An Insight into the Journey of Darren, Founder of TrailHiking.com.au
In February 2017, I had the pleasure of sharing my journey into hiking, the inspiration behind creating TrailHiking.com.au, and how the outdoors became an integral part of my life. The interview was conducted by AMK Enterprises Australia, a company that specialises in the wholesale market of recreational outdoor products, including brands such as Barebones Living, High Camp Flasks, Nomatic, and Disc-O-Bed. From the transformative power of hiking to the joy of discovering new trails, I discuss how this passion has not only helped me physically and mentally but also led to the creation of a resource for fellow hikers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for new hiking inspiration, I hope this Q&A offers a glimpse into the mindset that drives me to explore, document, and share the beauty of Australia’s trails.
Q. How long have you been hiking for, and what got you started?
I’ve been running my own design agency for the past 24 years, which means I’ve spent a lot of time sitting at my desk, staring at a computer. Outside of a few short walks and some manual labour, I didn’t do much exercise. But one day, I looked in the mirror and realised that I wasn’t as fit or trim as I used to be, and chasing after my two young boys was leaving me worn out. Having just passed the big 40, I knew if I didn’t make a change then, the second half of my life was going to be a real challenge.
I’ve always loved the outdoors—walking, camping, fishing—but I’d never truly hiked before. Then, at Christmas in 2012, we were on holiday in the Grampians with some friends. I’d had enough of sitting around the campsite, so I decided to head to the Pinnacle for a short hike. It was tough, and it felt like it took me forever to reach the summit. But I loved it. It hurt, but in a good way. The next day, I woke up at 5:30am, packed my bag, grabbed breakfast, and headed up again to catch the sunrise. I did that every day for an entire week before we headed home.
When we returned, I was lucky enough to live on the edge of Lerderderg State Park in Victoria’s west, so I bought a topographical map of the area and started hiking. I was out there every weekend, sometimes both days, and after about four months, I was amazed to find I had lost 14kg. I was hiking not just for fitness, but for my mental well-being too. Those early Saturday morning hikes became my time to clear my head, separate my work life from my family life, and be more present with the people around me. And that’s where it all began—and I’ve never looked back.
Q. What made you decide to start trailhiking.com.au?
I’ve always had a thing for details and information. From the very start of my hiking journey, I made sure to track and photograph every hike I went on. When I got home, I’d write up detailed trail notes and store everything in a folder on my PC, just for my own reference. In 2013, I joined a hiking group to explore more remote locations—places I didn’t feel comfortable visiting on my own.
What really stood out to me during these hikes, though, was how little people knew about the local trails and parks near Melbourne, and beyond. Given my background in web design, I thought it’d be great to set up a blog to share the trails I’d discovered with others. It started small, but the site grew quickly. After two years of hiking, I’d already documented over 150 trails, and I found myself needing to find even more to share.
Q. At what point did you realise that hiking had become an obsession for you?
I’ll never forget the day I stepped on the scales and saw I’d lost 14kg from hiking. That moment was a real turning point for me. I realised that hiking wasn’t just something I wanted to do on holidays—it was something I wanted to incorporate into my everyday life. It became clear that hiking was a lifestyle that could offer so many physical and mental benefits. And from that moment on, I knew I wanted more of it.
Q. What has been your most memorable hike to date, and for what reason?
Oh, that’s a tough one! I’ve hiked in so many incredible places, but one that always stands out is the Mount Clear Traverse with my wife. It was one of our first multi-day hikes in the Victorian High Country. The circuit takes two days and crosses five alpine summits. In many sections, the trail skirts the base of the peaks, but we decided to take the high line and summit every peak. By the end of day one, we were both completely exhausted, but the sense of achievement and the breathtaking views we had experienced made it all worth it. There’s something truly special about hiking deep into a remote area and feeling like you’re the only person in the world.
Q. Can you recommend any good hikes for those just starting out?
The most important thing when getting into hiking is simply to start! Begin with shorter hikes, carrying a light pack on relatively flat terrain. As your fitness and endurance improve, gradually increase the distance, the gradient, and the weight in your pack. Some of the best beginner-friendly hikes near Melbourne, in my opinion, are in the Dandenong Ranges, the You Yangs, and Werribee Gorge. Of those, Werribee Gorge is my absolute favourite. It offers a real sense of adventure with its rugged terrain, and the trails cater to all levels of fitness and experience. It’s become my personal playground, and I’ve been back to this park at least 40 times.
Q. What is your favourite store to get all your gear from?
When I first started hiking, I bought a lot of my gear from Anaconda. They offer well-priced equipment, especially if you’re not sure how serious you are about hiking. Over time, as I started looking for more technical gear, I began shopping at Kathmandu, Backpacking Light, Bogong, and Paddy Pallin. If I had to pick a favourite, it would definitely be Backpacking Light.
Q. How do you feel once you finish a trail?
I feel alive. Hiking offers me so many incredible benefits, but the ones that resonate most are stress relief, fitness, and a boost in self-confidence. I always challenge myself, both physically and mentally, and every time I reach the end of a trail, there’s this amazing sense of accomplishment. It’s a feeling that I’ve pushed past my previous comfort zone, and I’m grateful for the ability to go wherever I choose.
Q. What is your number 1 tip for fellow trailhikers.com.au?
Try hiking alone—but only if you’re really well prepared. While hiking solo is not widely recommended for safety reasons, it can be incredibly rewarding if you take the necessary precautions. Hiking alone gives you the freedom to explore remote areas and immerse yourself in nature, and it can significantly help build your skills and confidence.
When you hike solo, you’re forced to plan meticulously, stay aware of your surroundings, and fully understand your gear. You’ll become comfortable reading topographic maps, using a compass, and trusting your own intuition. It also teaches you to assess your abilities, pain tolerance, and endurance.
Group hikes can be great for discovering new places, but they often encourage passive participation, leaving the planning and navigation to others. Solo hiking pushes you to take responsibility for your journey, and in turn, it boosts your confidence and hiking skills. Just make sure you are fully prepared, understand the risks, and choose trails that match your experience level.
Q. What new things will you be adding to your blog in 2017/2018?
I’m always on the lookout for new trails. Just when I think I’ve explored every possible route, I stumble upon more hidden gems. While my primary focus is currently on Victoria, I’m excited to gradually expand the content to include trails from across Australia. The goal is for www.trailhiking.com.au to become a comprehensive resource for hikers both locally and internationally.
I’ll also be adding more hiking tips and safety advice, along with a user forum to help build a stronger community of like-minded hikers. I want to create a space where people can connect, share their experiences, and learn from each other. There’s always more to discover, and I’m excited to keep evolving the site to meet the needs of the hiking community!
Q. What has been your highlight from your blog community?
When I first started this site, my goal was simply to share the trails I had explored. At that time, I didn’t fully realise the magnitude of the response or the impact it would have on educating the community about hiking’s many benefits and how to do it safely.
Now, with over 294 trails (in 2017) featured on the site and more than 20,000 visitors each month, I’m thrilled by the positive impact I’ve had. The true highlight for me is knowing that I’m helping people discover the joys of hiking and providing them with a valuable resource that enhances their adventures. Seeing how the community has embraced the site and continues to grow makes all the effort worthwhile.
As my journey continues, I’m excited to keep discovering new trails, sharing tips, and fostering a growing hiking community. Every step I take brings me closer to the goal of making TrailHiking.com.au a go-to resource for fellow adventurers. Whether you’re new to hiking or an experienced trailblazer, I hope the site provides inspiration, valuable insights, and practical advice for your own journeys. Remember, it’s not just about the destination; it’s about enjoying the journey and learning along the way.