From the rugged Larapinta Trail in Central Australia to Tasmania’s iconic Overland Track and the world-famous Cradle Mountain walk, Mahalia has guided guests through some of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes.

Mahalia is one of our wonderful guides, passionate about sharing the wild and special places we are so fortunate to walk. In this piece, she reflects on the recent Larapinta Trail season and looks ahead to summer on the Overland Track and the Cradle Mountain walk – a trail she first experienced before she was even born, carried in her mother’s belly.

How many Larapinta seasons have you guided for TWC now?

I am going into my 3rd season of guiding now and have guided two seasons on the Larapinta trail. 

What was a favourite moment (or two) from this season?

Many of my favourite moments on the Larapinta were the swims. It has some of the best swimming spots I’ve ever been to, and we try to go to a swimming hole or gorge every day of the trip. To swim being surrounded by ghost gums, towering red rock walls and having Whistling Kites diving for fish around you are something truly special. I’ve also loved seeing how excited our guests get about the stars. To be able to sit at the campfire after a big but rewarding day out on track and just watch the stars for hours never gets old. To see the most beautiful sunset, to then be followed by the best stars you’ll ever see is always a highlight for the guests. 

Explain the responses to special moments on track such as sunrise atop Mount Sonder

Our Mount Sonder morning is also often a highlight for guests. We wake up early and walk by head torch, or sometimes even walk just by the full moon's light, up to a saddle for a sunrise and coffee. Getting to look back at what we’ve walked and the sun rising over the West MacDonald ranges is so rewarding and a very beautiful moment. 

Guiding on the Overland Track and Cradle Mountain Signature Walk — how does it compare to the Larapinta Trail?

I also guide on the Overland Track in Tasmania which has a very different feel to the Larapinta Trail. I often get asked to compare the walks which I find hard just because they are so different from each other. 

Both offer special wildlife encounters, plant life and stunning views that are unique to their own walk. On the Overland track, we can be gifted with all types of weather conditions, which I personally love because it means we get to experience the environment in so many ways. Whereas, On the Larapinta trail, conditions are usually consistently warm and sunny which means guaranteed sunsets and swims. Ironically though, the swims are icy cold on both walks. 

I always recommend to guests that if they have done the Larapinta Trail, the Overland Track should be the next walk they check out and vice versa. 

Are you guiding this summer in Tasmania, where, and what are you looking forward to the most?

I will be guiding again in Tasmania this coming summer primarily on the Overland track and I am so excited to be back out there and reunited with my fellow guides and ask them all about the adventures they got up to over winter. The Overland track and the Cradle Mountain area is a very special place to me and my family. My Uncle guided for this same product (back then it was called Cradle Huts) when he was younger and my Mum walked The Overland track with my dad while she was pregnant with me. My very first overnight hike was also in the Cradle area so to be working and spending so much time out there now is so special and I’m very grateful. 

Whether you’re dreaming of desert skies on the Larapinta Trail or alpine lakes on the Cradle Mountain Signature Walk, Tasmanian Walking Company’s expert guides like Mahalia ensure the Overland Track experience is unforgettable.

Last updated: 04 November 2025.