You Yangs hike for gay, bi, trans and queer men - hosted by OUT in Nature

Our last hike got washed out, so we’re really looking forward to getting back on the trail! 🌿

For our November hike we’re heading to You Yangs Regional Park. It’s around 30 minutes from Geelong, about an hour from Melbourne and around 1 hour 15 minutes from Ballarat, so it’s a great one for our Geelong and Melbourne guys to join us on.

November’s hike

Sean has volunteered to lead us on the Northern Range Circuit, a loop that links together the West Walk, Northern Range Walk, Branding Yard Trail, Saddleback Track and East Track. Most of the trail is moderate and relaxed, with a few steep and rocky sections to keep it interesting, and the views are particularly spectacular as we go around the West Walk and East Walk. It’s a very popular trail with great reviews, and walkers often spot birds and lizards along the way.

Hike details:

📅 Sunday November 15, 2026
⏰ Meeting at 8:50am, heading off at 9am (an earlier start than usual, because this is a popular trail and the car park and trail fill up early)
📍 You Yangs Regional Park

🚶‍♂️ Approximately 11 km loop with around 360m of elevation gain. This is a moderate hike with some rock scrambling and steep climbs, and rocks can be slippery. A reasonable level of fitness and sturdy hiking boots are recommended. The walk should take around 3.5 hours, including a snack break midway. Please bring a water bottle for yourself and some snacks to share at our halfway point. Bug spray is also a good idea, as the mosquitoes can be fierce! Depending on interest, we may grab coffee or a bite to eat afterwards. 

🐶  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. Only those who register for tickets will be provided with our hike meeting point via email after tickets close at 4pm (please note the new time) the day before.

WHO CAN ATTEND OUR HIKES?

Men who are gay, bi, trans, and/or queer. You don’t have to be local to Ballarat - guys from anywhere are welcome and we regularly have guys join us from Geelong and Melbourne. You can come alone, with a partner, or with friends (as long as you all have tickets). 

Shy guys and guys that are not out are very welcome - and don’t worry, only people who actively consent to photos being taken are ever photographed.

Thanks,

OUT in Nature

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