Member Story: Why Dianne Says YES to Hiking & Adventure At Any Age

The fabulous Dianne shares her story about how Women’s Fitness Adventures saved her from being a ‘cranky grandma’ and how you too can embrace Adventure At Any Age.

For many years, Dianne’s life revolved around the farm, her family, and the countless responsibilities that came with both. She and her husband built their farm from scratch—purchasing land, planting crops, and constructing everything themselves. Holidays and travel weren’t an option, as every dollar and every hour was dedicated to making the farm a success. Like so many farming women of her generation, Dianne devoted herself to raising their children, managing the household, and supporting the farm, always thinking that once everything was settled, there would finally be time to explore the world. But as the years passed, she realised that while she was ready for adventure, her husband was content staying put. She didn’t want to become the stereotypical ‘cranky grandma’—frustrated and yearning for more. That’s when she found Women’s Fitness Adventures, and her life changed for the better.

Taking the First Step

Dianne’s first taste of adventure came when she joined her sister’s friends on a hike in New Zealand’s stunning Milford Sound. She loved every moment, but she saw it as a one-off experience—something special but not something she’d get to do often. Then, towards the end of that same year, she stumbled across an article about someone hiking Mt Kosciuszko. She remembers thinking, I would love to do that! But she knew her husband wasn’t one for walking anywhere, let alone up a mountain. So, she shelved the idea.

Then, as if by fate, she saw Yvonne on a TV travel show talking about Women’s Fitness Adventures—an organisation dedicated to getting women out hiking, exploring, and challenging themselves. Dianne jumped on her computer, saw a Mt Kosciuszko hike planned for March 2017, and she signed up straight away. Then came the moment of panic—had she rushed into this? But deep down, she knew it was now or never. That snap decision turned out to be one of the best choices she ever made.

From Farm Life to Global Adventures

Since that first hike, Dianne’s list of achievements has only grown. She never imagined that one day she’d be hiking in Italy’s stunning Tuscan countryside, let alone climbing the highest peaks across Australia. Her adventures with Women’s Fitness Adventures have taken her from the heights of Mt Kosciuszko to the breathtaking challenge of Devil’s Thumb in North Queensland. She has climbed Mt Barney, Mt Lindsay, and Mt Bruce. She has swum with whale sharks, tackled full-pack hikes, and even taken the plunge into waterfalls along the Jatbula Trail. Every single adventure has been special in its own unique way. Women’s Fitness Adventures is honoured to be a part of this inspiring journey.

Finding a Community

Before joining Women’s Fitness Adventures, Dianne felt a bit lost. Her kids had left home, her parents had passed away, and she was struggling to connect with others in her age group. She had always kept active, but as their macadamia farm became more mechanised, she realised she wasn’t moving as much as she used to. She needed something more—not just for fitness, but for companionship and adventure.

At first, Dianne thought most Women’s Fitness Adventures members lived in Brisbane, but she quickly discovered that women came from all over Australia, from all walks of life. She loves that no matter how much time passes between hikes, when members reunite, it feels like no time has passed at all. There’s no pressure—just mutual respect, friendship, and a shared love of adventure. Whether it’s swapping stories online or pulling together to help each other out—like when her luggage was lost during the Great Ocean Road hike—the Women’s Fitness Adventures community always has each other’s backs.

Why Dianne Keeps Showing Up

Life is busy. It’s easy to let fitness slide, but Dianne has always believed in looking after her health. Her mother struggled with chronic asthma and heart issues later in life, and she’ll never forget seeing her in an oxygen tent, fighting for every breath. Her father always dreamed of doing things ‘one day,’ but sadly, cancer robbed him of that chance. Dianne refuses to wait for ‘one day.’ She wants to live her life now, while she can.

To Anyone Thinking About Joining…

For anyone considering Women’s Fitness Adventures, Dianne says: “If you are considering it, you are already 90% there. Just sign up and give it a go. There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain—fitness, friendships, confidence, and experiences never imagined possible.”

Dianne often shares her journey online, and she’s had so many conversations with women in their 40s and 50s who tell her they’ve been inspired to embrace adventure. Getting older doesn’t mean slowing down—it’s an opportunity to do more, see more, and challenge yourself in new ways.

Some of the women Dianne has met through Women’s Fitness Adventures are years older than her and still going strong, proving that age is no barrier if you take care of yourself and keep moving. They inspire her every day, just as she hopes to inspire others to embark on adventure at any age.

Dianne may have started this journey worried about becoming a ‘cranky grandma,’ but now? She’s one happy grandma—one who hikes, explores, and embraces every adventure that comes her way!