Walking in Maroondah
It is often dark by the time we get home from work, so to help keep our community active we have organised for the lighting hours to be extended at Croydon Athletics Track.
Maroondah features an extensive network of footpaths and walking trails, as well as planned walking groups, walking sports and initiatives to encourage and support the community to get active.
We are encouraging our residents to take advantage of our range of free, safe and accessible walking opportunities available on offer within Maroondah, in order to enjoy the many benefits of walking.
Why walk?
Walking is a great introduction to physical activity and is an excellent form of exercise for people of all ages and abilities. Walking is one of the most popular forms of physical activity in Australia, and it can help to reduce stress, have a healthier body, and even strengthen relationships.
Research has shown that walking for at least 150 minutes a week, or 30 minutes 5 times a week can help you:
- reduce your risk of heart disease
- reduce the risk of stroke by 35 per cent and Type 2 diabetes by 40 per cent
- manage weight, blood pressure and blood cholesterol
- prevent and control diabetes
- reduce your risk of developing some cancers
- maintain your bone density, reducing your risk of osteoporosis and fractures
- improve balance and coordination, reducing your risk of falls and other injuries
- improve our daily mood which cumulatively leads to better mental health.
More about walking in Maroondah
Low impact and walking sports
Maroondah offers a variety of low impact and walking sports such as Walking Football, Walking Cricket, Walking Netball and Pickleball.
Walking sports are versions of sports that follow the rules of the standard game, but the players walk instead of run. They’re great if you want the fun of the game without the strenuous pace and intense contact and are perfect for players wanting to return to sport.
The games are offered in a friendly, non-competitive environment, where the emphasis is on participation and fun.
Find out more information on low impact and walking sports in Maroondah.
Walking at night - extended lighting
Trying to exercise or walk during Winter and outside of daylight saving months can be hard. It is often dark by the time we get home from work, so to help keep our community active we have organised for the lighting hours to be extended at Croydon Athletics Track, Town Park.
Current extended lighting venues
Croydon Athletics Track, Town Park, Croydon
- Date: Thursdays from 6 June to 3 October
- Time: 5.30pm to 8.30pm
- Location: located behind Arndale shops, Civic Square. Parking at Civic Square and entry from Norton Road
View Google map
- Access: flat athletics track perfect for walking and running and pram/wheelchair access
- Toilets: open until 8.30pm
To help keep track of attendance numbers we encourage you to check in prior to attending each session.
Walks for carers of people with a disability or mental illness
The Pathways for Carers project offers those caring for people with a disability or mental illness an opportunity to walk together in Maroondah.
The program provides participants with an opportunity to socialise and connect with nature, as well as provide carers a chance to reconnect, find support and learn something new.
Find a walk
Meeting location: Bark and Silk Cafe, Burnt Bridge Shopping Centre - 434 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood East
- 9.30am on the second Tuesday of each month
- 1.00pm on the fourth Saturday of each month
For information and updates please see the Pathways for Carers Facebook page.
Heart Foundation Walking Groups
The National Heart Foundation Australia have established over 1,200 walking groups nationwide. We are pleased to have three groups here in Maroondah and getting involved is easy. You can either join a group, or lead a group. Find out how.
Join a Heart Foundation walk group
Simply search for a walking group in a specific location or select one of the walking groups in Maroondah listed below and register for the group. The walk organiser will then give you all the information you need to get started.
Heart foundation walking groups in Maroondah:
Lead a Heart Foundation walk
Walk organisers are the lifeblood of the heart foundation walking program.
As a walk organiser, you will plan your group’s walking routes and meeting place, the time and day of your walks, and will welcome new members to your group.
Find out how you can organise a walk.
Personal Walking Plan
All Maroondah residents are eligible to receive a free 6-week Heart Foundation Personal Walking plan.
When it comes to exercise, it can be hard to know which advice to trust, how to get started and how to stick with it.
The Heart Foundation have created easy-to-follow Personal Walking Plans that will help you be more active, healthier, and happier in just six weeks.
Get your free Personal Walking Plan.
Mullum Mullum Park Run
What is Parkrun?
Mullum Mullum parkrun is a free weekly 5km event for participants of all standards, which takes place every:
- Saturday at 8:00am in Schwerkolt Cottage,
- 10 Deep Creek Rd, Mitcham, VIC 3132 (Melway ref: 49D7).
It is not a race against other runners, but a 5k timed event and it can really be whatever you want it to be, whether that's for fun or as part of a training plan.
Parkrun is a positive, welcoming and inclusive experience where there is no time limit, and no one finishes last. Everyone is welcome to come along, whether you walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate.
Find out more information about the Mullum Mullum Park Run.
How to take part:
Registration is completely free and only needs to be done once! Simply complete the registration form, print your barcode and head down to your local event.
There are 418 events around the country to choose from. You can find your nearest parkrun using our event map.
Walk to School
Walk to School is a VicHealth initiative supported by Maroondah City Council.
Every year throughout October, Council works with schools, students, parents and staff to encourage everyone to walk, ride, scoot or skate to school. Walk to School a fun way to encourage lifelong healthy habits, help make the streets and drop-off zones around the school safer and less congested, help connect kids to their local neighbourhood and create opportunities for families to get active.
The October Walk to School program is one of the most popular and successful active travel education program Council offers. An initiative of VicHealth, Walk to School provides primary schools with the resources to organise free, easy and fun activities to get students walking to school.
Find out more
Find out how Maroondah City Council supports Walk to school.
Visit the Walk to School website for details on how your primary school can get involved and register.
Mindful walking program
Join our four week mindful walking series to help reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your mental wellbeing.
For more information click the event tile below:
Further information
Find out more from the National Heart Foundation about the benefits of walking, or if you're just getting back into exercise the National Heart Foundation also have some helpful tips on how to get started and how to prepare for walking.