30 March 2022
Today I am excited to announce the launch of the all-new Trail Hiking Australia website, a completely redesigned and greatly improved site for the outdoor adventurer.
The Trail Hiking Australia website was first launched in 2015. From humble beginnings it has now grown to be one the most comprehensive and widely used trails websites in Australia. With more than 60,000 enthusiasts accessing the site each month, it has helped people rediscover the outdoors with everything from short walks to epic multi-day journeys.
Darren Edwards, founder of Trail Hiking Australia, developed the site to help others experience the many benefits being outdoors in nature can bring. “A few years ago, my mental health really took a beating, it was being outdoors away from all the noise that made the difference to me. Hiking literally saved my life. I started to think maybe hiking could help other people who are suffering as I was. Not knowing how to help directly, I decided to build this website”.
The all-new Trail Hiking Australia site includes over 300 informative articles to help people get started, prepare for their adventure, keep safe, develop important skills, and above all, find great trails right across Australia.
The enhanced search functionality categorises all trails by destination, length, duration, style, and difficulty. Search for trails near you, by park or trail name or use the interactive map search to zoom, pan and rapidly filter trails to find the one you like. There really is something for everyone, including the ability to easily find all abilities trails.
You can create your own profile, save trails to custom lists, compare trails, upload photos and GPX files to existing listings, add new trails, or suggest an edit to existing info. An important safety feature is the introduction of a ‘trip intentions form’, allowing you to easily let someone know before you go and make it easier for people to find you if something goes wrong. The intentions form initiative was driven by Darren’s commitment to keep people safe and was informed through extensive consultation and call outs as an SES search and rescue volunteer.
What started as a private blog has evolved into a serious and reputable online resource for anyone looking for somewhere to walk, hike, run or ride. Trail Hiking Australia was not built for profit, it was built as a free community service by one guy who is passionate about the outdoors and dedicated to getting people out into nature safely.
“I’ve received so many personal messages from people over the years, telling me how much my site and being in nature has helped then through challenging times. This makes the thousands of hours and money I’ve invested all worth it”, Darren said.
If you are into hiking, bushwalking, trail running, or mountain bike riding then head on over to www.trailhiking.com.au and check out the new site. With over 3,200 trails across Australia to hike, walk, run or ride, you’re sure to satisfy the adventurer within.
