From May 1 to 31, 2024 we held our Australia’s Biggest Bushwalk challenge. A total of 827 participants, including 169 teams, from across Australia and even overseas got active in nature in May by walking, running or rolling the kilometres of their choice around their neighbourhoods, parks and coastlines to raise vital funds to protect nature. They covered collectively an amazing distance of over 46,000 kilometres, nearly equivalent to walking around Australia TWICE!
Together, we raised $190,209 to help protect our incredible wildlife, surpassing our initial fundraising goal and exceeding all expectations.
The support received from our nature-loving community has helped shine a spotlight on our threatened species and will help us end extinction! We couldn’t have done this without our extraordinary participants, fundraisers, donors, ambassadors, sponsors, supporters and partners.
Australia’s Biggest Bushwalk participants have immersed themselves in a journey from the moment they signed up for the challenge until the very end, receiving support every step of the way through our regularly communications and engaging Facebook group. This vibrant group served as a hub for participants to connect, share experiences and motivate each other, nurturing a sense of community and encouragement throughout the challenge.
It was incredibly inspiring to witness their achievements and dedication on our socials and from the sidelines. Highlights include a special encounter with a cephalopod octopus by our lovely participant Vanda Cummis on her first day of the challenge, where she helped the creature return to the ocean. Or witnessing our dedicated participant Geoff Lockhart complete an astounding 837km, rain or shine, was incredibly motivating for everyone involved.
These bushwalkers were also motivated to reach key fundraising milestones with the opportunity to win amazing prizes, including Australia’s Biggest Bushwalk exclusive t-shirts, buffs, hats, and Paddy Pallin digital gift cards.
Message from our TOP TEAM fundraiser
Former environmental educator and ranger Rose Baillie lost her vision to eye disease, and now volunteers as a nature therapy guide for people with low vision and blindness. Rose told us that taking part in Australia’s Biggest Bushwalk was life-changing, giving her new meaning and purpose. Walking under the name “Rosey Pose goes n glows”, she and her team raised more than $11,000 to protect our incredible wildlife. And Rose’s team Mosey with Rosey was the top fundraising team.
“My walking name was inspired by the idea that the more I walk in nature, the more I feel healthy and happy, as I connect and spread awareness. Walking for wildlife conservation gives a sense of meaning and contribution... there’s nothing like getting out into the beauty of nature to refresh the mind, body and soul.” 
Australia's Biggest Bushwalk participant Rose Baillie.
The money raised goes directly to ACF’s work to protect the animals we love like the koala, quoll, pink cockatoo and Regent honeyeater and will help us do this work in the coming months:
- Build customer pressure on Woolworths and Coles to disclose nature destruction in their supply chains and set targets to end deforestation.
- Ramp up public pressure on Australian banks and super funds to disclose nature destruction and set targets to end the financing of deforestation.
- Maintain political pressure on the Australian government to not only establish a national environmental regulator, but create strong national nature laws that actually protect nature.
Take a sneak peek at what our nature lovers have accomplished during the challenge
And check out our top Nature Hero fundraisers here.
Challenge Highlights
- 827 participants
- 2263 donors
- Over 500 new supporters to ACF
Keep an eye out for upcoming fundraising opportunities
- Are you a runner looking to make a difference? Consider raising funds for ACF during the Sydney Marathon this September or the Runaway Sydney Half Marathon in May!
- Planning a celebration, school fair, gala night, or any upcoming event? Transform it into a fundraiser today! Create your own fundraising event and make a meaningful impact.
- Stay tuned for our next fundraising challenge!
Need any help?
Send us an email to [email protected] or give us a call on 1800 223 669 for more information.
