Paint & Hike: Light to Light
Paint & Hike: Light to Light
Overview
Soak in the pristine wilderness of the Sapphire Coast, and let its picturesque cliff-top walking inspire your creativity. On this trip, we’ll Paint & Hike our way along the spectacular Light to Light Walk – one of Australia’s most beautiful coastal journeys and official NSW Great Walk.
Across an unforgettable 4 days, follow the coastline of Beowa National Park from Boyd Tower to the historic Green Cape Lighthouse. Hike through diverse coastal heathland, visit tranquil coves and beaches, and encounter native wildlife.
Join us for an one-of-a-kind coastal trip and uncover your creative side.
Contents
Key Features
- Spend up to three hours each day painting.
- Refine your skills with daily guided painting workshops led by local Canberra artist, Ineka Voigt.
- Enjoy a peaceful and secluded walking experience in coastal wilderness.
- Hiker-only campsites
Highlights
- Visit Boyd’s Tower and Green Cape Lighthouse
- Swim in crystal-clear water and sheltered coves
- Iconic Sapphire Coast scenery
- Wildflowers (season-dependent)
- Whales (season-dependent)
Painting Workshops
On this tour, we will be joined by our Artist Guide, Ineka Voigt. Ineka is a professional artist known for her Australian landscapes and botanicals. She is a trained Artist Educator and has facilitated dozens of painting workshops across Australia.
Ineka will lead up to three hours of guided painting tuition each day, including optional classes. These workshops are designed for complete beginners to painting and drawing, as well as those with painting experience wanting to step outside their creative comfort zone.
Over the course of the trip, you will learn slow-looking and observation, warm-up exercises to spark your creativity, colour theory, mark making, painting techniques, practical tips for painting outside, and how to start and finish your first hiking paintings! Ineka is ready to assist you every step of the way.
Painting Supplies
Gouache paints
Paint brushes
Painting booklet
Waterproof pencil case
Mini water container
Wilderness Immersion
At the core of The Adventure Gene is the belief that outside is better than inside. Our trips are designed to get you deep into nature, away from big cities and crowded walks filled with day hikers. That’s why we only provide tent-based adventures. We want you to see the sunrise (and the sunset). To hear the birds talking after the rain passes. To feel the cool breeze come in after a day of walking. To be outside, in our natural environment.
Indeed, a 2022 meta-analysis of scientific studies found that 98% of people improved their mental health after engaging with natural outdoor environments. Our 35,000km of hiking experience agrees with that. However, it’s not as simple as just being in nature. Recent research shows that the biggest benefits come from connecting and engaging with the natural environment (1, 2, 3).
Based off these recent findings, each day on trail we will run a short, optional, mindfulness exercise to help you notice, engage, and connect with the surrounding natural environment. All of our guides are qualified instructors, where current research at Macquarie University shows that as little as 20 minutes of nature engagement per week is enough to feel:
- 50% more relaxed
- 36% happier
- 20% less negative
- 7.7% more productive
- 31% more connected to the natural environment
Of course, on this trip we are lucky to have far more than 20 minutes to engage with the incredible nature available to us ☺️
Itinerary
Meet your guides in Canberra at 2PM the afternoon before the tour starts. You will receive all your gear (tent, sleeping bag, pack etc.) and we will do a final clothing check.
Day 1: Boyd's Tower to Mowarry Point
Our adventure begins with an early departure from Canberra as we drive to the Sapphire Coast. Our destination is Red Point, where upon arrival, we take the time to explore Boyds Tower before immersing ourselves in our first painting session of the trip.
After cooking up some lunch, we officially begin our hike along the iconic Light to Light Walk. The trail leads us along the coastline and through coastal shrub to Red Rock Bay and onto Leatherjacket Bay. After a break in the shade, we continue our trek to Mowarry Point, our hiker-only campsite for the night. Here, we learn the essentials of setting up our tents before enjoying dinner together, surrounded by the sounds of the ocean.
Meals provided: Lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 2: Mowarry Point to Hegartys Bay
We start our day by catching the sunrise over the ocean. After breakfast and packing up camp, we jump straight into our first painting workshop of the day, capturing the sparkling Mowarry Beach in morning light.
Continuing along the Light to Light Walk, we take in expansive clifftop views. Saltwater Creek provides the perfect stop for lunch, where we also have the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in the ocean. This is followed by another painting session, this time focusing on texture as we paint the trees and coastal shrub.
From here, we follow the coastline all the way to Hegartys Bay, another hiker-only campsite where we end the day.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 3: Hegartys Bay to Bittangabee Campground
After starting the day with a hot breakfast and coffee, we undertake our next dedicated painting session. The abundance and variety of shells at Hegartys Bay provide a perfect study of colour.
After departing camp, we continue following the coastline towards Green Cape. The landscape today is a mix of coastal heathland and dramatic rocky cliff faces, providing a variety of inspiring scenery for painting.
Today’s walk is a shorter one, finishing at Bittangabee Bay. This early arrival allows for a leisurely afternoon where you can choose to relax around camp, take a refreshing swim in the ocean, or join Ineka for another painting workshop to further refine your skills.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 4: Bittangabee Bay to Green Cape Lighthouse
On our final day of the trip, we follow the rugged coastline to Green Cape Lighthouse. The trail today offers a different perspective as we walk closer to the base of the cliffs and along beautiful, pebbly beaches.
Our trek finishes at Green Cape Lighthouse, where Ineka will lead our final painting session.
After painting the lighthouse, we begin our journey home. A stop in Eden provides the opportunity to grab some hot food before we settle in for the drive back to Canberra.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch & snacks
Map
Inclusions
- All painting equipment, including an ultra-light paint palette with toxin-free gouache paint, 3-4 paint brushes, and a handcrafted sketchbook (panoramic format) with artist-grade 300gsm watercolour paper.
- Modern hiking gear (see below). We estimate you can hike comfortably with a total pack weight under 10kg for nearly the entire trip.
- Quality, nutritious meals, snacks and hot drinks for the entire trip. This includes a cooked breakfast and dinner. Excludes breakfast on the first day, and dinner on the final day.
- Two world-class guides.
- Transport from and to Canberra at the beginning and end of the trek.
- Detailed pre-tour preparation package.
Intimate Group Sizes
All of our trips have a strict maximum group size of 8 people. With 2 full-time guides, we have an industry leading guest to guide ratio of 4:1. This means our guides are always available if you need them, and you’re free to walk at your own pace.
Gear
We provide state-of-the-art modern hiking gear for the trip. All of the gear we provide is kit that we have and personally choose to use on our own hikes. The gear is lightweight but does not compromise on comfort or safety. The total weight of this gear equates to roughly 4.5kg.
This includes the following:
Food
All meals, snacks and hot drinks are provided, excluding breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day. Breakfast and dinners are hot meals, cooked and enjoyed whilst relaxing at camp. Lunches and snacks will be eaten during breaks throughout the day.
We work with a local freeze-drying company in Canberra to bring you delicious and nutritious meals in the backcountry. Freeze-drying is preferable to dehydrating food because of the improved taste, texture and nutrient preservation. All of the meals we prepare are designed as part of our nutrition program to ensure you are well nourished and maintain high energy levels for the duration of the trip.
We cater for nearly all dietary requirements. This includes vegetarian, vegan, lactose free, gluten free (including coeliac) and general allergies. If you are unsure whether we will be able to cater for your needs, please contact us and we will chat about your options!
The following are some examples of our typical trail meals and snacks.
Breakfast
- Trail oats with mixed nuts, dried fruit, chia seeds and maple syrup.
- Breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs, bacon, refried beans, spinach, cheese and tomato sauce wrapped in a soft tortilla.
- Buckwheat pancakes with Nutella and walnuts.
Lunch
- Shepherd’s pie; freeze-dried beef mince in a Worcestershire sauce, layered with mint peas and topped with creamy mashed potato.
- Wholemeal wraps filled with smashed avo, chicken, sun-dried tomatoes and cheddar.
- Trail nachos; taco-spiced beef mince, refried pinto beans, corn, avocado and cheese served with crispy corn chips.
Dinner
- Fluffy quinoa mixed with tender chicken or tofu in a rich, peanut satay sauce.
- Classic beef spaghetti bolognese with mushrooms and sundried tomatoes, cooked in a tomato and herb sauce and topped with cheese.
- Spicy chicken and risoni pasta tossed in a creamy coconut sauce.
Dessert
- Silky coffee and chocolate tiramisu topped with crispy wafers.
- Freeze-dried ice cream (multiple flavours including Golden Gaytimes)!
- Warm, cinnamon spiced apples topped with a golden, buttery crumble.
Snacks & hot drinks
We have a variety of different snacks, including chocolate (the best hiking food), lollies, nuts, dried fruit, museli bars, chips and pretzels.
For hot drinks, we carry Moccona coffee, milk powder, Milo, black tea, green tea and lemon & ginger tea.
Tour Dates
Want to secure your spot? We only require a $99 deposit to confirm your place on the trip. We have payment plans available with full payment required 60 days before the trip start date. Please get in touch if you have any questions, want to join the waitlist for a sold out trip, or would like a personalised payment plan.
Tuesday
Friday
AUD $2,495.00
Nearly Sold Out
Monday
Thursday
AUD $2,495.00
Nearly Sold Out
Tuesday
Friday
AUD $2,495.00
Saturday
Tuesday
AUD $2,495.00
Friday
Monday
AUD $2,495.00
Friday
Monday
AUD $2,495.00
Tuesday
Friday
AUD $2,495.00
Monday
Thursday
AUD $2,495.00
Tuesday
Friday
AUD $2,495.00
Sunday
Wednesday
AUD $2,495.00
Stay informed and find out about new dates!
Compare
We provide the most supportive and all-inclusive multi-day hiking trips in Australia. We are industry leaders by providing the best gear, world-class guides, top quality food, intimate group sizes, detailed preparation support and extensive opportunities for skill development.
The table below compares our trips to similar tent-based guided hikes.
| Our Trips | Similar Trips | |
|---|---|---|
| Provided Gear | All gear included. No additional hire fees. | Either not provided, only some items provided, or has an extra hire fee. |
| Gear Quality | Modern and lightweight. We aim to keep your pack under 10kg for nearly the entire trip. | Usually outdated, heavy gear with pack weight sometimes over 20kg. |
| Guides | 2 full-time, world-class guides, always walking with the group. | Sometimes one guide. If there are two guides, one is often driving the bus or not walking with the group. |
| Provided Food | All food provided, including snacks and hot drinks. | Not always provided or comes at an additional expense. |
| Food Quality | We always make our own meals. We use freeze-dried ingredients for increased taste, texture, and nutrition. | Often dehydrated meals from a packet. |
| Group Size | Maximum group size of 8, with an industry-leading guide-to-guest ratio of 1:4. | Frequently 10+ group size with only one walking guide (ratio of 1:10). |
| Wilderness Immersion | Optional daily mindfulness exercises to engage with the natural environment. | Guided mindfulness sessions are rarely included. |
| Preparation Support | Detailed preparation package with clothing, training, footwear, and blister prevention suggestions. | Usually only a simple packing list. |
| Skill Development | Strong focus on education and skill development for those who are interested. | Typically less focused on skill development. |
Other Information
Money Back Guarantee
Your safety and enjoyment are paramount. That’s why we guarantee that our guides are seasoned-experts who will ensure that you feel supported, informed, and secure every step of the way.
In the unlikely event that you don’t feel like you had this experience, we will give you a full refund.
Preparation Package
This tour includes an extensive preparation package filled with gear suggestions and techniques designed to help you thrive on your trip. Additionally, you will receive a detailed trip itinerary 8 weeks before the trip starts.
Stay Up To Date
Join our Facebook Event to get the latest information and updates about the trip. It’s also a great way to discuss with others, ask any questions you might have, and learn about special deals, new trip dates + promos.
Contact
We encourage you to reach out and ask questions at any time. You can contact us via email (contact@theadventuregene.com), social media or through the website.
Insurance Coverage
All participants are required to have adequate insurance that covers medical evacuation by air, land, or sea. This is typically in the form of ambulance cover, which is normally included in a general private health policy and can cost as little as $50 per year separately. Please note that any evacuation deemed necessary by the guides will be the financial responsibility of the guest.
It is also recommended that you have travel insurance that covers potential losses, damages, or injuries, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
Note that The Adventure Gene’s cancellation fees apply and cannot be waived.
FAQs
What level of fitness and experience is required for this tour?
Previous hiking and camping experience is not required. Our guides are experts and can teach you everything you need to know. Additionally, we provide you with all the information you need to prepare for the trip.
You need the fitness required to carry a ~10kg pack for short periods of time. This includes walking off-trail.
What level of painting experience is required for this tour?
No painting experience is required. This trip caters both to those who come from an artistic background, as well as those who have never held a paintbrush before. Lessons will be tailored to suit your skill level.
How difficult is this trip and how fast do we walk?
For a multiday hike with camping, we rate this tour as easy. You can see the distance and elevation details in the table below:
| Average | Minimum | Maximum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance (km) | 8.0 | 5.3 | 9.9 |
| Elevation gain (m) | 238 | 112 | 361 |
Daily walking times are generally between 2-4 hours. Due to the small group size and having two guides, we are able to cater to a wide range of walking speeds and encourage everyone to walk at their own pace.
If you are unsure whether this tour is appropriate for you, please contact us. We are more than happy to have a chat and answer any questions you have. We support all our guests in preparing for their trip.
How much weight will I need to carry?
We estimate that you will be able to keep your pack weight below 10kg for nearly the entire trek. Gear provided will equate to 3.5-4kg. This leaves clothing, personal items, food and water making up the rest of the weight.
Food:
We have a 4 day food carry. Each person will initially have to carry up to ~3.6kg of food.
Water:
Whilst water is generally readily available in this region, it is highly dependent on recent rainfall. It is uncommon to carry more than 2L of water.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
We are experienced in catering for a wide range of dietary requirements, provided you let us know in advance. If we are unable to cater for your dietary needs, we will contact you and find an alternative solution.
Where is the pickup point for the trips?
The trip starts and finishes at The Griffin Centre. 20 Genge St, Canberra, 2601.
Do I need accomodation before and after the trip?
You will need accomodation for the night before the trip starts as we have our gear check at 2PM the afternoon of Day 0.
Additionally, we highly recommend booking accomodation for the final night of the trip, as we cannot guarantee the time we will return to Canberra for flights.
Where should I stay in Canberra?
The trip starts and finishes at The Griffin Centre. 20 Genge St, Canberra, 2601. There are many options for accommodation near here.
What should I do with my luggage?
If you have luggage, we recommend that you arrange to leave it at the accomodation you are staying at the night before the trip.
Where can I leave my car if I drive to Canberra?
You should contact your accomodation to discuss whether they would be happy for you to leave your car with them during the trip.
We have an agreement with Canberra Rex Hotel to store your car for free for the duration of your hike, provided you stay with them before and after the trip. They will be able to keep your car across the road in their overflow carpark (outside, not undercover) whilst you are away. However, you should call them to confirm they can do this for the dates you are looking at.
You also have the option to get a multi-day permit for government car parks.
If you prefer undercover parking, there are several options in the city that have paid parking for ~$35/day.
What do I need to bring?
After your place on the tour is confirmed, you will be sent a detailed packing list of required clothing and personal items. We also provide tailored recommendations based on our 35,000+km of experience!
If you are unsure what to pack, make sure to reach out and ask questions at any time.
Do I need to share a tent?
We have both one person and two person tents available. Whilst we recommend sharing a tent to reduce pack weight, it is not a requirement. If you choose to use a one person tent, this will equate to carrying roughly an extra 325g. If you choose to carry a two person tent for yourself, this will equate to carrying roughly an extra 540g.
Do you charge a single supplement fee?
No, we do not charge a single supplement fee.
How often will I get to talk to my family?
Telstra provides the best mobile phone coverage through the Kosciuszko National Park. Whilst not always guaranteed, we have found that we have had service at some point every few days along the tour (most consistently at high points and mountain passes). Please note that the reception may not always be good enough to hold a phone conversation, however text messages will generally send with time.
Additionally, both guides will be carrying devices with inReach satellite technology to always have an open line of communication.
What kind of terrain will we be hiking on?
Kosciuszko National Park offers a diverse range of terrains and track qualities. We will spend time walking along well-formed tracks, as well as navigating off trail. Hikers will experience steep ascents and descents, river crossings and trekking through uneven terrain.
Are there age restrictions for this tour?
All participants must be over the age of 18. Participants over the age of 70 require medical clearance from their doctor to partake in this tour.
Do I need to carry a first aid kit?
No, our guides carry a comprehensive first aid kit that has everything we will need. However, if you have certain items that you would like to carry, feel free to bring them.
Are you licensed to run guided tours?
Yes, we are fully licensed and insured NSW EcoPass Operators.
What is your cancellation policy?
You may change your trip start date, or transfer to another trip, if you notify us more than 90 days before departure.
If you wish to cancel your trip and cannot transfer to another trip, we will charge the following per person:
- 60-90 days before departure: 25% of trip price
- 30-59 days before departure: 50% of trip price
- 15-29 days before departure: 75% of trip price
- 14 days or less before departure: 100% of trip price
No refunds will be given for unused services after the trip starts. Full payment is required 90 days before trip departure. If payment is not received by the due date, we reserve the right to cancel your booking.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help you out!
“The X-Mid 1 is my favorite tent…it is a great shelter if you want a trekking pole tent that is affordable, spacious, stormworthy, and packs up small.”