Darren Talks Walking Holidays with Channel Nine’s James Dowling
In a recent interview with Channel Nine’s James Dowling, Darren shared his insights into the growing trend of walking holidays, with a particular focus on multi-day treks. In the interview, Darren discusses some of the most popular walking routes in Australia, the benefits of nature walks, and how hiking can serve as a mental health boost. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or someone new to the trails, the discussion highlights the reasons why so many people are choosing hiking as a way to escape the pressures of everyday life.
In the following responses, I have focussed primarily on multi-day walks given this better represents a ‘holiday’ than an overnight hike. There are of course many overnight hikes that can easily be planned for a multi-day walking holiday.
Q. Are there any walking holiday routes that are especially popular right now?
Looking beyond Victoria, the most popular multi-day walks would be the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory, the Overland Track and Three Capes Track in Tasmania and Australia’s Eleven Peaks in NSW. In a Victorian context, I’d have to go with the Wilsons Promontory – Eastern Circuit (36.5km), Mount Cobbler Plateau Circuit (27.2km), Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing (37km).
Q. What are the most enduring ones in Victoria?
The most popular, epic, long distance treks in Victoria are the Buller Huts Trail (96km), the Great Ocean Walk (100km), the Grampians Peaks Trail (164km) and the Great South West Walk (254km). These are spread right across the state from the High Country to the southwest of the state near Portland and provide any adventurer seeker the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature for a week or more. These long-distance treks are not an easy stroll and should be undertaken by those who are well–prepared, self-reliant, with a good level of fitness and who understand the risks of walking in remote areas. Although the Great Ocean Walk is not all that remote.
Q. What brought you to nature walks?
Hiking began for me as a way to escape the overwhelming pace of life and improve my mental health. For over 25 years, I ran my own design agency, often sacrificing family time for work. Eventually, I found myself trapped in a cycle of resentment, feeling like I was living to work rather than working to live.
Then, one day, everything came crashing down. I fell into a deep depression, one that left me in despair and unsure of how to move forward. It was only when I forced myself to go for a walk in a nearby state park that I felt a glimmer of relief. The peace I found in nature gave me a sense of clarity and purpose I hadn’t felt in years.
For the next two years, I hiked alone every weekend, using the time to clear my mind and reconnect with myself. Hiking not only saved my life but also helped me grow closer to my family. Now, I continue to hike regularly to keep the darkness of depression at bay.
For more about my journey, you can read more here.
Q. And what motivates people to use them as the basis for a holiday?
People head out walking/hiking/bushwalking for their holidays for many reasons, but I find it is mostly to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. We all need a break from technology, the constant noise and demands. Being in nature provides this. Nature doesn’t ask anything of us but gives us plenty in return. Fresh air, calming sounds, and a sense of calm. For the most part, this is why people hike, others do it for their mental health, physical fitness, the challenge, improving physical health, connecting with nature, meeting likeminded people, saving money by not having to pay for flights, accommodation etc. Although when you really get hooked on hiking, the gear can add up.
Q. What regular demographics do you see on these trails?
I am one of the organisers of one of Victoria’s largest hiking groups, with over 8,000 members, as well as the founder of the Trail Hiking Australia website. Looking at these two communities, women are by far the most active in the outdoor space (around 61%). If you based this number on who you actually see on the trail, I would say that percentage is even higher. Most people are aged between 18 and 54 with the core demographic between 25-44yo (62.5%) with a 15.6% in 45-54yo, 5.2% in 18-24yo. Of course, this is changing daily and I have a lo0t of good friends who are still out tackling multi-day hikes well into their 70s. Age really is no limit to what you can do. I hope I am still out hiking when I’m 90.
Q. How can choosing a walking holiday reduce your environmental impact?
Hiking leaves a very low carbon footprint. There is the obvious environmental impact by travelling to and from the trail but one you are putting one foot in front of the other, you really aren’t leaving much of a trace. Compare this to driving to the airport, jumping on a plane, hiring a car at the other end then staying in comfortable accommodation while eating out most nights.
Q. Has the popularity shifted before and after COVID?
Absolutely, during COVID lockdowns, a lot of people started walking just to get out of the house. It may have only been a walk around the block or to a local park withing your 5km limit. The need for physical distancing also put a lot of people off meeting indoors. Post COVID, the bush literally exploded with people. It was difficult to find a trail close to Melbourne that didn’t have a stream of people lining the trails. As a volunteer for the SES, we also noted a dramatic spike in those needing to be rescued. Thankfully that has settled now. I think people were just desperate to get outside of the metro boundaries and headed to places they were not familiar or prepared for.
Q. Do you think the general approach to camping and nature holidays has changed over time?
Hiking/bushwalking has become one of the most popular outdoor activities. This has been fuelled by people putting a lot more value on experiences along with the strong need to get away from the busy world we live in. Hiking gets the blood flowing, improves your mood and creativity, and reduces overall stress levels. What possibly started many decades ago as a desire for those with a sense of to get outdoors and explore the unknown, has now become a necessity for most. Being in nature, whether you are walking or camping, can all lead to greater overall happiness in life.
Final Thoughts
This interview serves as a reminder of the numerous benefits hiking offers, from physical health improvements to the positive effects on mental well-being. Whether you’re looking for a challenging multi-day trek or a simple nature walk, hiking is an accessible and rewarding activity that everyone can enjoy. As more people embrace the great outdoors, it’s clear that nature is not only a source of beauty but a sanctuary for those in need of respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life.