Stepping into trekking adventures with Taryn

Taryn Brown speaks to Sarah Halfpenny about Walk Mornington Peninsula's evolution from lockdown remedy to a bustling community of walking aficionados.

What was the inspiration behind starting Walk Mornington Peninsula?

By day, I’m the state manager for a medical company in Melbourne. As for Walk Mornington Peninsula, it all began back in February 2021, right in the midst of those lockdown blues.

Seeing how isolation was affecting my own circle of family and friends, I had this idea: why not bring people together through the power of walking and connection? So I took a leap of faith and posted a simple $20 advertisement on Facebook. That little ad brought in four new walkers right off the bat. I even roped in a couple of friends to join us. And just like that, Walk Mornington Peninsula was born – a simple idea sparked by a desire to combat isolation and get moving.

How has the group evolved since its inception?

It’s been quite a journey since we kicked off back in 2021. We began by offering free walks for a whole year until we got a nudge from Parks Victoria about insurance. Fast forward, and now I'm a licensed tour operator leading multiple walks every week.

What types of walks do you offer?

We've got a variety of walks to suit everyone's pace and preferences, from relaxed ‘newbie’ walks perfect for taking it easy to our more adventurous ‘fitness’ hikes covering 8-20km through bushland and coastal trails in national parks. Each walk is carefully planned to showcase the best scenery, from tranquil rock pools to breathtaking clifftops overlooking Bass Strait. We know our members are busy people, so we keep our walks focused and fun. Most of our adventures are wrapped up within two to four hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy nature without taking up your whole day.

What locations do you usually explore?

We love venturing into the hidden gems of national parks, where the scenery is breathtaking and the trails can be a little more difficult to find. It's all about giving our walkers a unique experience they might not discover on their own. Some of our top picks include Blairgowrie, Rye, Fingal, and St Andrews.

Who can participate in Walk Mornington Peninsula?

Walk Mornington Peninsula welcomes anyone 18 and above to join in the fun. We're here all year round, whether it's a regular day, a public holiday, school holidays, or even during the festive season. We’re hoping to add child-friendly walks in the future too. What does it cost to join your walks? Prices range from $22 to $35, designed to be super affordable for everyone. Plus, when you grab a ticket, you're not just investing in an awesome experience, you're also giving back, with $2.40 heading straight to Parks Victoria and $2.20 supporting our charity-focused ticketing platform. It's a win-win for everyone. You can find more information on our website walkmorningtonpeninsula.com.au

What are some of the walks you have planned for the second half of 2024?

Our community has been buzzing with enthusiasm, dreaming of hiking adventures both interstate and overseas. We're putting in the work to make those dreams come true. Alongside our regular walks, we'll be offering private tours, hosting charity events, and seeking out sponsors who want to be part of our growing family.