ALBURY travel writer Craig Sheather has just launched his first book on one of his favourite places on earth.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Hot off the press, Best Walks of Victoria’s High Country features 40 walks ranging from 30 minutes to two days.
Born and bred in Albury and having worked and travelled overseas, Sheather said the High Country was hard to beat.
He has explored it since returning to Albury in 2003.
“I’ve travelled a lot, but it’s become one of my favourite places,” he said.
Sheather did all of his own photography for the book during the walks last September.
He did some walks with his family, including wife Carly and children Lyra, 5, and Morrison, 2, friends and on his own.
“I’ve done some long weekend walks with my extended family,” Sheather said.
“I’ve done some great road trips with a few guys.
“I’ve incorporated King Valley winery visits with some walks in that area.
“The book is more family-friendly or suited to beginners because the walks start out easier and work up to more advanced.”
Sheather said The Razorback hike in the Alpine National Park rated among his favourites.
“There are stunning alpine views above the treeline and once you get to the summit there are 360 degree views,” he said.
“The Beechworth village walk is the kind of walk you can just chip away at; it’s a totally different walk.”
Sheather said he was drawn to bush walking and travel writing during rehabilitation for a back injury.
“I grew up camping and fishing and I’ve always loved the outdoors,” he said.
“Twenty years ago I had major back surgery and I’d always played a lot of contact sports.
“The walking started out as rehabilitation and recovery to build my strength again; it all snowballed from there.”
Sheather is now working on a second book on the West Gippsland, Yarra Ranges and Phillip Island regions.
He said flexible work arrangements and a supportive family helped him manage the projects.
Dymocks Albury will host a book signing on Saturday from 10am.
Best Walks of Victoria’s High Country is available from Dymocks Albury, craigsheather.com.au, booktopia.com.au, angusrobertson.com.au and some Visitor Information Centres.
