Walking groups

Walking Map

Kiama Council has installed over 40kms of walking paths to some amazing places through-out the Municipality. 

The Map identifies the locations of these popular walking paths and tracks.  It provides information on the time taken to complete each walk, the distance, grade of difficulty and interesting locations to visit during each walk.

View the map (pdf 1.47 MB)

 

Walking Groups in Kiama

Benefits of Walking

There are many ways to be physically active, and walking is the number one activity most Australian adults do on a regular basis. Walking is so popular because it is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. It can be done just about anywhere and is free. Walking also has a very low risk of injury as it is low impact (not jarring on the joints) and doesn’t require any special equipment or training.

Being active on a regular basis is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and walking is a great way to look after your heart health. Regular physical activity helps:

• reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke
• manage weight, blood pressure and blood cholesterol
• prevent and control diabetes
• reduce your risk of developing some cancers
• maintain your bone density, reducing your risk of osteoporosis and fractures
• improve balance and coordination, reducing your risk of falls and other injuries.

It also helps you feel stronger, more energetic and happier and improves your overall quality and enjoyment of life.

Why Join a Walking Group?

 

Joining a walking group is one of the best ways to start and maintain a healthy walking habit. A fitness routine and healthier lifestyle can be hard habits to adopt and they can be much easier to attain with the help and support of others.

Walking groups can vary in size and are often free of charge. Those who participate in walking groups find great enjoyment from the social interaction that occurs whilst walking and at the conclusion of the walk most groups meet for morning tea. A walking group provides extra motivation and participants are more likely to commit to and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Walking groups also offer variety as groups often walk along different paths and tracks each time they meet. As well as this, walking groups are a safe way to be physically active for participants are more visible to motorists and cyclists, and ensures help is at hand should you have an accident or become ill while walking.

Each walking group is led by a local volunteer and act as the glue that holds the walking group together – they decide the route, times and days for the walks and are the main point of contact for group members. Group leaders are also fully trained in first aid in the event of an emergency.

Walking Groups in Kiama

There are several walking groups that are facilitated within the Kiama area. Please find below a list of walking groups that run in Kiama, the times and days that walks run and the contact details of group leaders.

Walking Group	Walking Times	Meeting Point	Duration	Contact Person
Kiama Walking Group	Monday - Friday 9am	Black Beach Kiama	1 hour	John Lennon 0402 020 656
Werri Walkers	Monday 8am	Gerringong Surf Club	1 hour	Janice Mark 4234 0930
Men’s Walking Group	Friday 8am	Kiama Anglican Church	1-1.5 Hrs	Graeme Evans 0407 511 490
Kiama/Gerringong Senior Adventurers	Tuesday	Depends on walk.  They walk anywhere from south of North to Wollongong weekly.  Once a month do a Sydney walk.	2 hrs	Max 4232 1124

To join a walking group that suits you, please contact the walking group leader that is listed above.

The NSW Office of Communities, Sport and Recreation also conduct Walking for Pleasure Groups within Kiama and Gerringong. For further information regarding these walking groups, please call 4228 5355.

Currently, there are no walking groups that operate in Kiama Downs or Jamberoo. If you participate in a walking group in these areas or would like to start one, please contact Council on 4232 0416 or e-mail council@kiama.nsw.gov.au.

 

Links

Heart Foundation - Walking
http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/active-living/walking/pages/welcome.aspx

Office of Communities Sport and Recreation- Walking for Pleasure
http://www.dsr.nsw.gov.au/active/whatson_walk.asp