Researchers tracked more than 400 women, measuring outcomes before and after training for Coastrek, and comparing results with a control group
“Nature may be Australia’s most underrated mental health treatment!”
Monday, 19 January, Australia – Forget bio hacks, supplements, and wearable wellness trends - the real longevity booster for women is simpler, cheaper, and social: walking in nature with friends.
A new study by People and Nature in collaboration with Griffith University examined the impact of Coastrek's 12-week nature-walking program and found measurable, lasting improvements in women’s mental health and well-being.
Key Findings include:
- Mental Health Boost: Participants experienced a 5.6% boost in mental well-being – a significant and lasting improvement confirmed by the study.
- Economic Value: Each participant gained an average mental-health value of $4,000, equating to a potential $20 million annual national impact.
- Sustained Results: Women who continued walking in nature-maintained improvements long-term.
Researchers tracked more than 400 women, measuring outcomes before and after training for Coastrek, and comparing results with a control group. Researchers found that walking in nature uniquely combines physical movement, social connection, and purpose – three key drivers of longevity and mental well-being.
Di Westaway OAM, founder of Coastrek and Wild Women on Top, says nature remains one of Australia’s most under-prescribed mental health tools.
"Coastrek women have always known that happiness and health are amplified when you challenge yourself and connect with others outdoors. The right walk, with the right women, in the right place, can truly change your life."
The findings come as participation in bushwalking and hiking continues to surge across Australia, rising from 800,000 in 2015 to 3.8 million in 2024–25. Women now account for more than half of all hikers, with midlife women (35–64) driving the fastest growth. Many cite mental well-being, connection and time outdoors in nature as their top motivators.
Designed for women with busy lives, Coastrek combines guided training, community support and adventure demonstrating how low-cost, preventative lifestyle interventions can deliver significant mental and physical health outcomes at scale.
“If you want to boost your well-being, strengthen your mental health and even add years to your happiest life, “ said Di Westaway, “here’s the prescription: grab your girlfriends, lace up your walking shoes, and hit the trail.”
The 2026 Coastrek season kicks off on 27 March on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with events rolling out nationally across iconic coastal and wild locations. Women can sign up now to a Coastrek event in 2026 and join thousands of others reclaiming their health, confidence and connection - one step at a time
- People and Nature report
- Sign up to a Coastrek event in 2026
For more information or to arrange an interview with Di Westaway OAM, please contact:
Marlene Richardson, GasbagPR E: marlene@gasbagpr.com.au M: 0409 888 218
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About us:
About Wild Women on Top and Coastrek
Established in 2004, Wild Women on Top is one of Australia’s largest and longest running women’s health movements. Their mission is to connect, coach and champion women in the in the outdoors through community hiking adventures and their flagship Coastrek series of hiking events around Australia.
Since Coastrek’s first event in 2009 over 90,000 people have trained and completed a Coastrek challenge and raised over $57 million for respected Australian charities including the Fred Hollows Foundation, the Heart Foundation and Beyond Blue. Visit www.coastrek.com.au.
In 2020, Founder & CEO Di Westaway was awarded an OAM for services to women’s health, fitness and charity services. She is an authority on lifestyle health and wellbeing and holds the world record for the highest handstand at 6,982m above sea level on Mt Ama Dablam, Nepal.
Contact details:
Key Findings include:
- Mental Health Boost: Participants experienced a 5.6% boost in mental well-being – a significant and lasting improvement confirmed by the study.
- Economic Value: Each participant gained an average mental-health value of $4,000, equating to a potential $20 million annual national impact.
- Sustained Results: Women who continued walking in nature-maintained improvements long-term.
