Cost of living pressures sees almost one in five Australians walking more

Newly released research into the behaviour of Australians in the post pandemic environment was revealed that almost one in five (18%) of the population agree that, with the cost of living increasing, walking is great for their wallet and wellbeing and that over half of (55%) look to spend time in nature when seeking a weekend getaway.

The latter figure, released from nationwide research by WWF-Australia, conducted in February 2023 by Pureprofile, also reveals that one in 10 Australians admitting to ‘falling in love’ with walking during lockdown.

Promoting the upcoming Earth Hour on Saturday 25th March and its #TimeOutForNature message, the not-for-profit wildlife and environment conservation group is encouraging people to continue to walk and spend time in nature.

Other findings revealed that almost half (48%) of the nation spends at least an hour a day walking and that over a third of people (34%) like to get out for a walk at lunchtime, with almost half (46%) saying it helps them concentrate more in the afternoon.

Looking to promote the #TimeOutForNature message, WWF-Australia has partnered with Tasmanian Walking Company to give away a luxury walking holiday this Earth Hour to raise awareness of the beautiful Australian landscapes under threat, and encourage people to take time out for nature.

Kerri Major, Senior Engagement Manager from WWF-Australia, explained “trees protect us from the impacts of climate change, yet an estimated 70 million trees are being destroyed or damaged in Australia every year.

“Continued deforestation and industrial logging are major contributors to climate change, and Eastern Australia is among 24 global deforestation hotspots - the only developed nation on the list.

“If we want to secure a healthy future for people and nature, then we need to act with urgency to reverse the loss of nature and combat climate change by 2030. Showing your support for Earth Hour is standing for change.”

People who sign up for Earth Hour 2023 will go into the running to win a luxury four-day escape for two at the Bay of Fires Lodge Walk. Across the four days, the winners will be able to take in the breathtaking views of the pristine east coast of Tasmania and stay at the award-winning Bay of Fires Lodge nestled in the treetops overlooking Mt William National Park.

The research also revealed the top walks in each state as being:

• NSW - top walk voted was Bondi to Coogee Walk

• ACT - top walk voted was Jerrabomberra Wetlands

• Victoria - top walk voted was Point Nepean Walk

• Queensland - top walk voted was Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk

• South Australia - top walk voted was Murray River Walk

• Western Australia - top walk voted was Bigurda Trail, Kalbarri National Park

• Northern Territory - top walk voted was Kings Canyon Rim Walk

• Tasmania - top walk voted was Cradle Mountain Huts Walk

Click here to learn more about Earth Hour and the chance to win a dream wilderness escape in partnership with WWF-Australia and Tasmanian Walking Company.

Note: Pureprofile’s research on behalf of WWF-Australia was conducted on a sample of 1204 Australians.

Image: Bay of Fires walk (top, credit: Tasmanian Walking Company) and the Bondi to Coogee Walk, voted NSW's top walk voted (below).