How to start a walking group in your neighbourhood

Every Wednesday morning at 7:30, a crowd gathers outside the Merewether Surfhouse. They range in age from their twenties to well into their seventies, lacing up trainers and swapping weekend news before setting out along the Bathers Way coastal walk. This scene has become increasingly common across Newcastle, where grassroots walking groups are multiplying, offering residents a low-cost, social way to stay active.

Why walk—and why now?

The city’s spike in group fitness is set against a backdrop of climbing temperatures and increasingly erratic winters, as highlighted by last month’s balmy nights in The Hill and Mayfield. Longtime organisers at NewRun and the Newcastle City Runners say conditions like these are reminders to adapt fitness routines, and many Novocastrians are now looking for options that slot easily into their week and don’t require a membership or costly equipment. “With continued health warnings about inactivity and chronic disease across the Hunter, walking groups are one of the most inclusive activities going,” says Michelle James, a volunteer coordinator based in Bar Beach.

For newcomers to group fitness, walking offers an easy entry point—no waiting lists, dress codes, or commitments. Just turn up, and let the natural setting do the rest. Organisers, like those at Lookout Walkers (who meet Tuesdays near Nobbys Beach) say local parks, foreshore paths, and even the Fernleigh Track are ideal: “There’s something about setting out along King Edward Park’s trails at sunrise that makes the whole day better.”

Local resources and how to get started

For residents keen to kick off a neighbourhood walking group, Newcastle offers plenty of starting points. The City of Newcastle’s Active Living program supports dozens of regular walking and fitness meetups. Their website lists mapped walks through Blackbutt Reserve, along the Honeysuckle promenade, and looping Charlestown’s bush corridors. Organisers can also borrow pedometers from Newcastle Region Library branches free of charge, and post events on the Coast Life Newcastle Facebook group to tap into a ready-made audience eager for new things to try.

According to Heart Foundation Walking, Newcastle had 48 registered walking groups as of March 2026, with more than 800 regular participants across the city. Most groups are free to join; if you’re creating a new one, consider factoring in a gold coin donation for coffee stops or group charities—organisers at the Cooks Hill Coffee Striders recommend an optional $2 each. Meeting points include local mainstays like Darby Street, the Broadmeadow train station plaza, and the revamped Mall at Hunter Street, making the walks both scenic and accessible by public transport. One tip: check council event guidelines if you expect over 20 participants, and carry your own water in summer.

Health data backs up the trend. City of Newcastle’s most recent Health & Wellbeing Community Report found that 23% of adults walk for exercise at least three times a week, up from 17% in 2024. Organisers attribute the jump to a combination of better-maintained footpaths (the council has resurfaced more than 5km around Islington and Maryville this year alone) and social connection—something that resonates deeply in post-pandemic Newcastle.

Next steps: Build a group that lasts

Getting started doesn’t require a background in fitness. Pick a route that’s safe and manageable—2-5km to begin with—and create a stable meetup spot (like Lambton Park rotunda, or the Dixon Park surf club steps). Social media can work wonders to rally your neighbours—Facebook groups or a simple Google Form will help with signups. Experienced organisers say consistency matters: weekly meetups at the same time help build momentum, and themed walks (like bush-bird spotting or post-walk coffee at Good Brother Espresso) add variety.

Those first few weeks are the trickiest; expect numbers to fluctuate. Reach out to local businesses for small sponsorships—a voucher or water bottle draw can boost morale. And don’t forget to spread the word through community noticeboards or the Newcastle Herald’s event calendar. If you’re venturing along isolated stretches (like the old railway corridor), invite a friend, and always carry a charged phone. Most importantly, keep it welcoming: in Newcastle, a friendly face at the start of Bathers Way is often all it takes to turn a first-timer into a regular.