Join us for a gentle nature walk with a view - 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 base, then up to Big Rock, soak in the sweeping views (on a clear day you can see Melbourne!), 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, some sloped rock areas
Toilets: Yes, flushing ones at Big Rock picnic area carpark
Accessibility: Firepit is ~50m from carpark over uneven dirt/rock. Walk includes natural surfaces and stairs; 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 train station is Lara. 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

Big Rock at the You Yangs is 30 mins from Geelong, near Lara.
Park in the Big Rock Carpark at the You Yangs. Enter the park off Branch Rd. Follow Turntable Drive, and take the first left into Big Rock Rd. At the fork, follow that road to your right, until you reach the carpark. You will see a link to the map at the top of this page, under the big photo)
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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