NDIS Hiking

NDIS Hiking & Mentoring

LifeTrail offers NDIS-funded hiking supports, delivered either as:

• NDIS Hiking (outdoor, activity-based support), or
• NDIS Mentoring combined with Hiking (capacity-building support with an experienced mentor)

Supports can be provided one-on-one or in small, supported groups, depending on individual goals, preferences, and funding.

All supports are delivered in line with NDIS Practice Standards, duty of care, and relevant insurance requirements.

What Is NDIS Hiking?

NDIS Hiking is a purposeful, participant-centred support that uses guided walking and outdoor experiences to build skills, confidence, and independence.

While the environment is natural, the support is professional and structured — the same standard of NDIS support you would expect from any qualified provider.

Hikes may range from:

• Short local day walks
• Full-day hikes
• Multi-day hiking journeys (where appropriate and planned)

Each experience is carefully assessed, planned, and adapted to the participant’s abilities, goals, and comfort level.

Hiking Combined With NDIS Mentoring

Some participants choose to combine hiking with NDIS mentoring.
In this model, hiking becomes the setting for capacity-building supports, rather than the focus alone.

This may include support with:

• Building confidence and self-belief
• Emotional regulation and anxiety management
• Social interaction and communication
• Planning, decision-making, and problem-solving
• Developing independence and resilience
• Exploring interests, routines, and community participation

Mentoring is delivered in a trauma-aware, strengths-based, participant-led way, always respecting choice, control, and personal boundaries.

One-Off or Ongoing Supports

NDIS Hiking supports can be offered as:

• A one-off experience
• A short-term series
• A regular weekly or ongoing activity

Some participants hike for enjoyment and wellbeing.
Others work toward specific personal, social, or life goals.

There is no single “program” — supports are individualised, flexible, and responsive.

“I want and need a peaceful hike every week, before my Younger onset dementia becomes more advanced, I know it will ease my anxiety and keep me healthy. I now live in a share house, this will be a wonderful time away to myself. Didier came highly recommended to my Support Coordinator, they were right, I’m very excited” – John (62)

Didier – John shared that with me after a few weeks, we hiked together for three and a half years, and hiked over 1000 km before I moved to Denmark. Before leaving I carefully chose someone special to continue guiding John, even though his Dementia is now more advanced, he’s walking beast, I do miss him very much.

Participant-Centred & Goal-Focused

Everyone comes to hiking with a different purpose.

Supports are tailored around:

• The participant’s NDIS goals
• Physical ability and mobility
• Emotional readiness and confidence
• Previous outdoor experience
• Personal interests and motivations

Hikes are adjusted in pace, distance, terrain, and structure to ensure safety, dignity, and meaningful participation.

Participants are always supported to engage at their own level — there is no expectation to be “fit” or experienced.

Safety, Duty of Care & Professional Standards

LifeTrail NDIS Hiking supports include:

• Individual risk assessment and planning
• Clear boundaries and professional support delivery
• Ongoing monitoring of wellbeing during activities
• Adherence to NDIS Code of Conduct
• Appropriate insurance coverage for NDIS outdoor supports

Safety is balanced with opportunity — supporting participants to step outside their comfort zone without being pushed beyond their capacity.