Real Trail Talk

Episode 40 - Albany Opportunities

While we both love the Albany region for the plethora of lovely hikes that exists there, we've always thought the area has so much potential so for this episode we've brought in Bonny from The Friendly Drop Bear to discuss where we think there are opportunities to expand on the great hiking within the greater Albany area. 

Episode 39 - Hiking in Kalbarri

Alissa once again joins us in the studio to discuss the various adventures that The Long Way's Better have had over the years around the coastal town of Kalbarri. A popular holiday destination 6.5 hours north of Perth, there are a range of hiking options available from coastal walks to exploring the inland gorge systems. 

Bonus Episode - Helena Campsite

As a special treat we kept Steve Sertis from the Bibbulmun Track Foundation in the studio to ask him some questions about the new Helena Campsite that is currently under construction and is due for completion around June 2019. 

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.