Bushwalking State of play – AusPlay ‘snapshot’ 2019

Sport Australia has released a Bush Walking – State of Play Report summarising results from its nationwide AusPlay phone surveys between January 2016 and December 2018. Their aim is to help identify trends and opportunities to maximise participation and engagement.

The report re-confirms that adult (15+) participation in bushwalking in WA, at 4.1% (~94,000), continues to lag significantly behind participation rates for most of the other states and territories.

In HikeWest’s view, it should be unacceptable that bushwalking in WA remains so far behind a state such as SA where participation is 6.3%, despite WA providing at least equally attractive natural environments for walkers.

Sport Australia has previously highlighted the huge predicted “health and social costs over the next 10 years if people don’t get moving” (ref. Aug. 2018). Bushwalking / hiking needs urgently increased promotion and support within the State, and West Australians need greater access to diverse opportunities and environments that encourage them to walk more. HikeWest anticipates that WA’s Bushwalking and Trail Running Strategy, currently being finalised, will be a key positive step forward.

(Posted: 6 June 2019)

View more news updates

Our Members

We welcome not only bushwalking clubs as members, but also other organisations and individuals:

Member Clubs

Affiliate Members

Individual Members

Latest Projects

Hiking safely

The popularity of bushwalking is on the rise with a significant surge in participation in […]

Continue reading
A new Strategic Plan: 2023-2026

HikeWest’s new Strategic Plan, released in September 2023, underscores our commitment to see more people […]

Continue reading

eNews Subscription

Stay up-to-date with our latest news and offers.