Key facts
- Founder
- Emily Duck, 30, outdoor education guide
- Club launched
- March 2025
- Activities
- Hikes, overnight treks, climbing, canyoning
- Location
- Sydney national parks
- Other group
- Wild Women on Top, founded by Di Westaway OAM
- Loneliness statistic
- Almost one in three Australians feel lonely
Background
Emily Duck, a 30-year-old outdoor education guide, founded Cool Girls Club in March 2025 after a friend going through a break-up felt unable to continue van trips without her partner. Duck took her camping in the Blue Mountains, where the friend expressed a wish to adventure outdoors confidently alone.
Duck describes the club as an adventure alternative to run clubs, aimed at women who may lack confidence or did not grow up in outdoorsy families. The club offers guided hikes primarily in Sydney national parks, with a low-commitment way to meet people and get outdoors.
About 18 months after launch, Duck has expanded offerings to overnight treks, climbing, and canyoning. Ticketed events vary monthly, and while open to all women, they often attract solo participants in their late 20s.
Current situation
Cool Girls Club has a group of day-one members who now trek the Great North Walk together on weekends. The community is diverse in experience, from zero experience to those seeking like-minded women. Members include professionals in finance and hospitals who lack friends interested in niche outdoor activities.
Di Westaway OAM, founder of Wild Women on Top, started her female-dedicated adventure community because she saw her own need for a 'tribe'. She says women approach risk more cooperatively and thrive more in adventure with other women. Wild Women on Top runs guided hikes across Australia and internationally.
Westaway, 66, attributes 99 per cent of her improved life to adventure. She says group adventuring allows modern women to multitask socialising, mental health, and physical health.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Founder age | 30 |
| Club launch | March 2025 |
| Months since launch | 18 |
| Westaway age | 66 |
| Loneliness rate | Almost one in three |
Impacts
Nerkez Opacin, a senior research fellow at the University of Melbourne, says there is growing evidence on benefits of outdoor time with others. Nature acts as a 'third facilitator', making people feel more open and relaxed, which can help combat loneliness. Almost one in three Australians feel lonely, with young and middle-aged people showing highest levels.
AllTrails chief medical advisor Suzanne Hackenmiller says time outdoors promotes physical health, reduces stress, and elevates mood. It may be especially beneficial for women in transition periods like perimenopause or menopause, potentially improving hormonal balance and mind-body connection.
Hackenmiller notes a major barrier is that women and marginalised groups often feel unsafe or fear getting lost on trails. Duck suggests asking someone to show you the ropes to build confidence safely.
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the trend continues, all-women hiking groups could expand further across Australia, potentially addressing loneliness and encouraging more women to pursue outdoor activities. The success of clubs like Cool Girls Club may inspire similar ventures in other regions.
However, if safety concerns remain unaddressed, growth could be limited. Organisations may need to invest in education and guided experiences to overcome barriers.
The growing evidence on nature's benefits could lead to more nature-based social programs, as Opacin explores, potentially integrating outdoor activities into public health strategies.
Source: brisbanetimes.com.au
