WHAT IS THE AUSSIE CAMINO?

AUSSIE CAMINO 1

Source:Aussiecamino

The Aussie Camino is a pilgrimage route running from Portland in Victoria to Penola in South Australia, inspired by the life and journeys of Australia’s Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop and her mentor Fr Julian Tenison Woods. Based on the traditions of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, pilgrims receive a guidebook, passport, scallop shell and stay in the local towns along the way. Groups are organised by tour companies and depart at various times of the year. (see below) Those who are extremely hardy and have experience in unsupported multi-day walks may want to organise their own group. However, for those lucky enough to have walked on a European camino, we advise that the Aussie Camino has a much shorter tradition and is less supported.

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HOW IT BEGAN

In April 2013, three workmates set out on a pilgrimage they called the ‘Aussie Camino’. On the way they discussed the history, customs and traditions of the ancient pilgrim trails and asked ‘Why are there only caminos in Europe and the Holy Land? Why can’t we have one here? Now that we have a saint of our own, St Mary MacKillop. Where would it begin and end?’

YouTube Clip – Aussie Camino 2013

Mary MacKillop was a traveller. Her work took her all over Australia and New Zealand. It was decided it should be from Portland to Penola. Mary MacKillop traveled widely but her last teaching post as a lay teacher was in Portland. From there, she was called by her mentor and co-founder priest Fr Julian Tenison-Woods back to Penola, where they had met a few years before. Penola is widely accepted as the birthplace of St Mary MacKillop’s order, the Sisters of St Joseph. A town with a population of only 1300, it is 383 kilometres from Adelaide and 412 kilometres from Melbourne. It was when Mary was called from Portland to Penola on 19 March 1866 that she wore her black habit for the first time and declared herself Sr Mary.

After much planning, a second group of 32 set out at Easter 2014 on the first official ‘Aussie Camino’. Each day began with a lively ‘Buen camino!’ in the main street of each town and then, with maps in hand, they set out for their destination. Every day included six to eight hours of walking—an average of 24 kilometres— each day was long but spectacular, as it is both a spiritual and human experience. Although it traces places Mary MacKillop visited it also appeals to people who have a sense of awe in creation. The camino includes walks along cliff tops, beaches, sand dunes, goat trails and farm tracks. Only about 7 kilometres of the whole camino is on major highways.

Steve, Mick and Luke – The first pilgrims 2013

Each day the pilgrims stay in the local hotel of each town. The peace and solitude, combined with the steady rhythm of the feet and walking poles, provides many moments of reflection. In this busy life one does not often get a chance to really talk with one another, but on the road there is plenty of time to reveal very personal experiences.

We hope one day you will be able to come and experience it for yourself.

¡Buen camino!

Luke Mills

Email Luke about the Aussie Camino or request guide book