A young Jimboomba woman has created Logan’s first social hiking group just for women, to encourage them to get outside and move without fear.
Coach and Clinical Exercise Physiology Student, Victoria Tummarello, came up with the idea of a social hiking group last year and held her first gathering this month at Witches Falls Circuit in Tamborine.
Miss Tummarello said she started the group because she wanted to create a safe space where women could experience the benefits of movement without fear.
“Movement has always been a big part of my life, and hiking used to be something I did regularly on my own,” she said.
“Over time, though, I stopped going because fear started to creep in, the fear of being alone as a woman in my 20s, the fear of something going wrong, and the fear of feeling unsafe.”
“Having spaces where women feel safe to move at their own pace, ask questions, and challenge themselves without judgment is incredibly important.”
Miss Tummarello – who is in her final year of studying Exercise Physiology – said women feel a lot of pressure when it comes to fitness.
“Movement can feel intimidating for a lot of women, particularly when they don’t know anyone in that space, and it can be hard to find spaces that feel welcoming rather than competitive,” she said.
“From an educational perspective, I know that supportive movement environments help reduce stress, build confidence, and encourage long-term participation in physical activity.”
“It’s not just about hiking, it’s about building a community where women can feel supported to show up, try something new, and gradually challenge themselves alongside others.”
Miss Tummarello hosted her first social hike this month and said it was “really special.”
“Knowing how scary it can feel to show up to something new, I made being approachable and supportive a priority,” she said.
“Seeing women arrive nervous and leave feeling relaxed and connected reminded me exactly why I wanted to create this space.”
“Watching other women rebuild confidence through shared movement and connection was incredibly rewarding.”
Miss Tummarello plans to hold a hiking adventure once a month, exploring trails around Logan as well as the Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, and Brisbane.
For more information, join Strength with Vic Social Hiking Group on Facebook.
