How to Start a Walking Group in Your Neighbourhood

On a bright Saturday morning, a dozen inner west locals laced up their trainers at Jubilee Park, ready to walk together along the foreshore for the first time. This newly-formed group isn’t unique—across Sydney, community walking clubs are popping up in suburbs from Randwick to Rozelle, spurred by a renewed focus on affordable, social, and accessible fitness.

Why Neighbourhood Walking Groups Are Booming

As gym memberships inch above $30 a week in many Sydney suburbs and long-term public health pressures mount, group exercise is finding fresh appeal. “The biggest motivation is having others to be accountable to,” says Sarah Jenkins, who helped launch the Surry Hills Step Outs in 2025. With high-profile fitness icons from Bondi Beach hosting mass sunrise strolls and the City of Sydney backing wellness programs in Centennial Parklands, the city’s landscape is primed for a walking renaissance.

It’s also a response to broader wellness trends. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, almost half of adults in NSW reported not meeting recommended physical activity guidelines in 2024. For many Sydneysiders, joining a group turns a solitary stroll into a social routine—a crucial boost as research links social connection to better mental and physical health outcomes.

Where to Begin: Local Inspiration and How-To Steps

Getting started is simpler than you might think. Start by picking a local landmark or park as your walk anchor: the Bondi to Coogee coastal track is a popular choice for eastern suburbs residents, offering both stunning scenery and easy group meeting points at Bondi Pavilion or Coogee Beach car park. In the north, Manly locals often gather at Shelly Beach Cafe before heading off along Marine Parade’s clifftop path.

“Start small,” advises organisers from the Heart Foundation Walking program, which supports over 1,300 walking groups nationally—including more than 70 active teams in the Greater Sydney region. Listing your group through platforms like Meetup, Facebook Groups or via local community centres can help attract neighbours who are interested but unsure where to begin. Many groups choose to walk twice a week; early mornings (6:30-7:30am) are especially popular for avoiding crowds and beating the heat.

There’s little cost: forming your own group is free, though occasional coffee stops or end-of-month café breakfasts are common. If you’re hoping to expand, the City of Sydney offers a $1,000 Active Sydney Community Matching Grant which can be applied for online, aimed at promoting physical activity in local neighbourhoods.

Attendance varies, but Heart Foundation data shows even groups of 4-8 participants have significant impacts: walkers in these programs report a 24% increase in weekly steps after three months, and group activity is linked to a 10% greater likelihood of sticking with exercise long-term. Many find the routine itself—the same time, the same streets, the friendly faces—becomes as important as any formal training goal.

Grow, Share, Enjoy

Once your group is established, consider themed walks—a wildflower tour through Centennial Parklands in spring, or harbourfront strolls exploring Barangaroo’s new public art. Some groups partner with local businesses for healthy brunch discounts or arrange information sessions with physiotherapists from clinics like Surry Hills Wellness Centre. Posting photos on local Facebook groups or a WhatsApp chat keeps motivation high and helps attract new members.

Ultimately, the best walking groups are grassroots and neighbour-driven. They bring people of all ages and abilities together, turning everyday streets into networks of support. The only real requirement is a meeting point, a time—and a willingness to walk out your front door. For those keen to start, flyers at your local café or a post on the Nextdoor app could be the first step towards a healthier, better-connected Sydney street.