Escaping Your Comfort Zone - Side by Side Nature Walks is for women who want chilled out, short and slow adventures. We don’t care about your size, speed or fitness. We go slow, we go short, we leave no one behind, and we always finish with a cuppa or a hot choccy with marshmallows.
These walks are designed to build connections between women aged 50+.
“Spending time in nature together enhances mutual understanding supports physical health and emotional wellbeing”
Who are our participants?
You are a woman aged 50 or over (or close enough to!) who might be stepping into retirement, you might have recently moved into the area, or are just looking to increase your hobbies or your friendship group, with low pressure.
You’re seeking connection, a way to stay active, and to spend time in nature in good company - not just for your body, but for your soul.
You’re looking for walks that are slow-paced and on the shorter side - you are about the fresh air, and the feeling of “simply being” in nature.
You know the value of a good chat, a shared story, or simply walking side-by-side with other women.
You are looking for an activity where you can come when you like. The only thing you need to commit to is to bring your own mug for your cuppa!
Meet your guide, Richelle from “Escaping your Comfort Zone”.
“Hello, I’m Richelle, I’m not overly fit, but I love the outdoors, and I want to inspire and support other people to get moving, without limits. You don’t need to be fit, you don’t need to “look the part”, it doesn’t matter what size, speed or fitness you are, all you need is a sense of adventure, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.”
Supported by:
Outdoors Victoria, Latrobe University Centre for Sport and Social Impact, Surf Coast Shire, City of Greater Geelong.
SIDE BY SIDE NATURE WALKS involves both physical and social activities with a primary focus on facilitating nature walks in local communities, catering for a diverse range of abilities and speeds. The program aims to be as inclusive as possible, however the nature of outdoor walks means that accessibility can vary depending on the location. Detailed walk descriptions will be provided to help you decide if a walk is right for you.
FAQ’s
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Who’s funding the program?
SIDE-BY-SIDE NATURE WALKS is a new pilot initiative being funded by Office for Sport (within the Australian Department of Health and Ageing) in support of the Play Our Way program. The Play Our Way program aims to provide greater opportunities for women and girls to access, participate and remain involved in sport and physical activity. The walks are FREE for participants.
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What fitness level do I need to be?
The walks are designed to be gentle and inclusive, with no one left behind. If you can comfortably walk around your neighbourhood for around 30 minutes (with breaks), you’ll be fine. It’s more about connection than speed!
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Can I bring a friend?
This program is designed specifically for the registered participants to engage with each other in an intergenerational setting. If you know a woman who fits the age criteria, encourage them to register too!
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Can I bring my dog?
Each specific walk will outline whether dogs are appropriate for that location. Where dogs are welcome, they must be well behaved (with people and other dogs), on a short lead (to avoid trip hazards), and must be picked up after.
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What if I can’t make every session?
No worries! Just RSVP to those walks that you are coming to. And if your plans change, make sure you change your RSVP as soon as you know!
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What happens in bad weather?
We are firm believers in creating fun in rain, hail or shine. But safety comes first! Walks will be adjusted or cancelled if the weather is unsafe (extreme heat, storms, etc.). We’ll keep you updated via the event on our events system.
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Do you cater for people with disabilities?
We understand that disabilities are diverse and everyone’s access needs are unique. While SIDE-BY-SIDE NATURE WALKS aims to be as inclusive as possible, the nature of outdoor walks means that accessibility can vary depending on the location.
For each walk, we provide detailed information about the track surface, distance, gradient, facilities (like toilets and seating), and any potential barriers. This way, participants can make informed decisions about whether a particular walk suits their individual needs. If you have specific access requirements or questions, we encourage you to contact us directly. We’re more than happy to talk through the details and explore how we can support you to participate.