Walking Clubs Melbourne: How to Find Your People and Your Pace
Thinking about swapping solo strolls for a walking club? Here’s what one Melburnian found when she joined the search.
Walking on your own has its charms, but there’s a particular satisfaction in turning up somewhere new and finding eight or nine other people ready to explore it with you. Melbourne and Victoria have a strong walking club culture, from mid-week urban rambles to weekend bushwalks and the occasional overnight trip for the more adventurous. Our contributor Angie went looking for a club to join and came back with both a practical guide to getting started and a cracking account of a Sunday walk along the Williamstown to Port Melbourne foreshore.
Why join a walking club?
Walking as a group activity – the power of two feet
I’ve always walked for exercise; however, in recent years the idea of walking in a group or club has become more appealing.
As a solo, I began researching walking clubs. The benefit of a club or group is the walk always goes ahead (unsafe weather aside). You’ll have a leader who will share their knowledge and expertise, and more is shared from the other walkers.
Google, Facebook and the comprehensive list shared below gave me a vast number of clubs.
I follow several clubs and regularly enjoy walks within this wonderful community.
– Angie
Tips for joining a walking club
- Try before you commit. Most clubs let you come along as a guest for a small fee, usually $5–$8, or sometimes free, before deciding whether to join properly.
- Membership has its perks. A modest annual fee generally means members get first choice of walks, with guest spots opening up afterwards.
- Check the grading. Clubs publish a seasonal calendar listing date, grade, distance and a short description, so you can pick a walk that matches your fitness and pace.
- Mid-week walks suit public transport. These are often planned with train, tram or bus access in mind, so you don’t need to drive.
- Pack light. Comfortable shoes, a warm jacket, a hat and a water bottle will cover most club walks.
- Carry cash-free payment for the Westgate Punt. It’s EFTPOS only, a flat $5 fare.
Angie’s urban walk
I recently participated in an urban walk from Williamstown Beach along the foreshore past the Newport Power Station. We caught the punt across to Westgate Park ($5 EFTPOS only).
Here we stopped for lunch at its lakeside and bush picnic ground situated under the Westgate Bridge. The information board tells us the lake turns pink each year around February. The ground boasts brand new gas BBQs, a covered eating area and excellent toilet facilities. It’s a hidden gem.
We then followed the gravel path to the docks area of Port Melbourne and were able to see close up all the port activity. There was a wonderful children’s playground which was popular on a Sunday. We then doubled back to enjoy city skyline views on our way around to Princes Pier and our final stop at Station Pier Port Melbourne.
Our group of nine were of all ages and stages. Each walk holds an enjoyable opportunity to exercise, a safe environment to see somewhere new while always meeting interesting people from every corner of life.
If you have comfortable shoes, a warm jacket, hat and water bottle, you’re good to go.
– Angie
Planning your own version of Angie’s walk
If Angie’s foreshore walk has caught your interest, a few practical notes. The Westgate Punt runs regularly and is a short, flat crossing rather than a full ferry trip, though it doesn’t run in poor weather, so it’s worth checking ahead.
The route between Williamstown and Port Melbourne is mostly flat, sealed or firm gravel path, which makes it manageable at a relaxed pace, though there’s a fair bit of ground to cover if you’re doing the whole stretch, so factor in rest stops. Public toilets are available at Westgate Park.
Getting there
Train: Williamstown Beach station is the start point, on the Williamstown line from Flinders Street.
Punt: The Westgate Punt crosses to Westgate Park (cash EFTPOS only, weekends and public holidays).
Return: Station Pier and Princes Pier in Port Melbourne are both served by the 109 tram back into the city.
Join a club
The Bushwalking Victoria clubs directory is a good starting point for comparing clubs by region, grade and walking style. Most clubs welcome guests for one or two walks before asking you to commit to membership, so it’s worth trying a couple before deciding.
Heart Foundation Walking — a free, searchable directory with 167 walking groups listed across Victoria, filterable by postcode, pace and schedule. Free entry-level option, good contrast to membership-fee clubs.
Ramblers Walking Club — explicitly describes itself as a friendly, diverse group of mature-aged people, with Sunday bushwalks around 12km and Wednesday walks around Melbourne that are accessible by public transport. This is about as close a match to the SIM audience as I’ve found — no booking system, just turn up once you’re a member.
Melbourne Walking Club — worth including because it specifically notes weekday walks are popular with members who have retired or are working part-time, distinct from the Sunday program aimed at people still working. Also has a $5 visitor fee, which lines up with Angie’s note.
Walking Club of Victoria — a Melbourne-based bushwalking club founded in 1947, running activities year-round; useful as a long-established, well-known option.
Heading off on your own Melbourne adventures? Join our Facebook Group and share your stories, ask questions and connect with others for further inspiration.
