The Hike and Explore Queensland network is made up of the Townsville Hike and Explore Group, based out of Townsville in north Queensland, the Central Queensland Hike and Explore group, based out of Clermont and Mackay in Central Queensland, and the Cairns Hike and Explore Group, based out of Cairns in far north Queensland.
Our social outdoor groups are made up of energetic, outdoorsy, like-minded community members of all ages, fitness levels and capabilities. We share much in common; including a love of the outdoors, conservation and the protection of our natural environment, exploring the unknown, building and maintaining fitness and experiencing the beauty and infinite splendor our regions have to offer.
The network began in 2019 with the formation of the Townsville Hike and Explore group, by Townsville resident Michael Pugh.
A handful of hikers and explorers from the Townsville Region has grown into one of the largest and most recognised outdoor networks in Queensland. In January 2023, we have 45,000 members across our networks, with an average of 90-95% active participation, both in person and online. Our Facebook channels alone are home to in excess of 40,000 outdoor adventurers from across Australia and around the world. We’re proud of those numbers, as they represent our reach within the broader outdoor community and region, however the interaction, engagement and positive mental and physical health outcomes our group promotes and achieves is much more important.
Our networks have been purposely designed for everyone to enjoy, free of charge. We are not a commercial operation and there is no cost to attend activities, or access our content. Our events, social media and other associated areas are organised and run by volunteers. In 2022, over 2000 volunteer hours were put into organising and managing our networks.
Our Facebook and Instagram Channels, and our website have evolved into free outdoor information sources and forums for those wanting to learn about all that our regions have to offer.
Our outdoor leaders “share the outdoor experience” with those of all ages, fitness levels and capabilities across our communities. We have significant reach and support from across Queensland. In 2022, we shared our events and outdoor experiences with ~2500 members, organising ~200 outdoor events for our community.
We encourage safe, responsible and environmentally friendly participation at our events.
ALL online content you see across our networks is captured at group events, and shared by members venturing out and experiencing the wonder themsleves and with friends, family and loved ones. After all, that’s what the outdoors is all about, right?.
Our channels and website include valued contributions from many of Queensland’s highly experienced, qualified and veteran outdoor leaders who dedicate much of their spare time exploring and documenting our regions.
We are a social group and invite adventurers from all areas of our community to get active, get outdoors, get involved and join us on our regular adventures across Queensland.
Positive engagement within the group is something we pride ourselves on, as we witness lifelong friendships and bonds formed between group members. We actively collaborate with, and work alongside local and regional groups, clubs and organisations with similar interests.
If you’re attending an event, please ensure you familiarise yourself with our Personal Responsibility Statement prior to RSVP.
**PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY**
As always, please bear in mind our PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY philosophy. We are not a formal organisation or association. We are a SOCIAL organisation and we do not charge a fee for activities.
We take no responsibility for any mishaps, accidents, illness, injuries that may occur as a result of the activity. It is up to each individual to make sure they are capable of completing the activity. If you attend an activity, it will be solely at your own risk.
Before RSVP’ing to this activity, please ensure you are physically capable of completing the entire activity. We take short breaks during the activity, but stick to a tight timeframe to ensure we complete the activity in the allotted time. Know your limits.
Remember, everyone is responsible for their own safety. You are responsible to ensure you bring enough water, snacks and any other relevant items to the activity. The event description is to be used as a quide only.
If you are not sure if you will be able to complete the activity, please contact the activity organiser who will be more than happy to discuss your concerns
We welcome and value the input of our members in designing and planning our events suitable for all ages, fitness levels and capabilities which range from social mid-week sunset and photography walks to half day and full day weekend hikes, including overnight and multi day adventures.
Our aim is simple – To Hike and Explore the endless points of interest across Northern and Central Queensland and share the experience with as many adventurers as we possibly can! We have a huge following and genuine support from within our communities which we greatly appreciate!
Join Townsville’s fastest growing social outdoor community! Looking forward to seeing you on the trail soon!
Townsville Hike and Explore consider the four core values of Fun, Fitness, Friendship and Community to be the foundation of what we’re all about!
We aim to incorporate and demonstrate these values within our group and during events. Aligning ourselves with these values is how we would like to portray ourselves to members, visitors and our community.
