Practical Snacks for a Short Bushwalk - Gourmet Style!

Now that you have consulted our list of 5 short bushwalks in Victoria with spectacular views, it is time to think about food and drinks. Here are a few foodie ideas to toss into your backpack. They are effortless, nutritious and delicious. Sometimes those special little touches just add to that spectacular view! Do remember zero waste and safety when you plan what to pack. 

Blueberry and Chia Seeds Fruit Roll-ups

With only four ingredients and four simple steps, you can delight your bushwalking companions with your culinary skills! 

No-bake Energy Bites

With chocolate, peanut butter, honey and coconut mixed with oats, flax seeds and chia seeds, what can possibly go wrong?!

Salted Caramel Bliss Balls

These delicious morsels are vegan, paleo and gluten-free. 

Meals in a Jar

How easy, delicious and transportable is this! Whether you are planning for breakfast, lunch or snacks, these ideas will have you covered!

Now what about something celebratory to drink, I hear you say ... Water is a must of course, but if you want to add some sparkle, below are some options:

Mocktails

Now here you have the opportunity to show off some skill! Mix up some of these, add ice, pour into flask and pack. Once you reach your beautiful view, you can show off your knowledge of the local flora and garnish your drinks with wild herbs ... but only if you know what you are doing! 

Have fun and let us know what your go-to recipes for a bushwalk with a gourmet touch.  

Five Easy Bushwalks in Victoria with Spectacular Views!

Enjoy Valentine's Day - Bushwalking style!

Romance is in the air with Valentine's Day around the corner, so why not pop on your hiking boots, pack a backpack filled with delicious morsels (and a  rose perhaps), and take a hike with spectacular views on the way! Here are five easy and short bushwalking hikes in beautiful areas in Victoria:

Aireys Inlet Beaches and Clifftops (11km)

Drive to Anglesea and follow the Great Ocean Road towards Aireys Inlet. Make sure to time your walk with low tide.  The walk goes along the beach to Split Point near Airey's Inlet, then returns via the clifftops to the start point.

The beaches and rock shelves between Urquhart Bluff and Split Point Lighthouse provide excellent walking and wonderful views at low tide. Rock formations, colourful cliffs, coastal views from water level, clifftop panoramas, rock pools and coastal heathland provide contrast and variety along this very scenic section of coastline.

Dickson's Falls Mount Buffalo National Park (4km)

A short but delightful nature walk along Dickson's Creek to the falls with a spectacular view over Buckland Valley. The sub-alpine plant communities and masses of wildflowers are a highlight in late summer.

East-West Walk - You Yangs Regional Park (3-7km)

A hike for great views over the volcanic plains! This circuit walk explores the slopes of Flinders Peak in You Yangs Regional Park. The undulating track includes some short steep sections as it weaves its way around and between granite boulders. 

Eaton's Cutting - OT Dam - Seawinds - Arthurs Seat State Park (10km)

A pleasant walk through natural bushland with views over the Westernport and Port Phillip Bays, a secluded dam in a hidden valley and vineyards.

Wallace Heritage Trail, Falls Creek Alpine National Park (6.5km)

Enjoy a walk through the alpine meadows and visit the Wallace and Cope Huts with views across the National Park at several places.  It's an easy walk with a lot of history.

If you feel like longer and more challenging walks with spectacular views, click here for more ideas. Perhaps it's a good test of character if you have a long-term relationship in mind :) 

If you would like to join a bushwalking club in your area for guided group walks and other activites, contact us and we'll make recommendations to you depending on your needs.

Bushwalking Victoria - Conservation Update

11 Gift Ideas for the Bushwalker

With Christmas around the corner, and online shopping shipping cut-off dates rearing closer, it’s time to start shopping! Whether it be gifts you can find instore, or gifts you can buy online (sitting on the couch with a nice wine), we’ve got you covered.

Below is a list of the best kind of outdoor gifts (all from the wonderful Kathmandu) for anyone who loves bushwalking, backpacking and camping.

1. Coffee Plunger Mug $30

Ideal for keeping your coffee hot and fresh whilst on the go. Keeps your freshly-plunged coffee piping hot and prevents spills on the go.

2. Emergency v3 Blanket $5

Single sheet, designed for emergency single use. Use as an emergency sheet or reflector.

3. Waterproof Playing Cards with Outdoor Tips $5

Next time you're out on the trail or camping by the lake, you'll find these waterproof playing cards are the perfect choice for ongoing fun. Waterproof and durable, they'll shuffle and split time and time again without deteriorating or sticking together. Making it that much easier to slip an ace up your sleeve next time the stakes are high.

4. Travel Clothes Line $7.50

An ideal solution for travellers who need to wash and dry clothes on the move. Designed to be highly versatile with hook and suction cup attachments.

5. Foam mat 8mm $11

Perfect for camping and hiking, the 8mm thick, foam mat is your lightweight option for a comfortable night’s sleep outdoors

6. Retreat Chair $54

The Retreat Chair gives you, portable, comfortable seating wherever you need it. The solid armrests on this sturdy folding chair give you something to push against, making it easy to get in and out of. Take it with you on outings to the beach or use at home for extra seating when entertaining on the deck.

7. Fizan Trek Pole $40

The Fizan Trek is an all-terrain lightweight and adjustable aluminium pole that can also be used in the snow.

8. Travel Hammock $60

A lightweight hammock that sets up in seconds, This Portable Hammock is perfect for camping or hiking or relaxing at the beach or in the back country. No fancy knot-tying required – our adjustable trunk straps attach to the nylon hammock with carabiners. When it's time to move on, the single hammock packs into its own pocket – a tiny package of relaxation that goes where you go.

9. Hike 5 Piece Pot Set - Graphite $60

The Hike 5 Piece Pot Set is designed for hikers and campers. Made from lightweight aluminium with a hard anodised surface, the set includes large and small pots, a fry pan, and a universal pot gripper, which makes it easy to handle hot pots straight out of the campfire. All pieces nest inside each other for easy carrying.

10. Raven 200 Head Torch $60

The compact Raven 200 Head Torch is the perfect light for your outdoor adventures. The simple, compact design puts the batteries in the front for a more fuss-free and comfortable fit. With a powerful 200 lumens of output, increased runtime and red LEDs, this head torch is versatile enough for any adventure where you need big light in a small package.

11. Navigator Down Sleeping Bag $324

The Navigator Down Sleeping Bag is Kathmandu’s warmest semi-rectangular down sleeping bag, designed for multi-day backpacking, hiking and camping in colder climates. This lightweight sleeping bag has down’s natural warmth and insulation, and is extremely compressible to optimise pack space. It has comfort and high performance – with a soft, breathable lining that invites sleep and relaxation.

We hope this has helped you get some ideas for your loved ones. Just a friendly reminder, although these products can be purchased online (as well as in store), please be sure to call your local store to find out their shipping cut off dates to ensure they are received before Christmas.

Have a wonderful and safe holiday and Happy walking!

Source: Kathmandu, The Cleverhiker.