The Art of Walking

Australia’s most spectacular coastline is the setting for this very special documentary. A journey that conjures the beauty held deep within three remarkable people. Follow in the footsteps of three remarkable people - American environmentalist and "Planetwalker" John Francis; former German figure skater Katarina Witt; and Australian Paralympian skier Michael Milton - each with equally inspiring stories, as they begin their trek along Australia’s most spectacular coastline, the Great Ocean Walk.The Great Ocean Walk is one of the most beautiful walks in the world. It runs 104 kilometers from Apollo Bay to a landmark known as the “12 Apostles”, highlighting the diverse and rugged landscapes of southern Victoria. John Francis became known as “the Planetwalker” after seeing the environmental destruction caused by two tankers that collided beneath the Golden Gate Bridge in 1971. It had such an immense effect, that he decided to give up using all forms of motorized vehicles. In 1982, when he began a walking and sailing pilgrimage around the world, he founded Planetwalk, a non-profit educational organization dedicated to raising environmental consciousness and promoting earth stewardship. For almost three decades now, he has travelled the world on foot, rediscovering the rhythms in nature and spreading a message of environmental respect and responsibility. On the journey, we discover John’s philosophy on life - that to experience the spirit of the place, you need to take the time to experience and listen to what’s around you. Katarina Witt is best known as the free-spirited figure skater that won two gold medals for Germany in the 1980ʼs. Her competitive record makes her one of the most successful figure skaters of all time. But nowadays she walks a different path through life. Apart from her role as a TV host, Katarina has set up a foundation to help children with disabilities. As she continues the journey, Katarina believes there is an “art” to walking - that by keeping your eyes open and seeing what’s around you, seeing what nature has created and being thankful for your life. Michael Milton is Australia's fastest Paralympian skier, and first ever winter gold medalist. Since he lost his leg to bone cancer at age 9, he has continued to conquer the most unimaginable of feats, to simply prove to himself and his doubters that he can. He has hiked Mt Kilimanjaro, walked the Kokoda Track twice, and represented Australia at the Beijing Olympics, as a cyclist. Michael feels that by experiencing the beautiful and rugged scenery on the walk, he now has a sense of rejuvenation, a feeling of being alive, and a sense of peace. He meets a local aboriginal elder who teaches him about the benefits of listening to nature and the spirit of the land. Join them and experience the walk along blank canvas-like pristine white beaches, through forests of humbling 60-metre Mountain Ash trees, and beneath giant, sculpted limestone pillars carved over centuries by crashing ocean surf. See how the simple act of walking is transformed into something far more powerful - make your own journey and discover what is uniquely yours.