Townsville Hike and Explore Group holding annual Castle Hill Zipline event
The annual Castle Hill zipline is back! This year several community groups have partnered with event organisers to spread inclusivity and encourage people from all walks of life to take the leap of faith. See how to get involved.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A not-for-profit outdoors group are getting their ropes, harnesses and helmets ready for one of their much-loved annual events.
The Townsville Hike and Explore Group are holding their fourth annual Castle Hill zip line day on December 21, which will see more than 250 participants fly 150m across the void between the rocks of the Townsville icon.
The event, just in time for school holidays, is suitable for those aged seven and above who are wanting to feel the rush and take in the views.
It’s a big month for the outdoors group, who are a celebrating their recent win at the 2024 Outdoors Queensland Awards, taking out the Queensland Government Outdoor Recreation Award which recognises excellence in the outdoors community.
Founding President of the Townsville Hike and Explore Group Michael Pugh said the event was a unique way to experience the scenic views of The Strand, Magnetic Island and Pallarenda.
“What better way to experience the wonder of our city than to zip line 150m cross some of the best views that the city has to offer,” he said.
The popular event is run fully by volunteers and already has huge interest, with some spots still available.
“Rain, hail or shine, this event will run,” Mr Pugh said.
“We also offer what we call ‘koala bears’, so if a kid wants to go on but is a bit scared to do it by themselves we can strap them to mum or dad or another grown up and send them both across.”
President Sandra Lamari said the event only happens once a year, so locals are always keen to take the leap of faith.
“We have a lot of walkers coming up the hill and asking what’s going on and wanting to give it a go,” she said.
This year the Townsville Hike and Explore Group have partnered with several local community groups to get their members involved.
Jessica Graham from Diverse Ability Wellbeing Network, which offers disability support services in Townsville, said they have been affiliated with the hiking group for a number of different events and will have several participants taking part on the day.
“We’ve taken visually impaired people abseiling and ziplining over the years,” she said.
“We use our relationship with the hiking group to promote inclusivity. Just being able to do things that other people do and being included in events that might not normally be on their radar.”
Jade Nelson from The Women’s Society said the event will be a great opportunity for women she works with who are doing through personal struggles.
“We have a lot of women that come from domestic violence background, women that may be struggling financially, women that really just need to connect with themselves and other people,” she said.
The Women’s Society have been working with the Townsville and Hike Group for over a year, with a highlight being the women’ only hikes.
“These hikes have been proven as an incredible experience, providing a space for women to connect, open up for deeper conversations, while boosting their physical and mental health,” she said.
“We were really excited when Michael and Sandra offered the zip lining experience and a lot of members will be really excited and eager to take part.”
Ms Nelson herself will go on the zipline for the first time this year.
“I’ve been watching people do it each year,” she said
“You cannot pick a better setting for this. We live in a tropical paradise, blue skies and surrounded by great people,” she said.
The Castle Hill zip line event will take place on December 21. For more information or to sign up visit the Townsville Hike and Explore Facebook page.
More Coverage
Originally published as Townsville Hike and Explore Group holding annual Castle Hill Zipline event
‘Relationship scams’: Woman pleads guilty to $100k reckless money charges
A North Queensland woman who has already spent a year on remand pleaded guilty to dealing with money related to crime with it being suggested she was “duped” into the offence.
Motorist interviewed after cyclist crash on The Strand
A motorist has been interviewed by police after a crash with cyclist on the Strand. Find out the latest.