Walker & Spirit

I’m Ali Engin — an orienteer and long-distance walking enthusiast. In 2027, I’ll set off on a journey to walk around the entire Australian continent, a feat I expect to complete by 2029, in my mid-60s.

You can find the full details of this ambitious adventure in the AUC section of this site.

Walking 18,000 kilometres over 666 days might sound a bit mad at first — it certainly did to me when I first came up with the idea back in 2020. That day, I was hiking just 9 kilometres through the mountains with friends from the Istanbul Orienteering Sports Club. Today, my solo training walks often stretch to 25 or even 30 kilometres a day. Funny how far determination can take you.

As a former army officer with a background in both Commando and Special Forces — something I say with pride — I can sum up what my military career brings to this walk in just three words: self-confidence, courage, and patience.

In my view, anyone who takes on a journey of this length and uncertainty must carry these three traits with them before they take the first step.

My longest continuous solo walk so far was a 256-kilometre trek around the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey, followed by the 175-kilometre Great North Walk between Sydney and Newcastle here in Australia.

The Gallipoli walk wasn’t just a challenge — it was the starting point for my upcoming continental walk. Given the profound significance of Gallipoli for both Turks and Australians, I felt it would be the perfect place to begin this journey.

I aim to carry the spirit of Gallipoli, a shared heritage between the two nations, across this vast and beautiful continent. In a very real sense, I want to surround Australia with that unique spirit.

My goal is to show that distance need not be a barrier to understanding and connection. I hope to inspire especially the younger generations and, in doing so, push beyond my own limits.

I fully accept, spiritually, mentally, and physically, that this endeavour is filled with immense uncertainty and countless unknown challenges. Yet, I am determined to push through and see the story — which will begin in Sydney — all the way to its planned conclusion. The most important thing is simply to begin.

Walking such a vast distance through remote and often harsh meteorological and geographical conditions is a tough endeavour. Sometimes things might not go according to plan or hope. But the truth is, if you have the ambition to reach the finish line, all those hardships become part of a greater story.

I also believe that many people — especially those from every corner of this beautiful continent who strive to push their own limits and seek change — will support me along the way, regardless of nationality. I will take the first step, accepting that I am alone at the start. Yet I trust there will be many who will walk with me in spirit, wherever they are, throughout the journey.

I want to especially thank everyone who sent their best wishes and encouragement during the preparation phase — your support means the world to me.

Finally, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the incredible team I’ve had by my side throughout every step of this journey. Though small in number, each of them has an iron heart and a steadfast spirit.

I look forward to celebrating my return with all of you in front of the Sydney Anzac Monument in October 2029.

Many thanks to everyone.

Ali Engin