The Great Aussie Hike is back at the Mornington Peninsula in 2023

The Great Aussie Hike is back at the Mornington Peninsula in 2023
By Zach Havard


With estimations that one in three Australians reported feelings of loneliness in 2022, mental health initiatives have never been more important and the Great Aussie Hike is a great way to help raise awareness.

Taking place in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula on March 24-25, the event has selected Lifeline Australia, a national charity with 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services, as their beneficiary in recognition of the important role of community and team work plays in supporting mental and physical wellbeing.

Colin Seery, Lifeline Australia CEO, says events that help Australians to form greater connections and create moments where people can give or receive support are closely aligned with Lifeline’s mission.

“Lifeline is excited to be part of Great Aussie Hike,” he said.

“This event will help Australians create meaningful connections during their journey, encourage listening and support for Australians while enjoying a challenge.”

Participants can opt to tackle the 30km, 43km, 57km or 100km course as a registered team. There is also a unique ‘share the distance’ option where you can choose to either take on the entire course or swap sections with teammates.

The event is designed to provide an option for people of all ages, fitness levels and even those who do not have a team to compete with, reinforcing the idea of community spirit behind the event and promoting inclusivity and camaraderie amongst all the participants.

Mornington Peninsula coastline at dusk. (iStock – tsvibrav)

“The pandemic has certainly taught us the power of community and how it influences our mental wellbeing,” said Anna Brown, program director of Great Aussie Hike

“It doesn’t matter what distance you do or how your team gets to the finish line. It’s all about mates supporting each other in a fun, positive environment. This is evident when we see our teams spend the whole course chatting and laughing together.”

“The partnership with Lifeline Australia is important to our challenge because we want to encourage connection with one another while receiving the benefits of improving mental and physical health in the beautiful outdoors. Plus, we all get to experience the incredible views and hidden gems of the Mornington Peninsula,” Brown continued.

Fiona Redding, ambassador for Great Aussie Hike and founder of The Happiness Hunter, became involved with the community because she understands the benefits that come from connecting with others.

“There is clear evidence about the benefits of walking with a group of people in nature to our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing.”

“Great Aussie Hike is all about community, about people helping people, creating deep connections and doing something fun and challenging. This all contributes to us feeling happier, and more connected with life.”

To register for 2023’s Great Aussie Hike, click here.

Featured image: YouTube/The Great Aussie Hike

Latest News

  • Cruise

P&O rescues Rotary volunteers after collapse of Air Vanuatu

P&O Cruises Australia has answered a plea for help from a group of young Australian Rotary volunteers, stranded in Vanuatu following the collapse of Air Vanuatu. The students, many of them teenagers from Albury, NSW, were volunteering for a youth project run by the Hive Rotary Club Australia when the airline abruptly cancelled all flights, […]

  • Destinations

Intrepid continues expansions with launch of first DMC in Jordan

Intrepid has increased its presence in the Middle East with the opening of its first destination management company in Jordan. Based in Amman, the local team will operate Intrepid’s range of nine experiential small group tours in Jordan from this summer, with a view to expanding the range for 2025 and beyond. Zina Bencheikh, managing […]

  • Appointments

Minor hotels appoints Puneet Dhawan to key Asia role

Global hotel owner and operator Minor Hotels has appointed Puneet Dhawan as head of Asia as the group plots its growth in Asia and India. From July, Dhawan will be responsible for the performance of all Minor Hotels properties in Asia, working in close collaboration with the Minor Hotels senior leadership team and will report […]

  • Appointments

Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal appoint Evon Ler to director of sales, Asia

Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group have announced that Evon Ler will join them in the new role of director of sales, Asia. She will work closely with Tony Archbold (VP, Sales, APAC, Crystal) and Susan Haberle (VP, Sales & Partnerships, APAC, A&K) with trade support across the region. Ler comes to the A&K family with more […]