The Canyon is one of the nicest spots I've ever visited in the Great Otway National Park. Maneuvering your way around, over and under its giant moss-covered boulders is undoubtedly what makes this hike worthwhile.

To get to The Canyon, follow the track at the north side of Sheoak Picnic Area. Crossing Allenvale Road and then Sharps Track, you will find yourself at Wonwondah Falls. There is a viewing platform at the falls but the view was obscured by trees, so this was rather disappointing. Being the hilarious guy that I am, I couldn't help but making jokes about the name. "Won-wondahs why they bothered to build that platform at all", etc. etc... Cue riotous laughter.

Henderson Falls is a short detour from the circuit and well worth the visit. My photo will do it far more justice than my words could. This would be a nice spot to have some lunch, before returning to the circuit and continuing on through The Canyon.

Henderson Falls

The Canyon

The next stop is Phantom Falls but we were disappointed again on our visit, since there was no water at all. This is no doubt due to Allen Dam, which is situated not far above the falls. We took the track down to the base of the falls anyway, to check out the beautiful amphitheater (and to try to imagine what it would be like if there were water).

Phantom Falls

The majority of the trip back to the car from Phantom Falls is on dirt roads. It wasn't the most interesting walking but there was plenty of bird-life to keep us entertained. We spotted Rainbow Lorikeets, Crimson Rosella and Kookaburra's, just to name a few. The entire walk is very well signed, so getting lost should not be an issue.

Have you visited The Canyon? If you have any stories, updates or corrections, please let us know by commenting below. Do you like Bushwalking Blog? You can either sign up for e-mail updates in the side-bar, or get updates via the RSS feed, Facebook or Twitter.

Like many Victorians, I knew a few people who lost loved ones in the 2009 Black Saturday Bushfires. It was a devastating time, obviously for those who were directly involved, but also for people all over the country who were watching in horror from their lounge-rooms. The powerful images that aired during the fires, and the terrifying stories that came out in the aftermath, will remain firmly etched in my mind.

In the 18 months prior to Black Saturday, I had been a regular visitor to the bush surrounding Kinglake and Marysville. They are still two of my favourite areas in the state. So I have to admit that, without detracting from the tragic human cost, I also found it sad to watch the destruction of the forest and the certain death of much of the wildlife that I had spent so much time enjoying.

There are at least a couple of other documentaries about Black Saturday that I know of (the best of which was ABC’s brilliant production, Inside the Firestorm), but they focus on the human perspective. Out of the Ashes tells the Black Saturday story with a focus on the flora and fauna, explaining how the fires affected them and how their recovery has progressed. It is beautifully shot and the interviews with bushfire experts, survivors, rangers and animal rescue staff are incredibly touching.

Since the fires I have been revisiting the affected areas whenever possible, as walking tracks have reopened. Watching the forest come back to life over time has been - and continues to be - an amazing experience. It will be even more interesting to visit in future, with the extra knowledge and insight that I've gained from watching Out of the Ashes.

Have you seen Out of the Ashes? What do you think? If you have anything to say, please leave a comment below. Are you interested in more from Bushwalking Blog? You can either sign up for e-mail updates in the side-bar, or get updates via the RSS feed, Facebook or Twitter.

If you live in Victoria and have a smart phone, there’s one application that you shouldn’t be setting off for a hike without this bushfire season. The CFA has recently released an extremely useful app called “CFA FireReady”, which is free to download for Blackberry, Android or Apple smart phones.

The majority of places that hikers visit would be considered high bushfire risk areas, so it would be silly to go hiking in the drier months without checking bushfire information first. With this installed on my iPhone, staying informed barely even ads to my preparation time. It only takes one touch to open the app and within seconds a map of Victoria is displayed, showing my location (according to the phone’s in-built GPS) and the location and status of any fires.

Aside from the fire map, the app also provides information on current warnings, total fire bans and fire danger ratings. Push notifications can even be set up to automatically alert the user of any fire activity in specified areas.

I haven’t heard of any other applications providing the same information but even if they do exist, I’d have more confidence in this one since it is the only official CFA app. It’s great to see the CFA finally making better use of social media. It seems they’ve also recently taken to Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, so it will be interesting to see how they decide to best utilise their social media presence.

Have you used the app? What do you think? If you have anything to say, please leave a comment below. Are you interested in more from Bushwalking Blog? You can either sign up for e-mail updates in the side-bar, or get updates via the RSS feed, Facebook or Twitter.

Erskine Falls is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Great Otway National Park, but few people venture beyond the falls to explore the ferny valley below. After enjoying the two viewing platforms, above and at the base of the falls, the river can be followed all the way back to Lorne.

There are several river crossings along the way and the path can be a little indistinct in places, but it's generally easy walking and following the river makes it impossible to get lost. Just don't attempt the walk when the river is likely to be high and beware of slippery rocks (and the stairs to the base of the falls) after rain.

Erskine Falls

Have you visited Erskine Falls? If you have any stories, updates or corrections, please let us know by commenting below. Are you interested in more from Bushwalking Blog? You can either sign up for e-mail updates in the side-bar, or get updates via the RSS feed, Facebook or Twitter.

I first heard about Jennifer Pharr Davis when BestHike.com blogged about her being chosen as one of National Geographic’s Adventurers Of The Year for 2012. It’s not very often that you hear of someone gaining notoriety for hiking at all. So when a hiker breaks the overall speed record on the Appalachian Trail, a record that has only ever been held by endurance runners, I think they deserve to be showered with attention.

Jennifer walked the 3,500 kilometre Appalachian Trail in 46 days, 11 hours and 20 minutes. How did she do it faster than those who run it? She walked for up to 16 hours a day (from around 5am to 9:30pm), averaging approximately 4.8 kilometres an hour. Of course hiking at those speeds isn’t unheard of, but what blows my mind is to do that for 16 hours a day, every day for a month and a half.

After reading Jennifer's story, I was inspired and looking for more insight into what makes her tick. I dropped her a line and she was more than happy to answer a few questions for Bushwalking Blog via e-mail...

You first hiked the Appalachian Trail when you finished college, as a kind of journey of self discovery. What possessed you to do it two more times?

Ironically, I swore off hiking after the completion of my first AT thru-hike. However, after a few weeks and then months passed, I began to realize how much I had changed on the trail and how my heart longed for the wilderness. I decided that the path had changed me in all positive ways, and I knew I still had a lot to learn from the forest. I decided to do more hiking, but completed about 3,500 miles before deciding to return to the AT for a second trip. I was a newlywed on my second AT journey, and because my life had changed, so had my hiking. This time I hiked the trail quickly with my husband's support. We didn't want to be apart (but he didn't want to hike 2,000+ miles in two months), so he met me at road crossings and encouraged me to hike as efficiently as possible. After finishing the trek and establishing a new women's record, I knew that the overall record was in our reach. It took a few more summers and 1,000+ more miles of traditional backpacking with my husband before we returned this past summer to the AT to try for the overall record. I wanted to know what it felt like to give my all, to give every ounce of energy to the trail. The overall record gave me that opportunity.

Prior to your first attempt at the Appalachian Trail, what had been your level of hiking experience?

Hardly any! I had gone on one or two required overnights with camp and school, but I had never camped on my own before. I had never even slept by myself in a house, let alone the forest. I made A LOT of mistakes starting out. That said, I wanted to be on the trail, I learned from my mistakes, and I kept pressing on despite lots of adversity.

It sounds like you went through hell on the Appalachian Trail this time around, suffering from shin splints and even nausea and diarrhea at one stage... How do you manage, mentally and physically, to keep going in this situation?

Yes, I like to say it was the best worst summer of my life. It is such a juxtaposition to be doing something you love and hurting so badly the entire time. My husband was a huge emotional and spiritual support throughout the endeavor. He kept me focused on the positives and reminded me of my ability of succeed. I could have never done it without his support. i always prayed a lot, and I constantly reminded myself how lucky I was to be able to hike all day. It was extremely difficult, but I was getting to do one of my favorite things in the world, all day, everyday. I am drawn to trail records because it is such a holistic endeavor. It is about so much more than the physical challenge. When I was finished, I was mentally exhausted from having to maintain such a narrow focus for so long. At this point I can say that I don't want to experience another trail the way I experienced the Appalachian Trail this past summer, but I am so grateful every single day that I had the opportunity to know the trail in this way.

Did you ever fear for your safety due to wildlife or the elements?

No. There was a sketchy photographer who jumped out of the woods at me and that was scary, but the natural elements were not life-threatening. They were however record threatening. I was stuck in a sleet storm and developed moderate hypothermia which caused some negative ripple effects for the next few days. I was also subject to extreme heat, and I had to be extra careful to monitor my salt and water intake. I LOVE the wildlife. I saw more wildlife this summer than on any of my previous AT thru-hikes - 36 bears, 10 moose, skunks, porcupines, wild boar, etc... It was awesome!

Aussie readers will be interested to know that you hiked Western Australia’s Bibbulman Track in 2008. What made you choose the Bibbulman? How was the experience?

I made a goal to hike on 6 continents before I turned 25 (I am not keen on Antartica since I hate cold weather). Australia was my last continent to visit - It took me a while to save up for the plane ticket. I was really interested in some of the famous treks in New Zealand, but when I started looking into the permitting and logistics it became a bit overwhelming. I like the idea of getting to a trail and being able to stay on that trail for several weeks. When I heard about the Bibbulmun Track it sounded perfect. Many people told me not to do it, because I would be hiking during January and it would be too hot. However, one hiker in Australia was familiar with the Pacific Crest Trail in North America and once he heard I had completed that trail and that I didn't experience too much difficulty desert hiking through Southern California, he told me I should be fine on the Bibbulmun Track. I loved hiking the B.T. in January... I had the trail all to myself. There was one point where I traveled 3 full days without seeing another hiker. I loved all the new and exciting wildlife. It was really neat to end the hike near the ocean, but the walking was much more difficult there than I expected. That sand was super-soft and the winds were really strong. Overall it was a GREAT experience. I hiked the trail in 21 days. I wasn't trying to set a record but I missed my husband (then fiance), and I just enjoyed hiking all day.

I have been known to be a bit of a hiking gear junky so I have to ask, is there one piece of gear that you couldn’t have done the Appalachian Trail without?

I had great new hiking shoes from Salomon called Synapse. They are specially built lightweight hikers and they are awesome! I also really appreciated my hiking poles - especially after I developed shin splints.

Aside from all of your hiking and running, I believe you’ve published some books. Tell us about them?

My coming of age/love story with the trail is Becoming Odyssa. If you think I went through a lot of challenges this past summer then you definitely need to read about my first thru-hike. It is a great book for all audiences - not just hikers. I also have written some guidebooks for the state where I live, and my husband's trail blog from the summer just came out as well, it is titled: 46 Days: Keeping up with Jennifer Pharr Davis on the Appalachian Trail.

So what comes next Jennifer? Do you have any more big plans? Are you planning to try for any more records?

This summer my husband gets to pick our hikes and I think he wants to go to Europe. He lived in Switzerland for 2 years, so he loves the Alps. We would love to have kids someday and take them on hikes as well. I really believe that the trails are there for every phase of life and it is never about how far you go or how fast you go, but simply what you take from the experience.

A massive thanks goes to Jennifer for agreeing to be interviewed. I wish her all the best. If she doesn't inspire you to go out and hike, you may need to check that you still have a pulse.

I'll leave you with a video called "Odyssa" which was shot by Matt Kirk, when he joined Jennifer for a section of the trail. For those of us who haven't been lucky enough to see the Appalachian Trail, the video gives an idea of what it looks like.

Do you have ambitions to do something similar? Or were you touched or inspired by Jennifer's story? If you have anything to say, please leave a comment below.

Whenever a visitor to Melbourne asks me to take them for a hike, Cathedral Range State Park is the first place that springs to mind. I've done the two main day-hikes here now and they both fit all of my criteria for an amazing day out. If you aren't good with heights this one might be the better choice for you, since the Southern Circuit begins with a short section of what I'd almost call rock climbing (well, it's the closest I've ever come to rock climbing anyway). The Southern Circuit is actually my favourite, but I've chosen to take a couple of people here instead, because they weren't so crazy about heights. It definitely comes a close second for me.

At Cooks Mill Campground, find the signed track that leads to Jawbone Carpark (close to the toilet block). The gravel entry road might be a quicker way to get there, but this is a much nicer walk. If you've started early in the morning, there's a good chance of seeing Eastern Grey Kangaroo's grazing alongside the track.

When you arrive at Jawbone Carpark, find the continuation of the walk on Jawbone Creek Track. This crosses the creek and then takes you steeply up Cathedral's eastern slope. The track soon turns into a rocky staircase which has been very well built by the Friends of Cathedral Range State Park. In spring and early summer, this is a great place to admire the variety of wildflowers. You'll be glad of the excuse to stop and catch your breath.

The rocky stairs ascending Cathedral Range

Springtime at Cathedral Range brings an amazing array of wildflowers

When you reach the first track junction (on your right), the worst of the climbing is over. Take this unnamed track until you find the short detour to North Jawbone Peak. The detour wont take long and is worth it for the views of The Razorback and Sugarloaf Peak to the south, and across Little River Valley to the east.

Retrace your steps back to the unnamed track and then continue on it to Ridge Track. Though I'm very unfit, I actually found the ridge traverse far more challenging than the climb on Jawbone Creek Track. There are no major climbs but the scrambling takes it's toll on your legs, knees and ankles. You really have to concentrate on where you're putting your feet too, so it's very slow going.

Traversing the ridge

Continue past the turn-off to Ned's Saddle and take in Cathedral Peak. The track takes you away from the ridge-line at this point, so keep an eye out for the orange markers. At the next track junction, take the short detour to check out Little Cathedral.

Resting near Cathedral Peak

Retrace your steps once again, this time taking the other track to Ned's Peak. The final peak for the day requires another short detour. There are no views to speak of at the top, so you may prefer to skip it. I couldn't resist one final challenge. Descend the range on Ned's Gully Track and then enjoy a nice easy stroll on Little River Track, back to Cooks Mill Campground.

Note: I’ve included all the required information for doing this hike here but for more of a description (and probably the best of my photos), you might also like to check out my story in Great Walks Magazine's 2012 Annual Special.

Have you visited Cathedral Range State Park yourself? If you have any stories, updates or corrections, please let us know by commenting below.

For a taste of the natural beauty found along the Australian Alpine Walking Track, this short walk to Mushroom Rocks is definitely worth a visit. The track is well signed from the Mount Erica car park and should you decide to make the return trip a little longer, signs also indicate a range of distance and time options for other points along the track.

Boardwalks protect the more delicate sections of the forest floor

After starting the walk surrounded by rainforest, visitors pass by a small waterfall before the track gently climbs up into the drier Mountain Ash forest. Massive granite tors are dotted alongside the track to begin with but as the turning point approaches, there are so many that they could be explored and climbed for hours.

The beginning of the walk is much wetter, resulting in
the most amazing looking moss-covered granite boulders.

The track was very muddy due to recent rains but aside from this, the walking was very easy. The changing landscape and vegetation makes you want to explore further. I would have actually liked to extend the walk through to Mount Erica, but unfortunately we were a bit short on time.

Note: This walk was part of a feature article I co-wrote, that appeared in the February/March 2011 issue of Great Walks Magazine.

Have you visited Mushroom Rocks yourself? If you have any stories, updates or corrections, please let us know by commenting below.

At the end of Steel Bridge Track, find an unsigned walking track (there is only one) and begin your way, zig-zagging down the hill to the Thomson River. Some sections of this track were blocked by fallen trees or landslides at the time of our visit but there were already well-worn shortcuts (avoiding the obstacle) at each of these points.

Visiting in spring provides an excellent wildflower display

Turn left when the track comes to a junction and follow the river for a short distance to the Poverty Point Bridge. The bridge was fenced off with orange plastic temporary fencing and a sign stating that it was closed due to fire damage. However, we had found out through talking to the locals that there was actually a recent council-sponsored “fun run” that had used the bridge as part of it’s course. We made the choice, based on the information we had, to ignore the signs (if you do so, it is obviously at your own risk!). The views up and down the river from the middle of the bridge are stunning.

Crossing the "fire-damaged" Poverty Point Bridge

Turn right at the east side of the bridge and continue alongside the river. At some points along the track there are small seasonal waterfalls, which may require getting your feet wet in order to cross (as the water crosses the track on its way to the river). Watch out for leeches! When we visited, there were also a few landslides on this section of track but they were all easily passable.

Part of the track on the east side of the Thomson River

At the next junction, head right and follow the very steep 4WD track back to Thomson Station. Much of this track is a part of the 680km Australian Alpine Walking Track (which goes all the way from Canberra to Walhalla), so it’s worth noting that if you need to walk back to Walhalla from here you can follow the track straight (crossing directly over the 4WD track) instead.

Note: This walk and some of my better photos are also be featured in the February/March 2011 issue of Great Walks Magazine.

Have you visited Poverty Point yourself? If you have any stories, updates or corrections, please let us know by commenting below.