Movement is Medicine: Walk & Talk for Preventative Mental Health
About the event
Movement and connection are powerful tools for wellbeing, and we believe they are the first line of defence. Walk & Talk for Preventative Mental Health ensures that no one travels their darkest path alone. 👣 Step Into Action Foundation is a national movement transforming walking into a force for early intervention mental well-being. Officially launched in 2025, the Foundation evolved from Chris Barton’s personal walking challenges for Mental Health, which began in 2017. The Foundation raises and distributes funds for life-saving and life-changing initiatives, including our flagship Charlotte’s Wish Scholarships. These scholarships provide vital preventative mental health support for young Australians aged 10–14, focusing on movement, connection, and purpose. The Foundation's mission is urgent but simple: to bridge the preventive gap in Australia’s mental health system. Every kilometre walked builds connection, every partnership funds prevention, and every young life supported brings us closer to a nation that walks before it is too late. You're invited to join this walk from Manly to Dee Why via Curl Curl. Whether you’re looking to clear your head, meet new people, or to support the Step Into Action Foundation, this walk is a safe, open space for everyone. This isn’t a race, it’s an invitation to join the movement. Through your participation in this walk, you become part of the bigger mission: advocating for movement and connection as the first line of defence in mental wellbeing. 🗒️ RSVP to attend. As this is a combined event with a few groups, please complete the questionnaire after you RSVP, so that we can keep you posted on any updates or changes on the day. The Event Chat or Comments on this Meetup page will not be activated. 📍 Meeting Point: Meet us at The Giant Shell (Outside Manly Wharf) at 1:00pm. 💵 Donations: This walk is free, but any cash donations you make will go towards *Step Into Action Foundation.* 🎒 BYO: Bring hat, sunglasses, water. There are many places to fill up along the walk. 😋 Lunch: BYO or have some lunch in Manly, before you start the walk at 1pm. 🍽️ Dinner (Optional): You're welcome to join us for dinner after the walk. Provide your confirmation when you RSVP, as this will have to be pre-booked. 👣 Walk Route and Details This spectacular coastal walk from Manly to Dee Why will be led by Peter. He is an experienced travel, tour and walking guide. We will walk through the Manly Corso and continue along the beach as we head north towards Queenscliff. There are beautiful nature surrounds and views. Lots of bird, tree & plant life throughout this walk. There are many water stations and toilets on the this beautiful coastal walk, which includes, bitumen, concrete, boardwalks & dirt, just to mix it up. We will walk on a boardwalk over the sandstone rocks through Freshwater towards Curl Curl, which has a commanding view over the world's largest ocean - Pacific Ocean. We will continue around Curl Curl Lagoon, passing the famous statue of Duke Kahanamoku who introduced surfing in Australia, right here at Freshwater Beach. Crossing the main bridge over the lagoon we climb towards the headland. Here we will move towards dirt, higher elevation with lots of steps. We arrive into Dee Why Beach and then continue towards the main bus stop or dinner option. Once we arrive at Dee Why, you can attend our optional dinner spot with special discounts for meals and drinks. Start Point: Manly Finish Point: Dee Why. Distance: 8km (approx.) Transport Options: Ferry, Bus or Car to Starting Point. Ferry Option: F1 Circular Quay to Manly 12:30 / 12:52. Walk Information Key: 8SM3. Explanation of the Walk Information Key: 1. The first number is the distance in kilometres. 2. The next letter stands for the height of the hills: S = Small Hills under 50 metres high, so fairly flat, M = Medium Hills, between 50-100 metres high & B = Big Hills, over 100 metres high. 3. The next letter stands for the type of track: S = Sealed,…
