The Camino Salvado Trail, not only links the city with the bush, it also links us to our past and to our future... we invite you to join us and leave your footprint in the story of The Camino Salvado Trail.
The trail retraces the pilgrimage of Dom Rosendo Salvado, a Spanish Benedictine monk who walked from Perth to establish New Norcia in 1846
● Retracing Dom Salvado’s footsteps in 1846 when he established Australia’s unique & only monastic town of New Norcia
● Walking this iconic trail during WA's Wildflower Season
● Discover the Indigenous history that evolves during this pilgrimage
● Complete one of the world's Camino's
● Experience one of WA's most visited wine growing regions - The Swan Valley
● Enjoy stunning valley views, Australian bush, rural life and iconic landmarks
● Small group pilgrimage
● Time to reflect, connect & renew
Today marks the beginning of our journey, an urban walk from St Joseph’s Church in Subiaco, along Kings Park Road, passing through the City’s financial district, walking via St George’s Terrace. Further along, the route passes the major Churches in the city, then onto East Perth and the Swan River Foreshore. From here, we meander along the river and into historical Guildford to finish out our day.
Walking Distance: Approx 25.5km
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Comfortable Villa Style Accommodation in the beautiful Swan Valley
We begin our day walking out of Guildford and into the countryside, through the vineyards of the Swan Valley. This section of the trail provides us with stunning views of both Bells Rapids and Walyunga National Park, a place steeped with cultural significance, containing one of the largest known Aboriginal campsites within close proximity to Perth, believed to be still in use by the Nyoongar people, late last century.
Walking Distance: Approx 26km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Comfortable Villa Style Accommodation in the beautiful Swan Valley
As we walk through Walyunga today, we recognise and acknowledge Aboriginal people as the traditional custodians of Walyunga National Park. This part of the trail is hilly and there are some stunning views back to the City, where we began our walk a couple of days ago. Leaving the National Park, we cross through farmland where we connect with the Lower Chittering Valley. Our walk for the rest of the day is made up of winding roads and gentle hills.
Walking Distance: Approx 25km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Comfortable Villa Style Accommodation in the beautiful Swan Valley
Spring is in the air and today, we enjoy walking through the Chittering Valley when it is at its best! Our trail follows the road today, as it meanders through the Valley, so there is a lot of hard surface walking. It may well be more comfy to wear ‘runners/sneakers’ for this section.
Walking Distance: Approx 21km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Comfortable Villa Style Accommodation in the beautiful Swan Valley
Today we follow the trail through the Julimar State Forest and experience the wide open farmland on one side and the beauty of the Julimar Forest on the other. This time of year the forest is teeming with both birdlife and wildflowers….a photographer's delight!
Walking Distance: Approx 22.5km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Comfortable Villa Style Accommodation in the beautiful Swan Valley
It’s off the beaten track we go today, as we head into agricultural areas belonging to local landowners. The walk takes us through glorious scenery where native orchids lie hidden in the bush. There are also glimpses of some iconic landmarks.
Walking Distance: Approx 24km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Comfortable Villa Style Accommodation in the beautiful Swan Valley
Today is going to be tough going, as we follow along Old Plains Road, which is a dirt road and is fairly monotonous, however this day is perfect for reflection and meditation... and of course we always throw in a couple of quirky bits to keep you motivated.
After today's walk, we're transferred to our base camp at New Norcia where we'll stay for the next two evenings.
Walking Distance: Approx 16.5km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Your own room at The Old Convent with shared ablutions (Hostel style, all linen included and we have exclusive use for our group)
We continue along Old Plains Road today until it meets the Great Northern Highway. The day offers many rewards, as it’s a beautiful stretch, affording fantastic views of the Deep Space Telescope in the foothills to the west and then on approaching the Spanish heritage site of New Norcia, all the feelings of the past seven days will unfold.
Walking Distance: Approx 22km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Your own room at The Old Convent with shared ablutions (Hostel style, all linen included and we have exclusive use for our group)
Today is free at your leisure. You may choose to attend the 6.00am Lauds (Morning Prayer) or 9.00am Community Mass in the Abbey, visit the Museum & Art Gallery, join an organised town tour to learn about the history, or take a stroll around the Monastic town and explore at your own pace. We begin our journey back to Perth early afternoon, arriving back at around 4pm.
Meals: Breakfast
2 Adventurous Women Experienced & Knowledgeable Guides
All Licences & Permits Required
National Park Fees & Permission to access to Private Land
Daily Transport - You Only Carry a Day-pack
Meals as per Itinerary / Glass of Bubbles or Soft at Celebration Dinner
6 Nights Comfortable Villa Style Accommodation in the Swan Valley (Twin Share, unless single supplement requested)
2 nights in The Old Convent at New Norcia (Your own single room, shared ablutions - exclusive use for our group only)
A Memento of your Journey
Adventurous Women Peak Cap & Drawstring Backsack
Hi Viz Vest to wear while on any main roads
8 Lunches
8 Dinners
8 Breakfasts
Meals not included in the itinerary
Items of a personal nature
THE FIRST SIX NIGHTS:
We have secured Comfortable Villa Style Accommodation in the beautiful Swan Valley. There is the option to twin share with another member of the group at no additional cost or pay the extra single supplement of $550 to have your own room within one of the shared villas for the 6 nights
THE LAST TWO NIGHTS:
You will be accommodated at New Norcia: We have secured the New Norcia Convent (Hostel style accommodation) for our private group only. Each lady will have her own room, however you will share toilet/bathroom facilities with other ladies from our group. There is a communal lounge and kitchen/dining area within the hostel and we have this all to ourselves. It's Basic, but neat an tidy and having your own room is a little bit spesh!!!
- Pre-Departure Trip Notes will be provided well in advance of your departure
DISTANCE & STYLE OF TRAIL:
The Pilgrim Trail is generally anywhere between 180 - 202k in length, depending upon possible diversions put in place at the time you walk it, new roads (bypasses), changing land ownership & permissions. Our itinerary (total of 183 kms walking the way of Dom Salvado) follows the Pilgrim Trail Foundation Camino Salvado markers at the time of publishing this itinerary and more recently we've gained permission to access private land, however this may change prior to our departure due to the above factors. The style of this walk is not your 'typical' pretty bush walk, it's a pilgrimage, it's 'The Way' and is meant to challenge you both physically and mentally. You will however you will reap many rewards, as you discover more about yourself, the land and the amazing history behind the trail, along with stunning wildflowers, Aussie wildlife, changing landscapes and our own hidden gems (there's nothing like the AW Style)
FITNESS/HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:
You will need to be fit and in good health in order to enjoy the experience. We strongly recommend that all walkers have a medical check up before walking the Trail, and consult your Doctor if you have any ongoing health problems that might affect you over a 8 day walk. Then we suggest some warm up walks, increasing in length over a period of 4 to 6 weeks prior to walking the Pilgrim Trail. In that way, you will be fit and able to fully enjoy a really memorable experience.
GROUP NUMBERS ON TOUR:
We will take a maximum of 10 ladies ONLY on this tour - be early to secure your place.
TRANSPORT:
Transport is in a comfortable Private Bus from Perth, all pickups to/from track and main luggage transport to and from accommodation while you're out walking. (You will only walk with a day pack each day)
The Camino Salvado Pilgrim Trail will attract people from all walks of life, including those who have faith, those who are seeking faith.... or those who have no faith. We ask that there is no judgement passed, no forceful opinions and that everyone respects one another's choices for taking this pilgrimage. This is a journey about digging deep .... learning more about yourself, about others, connection with nature & land and/or a higher good, reflection & renewal. It's not an easy walk in the true spirit of a pilgrimage, it can be monotonous at times, hard on the feet and tiring, so the most important thing is to bring along with you is 'a pilgrims attitude' and you won't be disappointed.
Notice of cancellation must be in writing, with an email as an acceptable form of communication, directly to Adventurous Women with the following conditions:
BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR GUESTS IF IMPACTED BY COVID-19
If Adventurous Women is unable to run the tour due to COVID travel restrictions (ie: domestic border closures or quarantine periods between states) or if guests can't travel due to COVID travel restrictions, guests can either choose to:
1. Have their deposit refunded
2. Transfer across to another Adventurous Women Tour that suits
No refund is available after departure of a tour has commenced.
