Coastrek – Australia’s premier charity hiking challenge for women – is going coast to coast in 2022, announcing a brand new event in Margaret River, WA this October. Trekkers can now choose from five events taking place across Australia throughout the year on Sydney’s eastern beaches, the Mornington Peninsula, the Sunshine Coast, the Fleurieu Peninsula south of Adelaide and now a spectacular option on the west coast.
“Coastrek is continually evolving and growing so it’s with great excitement that we announce our Margaret River Coastrek event – one of our most challenging and wildest treks yet!” said Di Westaway, Coastrek Founder & CEO.
Coastrek is a fantastic fitness goal that includes a dedicated 6-12week training program ensuring all trekkers are well prepared and get the most out of this life-changing experience. Teams of four can choose from a variety of distances – the super 60km, fabulous 45km or the thrilling 30km and 35km (Margaret River only) challenges – on some of Australia’s most iconic coastlines.
All Coastrek routes are meticulously planned in coordination with local councils and national parks to ensure all trekkers tread lightly on our treasured land.
ABOUT COASTREK MARGARET RIVER…
Coastrek Margaret River will take place on Friday, 28 October and offers a route that takes in a section of the famous Cape to Cape Track and encompasses all the highlights of the region – waves, whales and wildflowers!
This unique event starts by the bright white sand and turquoise waters of Hamelin Bay, taking trekkers on a remote, rugged and rocky 35 kilometre trail that includes a journey through the iconic Boranup Karri Forest where the towering 60 metre high karri trees shade a forest floor of wildflowers, orchids and funghi.
Other highlights include two river crossings at Redgate Beach and Boodijup Creek – a refreshing boost for the feet and a picturesque coastal feast for the eyes; and Gnarapub Beach where limestone cliffs offer spectacular views over the beach to Surfers Point and the Rivermouth in the distance before the approach to the finish line in Prevelly.
Whale watching season is also in full swing with vantage points throughout the route for possible sightings of Humpbacks heading north with their young.
Coastrek Margaret River will mark the culmination of Coastrek’s 2022 national series, taking place during Mental Health Awareness Month highlighting the importance of walking for mental health – and supporting Beyond Blue’s 24hr support service.
Distances offered: 35km only
Visit www.coastrek.com.au to register interest
Images available here
OTHER COASTREK EVENTS IN 2022…
Sydney Coastrek: Friday, 25 March
The first event for the year, Sydney Coastrek follows spectacular tracks along the cliff tops linking La Perouse, Malabar, Maroubra, Coogee, Bondi and Vaucluse, on to the new Wulugul Walk at Barangaroo and ending with a walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge and into the Finish Village at Kirribilli.
Trekkers will pass by Aboriginal engravings and rock art at Milk Beach in Vaucluse, Murriverie Rocks at North Bondi and Mackenzies Point in Tamara and negotiate curly fitness challenges at McElhone Stairs – a stairway of 113 steps, connecting Potts Point and Woolloomooloo. A great way to kick off health and fitness goals for the year.
Distances offered: 60km, 45km, 30km
Registration for 30km and 45km events close 11 February 2022. (60km event now closed)
Visit www.coastrek.com.au/events-sydney
Images available here
Melbourne Coastrek (Mornington Peninsula): Friday, 27 May 2022
A stunning sunrise start Cape Schanck, the natural beauty of Sorrento Beach, panoramic views from Point Nepean, and coastal bush trails including Farnsworth track to London Bridge and Butlers Track are amongst the many highlights that make the Mornington Peninsula Coastrek event so special.
And as a reward for trekkers on completion the Mornington Peninsula region offers spectacular wineries, relaxing spa and wellness retreats, and close encounters with local wildlife.
Distances offered: 60km, 45km, 30km
Early bird registration closes 4 February 2022
Standard registration closes 4 March for 60km and 14 April for 30 km and 45km events
Visit www.coastrek.com.au/events/melbourne
Images available here
Brisbane Coastrek (Sunshine Coast): Friday, 15 July 2022
This event puts the ‘coast’ in Coastrek with kilometres of beach hugging trail and an abundance of leg-toning sand! Highlights include a scenic trek around Maroochy River and the beautiful canal estate of Twin Waters, coastal trails through Coolum and Peregian Beach, and – for something completely different – a free shuttle boat ride across the Mooloolah River, with a finish in the Noosa Woods bushland setting.
Noosa’s Hastings Street café, bar and restaurant strip awaits for post-event celebrations and a day trip into the hinterland townships of Eumundi, Montville and Maleney is a must-do.
Distances offered: 60km and 30km
Early bird registration closes 1 April 2022
Standard registration closes 22 April for 60km and 3 June for 30 km events
Visit www.coastrek.com.au/events-brisbane
Images available here
Adelaide Coastrek (Fleurieu Peninsula): Friday, 2 September 2022
Trekkers up for the 60km challenge will get a taste of South Australia’s famous Heysen Trail between Waitpinga and Encounter Bay – but there are plenty of highlights for the 30km trek as well on the magnificent Fleurieu Peninsula.
The 2.9km Kaiki Walking Trail will lead trekkers around Granite Island Recreation Park where they’ll see unusual granite formations, crashing waves, and stunning panoramic views from elevated platforms. The walk features a spectacular 2.4 km cliff-top sculpture trail which features the work of local, national and international artists.
The event finishes in Goolwa, a historic river port where the Murray mouth and Southern Ocean meet. The award winning McLaren Vale wine region awaits for post-event exploration.
Distances offered: 60km and 30km
Early bird registration closes 13 May
Standard registration closes 10 June for 60km and 22 July for 30 km events
Visit www.coastrek.com.au/events-adelaide
Images available here
About Wild Women on Top and Coastrek
Established in 2004, Wild Women on Top is one of Australia’s largest and longest running women’s health movements. Their mission is to connect, coach and champion women in the outdoors through community hiking adventures and their flagship Coastrek program of events around Australia.
Since the first event in 2009, Coastrek has transformed millions of lives globally with over 40,000 trekkers in its 13-year history raising nearly $40 million, firstly through an 11-year partnership with The Fred Hollows Foundation and since 2020 with Beyond Blue. To date, nearly 2 million kilometres have been trekked by women and men who have trained and completed a Coastrek challenge – that’s 40 times around the world!
In 2020, Founder & CEO Di Westaway was awarded an OAM for services to women’s health, fitness and charity services. She is an authority on lifestyle health and wellness and trek training and has authored two books: ‘Natural Exhilaration’ and ‘How to Prepare for World Class Treks’. She also holds the world record for the highest handstand at 6,982m above sea level on Mt Ama Dablam, Nepal.
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