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24.01.2022 After a five month absence, The Long Way's Better is back with the first in a bi-weekly series on the Munda Biddi Trail (and a bit of an explainer for why we've been missing). NEW BLOG POST /// The first town to hut day of the Munda Biddi Trail, this section takes cyclists from the Northern Trailhead at the Mundaring Sculpture Park to Carinyah campsite. Descending to Mundaring Weir Hotel, the trail explores the Helena Valley before heading uphill to the Dell. Exploring a mix of stunning Jarrah forest and hills orchard country, the trail ends at the trails first campsite at Carinyah. An at times challenging but enjoyable first day The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation Trails WA Explore Parks WA Shire of Mundaring

24.01.2022 NEW OVERVIEW AND GUIDE /// Read about our complete Abel Tasman Coast Track experience, including information about logistics, tips and this fantastic Great Walk as a whole

23.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// Day 19 of the Munda Biddi Trail, this section takes cyclists between the towns of Pemberton and Northcliffe. Leaving Pemberton via the Gloucester Tree, the day's riding is almost continuous Karri forest to the iconic River Road Bridge over the Warren River. Rising up from the river, the trail heads through picturesque farmland before returning to forest just before reaching Northcliffe. One of the Munda Biddi's best and most scenic days The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation Trails WA Explore Parks WA

22.01.2022 Didn't stay up til Midnight last night? You can now stream last night's episode of RTRFM's Midnight Special where Donovan was interviewed by host Ai-Ling Truong about hiking in Western Australia and beyond

22.01.2022 NEW PODCAST /// We've turned our Abel Tasman Coast Track adventure into a podcast episode of Real Trail Talk! For anyone interested in a beach holiday on foot, check out our latest episode!

21.01.2022 NEW PODCAST /// Real Trail Talk marks its 50th episode with a Q&A Special! Join us in celebrating this milestone by listening in to the show. Available on iTunes, Podbean, Spotify and all your favourite podcast apps

20.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// And we're back for 2020 with our first of many write ups of our time in New Zealand! A small volcanic island located off the coast of Auckland, the Rangitoto Summit track takes trampers to the summit of the area's most impressive volcano. Starting from the island's main jetty, the trail heads up the mountain through lava fields to excellent views of Auckland from the summit. Featuring historic WW2 military bunkers and a side trip to some lava caves, this is a great introduction to hiking in New Zealand

20.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// The second of two Great Walks of New Zealand discussions, the latest episode of Real Trail Talk finds us talking about the Tongariro Northern Circuit. This four day hike takes you around the active volcanoes of Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe (used as Mt Doom from Lord of the Rings) with public huts along the way to stay in. Listen below, iTunes, Spotify or your favourite podcast app to hear all about the adventure through this remarkable landscape

19.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// An excellent mountain walk in the Waikato region of New Zealand, the Karioi Track takes walks to the summit of Mt Karioi near the town of Raglan. Starting at Te Toto Gorge, the trail rises up through beautiful, dense rainforest through an adventurous mix of ladder and chain assisted climbs and muddy scrambling. With spectacular views of the Raglan coastline, this extinct volcanic mountain will definitely thrill experienced hikers

19.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// Day 10 of the Munda Biddi Trail, this section takes cyclists from the trail town of Collie to Nglang Boodja. Following the pleasant spur out of town, the Munda Biddi crosses Colliefields Hwy into Wellington National Park. Following an insanely steep descent to the Collie River and a side trip to the spectacular Honeymoon Pool, a slow gentle ascent leads to the lovely Nglang Boodja. One of the Munda Biddi's most epic and rugged days Trails WA The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation Explore Parks WA

18.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// An outstanding short walk in Litchfield National Park, the walk to Tjeataba Falls explores Greenant Creek's landscape. Passing through a mix of rainforest and dry savannah woodlands, the pleasant walk leads to the small but excellent swimming hole at the head of Tjeataba Falls. Less crowded than Wangi Falls, this is a more secluded alternative for those looking for an Outback swimming hole experience This will be our last post for 2019. Stay tuned for write ups of our New Zealand adventures. Coming 2020!

17.01.2022 Tune into Midnight Special on RTRFM tonight as host Ai-Ling Truong interviews Donovan de Souza from the Long Way's Better (and co-host of podcast Real Trail Talk).

17.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// The longest day of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, Day 4 starts with the tidal crossing at Awaroa Inlet. On the other side, the track rises up and down to a series of magnificent beaches on the way to Whariwharangi Bay. Located in the greater Golden Bay, the Whariwharangi's beach is complemented by the unique Whariwharangi Hut - a converted 19th Century homestead that is the track's best hut on the track's most scenic day

17.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// Day 13 of the Munda Biddi Trail, this section takes cyclists from Nala Mia hut in Jarrahwood to the town of Nannup. Leaving town along Old Vasse Hwy, the trail then follows the Sidings Rail Trail all day into Nannup. Crossing numerous rail bridges with particularly lovely views of St Johns Brook and the Blackwood River, this is one of the best and most 'perfect' days of the entire Munda Biddi, and a great day ride worth repeating The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation Trails WA Explore Parks WA

16.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// Day 1 of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, this first section links Marahau to Anchorage. Starting at the track's southern trailhead, the day's walking initially follows numerous beaches before rising up to follow the rainforest-filled the coastal ridge. Passing waterfalls on the way, the trail descends to the spectacular Torrent Bay and Anchorage Hut. An easy first day and good start to New Zealand's most popular multi-day tramp

16.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// Day 24 of the Munda Biddi Trail, this section takes cyclists from Booner Mundak to Jinung Beigabup. Almost entirely on unsealed back roads with green graded gradients, the repetitive scenery is broken up by highlights at the Kent River, a couple of excellent granite formations and a side trip to Mt Lindesay. Ending at the spectacular Jinung Beigabup, the outstanding campsite makes up for the ordinary scenery of the day's cycling

16.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// Day 12 of the Munda Biddi Trail, this section takes cyclists between the town of Donnybrook and the settlement of Jarrahwood. Leaving town via a spur, the trail heads through Jarrah forest of varied quality as well as passing by some excellent farmland along fast road descents. Passing a blue hued dam and some pine plantations, the day end at the old milling settlement of Jarrahwood and Nala Mia hut. A mixed transition day on the trail Trails WA The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation Explore Parks WA

15.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// Day 4 of the Munda Biddi Trail, this section takes cyclists out of Jarrahdale and into North Dandalup. Leaving the town on rough, gravelly tracks, the trail crosses the Serpentine River before rising steeply on Scarp Rd. Heading along undulating trails across the scarp, the final stretch passes the stunning North Dandalup dam recreation area before a particularly beautiful ride into Dandalup campsite - one of the trail's very best Trails WA The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation Explore Parks WA

14.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// Day 5 of the Munda Biddi Trail, this section takes cyclists from Dandalup campsite into the twon of Dwellingup. Leaving the dam, the day's riding follows a largely flat to downhill gradient with option side trips to mountain bike trails, a waterfall and a Prisoner of War camp. With somewhat mixed forest quality and obvious mining impacts, the relatively easy riding makes up for the day's obvious compromises Trails WA The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation Explore Parks WA

13.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// The second day of the Munda Biddi Trail, this section takes cyclists from Carinyah to Wungong campsite. Starting as a fun descent to Brookton Hwy, the trail goes through a mix of uninspiring scrappy Jarrah with some nice views of granite formations as it goes up and down the hills to Gleneagle before a nice easy roll into Wungong. A mixed second day of the trail The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation Trails WA Explore Parks WA

12.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// Day 21 of the Munda Biddi Trail, this section takes cyclists between the huts at Yirra Kartta to Kwokralup Beela. Heading from Yirra Kartta's granite dome, the trail heads through a mix of plains and forest on the way to Fernhook Falls. Heading to Mt Frankland via a side trip, the campsite at Kwokralup Beela features an additional side trip to rapids on the Frankland River. One of the most eventful days of the entire Munda Biddi Trails WA The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation Explore Parks WA

12.01.2022 Highlights from New Years Eve doing the Tongariro Northern Circuit over the Alpine Crossing. Easily one of the most spectacular days of hiking for 2019. Full write up for this day of the circuit coming Tuesday!

12.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// Day 20 of the Munda Biddi Trail, this section takes cyclists between from Northcliffe to Yirra Kartta. Leaving town via some farmland, the trail joins onto the Northcliffe Linking Trail to Boorara-Gardner National Park before heading along a long, continuous section of unsealed road riding. A fairly average day of riding, the day is made by the spectacular side trip to the summit of Yirra Kartta's granite dome

12.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// The final day of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, Day 5 starts is a short half day up and over the hill to Wainui Bay. Starting behind Whariwharangi Hut, the track rises up a moderate but continuous ascent to a lookout and trail junction. Descending from the hill, the track provides spectacular views of Wainui Bay and the Greater Golden Bay area. A short but enjoyable finale to a great Great Walk

11.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// Day 8 of the Munda Biddi Trail, this section takes cyclists from Lake Brockman to Yarri Campsite. Leaving Logue Brook Dam's wall, the trail follows vehicle tracks, single track and sustained sections along particularly good rail trails through excellent quality Jarrah forest, plantations and a memorably large stand of Kingia grass trees. Finishing along a rail form at Yarri Hut, this is a return to form after the previous day's disappointment Trails WA The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation Explore Parks WA

10.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// Day 6 of the Munda Biddi Trail, this section takes cyclists from the trail town of Dwellingup to Bidjar Ngoulin. Leaving the town, the trail heads down into Lane Poole Reserve, entering the Murray Valley Mountain Bike Trail Network and the campground of Nanga Mill, before following the North Junction Form to camp. A day of quality trails and lovely scenery, this is one of the best days of the Munda Biddi's northern sections

09.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// Day 2 of the Tongariro Northern Circuit, this day takes trampers over the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing. From Mangatepopo Hut, the track runs through a valley before an 800 metre climb to Red Crater's spectacular views of Mt Ngauruhoe. Descending through the Emerald Lakes, the track runs through a stark and rugged moonscape to Oturere Hut. A fantastic day of hiking that lives up to its reputation as one of New Zealand's best

09.01.2022 We've been quiet since COVID-19 completely changed our hiking and snorkelling plans for 2020, however we're pleased to announce that the Long Way's Better will be back from August with a series covering Don's Munda Biddi sectional End to End! Until then, here's a sneak peak at the Munda Biddi so far, and stay tuned for the next episode of Real Trail Talk where we cover Map 1 from Mundaring to Jarrahdale!

09.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// Day 9 of the Munda Biddi Trail, this section takes cyclists from Yarri Campsite into the town of Collie. Following the rail trail from the previous day, the trail initially rises steeply before 8 kilometres of continually descent - including some of the best, giant Jarrah forest of the entire track. Following a mix of trail types, the Munda Biddi head into Collie via a spur. One of the best days of the trail in spite of some lesser moments Trails WA The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation Explore Parks WA VisitCollie

08.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// Day 22 of the Munda Biddi Trail, this section takes cyclists between Kwokralup Beela and the town of Walpole. Leaving Yirra Kartta through a mix of forest types, the Munda Biddi then heads along North Walpole Rd to the art display on the Swarbrick Art Loop, before following back roads towards Walpole. A somewhat average day of the trail, with some highlights thanks to Swarbrick and the lovely Karri forest Trails WA The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation Explore Parks WA

07.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// The first day of the Tongariro Northern Circuit, this 9.4 km day explores the west side around of Mt Ngauruhoe. Starting at Whakapapa Village, the track passes through low grasslands, heath, and pockets of rainforest. Crossing Wairere Stream and a number of drier watercourses, the day finishes at Mangatetopo Hut, which provides views of Mt Ngauruhoe in clear weather. A good start to one of New Zealand's iconic Great Walks

06.01.2022 NEW PODCAST /// The latest episode of Real Trail Talk is out and we are joined by Risk Expert Alan de Souza, who also happens to be father to Donovan (writer of The Long Way's Better!), to discuss the topic of risk and how it relates to trails, government and decision making.

06.01.2022 NEW PODCAST /// The Long Way's Better returns next week with the beginning of our coverage on the Munda Biddi, but for now you can listen to the latest episode of Real Trail Talk as we discuss the town to town section from Jarrahdale to Dwellingup with special guest Jake from Intents Offroad.

05.01.2022 NEW PODCAST /// This week on Real Trail Talk we sit down with Melina, a World Trails Network Ambassador (and also Perth Trail Series guru) to discuss what the WTN is all about, the 2020 Conference in Nepal and what the future holds.

05.01.2022 NEW PODCAST /// As promised, here is the first sneak preview of Don's Munda Biddi adventure with this week's episode of Real Trail Talk. Covering Map 1 from Mundaring to Jarrahdale, tune in for what you can expect on the trail's first three days

05.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// Day 3 of the Munda Biddi Trail, this easy section takes cyclists from Wungong campsite into Jarrahdale. Crossing Jarrahdale Rd, the trail follows old vehicle tracks to Balmoral POW Camp before a lovely, gradually downhill run along an old railway formation. Crisscrossing Balmoral Rd, the trail pass through a mix of farmland and forest to reach Jarrahdale. The easiest stretch of Map 1, and a lovely introductory section for first-timers The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation Trails WA Explore Parks WA

05.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// The shortest day of the Tongariro Northern Circuit, the 8.1 kilometre third day takes walkers from Oturere to Waihohonu. Leaving Oturere Hut, the track journeys through more desert-like rugged terrain before entering beautiful rainforest on the home stretch to the thoroughly modern and comfortable hut at Waihohonu. Featuring worthwhile side trips to Old Waihohonu Hut and Ohinepango Springs, this is another enjoyable day on the circuit

04.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// Day 23 of the Munda Biddi Trail, this section takes cyclists from Walpole to Booner Mundak. Leaving town along the Coalmine Beach Heritage Trail and offering views of the Nornalup Inlet, the trail heads along the Frankland River to Monastery Landing and Sappers Bridge before rising up to the Valley of the Giants and the Tree Top Walk. Heading downhill, the trail enters more open plains towards Booner Mundak. A highly spectacular day of the trail Trails WA Explore Parks WA The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation

04.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// Day 2 of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, this hut to hut section the coastline between Torrent Bay and Bark Bay. Leaving Anchorage via the beach and skirting Torrent Bay estuary, a short side trip leads to the beautiful Cleopatra's Pool before passing through Torrent Bay settlement. Heading through forest and crossing the spectacular Falls River over a swing bridge, the trail ends at the idyllic Bark Bay. An even better follow up to Day 1

04.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// Day 7 of the Munda Biddi Trail, this section takes cyclists from Bidjar Ngoulin hut to the shores of Lake Brockman. Heading uphill from the hut and through the Nanga Rd tunnel, most of the day is spent through areas burnt in the Waroona Fires and scarred by Alcoa's mining operations. With largely downhill gradients and a strong finish at Lake Brockman/Logue Brook Dam as saving graces, this is nevertheless the worst day of the Munda Biddi Trails WA The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation Explore Parks WA

03.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// Day 11 of the Munda Biddi Trail, this section takes cyclists from Nglang Boodja to the town of Donnybrook. Leaving the campsite through Jarrah forest, the highlight of the day are the rolling hills of Ferguson Valley farmland. Passing through Crooked Brook Forest and Joshua the streets of Joshua Creek, a long stretch of pleasant road cycling leads to South Western Hwy and the home stretch into Donnybrook. A pleasant and idyllic day of the track Trails WA The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation Explore Parks WA

02.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// Day 18 of the Munda Biddi Trail, this section takes cyclists between the small settlement of Quinninup to the popular tourism town of Pemberton. Leaving Quinninup through Greater Dordagup National Park, the day heads through a mix of Karri, Jarrah and farmland scenery, including an excellent stretch in Gloucester National Park. Passing the tranquil Pemberton Swimming Pool as a finale, this a mixed but overall enjoyable day Trails WA Explore Parks WA The Munda Biddi Trail Foundation

01.01.2022 NEW BLOG POST /// Day 3 of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, this hut to hut section links Bark Bay to Awaroa. Leaving Bark Bay Hut, the track rises up one of its steepest climbs before descending to Tonga Quarry and the beautiful Onetahuti Beach. Rising up to Tonga Saddle, an optional low tide route passes by the Awaroa Lodge Cafe before a walk along the shorts leads to the well located hut. A relaxing and enjoyable middle day of a beach holiday on foot