In short:
The free Mums Who Hike group has been running for 18 months.
Members say it has helped them deal with the challenges of motherhood.
What's next?
Group members have become unofficial tourism ambassadors by sharing their scenic adventures online.
On the banks of Lake Weyba, on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, a group of intrepid toddlers have assembled with their mothers in tow.
Their little feet set the pace for this weekday walk, which means there are plenty of stops along the way as they scramble up rocks or bend down to grab sticks or leaves.
"That has been a big change from maybe struggling to walk because they're very young toddlers to being very confident outside and climbing, and they all know each other now, which is so special," Sabina Kath said.
Ms Kath, who previously worked as an outdoor educator, started Mums Who Hike about 18 months ago.
"I've always loved hiking but I didn't have any friends who were into the same thing as me, so I just decided to find those people myself,"she said.
Since then, the group's free walks have been attended by about 700 mothers.
"Whether somebody has to stop to do a quick feed or they need to do a nappy change on the trail, everyone helps each other out," Ms Kath said.
"Sometimes people forget nappies or sunscreen or wipes, and everyone's got something in their bag or their car, and we're always, just as a collective, sharing our stuff."
A shared journey
Emma Burgess said the group had made a huge difference to her wellbeing.
"Motherhood is very lonely and it kind of catches you by surprise, even if you are a social person, and so this was the first group that I joined that actually got me out of the house," Ms Burgess said.
"I think it's just given a lot of confidence for me to make new friends. It's hard to make friends when you're over 30, so that's been really good too."
Jess Calligan said her toddler was just as excited as she was to join the hikes.
"He bangs on the door at seven o'clock to get outside now," Ms Calligan said.
"We try really hard not to show our son too many screens, and getting outside is a great excuse and distraction and a good reset for all of us."
Ms Kath said watching the group members connect had been incredibly rewarding.
"I find mums who have never met each other before, [then] 10 minutes into the walk, they're yapping away having quite a deep and meaningful chat often," Ms Kath said.
"Walking opens you up to talking about things that you might be a bit more intimidated to talk about if you're looking someone directly in the eye."
Tourism ambassadors
Ms Kath shares the group's adventures on social media, and her images are often reposted by tourism pages.
She was recently named a finalist in the volunteer category of the 2026 Outdoors Queensland Awards. Winners will be announced on October 30.
"I'm really passionate about how beautiful the Sunshine Coast is," Ms Kath said.
"We've got lakes, beaches, the Glass House Mountains, rainforests, waterfalls to swim in — there is so much within half an hour's drive of wherever you live."
She said the mothers also felt more secure bushwalking as a group.
"I have had situations hiking by myself where I have felt a little bit fearful," Ms Kath said.
"If you're hiking then with a child you can feel more vulnerable, so when you've got a pack of mums and you're all together you've got each other's back."
