TRY A WALK: : Ocean Grove Nature Reserve and Roasted Marshmallows

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 ocean Grove Nature Reserve, 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

• Toilets: Yes, flushing ones near the carpark

• Accessibility: Firepit is ~50m from carpark over compact dirt track. Walk includes natural surfaces- please contact us if unsure.

• Dog-friendly? Unfortunately dogs are not allowed at this park.

• 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

• Ocean Grove Nature Reserve is on the outskirts of Ocean Grove, 20 mins from Geelong.

• Follow the Google map directions to Ocean Grove Nature Reserve. Enter the picnic area from Grubb Rd, and follow the dirt road (Info Rd) to the back carpark. Please drive slowly, as there are potholes, and possibly animals. Park in the back carpark. Please do not leave large gaps between vehicles, as the carpark is quite small.

• 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.

Cheers,

Richelle - Escaping Your Comfort Zone

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