Happy When I'm Hiking

03/06/2026

⚠️ Alpine road and track closures ❄️

Due to severe weather warnings and to prioritise public safety, a number of high-elevation roads and tracks are now closed.

These include:
- Dargo High Plains Road (Dargo to Hotham Heights)
- Blue Rag Range Track
- Basalt North Track
- Twins Track
- Twins Jeep Track
- Mount Murray Track North
- Gunns Track

These closures will now remain until the seasonal reopening on 29 October 2026.

Please plan ahead and check conditions before you visit 👉 www.parks.vic.gov.au/coc-listing

Victoria Police Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

31/05/2026

In an era dominated by looksmaxxing trends, Ozempic hype, and relentless beauty standards, new research suggests that restorative experiences in nature may help people develop a healthier, more accepting relationship with their bodies. Read more at the link in comments.

06/05/2026

Movement in an uninspiring environment is definitely better than no movement at all, but studies indicate that moving in nature puts us in our happiest state. Over the last decade, physicians have increasingly stumped for “green exercise,” or any sort of physical activity that takes place in a natural environment.

When your fitness regimen's dead in the water, lean on adventure

05/05/2026

Hiking to a breathtaking view or losing yourself in the roar of a crowd. A neuroscientist explains why awe can feel transformative.

👉 Read the article: https://theconversation.com/how-a-sense-of-awe-can-be-good-for-your-mental-health-280272

💬 Comment "newsletter" and we'll send you the link to sign up for our free wrap of the latest insight and analysis.

Hiking to a breathtaking view or losing yourself in the roar of a crowd. A neuroscientist explains why awe can feel transformative – and improve your mental health.

28/03/2026

Good advice.

Thirst hits fast, but heat stress hits harder — dehydration can set in quietly and quickly.

In Australian conditions, water planning is often the first system to fail. Don’t guess how much to carry.

Use this hydration calculator to determine your needs based on the conditions, temperature, terrain, pack weight, and how much you generally drink.

Plan your hydration: https://www.trailhiking.com.au/calculators/water-requirements-calculator/

12/03/2026

Manage mental fatigue on your hiking adventures. Learn how stress and cognitive load affect your hike and discover strategies to stay mentally sharp and safe.

10/03/2026

The “3 Day Effect” is the pattern a lot of people notice after about 72 hours in nature, especially when they are also off screens. The mind gets quieter, sleep deepens, and your stress and anxiety response stops acting like a smoke alarm with a low battery.

Have you had a hiking experience like this?

The “3 Day Effect” is the pattern a lot of people notice after about 72 hours in nature, especially when they are also off screens. The mind gets quieter, sleep deepens, and your stress and anxiety melts away.

06/03/2026

The project's success largely relies on citizen scientists spotting a distinct white dot on the wings of moths.

05/03/2026

Sad outcome for two young people. Read the first comment and always be prepared!!!

A coroner has determined that two Chinese students found dead while hiking in the High Country died from hypothermia.

02/03/2026

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A challenging but rewarding experience. Thank you to the team of Happy Hikers and Melbourne Young Hikers for a fun weekend in the Australian Alpine National Park.