We made it to the Southern Most Point of mainland Australia

After being spoilt rotten and fed to near bursting point with gorgeous Italian food by Gerard's relatives in Melbourne, we set off on our mammoth walking hike to the Southern Most Point of mainland Australia in Wilson's Promontory, VIC.

The trek was 45 kms return and involved two overnight stays along the way. Although we had completed numerous long treks throughout our journey, we had not yet done any overnight hikes. It did not bode well when we both put on our backpacks filled with water, dried food, sleeping bags, tent etc and Gerard nose planted to the floor and I could hardly walk. A bit of readjustment to the packs allowed us to atleast walk but neither of us thought we could walk with this weight on our backs for 13 kms to our camp.

It was a tough trek and our legs and shoulders were really feeling it after the first 4 kms. We munched our way through many brunch bars (chocolate coated of course for the energy, not to make them taste better) and after what seemed like a year, we made it to our camp site. It was a huge relief to take our backpacks off and rest. To celebrate our first achievement, we ripped opened a pack of chicken flavoured noodles - yum yum! Who said camping food was bland.

The next day, with less weight in our backpacks, we treked to the Southern Most Point of Mainland Australia. WE HAD MADE IT! Battling against 75 kmph gusts at the point, we took some photos of us looking rather wind swept at the point (see above).

The journey home was again a really tough trek. By this time, my calf's had completely seized up and my shoulders had been rubbed roar from the weight of the backpack. To top it all off, the rain started and I was wishing that every corner or hill we came to would be our last. I have never been so happy to see the Battered Fish and Barnacle when I reached the car park after completing our trek.

Looking back on the trek now (after a good nights sleep, hiking shoes off my feet, dry clothes etc), I am really pleased we made it and I can now say that we enjoyed it. We had a fantastic remote camp spot in the middle of the forest, saw some echidna's (which we had not previously seen), some snakes on the hiking trail and the scenery was great.

We can now proudly say that we have made it to the Eastern, Northern, Western and Southern most points of mainland Australia, all in one year.

I have included some pictures of Gerard hiking to the point, Gerard and I at the point and the South Point sign.