The longest marked non-mechanised trail in Australia. It runs along the east coast of Australia, from Cooktown down to Healesville, following  the foothills of The Great Dividing Range and the old stock route. It passes through some some pretty tough and remote country but offers some amazing views and experiences along the way.  

The Trail consists of 12 sections, each with detailed guidebooks available for BNT Members to purchase. The Guidebooks provide essential information to complete the trail including, directions and maps, contacts to gain permission to pass through private property in some places,  and, importantly, where water can be found and places to camp.

The National Trail is run by a not-for-profit organisation, supported entirely by a team of volunteers. There are a number of section co-ordinators  who look after the trail and are an invaluable source of information and advice to BNT members and trekkers.
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One thing that surprised me when I was first contemplating doing the trail was how low key Australia's Bicentennial National Trail is. Seriously, Google "world's longest trails" and it doesn't even rate a mention. From what I've seen in my research, the BNT deserves better. It looks awesome and I can't wait to hit the trail and experience it firsthand.  

 I think the Trail's profile is on the up. It seems 2017/18 will have a bumper crop of people having a crack, this will certainly help raise its profile, as will funding and better government support.  When I share with people my plans to do the BNT they ask me why? Am I doing it for a cause? In thinking about it, yes, a bloody good cause - the trail itself.  The more people that know about it, become members of the BNT so they can experience all or part of it, the better it will become for future generations. Maybe one day it will be recognised as one of the world's premier long distance trails.

 Check out the BNT website and their Facebook page for firsthand information about this national treasure. Make my day and let me know that you've become a member or sent off a donation.