10 walks to Charge this March like Warren and Donna

This March, you can explore stunning natural landscapes around NSW and support the 162,000 Australians who will hear the words “you have cancer” this year. People like Warren, Donna and their family – The Dragonflies.  

They’re determined to take a head-on approach to ending cancer, by taking part in The March Charge – the month-long fitness challenge for cancer research. 

Warren was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma around Christmas 2019 at age 47. During this incredibly difficult time, Warren’s wife Donna learnt about The March Charge. They’ve been Charging under the team name The Dragonflies ever since.  

If you’re looking for ways to increase your step count and join the Charge, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of our favourite walks across NSW: 

1. Manly to Spit Bridge Walk 

You’ll get the perfect mix of the harbour, bushland and ocean views, along with ancient Aboriginal rock engravings and stunning mansions. The walk is 10km one way and takes around three to four hours to complete. 

2. Murramarang South Coast Walk 

The Murramarang South Coast Walk is a 34km walk, a brilliant way to fully immerse yourself in the South Coast’s best kept secret. The walk starts at Pretty Beach, south of Ulladulla and weaves along the incredible coastline ending at Maloneys Beach near Batemans Bay. 

3. Grand Canyon, Blackheath 

You can bask in the mesmerising views with a hike in one of Australia’s oldest bushwalking tracks, Grand Canyon track near Blackheath in the Blue Mountains. This walk is a 6.3km loop which takes about three to four hours. 

4. Bouddi Coastal Walk 

The 8km Bouddi Coastal Walk runs from Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach and is characterised by the picturesque views of the beaches, clifftops and rainforests. The walk generally takes about 4.5 hours to do a return trip, with the option to break the walk into shorter sections. 

5. Bondi to Coogee Walk 

The 6km track starting at Bondi and ending at Coogee, has sweeping vistas of the beaches including sandstones cliffs, rock pools, parks and you might even spot some dolphins along the way. 

6. Coastal Track, Royal National Park 

The Coastal Track in the Royal National Park is 26km one way and passes through Instagram worthy spots like Wedding Cake Rock and Figure 8 Pools, along with plenty of spots for whale watching. 

7. Yuraygir Coastal Walk 

Follow the ancient wandering trails in Yuraygir National Park, located near Yamba on the NSW north coast. This is a 65km walk one-way with overnight camping spots along the way or you can choose to break the track into shorter segments. Along with incredibly diverse scenery, you’ll encounter tranquil creeks, marine parks, lagoons and long sandy beaches. 

8. Malabar Headland Walks 

Whether you are into exploring the native heathlands or soaking in the views of the sea cliff, there are two great walks within the Malabar Headland National Park. The Western Escarpment walking track is a 1km walk each way that takes around 20 to 30 minutes and passes through sandstone escarpment and unspoiled bushland in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. 

The Boora Point walking track is another hidden gem in Malabar Headland National Park with sweeping views up and down the coast. This walk is 3.7km one-way and generally takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. 

9. Tomaree Coastal Walk 

From Tomaree Head to Birubi Point in Tomaree National Park, the Tomaree Coastal Walk in Port Stephens is a 27km walk that caters for all kinds of experiences. You can choose to take a short walk to half-day or multi-day options while strolling past the culturally significant landscapes and 2,318 hectares of protected flora and fauna. 

10. Mutawintji Gorge Walk Track 

Take a stroll through the most scenic gorges in Outback NSW. This walk is a 6km loop and takes between 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete.

“We decided as a family that it would be a way to do something positive to support everyone that is going through what we were going through”, Donna says. 

Warren is currently still receiving regular immunotherapy treatments, which is only fuelling the family’s motivation to Charge again this year.  

“It’s great that his treatment seems to be working, all thanks to those who have raised money for research in the many years before us”, Donna shares. “Their efforts have helped to find lifesaving treatments like immunotherapy which is currently saving Warren’s life!”.   

If you want to make a difference for people impacted by cancer, register now for The March Charge or make a donation today. 

Whenever you’re out and about, remember to slip on clothing, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on your sunglasses to protect yourself while you are out in the sun. Slip, slop, slap, seek, slide. 

If you, or anyone you know has any questions about cancer and our cancer support services, call Cancer Council on 13 11 20 or visit cancercouncil.com.au/get-support.