Need help on a finding a hike...

[joshman]

Hey all!

First up, I'm unsure if this is the right place to post this, but here goes anyway...

Back at Easter i completed my first multi-day hike by spending 6 nights camping my way along the Overland track. It was such an amazing experience, mostly due to all the amazing people I met and hiked with and definitely helped along by the amazing scenery and magical weather we had.

And i miss it so very very much. just the being in the out doors and hiking and setting up camp and the people. I can't wait to get my next dose! (i sound like a junkie!)

Anyway, I've since supplemented some of my hiking gear and refined my approach to a few things and generally want to give my setup a good and proper run (without the aid of huts to store large/bulky packs and dry clothes, etc) and i may have the opportunity to embark on a 4-5 night hike in early-mid July, but I just need ideas on where to go. I'm based in Gladstone, but i can get to Brisbane pretty easily and from there I can travel pretty much anywhere, as long as the travel cost is reasonably priced, and I've set a maximum budget for the excursion at $1k (including all food, accomodation, flights, etc). I've thought about heading back to Tasmania and either spending a few days in and around Cradle mountain, or Walls of jerusalem NP, but I dunno what to expect weather/access wise at this time of year)

I'm very keen on some ideas for good hikes being thrown at me! (preferably no snow hiking, unless it's particularly scenic and worth the trek!)

THANKS!
josh

[clarence]

I find interesting that some mainland people come all the way to Tasmania to bushwalk (in the belief it offers far better bushwalking experience than anywhere else) yet rarely do any significant walking on the mainland.

The higher parts of Tasmania (Cradle, Walls etc) in July are probably not ideal for extended trips. I reckon if you looked a bit closer to home you would find a whole range of opportunities, many of which would probably be more suitable for finding your feet.

Clarence

[Mark F]

At that time of year the further south you go the less daylight you get and it can become quite limiting.

[Solohike74]

Look up one of numerous Blue Mountains hikes. Virgin do Rok-Syd direct.

[eaglehawk]

The Jatbula in the NT?

[icefest]

July is the optimum season for the larapinta - and you won't need heavy duty winter gear (just warm clothes for the night.

IIRC It shouldn't cost more than the 1000$ you stipulated and it'll be an world different from the OT.

[dashandsaph]

How about the Lamingtons - very handy and should be lovely in July.

[Bron]

The Thorsborne trail on Hinchinbrook is a good 4-5 day trip, its in Queensland and July is a good time to do it.

[roysta]

Josh
There are literally many mind-blowing walks on the mainland, but if Tassie has smitten you that much, go for it.
Try these web sites:
http://www.john.chapman.name/taswalk.html
http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/indeX.aspX?base=409

You'll get a few ideas there.

Good luck