Inclusive Outdoor Activities, Brisbane
Dear Nature Freedom participants,
I hope this message finds you well. I’m reaching out to share some important news about Nature Freedom. After careful consideration, we’ve made the difficult decision to close Nature Freedom and end our programs. This journey has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my life, and it’s with a heavy heart that I share this with you.
Since 2017, we have worked to create inclusive outdoor experiences, fostering connection and empowerment for individuals from all walks of life. Nature Freedom wasn’t just an organisation—it was a vision that came from my personal experiences living with disabilities and my passion for nature and outdoor recreation. It has been a privilege to offer this space, seeing lives transformed by the simple yet profound act of connecting with nature.
As the great naturalist John Muir once said, “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” I’ve seen the truth of this time and again in your stories, your journeys, and your growth through our shared adventures. Every paddle and every hike has been a reminder of the strength, courage, and resilience of our community.
Unfortunately, due to various challenges, including personal life changes, we’ve made the decision to step back and close this chapter. Though this wasn’t easy, I believe it’s the right step forward.
I want to take this moment to deeply thank you for your trust, your participation, and your belief in the vision of Nature Freedom. Your support has meant the world to me, and to everyone involved. Although Nature Freedom will no longer be offering programs, I encourage you to keep the spirit of inclusion, exploration, and adventure alive in your own life.
In closing, remember that nature will always be there—open, welcoming, and ready to inspire. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” May you find peace, joy, and strength in your continued journeys outdoors.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of this incredible journey.
Mathew Townsend (he/him)
Inclusive and accessible nature-based activities
At Nature Freedom, we are passionately committed to designing and facilitating nature-based activities that are inclusive and fully accessible to everyone, irrespective of their abilities.
Our range of outdoor activities are carefully curated to not only involve the community in engaging experiences within the natural beauty of Brisbane City and beyond, but also to foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among our participants.
From the banks of the Brisbane River to the picturesque views of Burpengary, Moreton Bay, Redlands and Logan, we aim to make every corner of our stunning Queensland landscape accessible and enjoyable for all.
Uniting the community one step at a time
Beyond creating these engaging experiences, our vision extends to providing meaningful employment opportunities within our organisation specifically for people with disabilities. We believe in an equitable world where everyone is provided the platform to thrive and contribute their unique talents. In this spirit, all our activities, programs, and tours are co-created in collaboration with people with disabilities and pertinent community groups. This ensures that our offerings are not just accessible, but are also resonant with the lived experiences of the people we serve.
We help connect people across multiple industries
In our ongoing journey of promoting inclusivity, we place great importance on building strong partnerships across various sectors. We work closely with industry stakeholders, the Queensland Government, private and public organisations, and diverse communities. Through these collaborations, we are continuously learning, evolving and creating innovative methods for inclusion. By leveraging these partnerships, we aspire to make outdoor activities in Brisbane, and all across Queensland, accessible and enjoyable for all.
Our Mission
All our activities, programs, and tours are co-designed by people with disabilities and relevant community groups.
Our aim is to create inclusive and accessible nature-based activities to facilitate community engagement. We further aim to provide employment opportunities within our organisation for people with disabilities.
We prioritise collaboration with industry, government, private and public organisations and communities to form strong partnerships and develop better ideas and methods for inclusion.
Our Vision:
Nature Freedom aims to improve the wellbeing of people with disabilities through creating inclusive and accessible nature-based activities.
Our work so far:
Participants
Partners
What Experiences do we offer?
Inclusive Bushwalking Tours
- Our Inclusive Bushwalking tours offer a range of experiences from short strolls through Greater Brisbane’s green spaces to more challenging treks, all tailored to meet individual abilities. These tours are specifically designed to cater to varying levels of mobility, including accessibility for wheelchair users. Our offerings aren’t limited to day hikes; we aim to cater for everyone’s adventurous spirit in all conditions.
Inclusive Paddling Events
- Dive into our Inclusive Paddling events for a thrilling water-based adventure using kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and other watercraft. We ensure accessibility for all, irrespective of ability levels, by providing specially designed equipment that makes the experience enjoyable for everyone. Our goal is to make sure everyone can have a go at this exhilarating activity.
Schools Program
Our Schools Program is specifically designed to provide students of all abilities an avenue to connect with nature and learn outside the traditional classroom environment. From environmental sustainability education in the heart of the Scenic Rim to bird-watching tours and nature journaling sessions in the midst of Brisbane’s outdoor spaces, our schools program offers a broad spectrum of adventurous outdoor activities. Whether it’s a school holiday or a vocational program, each event is a unique opportunity for students to learn, grow and have fun in a safe and inclusive environment.
Local Activities
With a focus on local accessibility, our Local Activities offer numerous opportunities to explore Brisbane’s outdoor offerings. These include guided tours through the lush landscapes of Springbrook National Park and the stunning wilderness of Lamington National Park. We organise exhilarating rock climbing adventures at Kangaroo Point Cliffs, bushwalking through the serene Brisbane Parks, and paddling tours along the Brisbane River. Our local activities aim to give you a fresh perspective on the wealth of wheelchair-friendly outdoor things to do in Brisbane.
“Nature Freedom inspires me to get out into my community, socialise with others and join in activities I have never done before. Making new friends and learning from others in activities! It is important to socialise, have friendships, and to enjoy life. Nature Freedom brings me all of those things!”
“Nature Freedom inspired me to get out of my comfort zone and engage in outdoor recreational activities including canoeing and bushwalking in a safe, inclusive and social environment. Nature Freedom plays an important role in connecting young people with disabilities to nature and the outdoor environment which has both physical and mental health benefits to the person. Nature freedom also plays an important role in breaking down accessibility barriers in nature that ultimately benefits everyone.”
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