It's no secret that walking is a great way to get fit, maintain good health, manage your weight and reduce the risk of disease.
And, according to a community survey, our residents think so too with many walking for exercise, to go shopping, to get to work and to catch public transport.
In 2021, we talked to the community about walking – and asked questions that informed the development of the Stonnington Walking Action Plan(PDF, 5MB) – our blueprint to infrastructure improvements and education programs to support and encourage more people to walk more often.
What the survey told us is that Stonnington residents love to walk for enjoyment, transport and exercise. They would also like to walk more and want to see barriers and challenges to walking addressed so their neighbourhoods become even more walkable. Implementing the works and programs in the Walking Action Plan will set us on the right track to achieving this.
Don't just take our word for it
We asked some City of Stonnington residents why they love to walk. This is what they told us:
 "Walking enhances my wellbeing and cuts out the stress of driving and parking. It allows me to leisurely make my way to Grattan Gardens Community Centre for exercise classes with friends while enjoying Stonnington's parks and gardens." Connie |
 "Walking is our main way of getting around and has become an integral part of our daily life. Over the years, we've felt the benefits of our daily walks on our fitness and mobility, and for getting to know our neighbours." Mini and Konrad |
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 "We love walking in our local area, as our favourite spots like Prahran Market and Chapel Street are nearby. It allows us to interact with local traders and enjoy the vibrant neighbourhood while reaping the health benefits of walking – and no parking worries!" Denise, Anthony and Albert |
 "I love walking to get around my local area. If you pay attention you can notice mushrooms and algae: deep orange algae growing at the roots of trees, pale yellow algae on the verge and white on black soil." Maree |
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 "Popping my two small children in the pram and walking to the library, market or playground makes our lives that much easier and enjoyable. When I'm by myself, I love going for a stroll and stumbling across a new café or green space." Anna |
More reasons to walk more
The health benefits of walking are many, varied and well documented, with the Australian Heart Foundation sharing that walking for an average of 30 minutes or more a day can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke by 35% percent and Type 2 diabetes by 40%. And it's not just your heart and muscles that benefit from walking. Regular physical activity can also help to:
- reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke
- manage weight, blood pressure and blood cholesterol
- prevent and control diabetes
- reduce your risk of developing some cancers
- maintain your bone density, reducing your risk of osteoporosis and fractures
- improve balance and coordination, reducing your risk of falls and other injuries, and
- Improve our daily mood which can lead to better mental health.
Facts from the Walking Action Plan
