Bert Simon of Erlingheim Germany is undertaking a walk of 15,612 km through part of all mainland states, as part of a World walk of 100,000 km across 122 nations. The aim of the walk is to publicise the UNESCO World Heritage Areas and to raise money for the UNESCO Children’s Assistance programs.
The walk is being closely monitored by the German mass media and he hopes for similar publicity in Australia . He has asked Confederation for comments on his proposed route. We have given some advice on NSW and referred him to the Federations or clubs in other states as listed on the Bushwalking web sites. However it may be that some member clubs may wish to be associated with Bert’s walk in their areas, If so, his email address is ; simon@bertsimon.com his fax +49 7143 870159 his web page is; www.bertsimon.com.
He will be starting from Sydney on April 15 this year and expects to take about 18 months at an average of 30 km per day. His route takes him along the Great North Walk to Newcastle and we have given him some information on the changes in the present route from that proposed by McDougall & Shearer Herriot We know only of the changes between Cowan and the Kariong Rifle Range. So if any reader knows of other changes or track conditions, which may affect Bert’s schedule you might send him the information. After Newcastle the route is on public roads until the Central Eastern Rainforst Reserve, presumably as represented by New England & Dorrigo NParks Main towns on the route are Maitland, Gloucester, Nowendoc, Walcha, Armidale, Grafton and Tweed Heads.
The route in Queensland is well known to motorists as far as Ayr, and takes in Fraser Island and the southern end of the Barrier Reef. From here he will need the Road Atlas of Australia or similar because he is following minor roads and tracks through Mt Isa and Thorntonia to Riversdale Fossil Site and Burketown. I’m afraid he wont find many residents and fewer bushwalkers on the tracks between Burketown and Daly Waters . And then he goes more or less direct to other World Heritage sites, Kakadu via Pine Creek,Uluru, Shark Bay, Narracoorte Fossill Site and Willandra lakes to Canberra, often choosing minor tracks and avoiding some largish towns(e.gRawlinna instead of Horseman and Wee Jasper instead of Gundagai.) You have to admire his courage.
He is aware that he will require permits for his excursions into Aboriginal reserves and other restricted areas. He has "trained quite well to challenge all sorts of’ surprises. I think he will not be disappointed in the surprises of our wide brown land.