"We acknowledge the many Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we hike and live. We wish to pay our respects to their elders: past, present and emerging. It is important for us to acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded, and no treaty has ever been signed."

"We acknowledge the many Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we hike and live. We wish to pay our respects to their elders: past, present and emerging. It is important for us to acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded, and no treaty has ever been signed."

Welcome is this simple

The first kilometre is such a great leveller. Everybody gets the same amount of tired. Everybody gets the same amount of hungry and so all of our differences fall away.

Restarting life in a new country is always going to be a daunting experience. Imagine being in an unfamiliar location, in a different culture, with few if any connections and no choice but to learn a new language. Now picture having to do this after fleeing your home because of violence or persecution. You may have nothing more than the clothes on your back. For most of us, this is inconceivable but for 25.4 million refugees worldwide, it is their reality.

In 2015, while hiking in Western Australia, Neil (himself an immigrant from South Africa) proposed a little idea to his mate. “Do you reckon we could take these youth from refugee backgrounds out on a hike with us?”

With that simple idea, ‘First Hike Project’ (FHP) was born.

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Our Stories

There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching out and lifting people up.

Cedric

My name is Cedric from Burundi, a country in the Eastern of Africa. My first time to hear about the First Hike Project (FHP) was at Technical and Further Education (TAFE) South Bank in Brisbane.

Hiking and camping with FHP was worth it because, I had much fun by learning different important skills such as setting up tents, chatting with and knowing other friends, swimming in beautiful creeks and more importantly knowing more about Australia, the country that I am currently living in.

I would absolutely recommend the FHP because it is an initiative that is showing a warm welcome to new migrants.

Upcoming Hikes

What's Happening this year

State Trail Date Duration Distance
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In union, there is strength..

Sometimes, hikes can be challenging but we all feel stronger after it. Stronger in our bodies, stronger in our minds and our friendships and connection to this land.

A typical overnight hike with First Hike Project looks something like this:
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These are the participants and the guides

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Split between two days... our day hikes are a lot shorter!

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To keep the event safe and all needs are taken care of

unlimited

Because enjoying nature together is the best thing we know!

Our Partners

May your dreams be larger than mountains and may you have the courage to scale their summits. - Harley King