Step into the Wild for Mental Health Coastrek Returns to the Sunshine Coast: 17 July 2026

GasbagPR

Interviews Available with Coastrek founder, Di Westaway OAM  

Images Here  / Register Now - Before 7 June

SUNSHINE COAST, QLD - It’s time to trade the gym floor for the ocean breeze. Australia’s iconic team hiking and fundraising challenge, Coastrek, is returning to the nature trails of the sunny Sunshine Coast on Friday, July 17. With registrations officially closing by June 7, the clock is ticking for teams to lace up and lock in their spot.

Forget "no pain, no gain" Coastrek is built on the "Five Fs": Fun, Fitness, Friends, Fresh Air and Fundraising. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a weekend wanderer, there is a distance designed to challenge and inspire:

• The Gutsy Adventurer 50km: Starting at sunrise in Noosa, the 50km Coastrek route winds through beaches, boardwalks and coastal trails via Peregian, Coolum and Marcoola, through Mudjimba and Maroochydore, crossing the Maroochy River before finishing triumphantly at Mooloolaba.
• The Nature Seeker 30km:  Starting at Peregian Beach just after sunrise, the 30km route follows the stunning coastline through Coolum, Point Arkwright and Marcoola. Trekkers then continue via Mudjimba and Maroochydore, crossing the Maroochy River before finishing at Mooloolaba.
• The Trail Taster 20km: Starting at Marcoola Beach, the 20km route takes trekkers along coastal sand, river crossings and lush green trails through Mudjimba, Twin Waters and Maroochydore. before finishing at Pirate Ship Park in Mooloolaba via Cotton Tree and Alexandra Headland.

"We're seeing more women realise that getting outdoors and moving in nature isn’t just good for you, it’s transformative," says Di Westaway OAM, Founder of Coastrek. "Time in nature, walking with others, is one of the most powerful ways to reset mentally and physically. It really is the best medicine."

Why Join the 2026 Movement?  Beyond the stunning views of beaches, boardwalks and coastal trails, participants receive the 12-week Coastrek Training Program and access to a supportive community hosted by the Wild Women Coastrek team. It’s not a race; it’s a shared experience where the only thing that matters is crossing the finish line together.

• WHAT: Coastrek Sunshine Coast 2026
• REGISTER BY: Sunday, 7 June 2026 https://www.coastrek.com.au/events-sunshine-coast-qld
• EVENT DAY: Friday, 17 July 2026
• WHERE:              Choose to hike 50km from Noosa Woods to Mooloolaba,

                    30km starting Peregian Beach and finishing at Mooloolaba, or                                                        20km from Marcoola Beach to Mooloolaba.

• TEAMS: Groups of 2 or more
• CHARITY PARTNER: Beyond Blue - every step taken helps ensure Beyond Blue’s 24/7 Support Service is there for people across Australia whenever they need it.

Registrations for Coastrek Sunshine Coast start from $125 per person and registration is now open, closing on June 07, 2026.

Since the first event was held in 2009, over 90,000 trekkers have trained and completed a Coastrek challenge, improving their own health and wellbeing and raising over $57 million for charity.

For more information, contact:

Marlene Richardson, GasbagPR | 0409 888 218 | [email protected]

About Coastrek

Coastrek is Australia’s iconic team hiking and fundraising challenge. Since Coastrek’s first event in 2009 over 90,000 people have trained and completed a Coastrek challenge and raised over $57 million for respected Australian charities including the Fred Hollows Foundation, the Heart Foundation and Beyond Blue. Visit www.coastrek.com.au. Coastrek was founded by Wild Women On Top, with the goal of championing women in the outdoors. Today participants from all walks of life enjoy the exhilaration of a Coastrek Event Day, and the camaraderie of taking part together.

About Beyond Blue 

Beyond Blue provides mental health information, support and advice to help everyone feel better earlier and stay well. Last year more than 300,000 people contacted Beyond Blue’s free, confidential, 24/7 Support Service. Call 1300 22 4636 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support.