How do you choose the next big hike?

I'm always keen to lock in the next multi-day hike! But how do you decide which one it will be? A number of factors have affected my decisions over the last few years.

School Holidays

I have kids, so being at home during the school holidays is a must for me, but for those without kids at school, you might also want to avoid peak travel season while the kids are off! I plan all my big hikes for during term-time.

Work Commitments

In my line of work there are a number of set deadlines that I have to meet, so I like to, if possible, plan around those. I have at times needed to hike during a busier work time, but knowing what is coming up and being about to schedule my work around the set hikes dates is possible.

COVID

Over the last couple of years this has been a big one! And because of it I decided to stick to Queensland as travel overseas was impossible and planning an inter-state trip risky.

Weather

This will nearly always determine when you can undertake a certain hike, and in turn may determine if it's next on the list or not. EG Jatbula is only open from June to September, if I'm not able to go duri

ng those months for any reason, it's not next on my list! I find hiking in optimal weather conditions certainly makes for a more enjoyable hiking experience so it's definitely high on my list of priorities.

Finances

This is a big one that might determine whether the next big hike is a couple of hours drive away or a flight across the country! More local hikes will always be cheaper, whereas overseas or inter-state the costs really build up with flights, car hire or taxis, accommodation and a bit of sight-seeing.

Equipment

Do you have the right equipment for that hike you really want to do? Or will it require a bit of a spend on some new gear? One sleeping bag won't do for all climates, so are you willing or able to fork out for items you might need?

Time

How many days do you have available? Will the next hike on your bucket list fit into the time slot open to you?

Before I set the next hike I ask myself this list of questions. I've been wanting to do the Great Ocean Walk for a number of years, but I can't get it to the top of my list of a number of the reasons. I'll get there one day, but probably not next year - sticking to Queensland again until the horror of Covid interrupting our lives has gone!