By the Wild Women Team
Never hiked before? Brilliant. Here’s why Coastrek is the perfect hiking challenge for beginners, and how we’ll get you to the finish line.
Looking for a hiking challenge for beginners? Something that gets you off the couch, out in nature and working towards a goal, without feeling like you need to be a mountain goat first? We’ve found it.
Here’s a little secret: Most trekkers weren’t born hikers. Our founder, Di Westaway, was unfit, uninspired and fighting her forties when she said yes to climbing a mountain with zero hiking experience. Twenty years and more than 90,000 hiking women later, we know a thing or two about turning first time hikers into finish-line legends.
If you’re brand new to hiking and want the basics first (what to wear, how often to walk, how to stay safe, start with Di’s Beginner's Guide to Hiking. Then come back here when you’re ready for a goal. Bring it on!
Never Hiked Before? You’re Exactly Who Coastrek Is For
Do you need to be fit to sign up? Nope. Coastrek is how you GET fit, not something you have to be fit for first.
This is the number one worry we hear from beginner hikers, and we get it. But every trekker you admire started with their first wobbly training walk. Many sign up having never walked more than a few kilometres, then train their way to the finish line. No one’s too slow, too old or too new.
If you have a health condition, an injury or haven’t exercised in a while, check in with your GP before you start training.
What Is Coastrek?
Coastrek is Australia’s most iconic team hiking and fundraising challenge. You walk 20-50km with your team along some of the country’s most stunning coastal trails, beaches and headlands, raising funds for mental health along the way.
And here’s the important bit: it’s not a race, it’s a challenge. It’s more about talking than trekking. There’s no podiums or personal bests, just you, your friends, and a whole lot of natural exhilaration.
Coastrek events run in iconic locations around Australia, so there’s likely one near you.
How Coastrek Supports Beginner Hikers
We’ve done things the hard way, so you don’t have to. Here’s how we support first time hikers every step of the way:
- A 12-week training program that builds your fitness gradually, whatever your starting point
- Choose your adventure with distances from 20-50km, so you can pick the goal that excites you
- You’re part of a team, so you’ll train, laugh and finish together
- Supported checkpoints (we call them Luv Stops!) along the route with water, snacks, first aid and amazing volunteers
- Expert tips straight to your inbox on gear, nutrition, blister prevention and fundraising, so you’re never left guessing
- Fundraising support so you have all the resources you need to reach your goal
Bad blisters? We’ve been there. Pre-event nerves? We’ve been there too. Whatever comes up, we’ve got you.
Can a Beginner Really Walk 20km?
Absolutely. With the right training, a beginner can walk 20km, and many first time hikers go on to tackle 50km.
The secret is building up gradually. Our training program starts with short walks a few times a week, then slowly increases your longest walk as your body adapts. By Event Day, your legs, feet and mind have done the distance in pieces, so the big day feels like a celebration rather than a shock.
A few things can make the biggest difference:
- Consistency beats intensity. Regular walks matter more than one heroic effort.
- Find some hills and stairs. You might swear at them. That’s normal.
- Test everything in training. Shoes, socks, snacks, and even whether coffee agrees with you on a long walk.
- Train your mind, too. Coastrek is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. Every step, every step.
For more on getting your head (and feet) in the game, read our Must-Read Tips For First Time Coastrekkers.
Your First Training Walks: Keep It Simple
You don’t need fancy gear to start training. Comfy runners, good socks, a water bottle and a snack will get you through your first few weeks. Start with local walks close to home, like a coastal path or bush track, and walk with a friend whenever you can.
For the full rundown on what to wear, what to carry and how to stay safe, Di’s Beginner’s Guide to Hiking has you covered. And learn how to prevent blisters. Happy feet make happy hikers.
Why a Team Hiking Challenge Is Easier for Beginners
Alone we are strong, together we are stronger. It’s true on the trail and in life.
Walking with your team makes the kilometres fly by. You chat, you laugh, you share snacks, and suddenly you’ve walked further than you thought possible. Your team also keeps you accountable. It’s much harder to hit snooze on a 6am training walk when your sole sisters are waiting at the trailhead with coffee.
No hiking buddies yet? No problem! Ask a colleague, rope in your sister, or start a team at work. Together, Everyone Achieves More.
Walk for You, Walk for Others
Training for Coastrek is good for your body and mind. Spending time in nature has been linked to reduced stress and improved wellbeing, and regular walking supports mental health and strength.
But Coastrek gives you something extra: purpose. Every team raises funds for our charity partner, Beyond Blue, supporting the mental health of all people in Australia. Helping others has been shown to improve our own wellbeing too, so every step does double the good.
Hiking Challenge for Beginners: Your Questions Answered
Is Coastrek a good hiking challenge for beginners?
Yes! Coastrek is designed with beginner hikers in mind. With a 12-week training program, a supportive team and choice of distances, first time hikers cross our finish lines every year.
Which distance should I choose as a first time hiker?Choose your adventure! Think about what excites you and how much time you have to train. 20km is a brilliant first goal, and plenty of beginners take on 50km and smash it. Whichever you pick, our training program will help you build up to it.
How long does it take a beginner to walk 20km?Most beginners walk around 3-4km an hour, so allow roughly four to six hours including snack and photo stops. Remember, it’s not a race.
What if I’m slower than the rest of my team?That’s totally normal. Chat about pace during training, agree on how often you’ll stop and walk together. On a team challenge, everyone gets there together.
Do I need hiking boots for Coastrek?Not at all. Comfy, supportive runners or trail shoes are perfect. Just make sure they’re worn in during training, never brand new on Event Day!
Ready for your first hiking challenge? Grab your team, find an event near you, and support the mental health of all people in Australia with Beyond Blue. A life-changing experience awaits. Woohoo!
