By Wendy Williamson
Making new friends while you stroll with your pram in the sunshine is the promise of a new pram walking group in the hills.
Parents with newborns or toddlers are invited to join the Wheely Good Pram Walk at either Belgrave South or Upwey.
It’s free, no bookings are necessary, and walkers are encouraged to bring comfortable shoes, hats in summer and a water bottle.
A Wheely Good Pram Walk is held at Birdsland Reserve in Belgrave South on the first Thursday of each month. Meet at the barbecue hut near the lower car park from 9.30am for a 2.3km walk around the lakes, taking about 40 minutes.
Another walk takes place on the third Tuesday. This group meets at 9.30am in the sun court foyer of the Sherbrooke Family and Children’s Centre in Upwey for a 2.1km walk to morning tea at the Burrinja cafe. Including the walk back, it is roughly a two-hour round trip.
The group receives a 10 per cent discount at the cafe on walking days.
Yarra Ranges director of Social and Economic Development, Ali Wastie, said either walk would be a chance for new parents to meet people who are going through the same stage of life and make new friends.
“Our Maternal and Child Health nurses spoke to families and identified the need for more social connections between parents with young children,” Ms Wastie said.
“These events will be a relaxed and informal way to get in touch with other parents in the hills community, while embracing the warmer weather and getting active.”
Toilet facilities will be accessible and dogs are not permitted on the walks.
For more information, email earlyyears@yarraranges.vic.gov.au.
