How to start a walking group in your neighbourhood

Residents along the Barwon River walking trail have begun setting up weekly group walks that start at the James Harrison Bridge and finish near the Fyans Street footbridge.

Interest in neighbourhood walking groups has grown this year as people look for low-cost ways to stay active after the disruptions of recent months. Barwon Health community programs have noted more inquiries about group activities that fit around work and family schedules in suburbs such as Newtown and East Geelong.

Pick a route and recruit locally

Start with a familiar path that offers flat terrain and clear meeting points. The Eastern Beach rock pool provides a sheltered starting spot with nearby parking, while the Geelong Waterfront parkrun course on Saturday mornings already draws dozens of walkers and runners who could form the core of a new weekday group. Post a simple notice at the North Geelong Community Hub or on the City of Greater Geelong noticeboard to find neighbours within a few streets.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics 2022 National Health Survey found that 41 per cent of Australian adults were not meeting physical activity guidelines, underscoring the value of accessible local options that remove transport barriers.

Keep it simple and consistent

Set a fixed time twice a week, such as Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 7am, and keep the first walks to 30 minutes. Share a contact number through letterbox drops on Pakington Street or via the Barwon Health social media page rather than complicated apps. Track attendance on a shared spreadsheet so members can suggest route changes once numbers grow beyond ten people.

After four weeks, check in with Barwon Health’s active living team for free resources on safe walking techniques and any permits needed for larger gatherings at public reserves. Groups that begin small often expand to include families once routines are established along the river trail.