Get Outside for Mental Health this Outdoors October

Outdoors October is an annual public health campaign that’s designed to encourage more people to be more active outdoors. This year’s campaign theme is: “Get outside for mental health”.

Studies show that spending just two hours a week in nature is fantastic for your mental health and is also linked to significant reductions in the risks of chronic disease.

To help kick start your outdoor health journey, this October we’ve teamed up with the Bibbulmun Track Foundation to create the Outdoors October Virtual Hike Challenge, so you can walk, run, ride, swim or even paddle your way “virtually” down the track.

Do it with some friends, a work team or on your own. You can also raise funds for mental health charity of your choice to do your bit.

And if you’re looking for inspiration for an activity, we’ve also sourced over 100 outdoor activities across the state that you can try.

Sign up

Register to join in the Outdoors October Virtual Hike. Get your team together to run, walk, ride or swim and see how far you can get down the Bibbulmun track in October

Learn more

Fundraise

By doing your bit for your mental health, you can also help others too. Why not put your miles to good use and fundraise for one of dozens of great mental health charities?

Learn more

Find an activity

Looking to find something new to do? Check out our events page to find all the outdoors event happening this October

Learn more

The outdoors & your health

Data from 143 studies comprising 290 million people from 20 countries across the world has found spending time in nature is associated with significant health benefits including reduced risk of:

Type 2 diabetes
Cardiovascular disease
Premature death
And stress

Just 2 hours a week has also been found to be the optimum time to benefit your health.

On 18th September 2024, we will be launching the Outdoors WA Health Report which pulls together decades of research and consults local experts on the direct and immediate benefits of getting outdoors.

To find out more, pre-register to get your copy now:

Sign up

To help kick start your outdoor health journey, we’ve teamed up with the Bibbulmun Track Foundation to create the Outdoors October Virtual Hike Challenge. Using the Challenge app, you’ll be able to track your activities in October through your phone or watch and watch your virtual progress along the Bibbulmun Track.

Choose to do it with some friends, a work team or just on your own. And put your miles to good use in the community by raising money for the mental health charity of your choice.

Fundraise

By doing your bit for your mental health, you can also help others too. Why not fundraise for the mental health charity of your choice? We’ve partnered with a host of organisation across Australia who are doing wonders in the community including.

National

Black Dog Institute
Beyond Blue
HeadSpace
R U OK?

Western Australia

Act, Belong, Commit
Lifeline WA
Youth Focus
Zero to Hero

Learn more

Find an activity

Looking to find something new to do? Check out our events page to find all the outdoors event happening this October.

We’ve got listings for hundreds of events operating around the State. From adventure racing, to walking groups, kids outdoor play, to seniors park activities.

Learn more

Outdoors October is delivered by Outdoors WA, the peak industry body for the outdoor industry in Western Australia. Now in its eleventh year, Outdoors October is only made possible through the enduring support of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industry. In 2024, Outdoors October has been kindly supported by Mentally Healthy WA’s Act, Belong Commit, and by the Bibbulmun Track Foundation.

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