There’s something natural about the combination of raising funds and heart rates at the same time.
It’s just one of the reasons charity walks are so popular, alongside the amazing views our country has to offer when you get out and about, and the opportunity to be part of a supportive community for change.
We love charity walking events because they’re a great space for both community and for fundraising – two things we’re passionate about.
But because there are so many to choose from, we’ve put together a list of walking events in all the major regions of Australia. Which one will you take on in 2023?
Sydney: Oxfam Trail Walk
The Oxfam Trail Walk is one of the original charity walks – bringing people from all over the world to take on the substantial 50km or 100km challenge.
Gather a team (and even a support team to get you on the road) to help tackle global poverty and enjoy the best of NSW’s lower central coast.
Melbourne: Walking Stars
You’ll notice what makes Walking Stars different the moment you turn up – you’ll be walking through the night as you cover 21km for a cancer free future!
Take on the challenge on a balmy December night in Melbourne and show your support of people impacted by cancer.
Brisbane: Coastrek (Women only)
As Australia’s premier hiking challenge for women, you’ll get to cover 30km or 60km across some of our most pristine coastline in support of mental health through the incredible work of Beyond Blue.
Think white sand, sunny days, and a wild atmosphere for an amazing cause!
Perth: Up All Night
At Up All Night, you won’t feel like you’re just taking on a walking charity challenge – you’ll be partying all night long as well!
Wander through 42km of Perth cityscape, through the middle of the night, and raise funds to help families who are on their own difficult adventures as they travel long distances to find medical care for their seriously ill kids.
Adelaide: MND Flinders Ranges Trek
This isn’t one for the faint-hearted – the MND Flinders Ranges Trek is a five-day walk through some of Australia’s most rugged landscape.
Two people die and two people are diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, and on this walk you’ll help provide and promote the best possible care and support for people living with the disease.
Hobart: Point to Pinnacle / Point to Pub
The Point to Pinnacle (21.1km) and Point to Pub (10km) are two physically challenging, scenically stunning routes. You can sign up to walk or to run, so it’s a challenge of your choice.
What’s different about this event is that you choose the charity that you’ll be raising funds for – meaning you get to take every step for a cause close to your heart.
Sydney: 7 Bridges Walk
7 Bridges Walk is an iconic route around the bays and harbours at the centre of Sydney.
It’s a 28km walk, so it may be towards the longer end, but with seven ‘villages’ for you to stop and enjoy the atmosphere, grab a bite or a drink, you won’t feel like you’re taking on something too difficult.
All funds support Cancer Council and their mission for a cancer free future.
Melbourne: Memory Walk and Jog
Get active and beat dementia at the Memory Walk and Jog. One of the best things about this event is that you can do things your way, at a time and place that suits you!
There are plenty of walking events, or you can choose to take on an exercise challenge on your own if that’s your thing too.
Brisbane: MS Moonlight Walk
The older brother of the MS Readathon, the MS Moonlight walk is another walk in the dark!
Like many events, you can choose to take on a 3km, 5km, or 10km course, or any size in your own neighbourhood. When you fundraise, you’ll be helping those living with MS to access support and services they need for a full life.
Perth: Walk With Me
In partnership with Youth Focus, Walk With Me exists because suicide is the leading cause of death for young people under the age of 25.
When you sign up, you’ll be taking on the challenge of walking 15, 24, or 58km throughout the whole week, and raising funds to support frontline services and education programs to help young people in Western Australia.
Adelaide: Walk a Mile in My Boots
Walk a Mile in My Boots is a beloved community event in support of people in South Australia experiencing homelessness.
Like the journey from a cold night on the streets to the warm welcoming environment at Hutt St Centre, you’ll walk just one mile. Before and after the event, you’ll be raising funds so that people in need of help can take their first steps back towards ‘homefulness’.
Hobart: Two Feet and a Heartbeat
In honour of the four lives lost to congenital or acquired heart disease ever week, Two Feet and a Heartbeat is an easy, community-based event over a gentle 4km or 8km course.
Funds raised support the work of HeartKids, which raises awareness of heart disease and supports families going through the challenges of a diagnosis.
It’s time to get moving!
If you’re excited by the idea of getting active and raising funds for a cause close to your heart, a charity walk or fun run is a great way to start.
Every cause needs champions like you – to rally people around them and bring people together in support of the mission.
But don’t stop here. Click on the links above to find out details for an event near you, or head to Google to find about other amazing events all over the country!
