If you’re new to Sydney or your mates or partner aren’t the bushwalking type, don’t feel you have to walk alone. You’ll never hike solo if you don’t want to (besides, is it safe to walk alone in Sydney?). There are different types of walking groups Sydney to suit your style.

Here’s how to find someone to team up with:

Bushwalking Clubs

Free walks with low-cost annual membership, located all over Australia. Find a NSW club near you. 

Hint: Like any volunteer organisation, you’ll find the activities and culture vary between clubs, and even over time, as different group members become more active. If at first you don’t find a club that gels with you, try another.

National Parks Association

The NPA is a not-for-profit organisation aiming to protect natural areas. They also regularly organise bushwalks for members.

Hint: You’re most likely to find like-minded walkers if your personal beliefs align with NPA’s values.

Meetup Groups

Again run by volunteers but with varying levels of expertise, safety measures and professionalism. Search Meetup for a group with good reviews and activities that match your interests. 

Hint: Watch out for groups that do not limit event attendees. 50+ people on a single bush track will probably not be a great experience for you or others hoping to connect with nature. Also be aware that walk leaders do not have the same training or standards that bushwalking clubs insist on.

Guided walks

Joining a tour or paying extra for a private one-on-one experience combines hiking with stories and passion that bring the land to life. Read the description to work out if it’s a genuine bushwalk or a bus tour with a stroll to a nature lookout.

Hint: In NSW, tour operators must be licensed by National Parks and Wildlife Service (look out for their Ecopass license) and must also be accredited by a reputable industry body, as well as maintain basic professional standards like Public Liability Insurance, first aid qualifications and emergency communications. If they can’t prove this, they’re cowboys, best avoided.

Walking Events

Sydney’s walking event calendar is full year-round. Look for challenging team events, like Coastrek  or Oxfam Trailwalker, where small groups are compulsory. These events usually have forums where solo walkers can find others to match up with and form a team.

Hint: When searching for potential team mates, make it clear what your ability and expectations are. Training for the walk is where friendships and teams are really made, so look for people who want the same level of commitment as you. If all goes well, you may score yourself walking buddies for after the event too.

Walking for Health

Thought we better mention this community walking initiative by the Heart Foundation, with walking groups all over Sydney and Australia. Note that the main aim of these groups is regular physical activity, rather than connecting with nature on a bushwalk. But that may be exactly what you’re after.

Hint: How shall we say this…? Expect walkers who have Gerry & the Pacemakers on their iPods. No, on vinyl. So search for a group that suits your age and interests.

Walking Groups Sydney

Here are six easy ways to find like-minded people to bush walk with. If you’re clear about what you want out of your hiking trips – adventure, friendship, teamwork, discovering something new or sticking close to home – then you can find other walkers who want the same. Here’s to new adventures!

Now you just need to work out the best time of year for walking in Sydney.