Growing up on a remote cattle property and backpacking travels as a young woman sowed the seed of a lifelong passion for outdoor adventure. Based in Brisbane, Frith Hudson Graham is the founder of GirlsTrek. A unique women's only walking tours and adventure company that launched in 2010.
Frith, can you tell us a little bit about GirlsTrek.
GirlsTrek design and deliver unforgettable and unique trekking experiences that encompass the perfect girls getaway. Designed by women, for women, the common thread to all GirlsTrek trips is luxury without the pretence, hidden gems uncovered from days of research as well as serendipitous wanderings! Our trips are fun, challenging in parts, rewarding, and intend to provide you with one of the happiest times in your life.
Are all of your tours trekking based?
We offer a range of tours nowadays that cater for all interests and a variety of activities that women can enjoy together. Walking, enjoying the outdoors, comfortable accommodation and gourmet experiences are central to what we do, but there's itineraries now that include golf, snowshoeing, cooking schools, farm visits and cultural experiences as an example. At the end of the day, it's about enjoying an activity together and then relaxing with great company and lovely surroundings in the evening.
Where are you off to next?
The next few months are full of many trips from our “walking and wine” collection. These experiences in Western Australia (Margaret River) and South Australia (Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale) and a fun mix of beautiful hikes, sumptuous dining experiences and of course delicious wine! Late in the year I head to Japan to host our numerous Japan treks. I love Japan, the food, the culture, the gorgeous cypress forests. I think my favourite part are the onsens each evening – hot thermal baths to ease the trekkers muscles and prepare you for the next day.
Our final trip for the year is Mt Kosciuszko Summit, a terrific challenge for those women out there looking for a great goal. There is incredible achievement in this trip with longer kilometres per day and two mountain summits that sit in the top 10 peaks of Australia (Mt Kosci and Mt Twynam). We do it all in comfort returning each evening to comfortable beds and generous dinners. We’ve got a couple of spaces left on that one. After that I am turning my attention to 2025 – a year already shaping up to be magical with a huge variety of Australian destinations and some great overseas trips to Italy, Croatia, Morocco and Peru.
When you travel this Summer, what will you be taking?
Our adventures and travel itineraries are a real mix of activities. From culinary short breaks to more active, trekking based adventures. In terms of packing, it's important to consider, luggage and weight restrictions. It's also about feeling comfortable yet put together, especially after a long day in the sun. We provide recommended packing lists for each of our adventures to guide women on their best wardrobe. As a starting point;
- Easy to wear cotton shirting, preferably with a collar and sleeves. Lightweight, relaxed and cool. Something that can be tucked into a pair of shorts or worn over the top of a walking pant.
- Something smart casual for in the evening. It's important to feel put together after a long day of walking but you also don't want the hassle of a full makeover. Relaxed dresses, elevated separates with easy walking shoes such as cute sneaker or smart sandal are my go to's.
- A basic t-shirt is the perfect travel companion. Mix n match your colour ways to change an outfit or simply change your accessories to go from day to night.
- Something warm for in the evening. Especially if we are walking between the restaurant and accommodation or have an outside table for the evening. A lightweight knit, is the perfect companion.
Frith, what is the most common feedback you receive on the tours?
The number one feedback we receive would be; on a GirlsTrek you do not need to think of a thing. Everything is taken care of just the way you would want it to be. We really understand what busy women want and we work very hard to deliver a seamless holiday so girls return feeling reenergised. After that the feedback is about connection – the ‘sisterhood’ of a GirlsTrek, meeting interesting and interested women, feeling valued and heard. Laughing together and sharing stories and creating genuine bonds with your fellow Girl Trekker. We also receive really heartfelt feedback about our GirlsTrek guides specifically we are knowledgeable, supportive and attentive. For us as guides, its serious business to deliver the experience that women want but we want to have fun with you. Its not mechanical leadership rather we are more like your strap on responsible best friend!
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For more information or to book your next adventure, discover www.girlstrek.com.au
