The Australian Sports Commission recently released its AusPlay survey results for July 2024 to June 2025. The results are again strongly positive for hiking / bushwalking in Western Australia and nationwide. HikeWest’s analysis of the data indicates the following: Strong participation in WA: Hiking / Bushwalking continues to be one of the strongest contributors to […]

Looking for a new way to enjoy the trails? Trails WA is hosting a three-part LiveLighter Intro to Trail Running Series, designed for beginners, families, and anyone keen to build confidence while experiencing the beauty of the Perth Hills. These welcoming, no-pressure events are all about moving at your own pace and having fun outdoors. […]

The 21 August deadline is fast approaching to make a submission to the Environmental Protection Authority in regards to Alcoa’s proposal to expand its bauxite mining operations. There are a range of resources to help you write your submission, including: HikeWest’s Mining Position Paper suggestions for a more personal, story-based approach from Ricky England the […]

Registrations are still open for Transcend Trails taking place on Saturday 16 August 2025 in the Avon Valley. Transcend Trails welcomes both hikers and trail runners across a range of distances, from the beginner-friendly 6km hike or trail run, to the 65 km ultra trail marathon. The trail takes landmarks including Mt Mambup, Bells Rapids, […]

When Ricky England embarked on a 250 km hike from Dwellingup to Perth, his goal was to connect with others and draw attention to a critical issue – the threat to WA’s Northern Jarrah Forest.  On WA Day, 3 June 2025, his long walk culminated in a powerful moment of community voice – approximately 2000 […]

The Australian Sports Commission recently released its latest AusPlay survey results to December 2024. These provide an updated analysis of participation demographics and behaviours across the country, including bushwalking and running/jogging reports for a broader, aggregated period from July 2023 onwards. (The survey does not identify trail running as a separate activity from running.) HikeWest’s […]

The HikeWest constitution is to be broadened to include trail running. This follows the unanimous support of members at the HikeWest 2024 Annual General Meeting. Following the lodging of the updated constitution with the authorities, trail running organisations and clubs whose primary focus includes trail running will be able to apply to be members of […]

The Australian Sports Commission recently released its latest AusPlay survey results for July 2023 to June 2024. These are based on new survey methodology, including a shift from phone to online sampling, plus a doubled sampling rate. The results are strongly positive for bushwalking. The previous surveys have evidently substantially underestimated participation in bushwalking, both […]

Four media announcements around year-end 2023 appeared to be good news for Western Australia’s native forests as we entered 2024: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced in mid December it will be publicly assessing Alcoa’s environmental management plans for their current Huntly and Willowdale bauxite mining operations in the Darling Range. These will be the […]

The Australian Sports Commission recently released its latest AusPlay survey results for July 2022 to June 2023. HikeWest has reviewed the results, and is pleased to see that bushwalking participation continues to grow in Western Australia and around the country after surging in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. High bushwalking ranking: Nationally and in Western […]