Free hiking group brings 700 mothers together on Sunshine Coast
A free hiking group started about 18 months ago. It has attracted roughly 700 mothers. The group helps tackle isolation.
Sabina Kath is a former outdoor educator who started Mums Who Hike on the Sunshine Coast about 18 months ago. The free walks have now attracted roughly 700 mothers and their young children.
Members say the group has been powerful for their mental health and sense of connection. Emma Burgess described motherhood as very lonely.
She said the group got her out of the house. It helped her make new friends.
Other mothers report their toddlers now eagerly scramble outdoors. One child bangs on the door at 7am to join the walks.
The group operates on shared support. Members share nappies, sunscreen and wipes on the trail.
Kath's photos of the scenic walks around Lake Weyba, the Glass House Mountains and local rainforests have been reposted by tourism pages. She was named a finalist in the volunteer category of the 2026 Outdoors Queensland Awards.
- 18 months old
- Group age
- About 700 mothers
- Members
- Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Location
- Free walks
- Cost
Why it mattersIt shows how simple, free programs led by the community can tackle maternal isolation and mental health. They also get kids outdoors and build friendships adults thought they'd lost after 30.
AustraliaMothers across Australia face similar isolation challenges, and this model demonstrates how local outdoor groups can be launched with zero budget and massive wellbeing returns.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 4 h ago
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