tropical gear list

I don't know if you can get something like this:
http://www.keenfootwear.com/product/ss10/shoes/men/trailhead/butte/shitake%20!%20bossa%20nova
or this one:
http://www.keenfootwear.com/product/ss10/shoes/men/trailhead/arroyo%20ii/shitake%20!%20rust

Teva has something like it too:
http://www.teva.com/ProductDetails.aspx?g=m&categoryID=421&productID=6148&model=Omnium
but they started out as water sports shoes, so I think it may be skewed more towards water sports with a little hiking.

I have something similar that I used to hike in Costa Rica. You can wear socks to keep out the leaches, but we didn't have that problem. Your feet dry out so much better. I did a swamp stomp through the Everglades with regular leather hiking shoes and they took forever to dry, certainly not overnight.

Have you been on your walk yet?

Where are you in Australia?

I work in an outdoor store in sydney and may be able to help with a different pair of shoes. Otherwise use the XT Wing.

Check out these sock savers, suggestions by the author of one of the guide book on the walk.
http://seatosummit.com.au/showdetail.php?Code=AAGTUMBLE
http://www.buyboots.com.au/product_detail.asp?productnospaces=weatherproof_sox_saver_167

As for hammocks on the track. I am sure there are plenty of trees but it is pretty well sign posted these days where the tents will be set up etc so it may be tents only not sure.

Oh and the cotton/ poly discussion. I use the best quality business shirt that i can buy from vinnies before i leave for my trip cost about $5. I am supposed to tell everyone that cotton is not great and they should buy all the hiking clothing that we sell, but i sweat a lot and have tried the other stuff but always find it uncomfortable. Poly cotton pants are wise (single layer of material, no extra reinforcement)