How to start a walking group in your neighbourhood

Brisbane residents have registered 47 new neighbourhood walking groups with the city council since January this year.

Interest has grown after several winters of disrupted routines, with people seeking low-cost ways to stay active outdoors instead of relying on gym memberships that often cost $25 a week. The trend aligns with the city's push for active transport along the Brisbane River parklands, where paths stay usable even in cooler months.

Pick a route and set a time

New Farm Park draws morning groups along its river loop because the flat 3.2 kilometre circuit suits mixed fitness levels. South Bank Parklands offers an alternative start point near the Goodwill Bridge, where participants can extend the walk into the city reach without crossing busy roads. Organisers post a simple flyer at the New Farm library noticeboard two weeks before the first meet-up and list the group on the Brisbane City Council community events page at no charge.

Keep numbers small and rules simple

A 2025 Brisbane City Council survey of 1,200 residents found that groups of six to eight people maintained attendance better than larger ones. The same survey recorded an average 22 percent increase in weekly steps among participants after eight weeks. Groups meet twice a week, usually Tuesdays and Saturdays at 7 am, and rotate the role of sending a quick text reminder the night before. No special equipment is required beyond comfortable shoes and a water bottle. Participants check in with their own GP if they have any health concerns before joining.

After the first month the group can register for a free council walking kit that includes reflective vests and a basic first-aid pack. Regular walks continue through the cooler July mornings because the river paths remain sheltered and well lit. New groups often begin by inviting two or three neighbours via a letterbox drop along a single street before opening the invitation wider.