WELCOME TO HIKED
Explore. Connect. Thrive.
At Hiked, we believe that the great outdoors is a powerful place for connection, adventure, and personal growth. Our community is dedicated to bringing together hiking enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to seasoned trekkers, to explore nature's beauty and forge lasting friendships.
Why Join Our Community?
-
Diverse Hikes: Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging mountain ascent, our group offers a variety of hikes to suit all fitness levels and interests.
-
Meetup Events: Join our regular meetup events and discover new trails with a supportive and friendly group of hikers.
-
Learning Opportunities: Gain valuable hiking knowledge, from trail navigation and safety tips to gear recommendations and environmental stewardship.
-
Supportive Network: Connect with fellow hikers, share experiences, and find encouragement as you achieve your hiking goals.
-
Community Impact: Participate in trail clean-ups and conservation projects to help preserve the natural beauty we all love.
Upcoming Events
Check out our calendar for upcoming hikes and events. Whether it's a midweek or weekend, Interstate or International adventure, there's always something happening at HIKED.
Join Us Today
Ready to hit the trails? Subscribe to our Hiked Website and become a member of our Hiked Community! Here is the link to join: HIKED Community | Facebook . We can't wait to welcome you to our community.
Let's Hike Together!
Embrace the joy of hiking, discover new places, and build meaningful connections with HIKED. Together, we'll make every step an adventure.
About Us
We motivate our community to safely achieve a healthy mind and healthy body.
As the founder of HIKED, Kate Southall created hiked wanting to make her love and passion for hiking, fitness and health, a life choice.
We offer FREE hiking experiences and education and work in partnership with Life’s An Adventure to offer international and interstate hiking experiences.
Hiked operate by sticking to our key values:
-
Provide professional, safe and reliable service to others that focuses on the customer experience.
-
Injecting good humour and a spirit of fun into all we do.
-
Clear and thorough communication at all times.
-
Committing to helping our members achieve their personal goals.
-
Taking an optimistic and flexible approach to challenges.
-
Maintaining our passion for people, the outdoors and adventure.
-
Employing staff who share these values and care for people.
-
Balancing the triple bottom line of environmental stewardship, social equity/well being and economic viability.
-
Supporting our community with ways to create a healthy mind and healthy body.
Why Join Hiked?
We are not just a hiking company. We are a community of like-minded adventure seekers.
Hiked encourages a Healthy Mind Healthy Body philosophy.
We inspire and support you to heal in the great outdoors.
We are not just qualified guides, personal trainers and nutritionists, we are believers in the mind and body benefits of getting out into nature.
Hiked supports you in challenging yourself to experience as much adventure as possible!!!
The moment you join our awesome community you will feel as though you have been part of the family forever. We believe in doing the work but having as much fun as possible while we work.
If you are thinking:
Am I fit enough?
Do I have enough experience?
Will I fit in with the group?
By the end of your first walk believe us you will have made new friends and found a new level of courage in yourself.
Your endorphins will keep you going for days and kms or time never comes up the conversations and amazing views keep your mind and body busy.
Our community loves the fun, energetic and positive encouraging atmosphere.
No one is left behind, our only rules are, WE START TOGETHER, WE WALK TOGETHER, WE FINISH TOGETHER…
Our number one priority is your experience. Simply enjoy the company of others. Take the time to laugh, chat and share experiences or enjoy YOU time.
MEET THE FOUNDER
KATE SOUTHALL
In my late twenties I lost a kidney from a family kidney disease history and then at the age of thirty-one I was diagnosed with Diabetes Type 1 as a result of my kidney failure. I had always been active and pretty healthy in my life so felt confused with why my health was challenging me in so many ways.
I must be honest I struggled with accepting the hand I had been dealt and pushed the limits on and off for the next few years until I made the decision to change all things currently in my fast-paced corporate life and spend my time outdoors walking this beautiful planet and learning all I could in Nutrition and Wellness.
Moving from the city life back to my beloved Dandenong Ranges I began to heal my body and mind by walking and living a more relaxed calm life with my young son.
I completed 2 degrees in Naturopathy and Nutritional Medicine and a Diploma in Fitness.
In 2018 I registered Hiked, an idea created by walking on average 100kms a week!
For the first 6 months I created up to 150 hiking routes and educated my in all things important to start leading groups.
Navigation and Mapping, Remote First Aid, Trekking and Planning, Managing Events all these things and more I learnt to ensure that I would be the best Hiking Company out there.
It started slow, believe me, however I persisted until one day it all sort of turned the corner and the Hiked Community grew. I needed to juggle being a single mum with a young son and being able to head groups out for short and long hikes.
With the growing community, I then opened Hiked Fitness & Health offering Group and Personal Training services with a Fitness Studio in Olinda. I also offered Nutritional Consultations with s specific love for working with people living with an autoimmune disease.
In 2019 Hiked released the first option on the market for a Hiking Membership. This was incredibly exciting for the business and over the next 12months we grew to 150 members! We now offered Overseas and Interstate Trips and Weekend Adventures.
I also created a Free Beginners Hike that we ran every month as a way to encourage and support anyone thinking about Hiking but not quite knowing what it was all about and Kids Hikes that were offered during all school holidays.
Then Covid arrived and during the past couple of years it has been very challenging and damaging to this industry.
I have a tattoo that reads on my arm, More Zena Than Princess…
This is why we are know working hard to adjust to the changes in the world and again are determined to remain here to encourage and support as many people as we can to truly experience the healing of body and mind when hiking and being outdoors.
I live and breathe to Hike. It is such an important part of who I am and I love nothing more than inspiring others to feel the power of hiking.
HIKED Meetup Policy
Participation and Conduct
-
Respect and Inclusivity: HIKED is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants. Discrimination, harassment, or any form of inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated. Respect for fellow hikers and the natural environment is paramount.
-
Registration: Participants must register for meetups through the official HIKED platform which is Eventbrite. Only registered participants will be allowed to join the events to ensure safety and proper planning.
-
Punctuality: Please arrive on time for meetups. Late arrivals may miss important safety briefings and cause delays. If you are running late, please inform the event organizer as soon as possible.
-
Preparation: Ensure you are adequately prepared for the hike. This includes wearing appropriate clothing and footwear, bringing sufficient water, snacks, and any other necessary gear. Specific requirements for each hike will be provided in the event details.
-
Health and Safety: Your health and safety are a priority. Participants should be in good physical condition and free from any conditions that may endanger themselves or others. Inform the event organizer of any medical conditions or allergies that may require attention during the hike.
Attendance and Cancellation
-
RSVP and Waitlist: Space for each meetup may be limited. If you RSVP and later realize you cannot attend, please update your RSVP status as soon as possible to allow someone else to take your spot. If an event is full, a waitlist will be maintained.
-
No-Shows: Consistent no-shows without prior notice may result in limited access to future events. Please be considerate of others who may wish to participate.
-
Cancellations by HIKED: In case of adverse weather conditions, safety concerns, or other unforeseen circumstances, HIKED reserves the right to cancel or reschedule events. Participants will be notified as soon as possible, and any applicable fees will be refunded or credited.
During the Meetup
-
Follow the Leader: Always stay with the group and follow the instructions of the hike leader. Do not wander off or leave the group without informing the leader.
-
Leave No Trace: We are committed to preserving the natural environment. Please pack out all trash, respect wildlife, and follow the Leave No Trace principles.
-
Emergency Protocols: In the event of an emergency, follow the hike leader’s instructions. Ensure you have a means of communication, such as a charged mobile phone, and be aware of the emergency protocols shared at the start of the hike.
Liability and Assumption of Risk
-
Assumption of Risk: By participating in HIKED meetups, you acknowledge and accept the inherent risks associated with hiking and outdoor activities. HIKED is not liable for any injuries, accidents, or incidents that may occur during the event.
-
Waiver of Liability: All participants must sign a waiver of liability prior to joining any HIKED meetup. This waiver acknowledges the risks involved and releases HIKED from any claims or liabilities.
Communication
-
Stay Informed: Ensure you are subscribed to HIKED communications and check for updates regarding meetups. Important information, including changes or cancellations, will be communicated through the official channels. Subscribe to the HIKED website and join our HIKED FB Community Group: HIKED Community | Facebook
-
Feedback: We value your feedback! After each event, participants are encouraged to share their experiences and suggestions to help us improve future meetups. Email kate@hiked.com.au
By adhering to this Meetup Policy, you help create a safe, enjoyable, and respectful environment for all HIKED members. Thank you for being a part of our community and for your cooperation in making each event a success.
HIKED NEW POLICY
Waiver of Liability
By participating in any event or activity organized by HIKED (the “Community”), I acknowledge and agree to the following:
-
Voluntary Participation: I am voluntarily participating in the activities of HIKED with full knowledge of the risks involved. I understand that hiking and outdoor activities carry inherent risks, including but not limited to physical injury, illness, accidents, and exposure to natural elements.
-
Assumption of Risk: I assume all risks associated with participation, including but not limited to falls, contact with other participants, weather conditions, wildlife encounters, and the conditions of the trails and roads.
-
Release of Liability: I release, waive, discharge, and hold harmless HIKED, its organizers, leaders, members, and volunteers from any and all claims, demands, actions, or losses, including those for bodily injury, property damage, or wrongful death, arising out of or in connection with my participation in any activity or event.
-
Medical Treatment: I consent to receive medical treatment that may be deemed advisable in the event of injury, accident, or illness during any HIKED event. I understand that I am solely responsible for all costs related to medical emergencies.
-
Personal Responsibility: I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to ensure I am in good health and physical condition to participate in HIKED activities. I agree to follow all instructions and safety protocols provided by HIKED organizers and to act responsibly and with caution.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
SouthVine Group Pty Ltd trading as ’Hiked’ (ABN 68 624 576 950)
Hiked provides adventures throughout Australia and overseas destinations. Hiked may change or update the Terms & Conditions at any time. Please carefully read through the Terms and Conditions prior to making a booking.
COVID
Our number one priority at Hiked is the safety and wellbeing of our customers, staff and partners. From February 2023 onwards, our Covid Policy is as follows:
All bookings made after February 1, 2023, will be subject to our Terms & Conditions contained herein.
PRIVACY & POLICY
Our Privacy Policy governs the manner in which Hiked uses, maintains and discloses information collected from users (“User”) of the www.hiked.com.au website (“Site”). This privacy policy applies to the Site and all products and services offered by Hiked and can be read in full in the Company Policy.
COPYRIGHT
Content published on this website (digital downloads, images, texts, graphics, logos) is the property of Hiked and/or its content creators and protected by international copyright laws.
BOOKINGS
All bookings are made to SouthVine Group Pty Ltd trading as Hiked and are processed in Australian dollars ($AU) via our online booking systems and secure software.
Be advised that failure to make the required full or partial payments at our request may result in your booking being cancelled.
PAYMENTS
Once a purchase of any event, product or service has been made, unless you notify us via email at kate@hikeed.com.au, you agree to all fees and all other charges relating to the total purchase being billed.
Payment Plans for some purchases will automatically be displayed on our site when available.
You can find our full Payment Plan Terms and Conditions via the website.
Be advised that all deposits are non-refundable.
CANCELLATIONS BY THE PURCHASER
If you fail to attend an event on the day for any reason, all monies/vouchers will be forfeited and you will not be entitled to any form of compensation.
If you cancel your booking prior to the scheduled event, you may be eligible to the following:
Single Day (examples: day walk)
More than 5 days prior to the event, we will provide you with credit for the amount paid less a fee of up to 25%.
Less than 5 days’ notice will result in 100% forfeit of all monies paid.
One - Two Night Events (examples: overnight hiking adventures)
More than 16 days prior to the event, we will provide you with credit for the amount paid less a fee of up to 25%.
Less than 7 days’ notice will result in 100% forfeit of all monies paid.
MULTI- day Events (examples: Interstate & International)
More than 60 days prior to an event, we will provide you with credit for the amount paid minus the deposit.
Between 59-30 days we will retain 50% of the full cost of the event.
Less than 29 days prior to your event start date,100% of the event price will be forfeited.
EVENT POSTPONEMENT
Any event that cannot be conducted for any reason will be postponed until the next most suitable day or season as ascertained by Hiked. Hiked reserves the right to postpone sessions, events or activities at any given time including on the day on the day of said activity. If we choose to postpone a session, event or activity this is generally due to, but not limited to; insufficient participants, extreme weather (Severe Winds/ Hail/ Torrential Rain/ Severe Fire Danger/ Lightning); Park Closures, declared Total Fire Ban days or Fuel Reduction Burns, transportation failure or staffing constraints.
Our policy for postponed events is to:
-
Automatically move all participants to a new event date. The new date may be constrained by such factors including but not limited to weather, booking availability, seasonal variations or requirements and staffing.
-
If the new date is not suitable to the participant, a credit for the full booking amount will be provided.
Please refer to our credit terms contained within.
Hiked will not provide refunds for events booked that are postponed.
Participants are not entitled to claim any form of refund or compensation from HIKED for cancellations, this includes but is not limited to Accommodation / Flights / Fuel / Loss of Income or any additional expenses incurred.
Participants will be notified of an event postponement as soon as we can.
FLEXIBILITY AND ITINERARY CHANGES
The nature of our outdoor adventure may require considerable flexibility for possible itinerary changes. The itinerary provided is representative of the planned route / trip / event, but it should be understood that the route, schedules, itineraries, amenities and mode of transport may be subject to alteration without prior notice due to local circumstances or events.
Hiked plans to deliver all trips as described however we reserve the right to change any itinerary before or during any event due to local circumstances or events outside of our control. Hiked are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itinerary such as additional accommodation requirements, food, or non-refundable flights.
THIRD PARTY PROVIDERS
Some of our activities and adventures may be provided by an independent company. In this instance, HIKED has contracted a third-party company or qualified individual to provide specialist services. By participating in the activity, you also accept that any assistance given by the specialist leader in undertaking the activity does not render HIKED liable for them in any way.
AGE & HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Hiked has the right to exclude any person from participating in our activities. This may include if it has been ascertained that a participant does not meet the minimum health and fitness requirements to safely undertake the activity. Participants must not attend an event under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
MEDICAL DISCLOSURE
By agreeing to these Terms & Conditions, you agree that you have disclosed to HIKED all medical conditions, medications, allergies, food intolerances, or injuries that may affect your ability to undertake activities with HIKED.
ACCEPTANCE OF RISK
These Terms & Conditions shall bind the participant.
Some of our adventure locations safety, hygiene and infrastructure standards may be at a lower standard than you as a participant is accustomed to. Hiked liaises with its international staff and providers to reduce risk, however all participants agree and assume liability for any higher level of personal risk.
MARKETING AND PHOTOS
Hiked is proud that we have inspired so many participants to enjoy the great outdoors by seeing our amazing adventure experiences by our marketing and photos. You consent to us using images of you taken during the trip for advertising and promotional purposes in any medium we choose unless you advise of otherwise. You grant us a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide, irrevocable licence to use such images for publicity and promotional purposes unless you advise us otherwise.
CONTACT US
If you have any questions about these Terms & Conditions, our practices, pricing and payments, or any other dealings with our staff, please contact us at: kate@hiked.com.au