Hiking at Frenchmans Peak. Photo: Australia’s Golden Outback
ANNABELLE HENDER
Australia’s first-ever hiking festival will welcome around 100 visitors to Esperance, showcasing its appeal as a low-season outdoor destination while boosting the local economy. Events like these add vibrancy and foster social connections within communities, which is why we’ve created exciting ways for Esperance locals to get involved.
September: Month of Hiking Challenge
Starting September 1, let’s get hiking! Join Club GROUNDED this September as we aim to collectively hike the equivalent of a lap around Australia—13,931 km. Will we reach this ambitious goal? Who will top the leaderboard each week? If you enjoy a bit of friendly competition and winning prizes, this challenge is for you!
How to Join:
- Download Strava (QR code linked on the Month of Hiking poster).
- Join the GROUNDED | Esperance Hiking Festival 2024 Club.
- To record your hike, open the app, select “Record,” choose “HIKE” as your activity, and click “Start.”
- At the end of your hike, click “Stop,” then “Finish,” and “Save.”
Great prizes will be awarded each week!
Sunday, September 22 | UNITY HIKE – Great Ocean Trail: Pink Lake to Twilight Beach
Self-Guided Hike 10am to 11:30am
Join us for a free 6.5 km self-guided hike along the Great Ocean Trail. Bring your family and friends as we trek from Pink Lake Golf, through Pink Lake and fields of wildflowers, to the spectacular views of Twilight Beach and the south coast. The hike is free, but please book your ticket.
Guided Hike 9am (Special Needs)
The 9am hike is an inclusive event guided by “Off The Beaten Track WA,” tailored for those with special needs or abilities (and their families and friends). This guided hike is suitable for those with a reasonable level of fitness who can manage a mostly bituminized 6.5 km undulating trail. It is designed for individuals with cognitive disabilities, low hearing, and low vision. If you are unsure whether this is suitable for you, please contact Tracy from Off The Beaten Track WA at 0417 128 896 or tracy@offthebeatentrackwa.com.au for more information.
A full program of activities is available at australiasgoldenoutback.com/grounded-hiking-festival .
