December EOY Daylesford hike for gay, bi, trans and queer men - hosted by OUT in Nature

Gay, bi, trans and queer men’s December 2026 Hike: Hepburn Regional Park Hike

We previously planned this for October but it was washed out so we’re gonna try again for December. This hike will see us heading to Daylesford. Thanks Dave for suggesting this hike.

This hike will be an easier hike of only 4.5ish kilometres. If you’re new to hiking, or not in the fittest shape of your life, this will be a good hike for you to ease yourself into it. We may also head to the Mill Markets afterwards for coffee/lunch too (and to check out some antiques and unique finds!).

More details and the link to register are below.

Hike details:

📅 Sunday December 6, 2026
⏰ Meeting at 9:50am, heading off at 10am
📍Hepburn Regional Park, Daylesford

🚶‍♂️ Approximately 4.5km. This is an easier hike than we usually do - grade 2 with some varied terrain. Sturdy hiking boots or very good trainers with grippy soles are recommended. There is a water crossing, so you might need something waterproof. The walk should take around 1.5 hours, including a snack break. Please bring a water bottle for yourself and some snacks to share at our halfway point. 

🐶  Good news! Dogs are welcome on this hike, provided they remain on a lead at all times (the park’s rules - not ours!). If you're bringing your four-legged hiking companion, don't forget a lead. We haven’t had any furry friends join us lately - would be good to see some!

Tickets are FREE but we have tickets so we can provide any last minute updates about route/wet weather contingencies. Those who register for tickets will be provided with our hike meeting point via email after tickets close at 6pm the day before.

WHO CAN ATTEND?

Men who are gay, bi, trans, and/or queer. You don’t need to be local to Ballarat - guys from anywhere are welcome, and we regularly have people join us from Geelong and Melbourne.

You can come alone, with a partner, or with friends (as long as everyone has a ticket).

Shy guys and guys who are not out are very welcome. Photos are only taken with explicit consent.

YOU MUST REGISTER FOR A TICKET

Tickets are FREE, but registration is required so we can cap numbers, manage safety, and send any last-minute updates.

Only those who register will receive the meeting point, which will be emailed after ticket sales close at 6pm the night before.

We hope you can make it.

Thanks,
OUT in Nature

Find our answers to FAQ on our group here. If you have any other questions, let us know!

**Note: this is an event only for people that identify as men. 

Why is This a Men’s Only Event?

This event is designed exclusively for men in response to requests for men-only gatherings. Men are not well represented in local LGBTIQA+ event stats and so we hope these events can provide a space where men can meet and bond, serving as an entry point for broader LGBTIQA+ community involvement. 

It's also important for men to have opportunities to connect with one another and build a sense of community. 

Research shows that strong community connections can significantly improve physical and mental health. Hiking, as a central activity, offers a healthy alternative to social activities that often revolve around alcohol. It also provides a welcoming and non-threatening environment for men to converse and be physically active together which will strengthen positive health outcomes.

Thank you for your support.