Join us for a gentle nature walk - followed by a cuppa and marshmallows by the fire.

Side by Side Nature Walks is a new, free walking program connecting young women (18-25) and older women (55+) to walk, talk and share time in nature. For connection, wellbeing and a good dose of fresh air.

For this walk, we’ll take a slow-paced stroll around the Distillery Creek Nature Trail Loop, then relax with hot drinks, marshmallows and chocolate biscuits (for s'mores) around a campfire.

🫖 I’ll bring the tea, coffee, marshmallows and biccies.
🪑 BYO camp chair or picnic rug (or let me know if you need one).
🍰 Love baking? Bring something to share if you like!

Led by me, Richelle from Escaping Your Comfort Zone. I’m not a pro hiker - I’m just here to help you enjoy nature, without pressure or pace. The outdoors doesn’t care about your size, speed or fitness - and neither do we!

This walk is a gentle, beginner-friendly option for anyone without specific mobility concerns. If you’re wondering “Am I fit enough?” — the answer is YES. Come as you are. We’ll walk at the pace of the slowest person, always.

🌟 Walk Snapshot

Walk rating: Slow & Steady (see the hike ratings for details)
Distance: approx. 1.5km return (you can sit by the fire if you prefer)
Time walking: approx. 45–60 mins, including plenty of rest stops
Surface: Compact dirt tracks with some stairs and gentle undulations
Toilets: Yes, flushing ones in the carpark
Accessibility: Firepit is ~50m from carpark over uneven dirt/rock. Walk includes natural surfaces- please contact us if unsure.
Dog-friendly? Dogs allowed if they’re calm around groups, fire, and food. Must be on a short lead, with bags for clean-up.
Transport: Self-drive. Closest town is Aireys Inlet. You can taxi or uber from there, or let us know if you need help with carpooling.

✅ What to Bring

Water bottle
Comfortable walking shoes (with laces)
Weather-appropriate clothing (layers work best)
Rain jacket or poncho (umbrella OK if not windy)
Personal medications (e.g. asthma puffer, antihistamines any other medication you may need for time in nature). Your health is your responsibility.
Bug spray - there may be mozzies (we will have some if you forget)
Emergency Contact/Medical Form (printed or handwritten in a ziplock bag - we will have extras)
BYO camp chair or picnic rug

✅ Where to Find Us

Distillery Creek Picnic Area is in Aireys Inlet, around 30 mins from Torquay.
Follow the Google map directions to Distillery Creek Picnic Area. Enter the picnic area from Bambra Rd. Turn right into Ironbark Gorge Track. Turn into the first carpark on the LEFT, the one with the toilets (there is carpark on the right, with no loos, go past this one to get to the carpark on the left with the loos). See the directions photo below. Park in the carpark to the left of the toilet block.
You will see the Escaping Your Comfort Zone 4x4 in the carpark. We will gather in the picnic area near one of the fireplaces, look for the white teardrop flag. Richelle will be in a black EYCZ hoodie, and will have short blue/green hair.
Please reverse park where possible — for safer exit in case of emergency, and easier access in case you need a jump start.

✅ Capacity and Waitlist

This walk has a capacity of 16 participants. As its a pilot, we may get anywhere between 4 and 16 of you legends coming along. And while it would be great to get a balance of 8 younger and 8 older women, we are realistic, and know that it will be totally dependent on who decides to come.
Didn't get a spot on the walk? Don't worry, just add yourself to the waitlist, and we will open up any empty spots during the week before the walk.

✅ Cancellations

We understand that life gets in the way, people get sick and plans change. Please be considerate and cancel your booking as soon as you know you can't attend. There will be people on the waitlist for all walks, and cancelling your booking opens it up to someone else who can come along and have a ball!
You can cancel your booking by using the Manage Booking link in your confirmation email.

I can’t wait to walk side by side with you.

Warmly,

Richelle - Escaping Your Comfort Zone

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