Meet Laura Waddell – Thru-Hiker, Trail Mentor & Bunda Cliff Tent Wrestler

Laura Waddell doesn’t just go for a hike—she dives headfirst into epic, full-on wilderness missions with trail runners laced and hot choccy packed. Raised on the North Coast of NSW, Laura’s love of nature started young on her family’s property. But things kicked up a notch with her first multi-day hike: the Overland Track in Tasmania. From there, it was game on.

Fast-forward to now and Laura’s recently wrapped the Te Araroa Trail, a 3,000km beast stretching the length of New Zealand. That’s beach walks, alpine crossings, forest roots, canoe sections, mountain biking, and a community of fellow trail-hardened wanderers.

When she’s not thru-hiking (which is rare), she’s planning her next move: the PCT, Tour du Mont Blanc, or the Heysen to complete her Aussie Triple Crown.

Trail Tales & Outdoor Vibes:

• Most memorable hike: Te Araroa, NZ – variety, adventure, and trail fam

• Sunrise highlight: Mount Sonder after soloing the Larapinta

• Sunset moment: Razorback Trail with snow patches and a full moon

• Solo or group? Solo for the freedom, but loves a group laugh too

• Dream hikes: PCT, Heysen, Annapurna Circuit, Camino, Kilimanjaro… (the list grows daily)

In Laura’s Kit:

• Non-negotiable item: Gas cooker – because cold-soaking is a crime

• Boots or runners? Trail runners – big shoutout to Altra Lone Peaks

• Favourite trail feed: Campers Pantry meals, rice or pasta, with bonus avo on short trips

• Off-trail cravings: A fresh pub burger and as much fruit & salad as she can find

• Morning starter: Hot chocolate every time

• Post-adventure drink: Lemonade or electrolytes on trail – not big on booze

She may not have a furry hiking companion (yet), but Laura thrives on solo travel, road trips with her mum (ask her about tent wrestling at Bunda Cliffs), and bringing others into the outdoors. Her dream? To lead an empowering girls-only adventure trip, proving that anyone can do it.

Follow Laura’s Trail Life

📸 Instagram: @laura.waddell_
🎥 YouTube: @LauraWaddellTravel
🎵 TikTok: @laura.waddell_