Australian Friends of the Camino

14/06/2026

When you are walking on the Camino and worried how far you should go that day and whether you will have a bed in an albergue later, perhaps this poem by Christina Rossetti from the 19th century will help:

Uphill

Does the road wind up-hill all the way?
Yes, to the very end.
Will the day’s journey take the whole long day?
From morn to night, my friend.

But is there for the night a resting-place?
A roof for when the slow dark hours begin.
May not the darkness hide it from my face?
You cannot miss that inn.

Shall I meet other wayfarers at night?
Those who have gone before.
Then must I knock, or call when just in sight?
They will not keep you standing at that door.

Shall I find comfort, travel-sore and weak?
Of labour you shall find the sum.
Will there be beds for me and all who seek?
Yea, beds for all who come.

13/06/2026

Most pilgrims like taking photos while walking on the Camino, to capture an interesting moment, beautiful scenery, the local architecture, the trail, other pilgrims, and even to capture that cafe con leche or un vaso de zumo de naranja. Being able to capture those magical moments as well as we can will make those moments come to life every time we look at those photos even after we have returned home.

Here are some useful tips in capturing those moments on the Camino, including with your phone:

Grab your camera and get ready to take the best photographs on the Camino de Santiago! Expert Camino travel photography tips for your trip.

12/06/2026

If you have walked on the Camino and need a Camino fix by meeting other pilgrims, or if you haven't done it but would like to meet with others who have walked it, you can find your local - or closest to local - pilgrim groups here:

We encourage you to attend and also let us know of other groups. Pilgrim Groups

11/06/2026

Dear Pilgrims,
Thank you all for your overwhelming response to the sad news about our founder Fr Michael Tate
Here are the details for Fr Michael's funeral next week.

For our Tasmanian pilgrims, on Monday 15 June at 7.00pm, there will be a Vigil Mass at St Francis Xavier parish in South Hobart. The celebrant will be Fr Mike Delaney. All welcome.

On Tuesday 16 June at 10.00am, (Australian Eastern Standard Time) a Pontifical Requiem Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Cathedral Hobart. Our Tasmanian pilgrims and followers are welcome to attend this Mass.

For our interstate and international global pilgrims, this funeral will be livestreamed. We know many of you will be interested in joining us online for this solemn occasion, More information about where to watch the livestream will be posted in the coming days.

Please continue to keep Fr Michael and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

10/06/2026

I'm sure many of us have heard claims that the Caminos de Santiago have changed, but how so? Here's what Ricky from Camino Tellers has to say about the evloution of this ancient pilgrimage, based on the statistics from this year. He asks:
* Which routes are now the most popular for people wanting to walk at least 100 km and for those looking for a longer Camino experience?
* What nationality are most pilgrims?
* What does the 'typical' pilgrim look like?
* Why are people walking one or more of the Caminos de Santiago?
* When are the Caminos most crowded?

You might be surprided by the answers.

Thanks to Gronze for supporting this video.If you’re planning your...

07/06/2026

For anyone in Santiago de Compostela tomorrow.

On Tuesday, June 9. in the Chapel at the Pilgrims Office, Fr. Brendan McManus will celebrate the 10.30 Mass in English, remembering Danny Sheehy on his 9th anniversary and the 10th anniversary of the arrival of the Naomh Og in Santiago (Camino Voyage). Carmel and Denis will accompany us on the pipes. Please share as appropriate.

07/06/2026

Do you want to give something back to the Camino? Have you ever considered becoming a hospitalera/o? A training session will be held prior to the upcoming Australian Friends of the Camino National Conference 2026 on the Sunshine Coast in July.

🏩🛌 Did you know you can attend Hospitalero Training on Wednesday 22 July and Thursday 23 July, 2026 – two days prior to the Conference?

This is a great opportunity to fully immerge yourself into the Camino spirit by combining Hospitalero Training and the Conference!

Bookings essential! Find out more at https://www.afotc.org/volunteer-as-hospitalero/

07/06/2026

More Than Steps is a feature-length documentary that follows lifelong friends Justin Skeesuck & Patrick Gray (I'll Push You) as they return to Spain’s legendary Camino de Santiago. What began as two friends tackling the impossible has grown into the Accessible Camino—a movement where people of all abilities come together to experience this ancient pilgrimage. Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and crutches join hiking boots on the same path, reshaping what community and belonging can look like. This isn’t just about finishing a journey across Spain—it’s about tearing down barriers, rewriting the definition of normal, and showing the world the power of a shared journey.

Discover Justin and Patrick's inspiring journey on the Accessible Camino, showcasing resilience and community. Support this transformative documentary experience.

07/06/2026

The Way is being featured as part of the Spanish Film Festival in Australia this year. Will you be watching it on the big screen?

Celebrate the 15th anniversary of THE WAY, the movie that inspired thousands to walk the Camino, returning to cinemas across Australia and New Zealand next month.

Directed by Emilio Estevez, it follows American doctor Tom (Martin Sheen) as he heads overseas to recover the body of his estranged son who died while travelling the Camino, and decides to take the pilgrimage himself.

See it at the Spanish Film Festival in Australia this June & July and in New Zealand cinemas from June 11.