Great Australian Survivors Trek

• You’ll learn about a little known episode in Australian colonial history, while walking in their very footsteps
• Once you commence the trek, all of the logistics (food, transfers, accommodation) are taken care of. Simply turn up, and start the adventure!
• Experienced Australian guides share this incredible tale and guide us through often remote terrain
• Tackle an adventure that few people have ever experienced!

“Scarcely alive’, the survivors were transported by the bemused fisherman through the Heads into Port Jackson later that day.” Patrick Wilson, Historian

In 1797, the Sydney Cove was shipwrecked off Preservation Island near Tasmania. A group of fourteen, led by William Clarke, attempted to return to Sydney via longboat seeking help, when further tragedy struck. 

In rough seas, their longboat was destroyed along the 90 Mile Beach (in Eastern Victoria), their only remaining option to now walk the unknown coast, all of 700 kilometres, back to Sydney. 

This remarkable journey was the first known European land exploration of this stretch southeastern coast and marked the first contact between Aboriginals and Europeans in this area.

The shipwrecked group were ill-equipped with few provisions but had a determination borne from desperation.

Is there a better way to learn about historical events than through direct experience? Here at No Roads Expeditions, we're not sure there is, and that's why we've created the Great Australian Survivors Trek in an effort to share with the world, this almost 200-year-old tale, as tragic as it is extraordinary. 

Starting in Victoria's far East, this trek retraces the same steps of those marooned, from the Ninety Mile Beach, all the way up to Wattamolla, just south of Sydney. Unlike those original survivors, we will combine remote camping with cabin comforts, nutritious meals, and a driver to help us along our journey.

Our 12-day Great Australian Survivors Trek is a demanding walk that includes a variety of terrain, with off-track sections with no marked trails. Guests should be prepared for long demanding days of trekking. The more you train, the easier you will handle the terrain, and the more you will enjoy this wonderful part of the world.

It’s important to come along with an open mind, ready for an awesome experience whatever the weather, whoever the group, you bring the right gear for the conditions as the weather can be unpredictable. Storms and very strong winds can arise quickly and heavy rain can fall at any time of the year. 

To ensure safety, this itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and tidal patterns, parks regulations, and natural circumstances beyond our control.

Day 1: Arrive in Traralgon and check into hotel.

Day 2: Seaspray to Trinculo Shipwreck (B,L,D)

Day 3: Loch Sport to Lakes Entrance (B,L,D)

Day 4: Green Cape Lighthouse to Saltwater Creek (B,L,D)

Day 5: Saltwater Creek to Ben Boyd Tower - Merimbula (B,L,D)

Day 6: Merimbula to Bermagui (B,L,D)

Day 7: Bermagui - Mystery Bay (B,L,D)

Day 8: Mystery Bay to Batemans Bay (B,L,D)

Day 9: Batemans Bay to Huskisson (B,L,D)

Day 10: Huskisson to Bulli (B,L,D)

Day 11: Bulli to Wattamolla then to Sydney (B)

Day 12: Homeward Bound

The Great Australian Survivors Trek will commence at Traralgon, where the Guests will be collected to travel to Seaspray, the destination of the first day's trek.  All guests are required to meet at the Traralgon Railway Station by 9 am. Guests will be responsible for arranging their own transport to Traralgon.

Day 1: Arrive in Traralgon and check into the hotel.

Briefing and dinner on the night of Day 1. 

Day 2:  Seaspray to Trinculo Shipwreck  

Just like the original survivors, guests will experience the endless white sand of 90 Mile Beach, as they complete the 22km journey from Seaspray to the Trinculo Shipwreck site.  90 Mile Beach is the fourth-longest beach in the world and is the location where the Sydney Cove longboat met its fate, and the original survivors began their journey.  While the remains of the longboat have long perished, the iron barque "Trinculo" (1858) wreck is a fitting location to complete our first day of our adventure.  

Overnight accommodation:  Camping at Loch Sport. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Loch Sport to Lakes Entrance

Awake early and walk the Ocean Grange Walking track. As the track ends, we’ll again join the beach and continue along the shoreline until we reach Lakes Entrance.  When we can’t walk any further, we’ll hop aboard a passing boat which will transport us to our accommodation.  The afternoon will give us some time to explore Lakes Entrance before a nice dinner to celebrate our journey so far. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Green Cape Lighthouse to Saltwater Creek  

Today we travel across the border to the majestic Green Cape Lighthouse to trek 17 km along the Light to Light walk.  Enjoy the vast ocean views from the rocky peninsula before commencing the trek through the Ben Boyd National Park. Along the way, we will visit the stunning Pulpit Rock, as we pass through heathland, tea tree groves, banksia woodlands and tall open forests.  The fauna all contrasted by the striking red rock cliffs and aqua blue waters of the Sapphire Coast.  Overnight stay at the remote Saltwater Creek. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Saltwater Creek to Ben Boyd Tower - Merimbula

Continuing on the Light to Light track, we trek 14 km from Saltwater Creek to Ben Boyd Tower at Edrom.  The beautiful landscape continues as we walk our way through an ever-changing habitat, over red sandstone cliffs and crossing remote rocky beaches.  Every so often, there’s a break in the trees where you can view Boyd’s Tower, the endpoint of this part of the adventure.  Keep a lookout for whales and dolphins playing in the breakers as we continue on our journey.

After lunch, we’ll then travel a short drive to the Pinnacles Walking Track, recommencing our trek exploring the area along the golden shores of Haycock Beach to Haycock Point.  The trek will follow the Haycock Point to Barmouth Beach walking track.   Overnight - Merimbula. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Merimbula to Bermagui

An early start to walk the Turringal & Kangarutha Walking Tracks for another 16km before lunch in Tathra. After a feed, we’ll recommence our trek, joining the Fords walking track on the northern side of the Mogareeka, the mouth of the Bega River.  This walk will take us to Moon Bay, and Wajurda Point.  Time permitting, we’ll visit Mimosa Rocks. 

Overnight Bermagui area. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Bermagui - Mystery Bay

Today our trek continues north along the Bermagui Coastal Walk from Cuttagee to Horse Head Rock, taking in the white sands Baragoot Beach and Haywards Beach, before ending our trek at Horse Head Rock.  Time permitting, we will travel inland to explore the Gulaga National Park, an extinct volcano sacred to the Yuin people.

Overnight: Mystery Bay Camping area. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Mystery Bay to Batemans Bay

Awake early to continue our walk along the coast to Tuross to Congo along the Bingie Dreaming Track in the Eurobodalla National Park.  This section contains river inlets that may be open to the sea requiring alternative transport to cross the water.  The Tuross region was an important part of the GAST adventure, with the Yuin people providing assistance to the shipwreck survivors as they made the long journey along the unknown coast. 

Overnight stay Batemans Bay. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Batemans Bay to Huskisson

This morning we will travel to Jervis Bay where we will explore the Booderee National Park circuit trail. After lunch, we can relax for an afternoon on the many beautiful white beaches of the region.

Overnight stay Huskisson. (B,L,D)

Day 10:  Huskisson to Bulli

Commencing our trek from Gerringong along the Kiama Coastal Walk, to Minnamurra.  Our trek enters more populated areas of Kiama as we walk the 22km along coastline cliffs to Little Blowhole, Kiama Blowhole, Bombo Headland and the amazing Cathedral Rock.  The trek has spectacular views of ancient rock formations, beautiful beaches, and even the chance to see whales along the way. Overnight Stay Bulli. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Bulli to Wattamolla then to Sydney

Our final section of the adventure takes us 16 km over sandstone escarpments, sandy beaches and through coastal heath in the Royal National Park.  As we wind our way to Wattamolla Beach to complete the adventure, we enjoy stunning views of the rugged coastline, with glimpses of Sydney in the distance. 

Like the original survivors, we will be transported to The Rocks in Sydney (sorry not by open rowboat) and spend the night at the wonderfully located Rocks Youth Hostel for a celebration of our journey.(B)

Day 12: Now you have survived the trek you are free to brag to everyone you meet.

Note: If you wish to head back toward Melbourne, you can join the guides for an extra $150 per person.

• Experienced Australian Guides for the entire expedition
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of the expedition (Dietary requirements for vegetarians, vegans and those gluten intolerant can be accommodated)
• All transfers between sections of the trek
• 11 nights accommodation. Depending on the location, accommodation will be provided in single tents or shared cabins.  
• All National Park Entry fees
• All catering and dining equipment
• Tents and chairs
• Access to free weekend walks before and after the expedition

• Travel to Traralgon
• Travel Insurance
• Personal spending money
• Additional snacks and drinks/alcohol 
• Medical evacuations
• Sleeping bags / sleeping mats / backpacks