Some opening Spreads from Wild #195
Check out some opening spreads from a handful of feature stories and articles in Wild 195.
(These spreads originally featured in Wild #195, Autumn 2025)
MASSIF MISSION
A circumski of Canada’s Mt Logan. Thirty days on the world’s largest non-polar icefield.
THE SURPRISING TALENTS OF MIDDLE CHILDREN
Kybeyan State Conservation Area in NSW’s Snowy-Monaro region may be overshadowed by bigger, more famous reserves nearby, but that doesn’t mean it deserves no attention.
SOURCE OF DISCOVERY
Despite being New Zealand’s fourth-longest waterway, the Taiari River flies under the radar. In fact, it had never been paddled for its entire length until Blake Hornblow and a team of local Kiwis took it on. What they found on the way was not just great kayaking, but a vulnerable river ecosystem under threat.
GODS OF WOLLEMI
It was a quest decades in the making, one that bordered on obsession. But in 2023, Ben Artup and hiking partner Steve Donohue finally pulled it off: a complete north-south traverse of NSW’s huge, complex and challenging Wollemi National Park.
ON ROYAL TRAILS
The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is almost mythically beautiful and its people almost mythically happy. And if you’re lucky enough, or determined enough, to find yourself mountain biking there, perhaps you’ll find true happiness too.
THE GHOST OF HADI NAZARI
Setting off on a section of the AAWT while hundreds were searching in mountains to the north for a missing hiker gave Andrew Nest food for thought. Especially once his literal food began running out.
WHO WILL EMERGE AT THE OTHER END?
A story about being alone in the wilderness. Heading out on solo adventures isn’t always easy, nor always fun, nor is it for everyone, but rewards await those willing to accept the challenge.
RIGHT IDEA, WRONG PLACE
The proposed wind farm at Robbins Island. It’s clear that transitioning to renewable energy is critically important. But the siting of a proposed wind farm in Lutruwita/Tasmania’s northwest would have devastating impacts on shorebird populations.
ARAPILES CLIMBING BANS: TIME FOR A GENUINE COLLABORATION
Late in 2024, Parks Victoria announced the permanent closure of more than 1,000 routes
at arguably Australia’s most significant climbing area: Mt Arapiles/Dyurrite. While the announcement included provisions for a four-week ‘consultation’ phase, Parks Vic initially said the input received during that period would, incredibly, have no effect on the final plan. Former Wild editor Ross Taylor argues that it’s time to reassess, and for Parks Vic to allow all stakeholders to come together to collaborate.
TRACK NOTES: TASMANIA’S BAY OF FIRES
Lutruwita/Tasmania’s Bay of Fires, the stretch of the state’s north-east coastline from Binalong Bay to the top of Mt William National Park, has graced ‘top tourist destination’ lists for decades. Its beautiful beaches, lichen-covered rocks, and its luxurious private-hut walk, have brought it international fame.
