Volunteer Route Preparations for 2025
The volunteer teams have now walked all seven routes in preparation for the 2025 Aussie Peace Walk.
Every year, we like to ensure all volunteers have an oportunity to experience the Aussie Peace Walk as walkers, not just as support crew.
Through scheduled pre-event walks in the lead-up to the Aussie Peace Walk, volunteers who will be busy with administrative and marshalling duties during the event weekend have the opportunity complete the two-day walking challenge and earn their two-day walker medal.
Above: Volunteer walkers on the 24km route heading through the cork forest.
Reasons for the Volunteer Walks
As part of our annual preparation for the Aussie Peace Walk, volunteers systematically walk all seven routes before the event. These walks have now all been completed for 2025.
These volunteer walks serve four purposes:
- ensure guide walkers are familiar with their assigned routes
- allow the marking team to identify where directional signs will be needed
- enable all volunteers to also earn their two-day finisher’s medal
- it’s a great way for many volunteers to get to know each other.
Volunteer teams have now walked the two 7km and two 12km routes as well as the marathon, 21km, and 24km routes which guide visitors through fascinating areas that many Canberra locals don’t even know are so close to the city.
Some of these more fascinating areas marathoners and 21km walkers will walk through include the Trench Walk and the Jerrabomberra Wetlands.
We believe that every volunteer, regardless of their role, should have the opportunity to fully experience the Aussie Peace Walk.
Above: 21km walkers walking along the trail through the wetlands.
Below: Five of the marathon walkers after completing the 42km route.
Maps, Apps and Guide Walkers
“Although we provide maps as well as a GPS phone app, a couple of years ago we also introduced guide walkers. Walking every route is essential for our guide walkers to learn their where to go,” says the event organiser.
“These preparation walks also help our volunteers know where directional signs need to be placed and to help the volunteers understand what the experience is like for the participants.”
The Saturday 7km MarchMingle route, takes walkers through Canberra’s scenic parklands and along the lakeside. Whilst the Sunday 7km MarchMingle, guides participants through natural Australian bushland only a stone’s throw from Parliament House.
The 12km routes combine Canberra’s urban and natural landscapes. The urban portion of these routes includes Anzac Parade, where walkers pass many interesting monuments commemorating Australians who served in various conflicts.
The Sunday routes, which require particular attention due to their bushland sections, offer participants an authentic Australian outdoor experience, including some spectacular scenery from places such as the National Arboretum.
During their preparation walks, volunteers have identified critical navigation points while also mapping areas where participants are most likely to encounter native wildlife.
Early morning walkers can expect to see native birds and other wildlife. Kangaroos are frequently spotted in clearings or under trees.
Above: A group of the 24km walkers stopped for refreshment halfway through the walk.
While participants will have access to maps and a navigation app, the presence of these knowledgeable volunteer guides proves invaluable.
Their recent experience walking the routes allows them to provide current, accurate guidance and share insights about both the memorial sites and likely wildlife spotting locations.
Through systematic preparation walks, volunteers ensure that both the guide walkers and route markers are ready to support participants in safely enjoying these varied experiences while taking in the beauty of Australia’s capital city.