Greg Chidgey considered walking from Sydney to Melbourne, but that didn't seem long enough and the road would be too busy, so he's decided to walk from Springwood to Cairns instead.
The 64-year-old from Winmalee, leaves Springwood on April 1 to walk 2654 kilometres to Cairns. The walk is a fundraiser for MS (multiple sclerosis), something Mr Chidgey feels passionate about after seeing how a friend's wife struggles with the condition.
He anticipates it'll take two and a half months to walk to Cairns, with one rest day allocated each week. That's on average more than 40km a day. The route goes via the towns Gulgong, Coonamble, Roma, Rockhampton, Mackay and Townsville.
In preparation Mr Chidgey walks most days, sometimes up to 52km a day.
"I walked 48km in one hit without sitting down," Mr Chidgey said.
"And I did 28 days of more than 40km a day ... I have been fine afterwards."
He's not concerned about blisters and the wear and tear on his body of long days walking on the road.
"I've gone past the stage of blisters. The shoes will be worn in before I go. My Merrells are very comfortable."
He's looking forward to the challenge.
"Walking, it's good fun and you can zone out and think about anything you want and you don't have to worry about things," Mr Chidgey said.
"I hope to meet a few people along the way and stop at pubs along the way."
A number of businesses have also sponsored Mr Chidgey. To donate visit: www.gofundme.com/walk-from-springwood-to-cairns-for-ms.
