Great Ocean Walk stars in innovative new campaign

Great Ocean Walk stars in innovative new campaign

Tourism Victoria 18 June 2010

Victoria's magnificent 104-kilometre Great Ocean Walk forms the stunning backdrop for a new one-hour documentary being released globally this year and featuring three of the world's most inspiring walkers.

The Art of Walking documentary follows world-famous American environmentalist John Francis, former Olympic ice skater Katarina Witt and amazing Australian Paralympian Michael Milton as they experience one of the world's greatest walks.

Mixing sweeping aerial shots of the Great Ocean Road's breathtaking coastline and footage of flora and fauna along the trail, The Art of Walking details the journeys of these incredible individuals and reveals the natural wonders of this part of Victoria.

The Great Ocean Walk takes visitors to parts of the Great Ocean Road previously inaccessible by road and offers a range of experiences, from multi-day treks staying at wilderness campsites along the trail to shorter walks and luxury accommodation options. The walk lets visitors "step on" and "step off" the trail at various points if they do not wish to do the whole journey.

Beginning with John Francis, also known as The Planetwalker, The Art of Walking follows this inspiring man as he travels with banjo in hand from picturesque Apollo Bay, through marine microhabitats to the untouched beauty of Otway National Park. He discovers abundant local wildlife, rainforests, waterfalls and ever-green fern gullies, and shares his reflections with viewers. His fascinating life story, soulful personality and musings on the importance of nature and the place of humans within it make for a wonderful opening.

Germany's Katarina Witt then experiences one of the more isolated strips of coast along the walk, reflecting on endless ocean vistas and negotiating the wild plains of the cape. The film captures the transformation of this highly focused sportswoman throughout her walk as she draws inspiration from her surroundings and the wildlife she encounters.

Finally, the charming all-Australian Michael Milton guides viewers through the breathtaking ocean views of Gables Lookout, tackles steep sand dunes and visits the ship-wrecked beaches leading to the magnificent Twelve Apostles - achieving the journey on just one leg. It is an inspirational end to an epic journey.

Director Zach Merck captures each walker as they embark on a physical journey that takes them through the beauty, diverse ecosystems and fascinating history of this stretch of Victorian coast.

As each of their senses is challenged - by the sight of sunsets from atop sheer cliffs, the cool feeling of the rainforest, the scent of fresh salty air and the sounds of native birds and animals along the track - the walkers are intoxicated by the beauty of the Great Ocean Walk.

The Art of Walking is a one-hour documentary produced by Radical Media for Tourism Victoria as part of its Nature Based Tourism Strategy 2008-2012. The film is being aired by the National Geographic Channel in the UK, Germany, Italy and Asia. It aired in Australia and New Zealand in early May.


Celebrity Walker Profiles:

John Francis
Nicknamed ‘The PlanetWalker', American environmentalist and UN Ambassador John Francis kicks off the walk. After witnessing a catastrophic oil spill in San Francisco Bay in 1971, Francis gave up the use of motorised vehicles for 22 years, and took a 17-year vow of silence to further highlight his cause. During this time, he completed three degrees and a masters as well as walking across the US, Venezuela, Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile.

Katarina Witt
Two-time Olympic gold medallist, German athlete Katarina Witt trades her ice skates for hiking boots as she experiences Australia and the Great Ocean Walk the first time. The glamorous Witt currently splits her time between being a TV host, including presenting Stars of Ice in Berlin, and modelling. Katarina shot to fame in 1988 when she claimed her second figure skating gold medal at the Calgary games in Canada. ‘Kati' Witt is also the most successful figure skater of all time having amassed more figure skating titles than anyone else in the history of the sport. Katarina is a two-time Olympic champion, four-time world champion and six-time European champion figure skater.

Michael Milton
Viewers will experience the final leg of this stunning walk through the eyes of Australian Paralympian and Olympian Michael Milton. Michael Milton is one of Australia's best-known athletes. Having survived two bouts of cancer and the loss of his right leg, Milton's four-gold-medal haul at the 2002 Winter Paralympic Games endeared him to our sport-loving nation, and earned him the title of Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability. Michael is the fastest skier with a disability in the world, and the fastest skier in Australia, recording speeds of 213km per hour.

UK Broadcast Dates:

UK: National Geographic Channel; premiere 25 June

More information: www.theartofwalking.com.au


For media enquiries contact Amy Skelding, Lucy Pennington, Debbie Hindle askelding@bgb.co.uk / lpennington@bgb.co.uk / dhindle@bgb.co.uk 0207 902 2990

Corporate website: www.tourismvictoria.com.au
Consumer website: www.visitmelbourne.com/uk

 

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