Adventure with Purpose
Adventure with Purpose
Adventure with Purpose
Adventure with Purpose
Step into a journey of personal triumph and philanthropy with Chelle, and her team Down Under on the
'Adventure with Purpose' Murchison River Gorge Walk.
Step into a journey of personal triumph and philanthropy with Chelle, and her team Down Under on the
'Adventure with Purpose' Murchison River Gorge Walk.
Step into a journey of personal triumph and philanthropy with Chelle, and her team Down Under on the
'Adventure with Purpose' Murchison River Gorge Walk.
The short of it!
Purpose and Charity: The Adventure with Purpose - Murchison River Gorge Walk has been created to celebrate the anniversary of Chelle's 10th year of Sobriety. We will be raising money and awareness for 'Hello Sunday Morning', an Australian not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping people who want to change their relationship with alcohol.
Tour length and difficulty: Four day 38km hike on a Grade 5 trail.
Where: Kalbarri, Western Australia
When: 16th - 19th July 2024
Group Size: Maximum of 10 hikers
Cost: $250 upfront commitment fee. Participants will need to commit to a fundraising target of $1000 for our chosen charity.
For full adventure details please see below!
The short of it!
Purpose and Charity: The Adventure with Purpose - Murchison River Gorge Walk has been created to celebrate the anniversary of Chelle's 10th year of Sobriety. We will be raising money and awareness for 'Hello Sunday Morning', an Australian not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping people who want to change their relationship with alcohol.
Tour length and difficulty: Four day 38km hike on a Grade 5 trail.
Where: Kalbarri, Western Australia
When: 16th - 19th July 2024
Group Size: Maximum of 10 hikers
Cost: $250 upfront commitment fee. Participants will need to commit to a fundraising target of $1000 for our chosen charity.
For full adventure details please see below!
Overview
Celebrating Chelle's remarkable 10-year milestone of sobriety, this charity trail adventure invites you to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Kalbarri National Park while making a meaningful impact. Drawing from our extensive experience organizing charity hikes, including memorable adventures like the Camino Salvado - The Pilgrim Trail and 9 Waterfalls in 9 Days, we've crafted an experience that blends adventure with philanthropy. Each step along the Murchison River Gorge Walk is not just a trek; it's a journey of personal growth and community support.
Chelle's personal story adds a profound layer to this expedition. As a young, 13-year-old girl, she first walked the Murchison River Gorge, completely numb from the effects of family domestic abuse, tinkering on the edge of life and was struggling with addiction. This multi-day hiking experience provided solace and to a certain extent, saved her life, although the trials and tribulations were not yet over. You can read all about Chelle's personal story in the latest 'That's Life' magazine here.
Overcoming a 23-year battle with addiction at the age of 35, she found solace and strength in the outdoors, making this hike a celebration of resilience and transformation. Walking through the ancient gorges once more, where her journey began, symbolizes a full-circle moment of healing, walking through the gorges a strong, independent, empowered woman.
The 38km trail from Ross Graham Lookout to Natures Window offers a challenging yet rewarding adventure through the dramatic landscape of Kalbarri National Park. With no marked trail or route, walkers will find ample opportunities to test their skills, fully guided of course by an experienced guide and fully supported by a team on standby. This is such a great opportunity to immerse oneself in the ancient gorges and stunning formations shaped by the Murchison River. Kalbarri National Park surrounds the lower reaches of the Murchison River, which has cut a magnificent 80km gorge through the million-year-old red and white-banded sandstone to create formations such as Nature’s Window and The Loop, Z-Bend, and Hawks Head.
This is your special invitation to walk with Chelle and her team, following in the footsteps of the Nhanda people through Nhanda Yamatji Country. Consider joining us on this meaningful journey to celebrate personal milestones, connect with nature, and make a positive impact on the community.
People do multi-day hikes all the time, so what makes this one so special?
Yes it is true that many people do multiday adventures all the time, so what makes this particular challenge worth supporting?
On top of being able to celebrate 10 years sober, what sets Chelle apart is the incredible journey she's taken to get here because in February of 2023, Chelle found herself unable to hike for more than 5 mintues, walk upstairs, hold her grandchildren, prepare meals, brush her hair and teeth, or even do simple tasks without feeling utterly exhausted. This was a stark contrast to the active outdoor lifestyle she had enjoyed for over a decade therefore was truly a rock-bottom moment for Chelle.
Over the course of 4 years Chelle endured misdiagnoses and debilitating symptoms, until she took back the reins on her health, demanding an MRI which finally uncovered the root cause of her struggles; impinging nerve roots, disc bulges, herniated discs, and tears in the lumbar and cervical spine. Armed with this knowledge, she then embarked on a year-long journey of rehabilitation, inching towards her pre-injury self. Through chiropractic treatments, needling, massages, herbal medicines and water therapy, Chelle slowly regained her strength, inching towards the ability to perform everyday tasks and by July 2023 was able to complete her 9 waterfalls in 9 days challenge.
It didn’t seem like much to many but for those who knew how bad her struggles had been, this was a decent accomplishment. Another 10 months on and finally the dedication to her rehabilitation is paying off and she is feeling better than ever before, although will unlikely ever be 100%. Moving forward it’s all about good preparation and preparing smartly, which is why she is seeking in kind support for outdoor equipment to replace her current hiking gear for lightweight, reducing the load capacity she needs to carry.
Now, as she prepares to trek through the ancient gorges she once roamed, this challenge represents more than just a physical milestone. It's a celebration of resilience, a testament to the power of perseverance, and a journey of self-discovery.
Charity of Choice - Hello Sunday Morning
Chelle's choice of charity, 'Hello Sunday Morning' as her charity of the year is deeply personal. Having struggled with addiction herself, she understands firsthand the challenges of overcoming alcohol dependency.
Hello Sunday Morning's mission to transform relationships with alcohol resonates with Chelle's journey, as the organization offers vital support and resources for individuals looking to change their habits. Founded in Australia, Hello Sunday Morning provides evidence-based digital health management tools and access to lived-experience peer support through their free app, Daybreak.
Chelle discovered Hello Sunday Morning during a critical moment in her journey towards sobriety. Despite not having the Daybreak App available at the time, the organization's online presence provided her with the inspiration and motivation she needed to make a change. For Chelle, hiking became more than just a hobby—it became a symbol of her commitment to a healthier lifestyle and a testament to her resilience. On Sunday morning, July 20th, 2014, she embarked on the Whistlepipe Gully Walk Trail, marking the beginning of her journey towards sobriety. This experience, coupled with her ongoing passion for hiking, solidified her connection to Hello Sunday Morning and its mission.
As she approaches her 10th year milestone, Chelle reflects on the role that Hello Sunday Morning played in her journey and seeks to give back to the organization that helped her find strength and support.
By embarking on a fundraising initiative, Chelle aims to raise $10,000 for Hello Sunday Morning, symbolizing her decade-long commitment to self-improvement and recovery. She invites others to join her in contributing to this cause, emphasizing the power of community support in achieving meaningful change. Through this initiative, Chelle hopes to not only commemorate her personal milestone but also to inspire others to take control of their relationship with alcohol and seek support when needed. By sharing her story and rallying support for Hello Sunday Morning, Chelle aims to create a ripple effect of hope and healing within her community.
You can read more about 'Hello Sunday Morning' here, and contribute to Chelle's fundraiser via the Go Fund Me page here, or in person at one of the special hiking events she has planned between now and then.
Trip Details
Tour length & difficulty
The Murchison River Gorge Walk is a 4 day multi hiking adventure over 38km in Kalbarri National Park. Our walk begins at Ross Graham Lookout and ends at Natures Window. This a Grade 5 remote walk with no marked trail, or route, and with multiple river crossings, providing ample challenges to test walkers.
Location
The experience begins and ends in Kalbarri with participants needing to make their way to/from, unless we get enough numbers for it to be feasible to hire a bus.
When
16th - 19th July 2024
Depart for Kalbarri National Park 11am Tuesday 16th July / Arrive back in Kalbarri 3pm Friday 19th July
Cost
We request a $250 upfront commitment fee for participation in this experience. This fee serves as a demonstration of your commitment and will be transferred to the fundraiser on your behalf, as part of your overall goal, once you arrive in Kalbarri.
It ensures that we can focus our efforts on those genuinely committed this incredible adventure and helps us provide you with the necessary information and support for your journey.
Group Size
Due to the remoteness & difficulty of this hike our group size will be kept to 10 hikers for safety and ease of logistics.
You supply
Transport to/from Kalbarri (unless we get a large enough group to warrant bus hire), accommodation before/after hike, your own meals for the duration of the experience, your own hiking equipment and personal items, Travel Insurance.
A full list of suggested gear will be provided. Hire options are also available.
We supply
An experienced guide to lead you on this once in a lifetime adventure, Regular training hikes including 1 local overnight hike to test gear, GPS Tracking & Satellite Communication so loved ones can see your progress (there is very little phone signal on the walk), Transfers between Kalbarri & the gorge, National Park Entry Fee, External Trail Support Persons, including connections to local Ranger Services and SES Personnel.
Murchison River Gorge Hike Inspiration - Josh Carr
Check out the inspiring video below from Josh Carr's adventure, keeping in mind he did 48km due to back tracking involved with videoing etc. It just gives you a great idea of what we have got to look forward to.
Murchison River Gorge Hike Inspiration - Josh Carr
Check out the inspiring video below from Josh Carr's adventure, keeping in mind he did 48km due to back tracking involved with videoing etc. It just gives you a great idea of what we have got to look forward to.
Trip Itinerary
Arrival in Kalbarri - Monday 15th July 2024
Arrive any time today but be ready for Chelle and the team who will meet with the group at 5.00pm at Finlays Kalbarri for pre dinner drinks, intros & briefing followed by a sunset dinner overlooking the mouth of the Murchison River, a great way to kick off our adventure.
Day 1 Kalbarri to Murchison River Gorge Campsite 1
Departing Kalbarri at 11am we make our way to Ross Graham Lookout where we stop for lunch and then begin the adventure, kicking off at 1pm.
Hike - 6kms to Hawks Head North Campsite
Camp - Along the sandy banks of the Murchison River just north of Hawks Head Lookout
Day 2 Murchison River Gorge Campsite 1 to Little Z Campsite 2
A fairly long day today with potentially a couple of river crossings.
Hike - 10.5kms Hawks Head North Campsite to Little Z Campsite. Whilst the km's don't appear to be much, this is expected to take anywhere from 7 to 8hrs hiking.
Camp - Along the sandy banks of the Murchison River at the popular Little Z campground.
Day 3 Little Z Campsite 2 to Four Ways Campsite
Today is resupply day where we hike up and out of the gorge at Zbend to resupply and freshen up, and then make our way across the Four Ways Trail and back down into the gorge.
Hike - 7.5kms Little Z Campsite to Z Bend resupply point, and then another 3kms back down into the gorge to Four Ways Campsite 3.
Camp - Along the sandy banks of the Murchison River at Four Ways campsite 3.
Day 4 Four Ways Campsite to Natures Window
Our last day in the gorge but likely to be the one with the most river crossings.
Hike - 10kms Four Ways Campsite 3 to Natures Window.
Post celebration - drink and canapes at the iconic Kalbarri Skywalk & Skywalk Cafe.
Departing Kalbarri National Park approx 2.00pm
Celebration Dinner - Chelle invites you to join her & the team at 6pm, at the Upstairs Restaurant to celebrate the end of an amazing multiday adventure, on the anniversary of her 10th year sober.
*Alternatively, hikers are welcome to leave at anytime following the completion of the hike on the Friday.
For anyone wishing to stay on, please let Chelle know though as we would love to have you join us for some fun on the Saturday and Sunday before heading home to Perth.
Departure of Kalbarri - Saturday 20th July 2024
Please note that currently Chelle and the team are booked to stay in Kalbarri until Sunday 21st July. Hikers are welcome to stick around until this time and explore. If we happen to get enough numbers to travel by bus we will look at the option of returning on Saturday 20th if group consensus would prefer but this decision would be made not later then 10th June.
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