A walk in the park

Parks Week 2024 celebrates walking in the great outdoors

Media release: March 3, 2024

The Heart Foundation is encouraging people to dust off their walking shoes and embrace the beauty of nature during Parks Week, from March 4 to 12.

The free annual Parks and Leisure Australia event invites people of all ages and fitness levels to explore the wonders of our glorious parklands through fun and social walks.

“We believe in the power of community and the positive impact that spending time outdoors can have on our health and well-being,” Heart Foundation Senior Advisor for Physical Activity Elizabeth Calleja said.

“We know that walking has a number of health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, maintenance of a healthy weight, and a positive impact on mood including reducing the risk of depression.

“Parks Week is a wonderful opportunity to embrace the beauty of our local parks, connect with like-minded individuals, and enjoy the many benefits of walking.”

Hosted by Heart Foundation walking groups, the walks are led by people who understand the benefits of exercising and finding solace in nature. For new walkers, Parks Week can serve as the perfect occasion to venture into new territories.

“We have many of our walking groups participating in Parks Week, getting out and celebrating nature, and for some groups venturing into a new place to walk,” Ms Calleja said.

“We often get new walkers join, as well as walkers from neighbouring groups participate. Many new walkers decide they want to stay on walking.

“Our walking group members are so enthusiastic about their group and always have positive words of encouragement when talking about why they are whether it’s for the exercise, being outdoors in nature or social connection.”

Currently listed Parks Week Walks (subject to updates)

ACT: Australian National Botanic Gardens, Saturday, 2 March 2024 9:15am

ACT: National Arboretum, Friday, 8 March 2024 9am

NSW: Cherrybrook, Saturday, 9 March 2024 9am

NSW: Ermington Walkers, George Kendall Riverside Park, Wednesday, 6 March 2024 8am

NSW: Melrose Park, Friday, 8 March 2024 8am

NSW: Oyster Bay Walkers, Monday, 4 March 2024 7:30am

NSW: Wollongong Botanic Gardens, Monday, 4 March 2024 9:30am

NSW Parks Week Walk - Sutherland Park, Friday, 8 March 2024 8:30am

NT: Heart Foundation Walking Celebrates Parks Week in Darwin, Saturday, 9 March 2024 8am

SA: Adelaide Botanic Gardens tour - Parks Week, Friday, 8 March 2024 9am

VIC: Parks Vic/Heart Foundation Plenty Gorge Park Walk- Yellow Gum and Blue Lake, Saturday, 9 March 2024 9:30am

WA: Kuljak Island (Black Swan Island), Tidewater Way, Thursday, 7 March 2024 10am

To see the most up-to-date list of Parks Week Walks, visit the Heart Foundation Walking events page at walking.heartfoundation.org.au/whats-on/events

Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a more adventurous hike, Parks Week has something for everyone. To find a Parks Week walk near you or for more information, visit parks-week.org

If you’re thinking about embracing walking, check out the Heart Foundation’s Walking Wins campaign. We’re encouraging people to join a local walking group or get a free six-week Personal Walking Plan. The Heart Foundation also offers resources and tools to help individuals and communities get started on their walking journey.

For more information go to: campaign.heartfoundation.org.au/walking-wins