Are you struggling to de-stress at uni and find yourself running out of time for exercise?
If this is you, then you are reading the right article!
Studies have found that one of the best ways to destress is by participating in physical activity (exercise) and immersingyourself in an uplifting physical environment. It has been proven that just 10 minutes outside a day can also boost your mood and why not achieve that with an outdoor walk in a scenic natural environment.
As a university student myself, I understand how hard it is to find the time to exercise and the pressure of assessments can often feel like they are weighing us down. I have really found that walks amongst nature have a profound effect on my mental wellbeing and I find myself exercising without thinking about it. That is the main reason behind why I have written this blog however implementing it is another thing. To make it easier for you, I have found walks that won’t charge you an entry fee or a tank of petrol and they are in fact pretty much in your backyard.
The two walks below are both within Cooranbong, surrounded by nature and will have you exercised and de-stressed without even realising that you have done so.
Gap Creek Falls:
- Degree of difficulty: 6/10
- Duration of walk: 30min to the waterfall (60min in total).
- Location: At the end of Bangalow Road in the Watagon mountains, Cooranbong.
- Walk commences at Gap Creek picnic area.
- Distance: 650metres to waterfall.
- Family friendly.
Gap Creek Falls is located in the Watagon Mountains in close proximity to Cooranbong. The Waterfall is accessible from Freemans Drive by following Mount Folk Road and then turning onto Bungalow Road where the walk commences at the Gap Creek picnic area. This picnic area has a sheltered space and barbeque area perfect for lunch, before or after your walk, and has plenty of parking space for you and your friends. An alternative to using the barbeque area is to pack a picnic, as there are large rocks situated at the bottom the falls perfect for you to lay out a rug. The walks degree of difficulty is a 6/10 with some steep areas, so enclosed shoes are a must. In saying this, the Gap Creek Falls walk is not exhausting and for anybody taking their time and soaking up the scenery, this walk will be extremely relaxing. Bellbirds echo above and you will feel immersed in the greenery around you.As you approach the waterfall you can often hear the water cascading from its edge and the tree canopy will begin to open up. The waterfall itself is beautiful. A 40 metre amphitheatre of rock will stand before you with trickling greenery and of course the fallingwater. The best time to visit is after a substantial amount of rainfall. This isnot a swimming destination. Although Gap Creek Falls is a waterfall, the pool below is mostly situated amongst rocks and a small creek regularly drains this area. It is,however,extremely picturesque and better still extremely free. All that is required is that you leave no trace and enjoy the scenery whilst still getting in some daily exercise.
Other useful information can be found at the below links:
http://www.wildwalks.com/bushwalking-and-hiking-in-nsw/watagans/gap-creek-falls-walk.html
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/gap-creek-campground
Boy’s Walk:
- Degree of difficulty: 3/10
- Duration of walk: 40min
- Location: Cooranbong.
- Walk commences at Avondale College, or behind the cemetery.
- Distance: 3km
- Dog friendly
Boy’sWalk is situated in the surrounding grounds of Avondale College at Cooranbong. The walk follows alongside Stockton Creek, making for a scenic view as you walk the 3km track. It is an all-natural walk with a dirt path and surrounded by nature. If you are an animal lover there are also goats, cows and sheep to visit along the way. To reach the start of boys walk you can park behind the Avondale cemeterywhich is accessible to the publicand walk to the track which begins in an entry way to the bushland behind. If you are a College student, you can walk from the car park along the main drive, to commence the walk on the left- hand side before the last paddock. Luckily, Boy’sWalk is also dog friendly and therefore a great location to exercise your fur baby and yourself at the same time. There are also plenty of clearings along the walk if you wish to stop and have lunch by the creek. Overall, Boy’s Walk is an easy walk, very accessible and scenic. It is in the perfect location for Collegestudents to exercise and enjoy time out of their study routine or to exercise your pet.
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