Introduction
As 2025 comes to a close, we take a moment to reflect on our year in review. Not only was it our 25th year as a trusted operator, it was also a remarkable year defined by meaningful achievements, new experiences, and the continued trust of our loyal walking community.
From national recognition in ecotourism to the launch of new products, the establishment of our charity and corporate walks, and successful delivery of tours across Australia, 2025 has reinforced what matters most to us: creating authentic, sustainable walking experiences that connect people with nature and with each other.
We have set out below some of the highlights that shaped our year and strengthened our commitment to delivering exceptional small‑group walking adventures across Australia.
Independently Recognised as an Ecotourism Leader
One of our proudest achievements of 2025 was receiving the Bronze Award in the Ecotourism category at the Victorian Tourism Awards. This recognition reflects the dedication of our guides, operations team, and partners who work tirelessly to deliver environmentally responsible, culturally respectful, and deeply enriching walking experiences.
We were also proud to be audited and recertified for the 15th consecutive year as an Advanced Ecotourism Leader by Ecotourism Australia. This long‑standing certification is a testament to our commitment to sustainable ‘leave-no-trace’ travel. It reassures our guests that when they choose Park Trek, they are choosing a genuinely responsible operator that prioritises and advocates for the protection of Australia’s wild places.
Showcasing Our Experiences on the Global Stage
In May, Park Trek again attended the invitation only Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) for the fourth time. As Tourism Australia’s premier trade event, ATE brings together international buyers, media, and tourism leaders from across the globe. Being invited again to represent our ecotourism experiences is a tribute to the quality, consistency, and reputation of our walking tours.
ATE provides a unique opportunity to showcase the beauty of Australia’s landscapes—from Tasmania’s rugged coastlines to Victoria’s alpine peaks—to international audiences who may be discovering Park Trek for the first time. Our continued presence at ATE reinforces our standing as a trusted operator within Australia and a respected contributor to the global nature‑based tourism sector.
Continuing to Deliver Exceptional Guest Experiences
Guest feedback is at the heart of everything we do. In 2025, we were thrilled to once again receive the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, placing Park Trek in the top 10% of all experiences worldwide. This recognition is driven entirely by our commitment to high standards and guest reviews—hundreds of 5‑star ratings across TripAdvisor and Google that highlight the professionalism of our guides, the quality of our itineraries, and the warmth of our hospitality.
Our customers consistently grateful and full of praise for our pre-trip procedures, and exceptional in-field guides. An example of which is exemplified below in feedback from a recent Tarkine Wilderness guest:
“Both our guides were just perfect for this trip. Whoever gets to walk with these two young women will be fortunate to get the best knowledge of the history, environment, and kindness. If I was the CEO of Park Trek contemplating what type of person I would like for a perfect guide I would get both these young woman – 10/10 for both for doing their job and extra for going above and beyond.”
These reviews are more than compliments; they are a reflection of the trust our guests place in us and the care our team puts into every walk. Whether it’s preparing a hearty meal after a long day on the trail, sharing local stories, or ensuring every guest feels supported and safe on the trail, our guides and staff consistently go above and beyond.
Introduced Our New Victorian Alps Highlights Walk
One of the most exciting developments of 2025 was the launch of our new 4‑day Victorian Alps Highlights Walk, set within the breathtaking Mount Buffalo National Park. This walk has quickly become a guest favourite, offering a perfect blend of alpine vistas, granite landscapes, cool‑climate forests, and the serenity of one of Victoria’s most iconic national parks. This walk’s itinerary was carefully crafted to showcase the region’s natural beauty while providing a comfortable, fully guided experience suitable for both seasoned hikers and those new to multi‑day walking.
The walk also received critical acclaim in The Age, which praised it as the kind of restorative, nature‑immersive holiday many travellers didn’t realise they needed. This recognition has helped introduce the Victorian Alps to a broader audience and reinforced Park Trek’s reputation for designing thoughtful, memorable walking journeys.
Establishing Our Charity Walks Business – “Step Up With Park Trek”
In 2025, we proudly launched Step Up with Park Trek, our dedicated charity walks business. This initiative builds on the success of our 2024 charity walks and reflects our long‑standing commitment to supporting Australia’s not‑for‑profit sector.
Our Owner’s extensive history in the for‑purpose space—including leadership roles with Guide Dogs Victoria and the Australian Print Workshop—has shaped our belief that walking can be a powerful vehicle for social good. Through Step Up with Park Trek, we’ve created a platform that enables individuals and organisations to raise funds, build community, and experience the joy of walking for a cause.
Over the past 18 months, our charity walkers have raised almost half a million dollars for leading charities like Shake It Up Australia, Doctors for the Environment, and Guide Dogs Victoria, among others. We are incredibly proud of this impact and excited to continue expanding the program in 2026 and beyond.
Launching Our Corporate Walks Program
Another major milestone in 2025 was the establishment of our corporate walks business, designed specifically to bring teams closer together. These walks are built around a simple but powerful idea: trust is the foundation of high‑performing teams, and trust grows when people connect authentically.
Our corporate walks encourage participants to step away from the office for an “offsite with a difference”. Our guests relax into nature and engage in meaningful conversations with their colleagues. By creating space for people to get to know each other on a personal level, we help teams build stronger relationships, improve communication, and return to work more connected and aligned.
Delivering Exceptional Walks Safely in Iconic Locations
Safety and professionalism are at the core of our operations. In 2025, our exceptional guides—supported by our front office and administrative team—successfully delivered walks in 17 stunning locations across Australia. From sea level on Tasmania’s Three Capes Track, to Australia’s rooftop in the Snowy Mountains, to the arid beauty of South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, our teams ensured every walk was executed to the highest standard. We are proud of our strong safety record and grateful for the consistent praise we receive from guests about the quality and care with which our walks are delivered.
Always Putting Our Customers First
In 2025, we continued to put our customers at the centre of everything we do. Our Owner, who will do almost anything (within reason) to keep our guests happy, has occasionally stepped in as a second guide to ensure smaller tours could be confirmed and run. This hands‑on approach reflects our commitment to ensuring guests get to enjoy the experiences we create, even when group sizes are smaller than we target.
Celebrating Our Guides and Broader Team
Throughout 2025, our guiding teams have made us incredibly proud. Their professionalism, warmth, and deep knowledge of Australia’s landscapes are central to the Park Trek experience. We attract high‑quality guides, set them up for success, and reward them well—and in turn, they show great loyalty to Park Trek and to our guests. Coupled with our exceptional front office team, led by our General Manager Bailey, we have built a dedicated, passionate team from end to end. Their commitment is the backbone of our business.
Our Valued Partners
The strength of Park Trek is not only determined by the guests who choose us and the people we employ, but also by the partners we work with. We are exceptionally proud of our accommodation providers, touring partners, and other business collaborators who help us deliver outstanding experiences. We select our partners carefully – their professionalism and shared commitment to quality play a vital role in our success.
Seasons Greetings from the Park Trek Team
As the festive season approaches, we want to extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. Whether you’re spending the holidays on the trail, by the coast, or gathered with family and friends, we hope the season brings rest, joy, and connection. Thank you for being part of the Park Trek community. We look forward to walking with you in 2026 and wish you a safe, enjoyable festive season and a prosperous 2026.
Happy Walking,
Charles & The Park Trek Team
Park Trek acknowledges and pays its respects to the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which we wander as a walking company. We recognise the unique place held by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original custodians of the lands and waterways across our continent, with histories of continuous connection dating back more than 60,000 years. We are proud to live on the planet’s oldest continent with the oldest continuous living culture. We support the Uluru Statement from the Heart.