Become an Adaptive Hiking Leader with Break the Boundary!

  • We're looking for volunteers who are:

    Passionate about hiking and the natural environment 

    Physically fit and able to lift adaptive equipment 

    Calm under pressure and able to problem solve 

    Inclusive, empathetic, and committed to making the outdoors accessible for all 

    Reliable team players who can commit to training and regular hikes 

  • What's involved?

    Comprehensive training in adaptive hiking, safety, and equipment use 

    Leadership and outdoor skills development 

    A supportive and passionate community of like-minded adventurers 

    The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives 

    Once training is complete, availability to commit to at least one hike a month

  • Recruiting Now!

    Sounds like you?

    We’re recruiting more volunteers to join our amazing crew of adaptive hiking leaders to help our growing adaptive hiking program in the Perth Hills! Expressions of Interest close Sunday 9th of March. See below for details.

What is Adaptive Hiking?

What’s Adaptive Hiking?  

This program is the only of it’s kind in Western Australia. We have 2 adaptive hiking chariots, and a team of adaptive hiking leaders that have completed extensive training to be able to assist people with physical and neurological disabilities on wonderful hikes in the stunning but challenging landscapes of the Perth Hills. We have the ability to take people to places they never thought would be accessible or possible!  We have audited trails of varying difficulty in the Perth Hills for people to come and explore.  

Who we work with?  

  • People with mobility impairments 

  • Participants with neurological conditions 

  • Hikers with chronic pain conditions 

  • Anyone with age-related limitations 

  • People with vision impairment 

  • And many more! 

About the role

Our Adaptive Hiking Leaders play a crucial role in making nature accessible for people with disabilities. This volunteer position involves working with a team of leaders, participants, family, friends, care teams and our clinical team to help people with physical and neurological disabilities come and access hikes in the Perth Hills! Previously limited to flat surfaces, our adaptive hiking participants can now access up to grade 4 hikes, navigating things like stairs, getting over tree logs, rocky outcrops and the edges of waterfalls! With all this fun, we make sure we have a strong sense of calmness, professionalism, safety, support, and meeting the participant where they are on the day (regarding risk, energy, what they want to get of the hike). Breaking the Boundary is different for everyone, on different days! We foster an inclusive, fun, and supportive outdoor experience. 

If you love the bush, have strong leadership skills, and want to help others experience the outdoors, this is an opportunity to make a real impact! 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Lead and Support Hikes – Guide and support adaptive hikes, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. 

  • Assist with Adaptive Equipment – Help set up, adjust, and transport adaptive hiking gear (training provided). 

  • Provide Physical Assistance – Help participants navigate uneven terrain, push or lift equipment (up to 25kg) 

  • Manage Group Safety – Be prepared to respond to emergencies, administer first aid (once trained), and manage challenges in remote areas. 

  • Travel -  meet the participant at the start of the hike, collecting equipment required along the way.  

  • Foster Inclusion & Connection – Create a welcoming, positive environment for participants of all abilities. 

  • Shadow & Train – Attend training sessions over 4 months, complete shadow hikes, and build your leadership confidence. 

We’re looking for volunteers who are

Physically Fit – Comfortable with long hikes and lifting up to 25kg. 
Outdoor Enthusiasts – Passionate about hiking and the natural environment. 
Calm Under Pressure – Can handle unexpected situations and emergencies. 
Inclusive & Empathetic – Understands the challenges people with disabilities may face outdoors. 
A Team Player – Works well with other leaders, participants, and volunteers. 

Good communicators — as we are working with people with varying levels of communication needs. 
Committed & Reliable – Can attend required training and lead at least 1 hike per month. 

Requirements

  • Must be available on April 5th 2025 for the first training session 

  • Must be able to commit to 4 training sessions over 4 months, plus shadow 3 hikes. 

  • Experience in hiking, outdoor activities 

  • Experience with people who live with a disability is valued but not essential 

  • Must be at least 18 years old 

  • Must have access to a car with a valid driver’s licence  

  • Must be Eligible for a Working with Children Check will be required (through Break the Boundary)  

  • Must be able to provide a reference 

What you receive

Comprehensive Training – Learn how to lead adaptive hikes, use specialised equipment, and manage outdoor safety. 
Personal Growth – Build leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. 
Make an Impact – Help break boundaries so people with disabilities can experience the bush. 
A Supportive Community – Join a passionate, like-minded group of adventurers! 

*Please note, this is an unpaid role.

Training commitment

  • In house: 3 days (Weekends)  

  • External provider: 4 day Wilderness First Aid Course- 4 consecutive days including a weekend.

  • Online: Manual Handling course  

  • Shadowing: 3 hikes with our adaptive hiking leaders including one come and try it induction (Weekends) 

  • Ongoing commitment: Minimum 1 hike per month. Our hiking season is April-November.
    Training Start Date: April 5th, 2025 

  • Location: Perth Hills, Western Australia 

Want to know more?

Some of our hiking leaders will be at the Canning River Regional Park, Kent Street Weir with the hiking chariots   

Saturday 8th March, 2-3pm  

If you’d like to come past, meet some of the team and ask some questions before you apply, we’d love to see you. 

Please note, our trainings and services normally operate out of Kalamunda/ Paull’s Valley.

To learn more about Break the Boundary, see About Us.

 

Ready to Make a Difference? 

Apply now by completing our Expression of Interest (EOI) form. 

EOI Deadline: March 9th 2025, 11:59pm
Training Starts: April 5th, 2025 

This is a popular volunteer opportunity – we encourage thoughtful applications from those who are truly passionate about inclusion and outdoor adventure. 

Any questions? Email hiking@breaktheboundary.com.au