Are you a hiker who also enjoys other outdoor activities? Action Outdoors Association (AOA) might be just the club for you. We spoke with Leanne Bolton, President of AOA, to find out what makes this long-running club unique, how it all began, and why she joined.
What makes the club unique?
AOA is a long-established club. It started in 1983 at Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre with five members who were colleagues from the hospital interested in hiking and outdoor activities. The following year, a POST newspaper article inviting like minded people to join in a picnic at Lake Jualbup, resulted in a dramatic boost in membership and activities. Thereafter AOA was registered as a club. The club promotes hiking, cycling, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, mountain biking, walking, camping and many other outdoor activities. We are the only outdoor club in Australia that provides multi-discipline activities.
How would you describe AOA to someone who’s never heard of the club before?
AOA welcomes fit and active people over the age of 18. The club has approximately 200 members of varying ages and fitness levels. It is a great opportunity for like-minded people to get together and participate in outdoor adventure activities facilitated by volunteers. People attend one event, then they can register as a visitor and are required to participate in two activities to submit registration for membership.
How many events does AOA offer each year?
We have a great website where members (volunteers) list events and members can register to attend these events. It does depend on the seasons, but Kayaks go out twice a week, walks twice a week and cyclists weekly. Stand-up paddle boarders are growing in numbers so with spring, regularly. Camps are held throughout the year. For example, in 2025, we had: 4 nights at Rottnest in cabins in February, at Easter we had 10 days at Kalbarri, for Xmas in July we spent 3 nights in cabins at Fairbridge, Pinjarra, and in September we spent 4 days in Mukinbudin to explore the wildflowers and granite rocks, in November we camped at Fonty’s Pool in Manjimup for 5 nights, and in Collie for 5 nights, and for New Year we camped for 8 days at Walpole followed by 5 nights in Bunbury.
Depending on the camp location, we encourage members to take their hiking gear, bikes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, snorkelling and swimming gear, and so on.
Why did you join AOA?
My family had grown up and left home, so I was looking for activities and events with other like-minded people. Seeking the adventure of trying new outdoor activities as well as increasing social interactions were my goals. I joined the club in 2010, and have met some wonderful companions to participate in activities with, and for travelling locally and internationally. As the club holds many camps each year, I have progressed from tenting to caravan-ing. I have been on the committee for 4 years, two years as Future Camps Co-ordinator and President for the past two years. My current objective as AOA President is to increase the club membership.
What kinds of social activities does AOA offer?
The club holds club meetings on the second Tuesday of most months. There is a guest speaker with talks on a variety of subjects, for example, travel locations, outdoor adventures or topics of interest related to activities or the environment. After or during most outdoor events, we encourage members to stop and have coffee and a social chat. On our camps away, we have social get-togethers at 5pm to discuss and celebrate the day’s multi-events. Camps may also have themed special dinners on site or at other nearby locations. During the year we also have social events, such as the President’s BBQ, leader’s breakfast, Christmas in July (or August!), pre-Christmas breakfast in the park, and other events to mark special occasions. Members experience many health benefits within the group which are not only related to physical health, but to mental health as well.
What are your favourite places for outdoor activities in Perth and WA?
Hiking – Kitty’s Gorge Walk, Numbat Trail, Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalbarri gorges (all trails)
Cycling – river and foreshore cycling
All the club camp locations (e.g. Prevelly, Dunsborough, Albany, Kalbarri)
Published July 2025.
View more news updates