A century on, the club is still going strong; its spirit of discovery, connection, and community as meaningful as ever. As South Australia’s oldest walking club, the Ramblers are celebrating its 100th anniversary this year with a series of events that honour an enduring legacy of walking, learning, and friendship.
Founded under the umbrella of the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA), the club was born from a vision of combining physical activity with intellectual and social enrichment. And while plenty has changed over the decades, that founding ethos remains very much at the heart of the Ramblers.
Today, the club boasts members aged from their 40s through to their 80s, with several who’ve clocked up decades of hiking alongside fellow Ramblers. One of the longest-standing members is Elizabeth O’Shea, who joined more than 46 years ago.
“I was new to the area and working full-time, and the Ramblers gave me a sense of belonging outside the city,” Elizabeth says.
The adventure of walking and the camaraderie drew me in, and that’s what keeps me coming back. The Ramblers are welcoming, non-competitive, and nature-loving—that’s the magic of it.
Members walk fortnightly on Sundays, typically covering distances of 12 to 18 kilometres, as well as shorter monthly Tuesday walks of around 6 to 9 kilometres. But it’s not just about the kilometres, it’s about the shared experience, the places discovered, and the friendships formed along the way.
Long-time members Ian and Fay Harding have been part of the group for 50 years, sharing in the journey as both a couple and a team of enthusiastic walkers.
“What makes the Ramblers so special is their dedication to exploring not only the landscape, but the stories, flora, fauna, and cultural history embedded within it,” Ian reflects. “It’s been a wonderful 50 years, and we look forward to many more.”
To mark the milestone year, the Ramblers have organised a calendar of special events. A highlight will be the unveiling of a presentation on the club’s history; timed to coincide with the anniversary of their very first walk.
It’s a celebration not just of footsteps taken, but of a culture built on inclusion, curiosity, and appreciation of the natural world. That’s something WEA CEO Lesley Venning is especially proud of.
“While WEA offers nearly 1,000 short courses each year to over 10,000 students across Adelaide, our clubs, like the Ramblers, are a powerful example of how lifelong learning and community connection can extend far beyond the classroom,” she says.
“The Ramblers Bushwalking Club is a wonderful example of the inclusive culture the WEA fosters. We’re proud to see the community spirit of our organisation reflected in groups like this that continue to thrive.”
As they walk into their second century, the WEA Ramblers Bushwalking Club remains a testament to the power of putting one foot in front of the other; of making time to explore, connect, and enjoy the outdoors, together.
And for those inspired to join? Just bring a pair of good walking shoes, an open mind, and a love for nature. The trail—and a warm welcome—awaits.
Interested in walking with the Ramblers? Find out more at walkingsa.org.au/walk/walking-clubs/wea-ramblers/
