Promontory Southern Circuit in Victoria with his friend Zach. This four day hike just outside of Melbourne is a popular destination and as we discuss, a very lovely coastal walk worthy of the popularity. Enjoy hearing about the misadventures of young Zach and also what kind of scenery you can expect from this part of Australia.

Episode 35 - Women Who Hike Roundtable

To celebrate International Women's Day Alissa takes over hosting duties to bring together a round-table of women who hike to discuss a range of issues ranging from their favourite hiking moments, hiking solo as a female, women's hiking gear, the term "women hikers", group hikes and hygiene on the trail.

A big thank you to Michelle (WalkingTwoByTwo), Bonny (Friendly Drop Bear) and Louise for joining in the discussion.

Episode 34 - Bushfires and Prescribed Burns

Our long awaited episode on Bushfires and Prescribed Burns is finally here and to help us to discuss the topic is Piers Verstagen from the Conservation Council of Western Australia and Hannah Etchells, a PhD student from UWA studying Fire Ecology in the South West of WA. The aim of this discussion is to get people talking about fire management, the different reasons behind prescribed burns and bushfires, how the environment responds to fire, climate change and also how you can make a difference in shaping the future of the forests of Western Australia.

Episode 33 - Frenchmans Cap

In this episode we are joined once again by Alissa to discuss the four day hike to Frenchmans Cap in beautiful Tasmania as experienced by The Long Way's Better. Taking in one of the most picturesque landscapes in Australia, this stunning hike is a challenging but rewarding experience that should be on the "to-hike" list for every avid hiker. 

Episode 32 - Bibbulmun Track - Northcliffe to Walpole

We are joined once again by Ben Dineen from Going Solo to discuss the Northcliffe to Walpole section of the Bibbulmun Track. Home to the infamous Pingerup Plains, this section is marketed as one of the best wilderness experiences of the trail. Enjoy some lively conversation in this episode about what merits that title along with Ben and Donovan's experiences in this section.

Episode 31 - 2018 in Review plus Q&A

In our last episode of 2018 we sit down to have a rundown of what we both did during 2018 in what was a pretty crazy year for both of us. Going through season by season we explain where we were, what we were doing and how we enjoyed that particular place. Around the 50 minute mark things get a bit philosophical as we discuss the whys of all our adventures and we finish with a few questions sent in by our lovely listeners. 

Episode 30 - Bibbulmun Track - Pemberton to Northcliffe

Continuing with our look at the Bibbulmun Track, we move on to the Pemberton to Northcliffe section where you will find no shortage of Karri forest, farmland and waterways to keep you entertained. One of the more manageable sections at only three days, this section is perfect for a quick getaway or a long weekend. 

Episode 29 - Three Capes Track

This week we are joined by the other half of The Life of Py, Caris, to discuss the Three Capes Track on the East Coast of Tasmania. This four day hike takes in some of the best coastal scenery in Tasmania and can be done in a variety of ways ranging from free day walks to self-guided public hut walks to the full luxury lodge option.