The benefits of joining a bushwalking group

With Victoria being home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in Australia, offering breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and interesting trails, it’s no secret that bushwalking in nature is one of the most popular reasons people visit state and national parks.

For those looking to explore these wonders while staying active and social, joining a local bushwalking group can be incredibly rewarding.

Not only is it an excellent way to meet new and like-minded people, but there are also safety advantages to walking with a group, as well as the physical and mental health benefits which come from hiking in nature.

According to Jeanette Farquhar, Sonia Bihun, Sandi Smith, and Cheryl Hoysted, four members of the Warby Range Bushwalking Club, it’s all about “fun, fitness and friendship”.

Photo: Warby Range Bushwalking Club members Jeanette Farquhar, Sonia Bihun, Sandi Smith, and Cheryl Hoysted at Wenhams Camp in Warby-Ovens National Park.

“I’ve found it’s helped me explore my own backyard a little more. There are all these amazing places just out there and I had no idea until I joined,” Jeanette said.

“There’s also the safety aspect of going with a group, because the group leader will have maps, personal locator beacons, and will have scouted the area, so you feel very safe," Sonia said.

“But the social part of it is just wonderful. You never have the same conversation twice. Everyone is so interesting and there are some really knowledgeable people in the group," Cheryl added.

“It’s also good for your physical and mental health, because you come home feeling great knowing that you’ve accomplished something, you’ve learned something new, spent time out in the beautiful environment, and had great chit chat with different people - it’s just terrific,” Jeanette said.

Research has shown that spending time in nature makes us healthier and happier, and reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and improves mood. The simple act of walking through scenic landscapes, breathing in fresh air, and listening to the sounds of nature all contribute to a greater sense of well-being and help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Bushwalking is also a low-impact exercise that improves cardiovascular fitness, strengthens muscles, and enhances overall endurance. Unlike solitary workouts at a gym, bushwalking allows individuals to exercise in a natural setting, making it feel less like a chore and more like an adventure.

For Sonia, joining the Warby Range Bushwalking Club helped push her out of her comfort zone and discover a new passion for the outdoors.

“My sense of direction isn’t great, so I never went out into the bush on my own, but by joining the group I’ve found it to be excellent in helping me visit these places that otherwise I might not have. I just wish I’d have done it 10 years ago!” Sonia said.

"After joining my first walk with the club, I loved it so much that I went out and bought all my walking gear so I could do it all again."

Warby-Ovens National Park is a diverse area of north-east Victoria which offers visitors the chance to explore many different landscapes, from the granite hills and woodlands of the Warby Ranges, the Box-Ironbark of the Killawarra Forest, and the River Red Gum forests and wetlands of the heritage-listed Ovens River.

The Warby Range Bushwalking Club attracts members from all over north-east Victoria, with some even travelling from as far away as Deniliquin in southern NSW to participate in the group hikes.

While the Warby-Ovens National Park is the central location for many of the group’s walks, the club organises hikes all over the place, including Alpine National Park, Mount Buffalo National Park, Beechworth Historic Park, Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park, Cathedral Range State Park and Mount Samaria State Park.

“We also organise multi-day adventures in different areas of the state like Wilsons Promontory National Park or Grampians National Park so that club members can have the opportunity to explore these different landscapes together,” Jeanette said.

However, it was the social side of things that all agreed kept them coming back.

“It’s the people – everyone makes it such a welcoming group. That’s what brings you back,” Sonia said.

“People are really welcoming and inclusive, and it just seems that any new member takes on that mantle and moves it on to the next person who comes along too, it’s just really beautiful,” Cheryl added.

Getting started

For those interested in joining a local bushwalking group, getting started is easy. There are local bushwalking clubs located right across Victoria. Visit Bushwalking Victoria to find one near you.

Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, make new friends, or simply enjoy the beauty of Victoria’s landscapes, joining a bushwalking group is a fantastic way to achieve all these goals. The benefits extend beyond the physical, providing a sense of belonging, security, and a greater appreciation for the natural world.