How to Start a Walking Group in Your Neighbourhood

More Townsville locals began organising neighbourhood walking groups this month after the Telstra outage disrupted train schedules and highlighted the value of nearby exercise options that do not rely on technology.

Interest has grown because fixed house prices in the region remain nearly double the levels recorded ten years ago, pushing households to seek zero-cost fitness routines that fit around work and family schedules.

Pick a route near Castle Hill or the Strand

Groups often start with the 2.5 kilometre Castle Hill ascent from the base car park on Stanley Street in the CBD, finishing at the lookout before descending the same path. Another option uses the flat path along the Strand Waterpark beach strip, beginning at the rock pool near Gregory Street and turning at the jetty opposite Flinders Street East. Both routes allow participants to join or leave at any point without needing transport.

Townsville Hospital staff have run a similar program since March 2025, logging 420 participant sessions in the first six months according to internal records shared with community groups. The sessions cost nothing to join and meet twice weekly at 6:30 am.

Set a schedule and keep it simple

Choose one weekday morning and one weekend slot, then post the details on a neighbourhood noticeboard or local Facebook page. Bring a printed map of the Castle Hill or Strand route and a basic first-aid kit from the chemist on Ross River Road. After four weeks, most groups add a short coffee stop at a cafe on the return leg to encourage new members from Railway Estate or Belgian Gardens to attend. Contact the Townsville City Council parks team at their Thuringowa office for free printed route maps before the first walk.