• Adelaides Longest Running LGBTIQ Support Group!

The most often asked question:

  • How do I join a walk for the first time?
  • Let me illustrate the answer, as follows:
  • Step 1: (from the program page) select the event (e.g. One of our first Sunday of the month walks)
  • Step 2: Present at the events listed meeting location(s) (e.g. All Sunday walks meet 9:30 am CIBO Cafe 199 Hutt St, Adelaide)
  • Step 3: Know that we are always welcoming new members; pride ourselves on our friendliness
  • Step 4: Turn up and look out for a group of 'happy Wanderers' (out the front of CIBO's) enjoying coffee
  • (Note: Your first walk is free, thereafter $20 annual membership)
  • If you'd prefer, you can notify us that you're going to attend one of our events (by the enquiry form or contacts below) and that way we can keep an eye out for you

More Questions & Answers

1. Who are we?The Adelaide Happy Wanderers is a gay social group that partakes in walks, usually in the Adelaide environs. We meet monthly, on the first Sunday. Average attendance is about fifteen people. Walkers range in age between twenties to sixties. The Adelaide Happy Wanderers Bushwalking Club was started in 1982 by Keith Herbig, Bart van der Wel and David Trebilcock. Incidentally, that makes us Adelaide's longest running gay support group. Bart van der Wel took over the organisation of the club and walkers met at his place for many years for coffee before leaving on the walk. The club relies on walkers offering to lead walks. In the early programmes the club included day and moonlight walks, weekend trips, canoeing and rock climbing.
2. How fast do you walk? What if I want to walk faster/slower?Relax! The Adelaide Happy Wanderers enjoy getting out of the city and experiencing nature. For that reason alone, we take the time to enjoy the environment. For the most part, we take a casual stroll and avoid power-walking at all costs! While walking is one of the greatest and easiest forms of fitness, we are primarily a social group so like to have enough breath to chat while we stroll! The people who come along to our walks vary in age and fitness levels. The walk is a group activity and walkers are to stay with the group. The leader will set the pace and will wait periodically for slow walkers to catch up. Those who want to walk at a quicker pace are more than welcome to do so - just make sure you know the correct path to take! All we ask is that faster walkers take a break at relevant points and wait for the others to catch up! If you prefer to stroll, then you'll be with the bulk of the group. Nonetheless, you won't be left behind. We take a count of how many walkers we have each time and make sure all are present before continuing too far ahead!
3. How many people attend the walks?The number of people who attend varies from month to month, depending on weather, difficulty, time of year, etc. Our numbers normally vary between 10 - 40 people. Naturally, the harder the walk, the fewer people come along. Likewise, the better the weather, the more people attend. Average attendance is about fifteen people.
4. How old are the people who attend the walks?Our members range in age from eighteen to their sixties and older. There's no hard and fast rule about how old our members are. The group is made up of those who love to walk for fitness and for fun.
5. I'm under 18 years old. Can I still come along?If you are under 18 years of age, you will need to get permission from your parent or guardian to attend a walk. We are strictly a social group, however those under 18 years of age are still under the legal responsibility of their parent or guardian, consequently requiring their approval.
6. How do I get to the walk?The Adelaide Happy Wanderers meet at CIBO cafe, 199 Hutt ST, Adelaide, for each walk, unless otherwise notified. Over a cup of coffee, we distribute maps and organise the drivers. Anyone with a car is invited to be one of our drivers for the day. Alternatively, you can hitch a ride with one of our other members. We carpool as much as possible to avoid taking too many cars. Passengers are asked to chip in a few dollars for their driver to help cover petrol costs.
7. How can I stay informed of upcoming walks?To stay up to date with what's happening, including any last minute changes to our walking program, you have several options. You can view this website or join our emailing list which will send you a reminder and full details of the next walk. Alternatively, you can contact the leader of the walk in question for more information. NB: Please note, as email notification is only available for members, first-time walkers will need to keep up-to-date through the walk leader listed for that particular walk, or by contacting either David - 0426 501 559; or Mark 0435 648 973.
  • 8. What's the difference between 'easy', 'medium' and 'hard' graded walks?
  • Our gradings help you to know what to expect from the walk. They are a guide only however and some walks may vary or be changed at the last minute. The leader of each walk is responsible for grading the trek, so if you are unsure, it is recommended that you contact the leader for more information. As a general rule however:

  • EASY: Flat landscape. Suitable for all levels of fitness.
  • MEDIUM: Some slopes or uneven land. Some parts of the walk may be challenging, but most of it should be relatively easy for those with a medium level of fitness.
  • HARD: Work those glutes! This calorie-burning hike includes steep inclines and/or undulating land for much of the walk!
9. How much does it cost to join?Membership for one financial year is $20. This covers public liability and membership of Walking SA costs. Please note that first time walkers are covered as guests and are not required to pay. As we carpool to our walk locations, you will also be expected to chip in a couple of dollars for your driver to help cover petrol (unless, of course, you are one of the drivers!).
10. How often/when do you meet?The Adelaide Happy Wanderers hold a walk on the first Sunday of each month. Occasionally, additional events are staged including overnight / full-weekend hikes, social dinners, etc. These extra events usually incur an additional cost to members.
11. How long do the walks take?The Adelaide Happy Wanderers meet at CIBO cafe, 199 Hutt ST, Adelaide, 9:30 am, for each walk, except Saturday walks, departing the cafe at 10:00am. The walks are usually about 5 km and take 2- 3 hours to complete (including breaks). You can normally expect to be returned to the city by around 1 - 2 pm.
12. What do I need to bring along with me to the walk?First and foremost, you should dress for the weather. Bring sunscreen, a hat and clothing suitable to the climate of the day (including sneakers or decent walking shoes). It is your responsibility to check the weather report for the day of the walk. You will also need to bring water to sip on (and/or other drinks to keep yourself hydrated), lunch and morning tea. Some walks take us to areas where a cafe or tuck shop will be available to buy your lunch, however most walks will require you to bring your own food. If unsure, check with the leader of the walk. Most walkers carry a backpack so they can hold their food, water and other necessities. If you smoke, please bring a portable ashtray to dispose of your cigarette butts safely. All rubbish must be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way, so you will need to either carry your rubbish home or use any bins provided in thearea.
13. Can women/transgender people attend?The Adelaide Happy Wanderers is a predominantly gay male walking group, however everyone is welcome to join our activities. Most female participants prefer the women-only walking group.
14. I'm not gay: can I still come along?The Adelaide Happy Wanderers is a gay walking group, incorporating bisexual and transgender people. Those who are supporters of our community are welcome to attend however! We've had mothers and straight friends of members attend walks with us. We don't ask about your sexuality when you arrive - we're just pleased you've decided to spend the day with us!
15. I don't know anyone in the group and my friends won't come along! Now what?Fear not! You are never alone. The Adelaide Happy Wanderers is a social group and we pride ourselves on our friendliness! Our newest members would be happy to confirm that we make everyone feel welcome. We introduce ourselves and chat to each other and won't leave anyone standing on the outside. Within minutes of arriving you should start feeling a part of a group and by the end of the walk, you should be eager for the next one!
16. I have health/medical problems. Can I still come along?Joining a walking group is like undertaking any form of exercise. While we encourage members to go at their own pace, you should consult your doctor or medical practitioner before undertaking any form of exercise. If you have not exercised in a while, then you should start with an 'easy' graded walk and speak to the walk leader to get as much information as possible about the terrain we'll be covering. You must take responsibility for yourself and stay within your own limitations.
17. Do you have other events outside of the monthly walks?Aside from our annual Christmas dinner, planning sessions and weekend getaways, our social events are held randomly throughout the year, depending on interest and what's happening around town. Keep an eye on our website or join our emailing list to find out what's happening!
18. My question hasn't been answered here. How do I get an answer?Still got a question? Don't be afraid to ask it because your question is probably the same as many others who haven't asked it! We invite you to chat to one of the club's coordinator': David , 0426 501 559; or Mark 0435 648 973; or, please use the enquiry form below.

Contacts

Group coordinators
David : 0426 501 559 Mark : 0435 648 973 Email: please use our enquiry form

Hntacing

Email enquiry form
ILast updated: 19/04/2025e.

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