How to Start a Walking Group in Your Neighbourhood

A growing number of Central Coast residents are putting their best foot forward, forming neighbourhood walking groups along Gosford’s waterfront, around Tuggerah Lake, and through leafy suburban streets. Group walking offers more than just a chance to stretch your legs, it’s emerging as a practical, social and accessible way to improve physical and mental health.

Across the region, demand for low-cost, social exercise options has risen, partly driven by the ongoing push for healthier lifestyles and concerns about isolation during the colder months. Winter may be the off-season for some outdoor activities, but local walking groups are keeping residents connected and active, regardless of the temperature.

Central Coast Walks: Where to Begin

The Central Coast is rich with walking-friendly locations. The redeveloped Terrigal Boardwalk draws a regular morning crowd with its coastal views, while the Bouddi National Park’s well-marked trails offer a more rugged group challenge from Putty Beach to Maitland Bay. Around Tuggerah Lake, the shared cycling and walking path provides more than 12km of flat, accessible track through Long Jetty and The Entrance. Organisations such as the Central Coast Heart Foundation Walking group already use these routes, meeting for scheduled group sessions throughout the week.

If you’re interested in starting a walking group, begin by pinpointing a meet-up spot. Erina Fair shopping centre’s main entrance, Gosford Waterfront at Dane Drive, and the Surf Lifesaving Club at Avoca Beach are all reliable gathering points, with access to parking and public transport. Local councils, including Central Coast Council, promote regular walking events and sometimes offer free promotional materials or planning advice for new community groups.

Why Group Walking Works-and How to Get Started

National data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that regular physical activity such as walking can help reduce the risk of chronic disease, yet many adults struggle to meet recommended activity levels. Community-based exercise groups tend to increase motivation and accountability: a simple weekly schedule and a WhatsApp chat group can make all the difference in keeping neighbourhood participation high.

To kick off a group, try these steps: (1) Set a clear, friendly invitation and share it via local noticeboards, Facebook groups such as Central Coast Community Noticeboard, or via flyers at libraries and cafes; (2) Choose a walk length and difficulty suitable for most, such as the 2km lakeside loop at Long Jetty; (3) Decide on a regular time, like Tuesday mornings or Sunday afternoons; and (4) Consider registration with an organisation like Heart Foundation Walking, which provides planning resources and basic insurance for groups. Most importantly, make it welcoming, some walkers might bring prams, others will want to stop for coffee at a place like Marmalade Cafe in Toukley post-walk.

Central Coast Council’s website lists upcoming community fitness opportunities and is a helpful resource for finding existing groups or getting new ones off the ground. Ultimately, a neighbourhood walking group is less about how far or fast you go and more about lacing up together. As the days get lighter this winter, now’s the time to invite your neighbours and take those first community steps.