At 61 years old, Ipswich local Julie Powell is about to take on one of Australia’s toughest and most breathtaking hiking adventures, the 233-kilometre Larapinta Trail in Central Australia, all while raising funds for Rosies – Friends on the Street.
From 7–20 June, Julie will spend 14 days walking through the rugged landscape surrounding Alice Springs, sleeping in a swag under the stars and tackling a Grade 5–6 hike alongside a small group of fellow adventurers.
But for Julie, this challenge is about much more than crossing something off her bucket list.
“It’s always been a dream of mine,” Julie said. “I lived and worked in Alice Springs about 16 years ago and remember visiting some of the gorges along the Larapinta Trail. Ever since then, I’ve wanted to walk it.”
“One night I was lying in bed thinking, ‘I’m 61 years old — if I don’t do this soon, I might never do it.’ So, I booked it at midnight and started training the very next day.”
The Larapinta Trail runs along the spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges in the Red Centre, a place renowned for its “raw beauty” and deeply embedded in the heritage of the Arrernte people.
For Julie, walking across this sacred land feels profoundly personal and spiritual, but she also wanted the experience to have a greater purpose.
After speaking with her daughter Kirsty, a Rosies volunteer at Rosies’ Ipswich branch, she realised the walk could also help make a difference for others.
“Kirsty said to choose an organisation close to my heart, and homelessness has always been something I’ve felt passionate about,” Julie said. “That’s why I chose Rosies.”
Julie hopes to raise $1,500 through her fundraiser and plans to share updates from training and along the trail whenever phone reception allows.
While the hike will be physically demanding, Julie says it’s the people Rosies supports who will keep her motivated each day.
“All I have to do is think about the people who are doing it much tougher than me,” she said. “I’m doing this for two weeks, but there are people living rough every single day, just putting one foot in front of the other. That thought will help me keep going.”
The challenge has certainly captured the attention of her family.
Her daughter Kirsty was both supportive and slightly nervous when Julie first announced the plan.
“She told me, ‘It’s no walk in the park!’” Julie laughed. “But she also encouraged me. She said, ‘What’s the worst that could happen?’”
Julie’s son Shannon was initially concerned too, but he has been incredibly supportive of Julie taking on the challenge.
“Shannon believes my determination to do this is strong,” Julie said. “As he says, ‘the mind is very powerful.’”
With help from his wife Amanda, an experienced hiker, the family quickly rallied behind Julie. Amanda has been helping her prepare hiking gear and sharing advice ahead of the trek.
Julie says the encouragement from her family and friends has played a huge part in keeping her motivated throughout her training journey.
Julie says her daughter Kirsty continues to inspire her every day.
“She works two jobs, has two young kids, and still never misses her Rosies shift,” Julie said. “She’s such a goer.”
As she prepares to tackle an average of 20 kilometres a day across rugged terrain, Julie says the experience will be as much mental as physical.
“I think it’s important to push yourself outside your comfort zone,” she said. “Sometimes it’s mind over matter.”
With every step across the Larapinta Trail this June, Julie will be walking in support of people doing it tough — and showing that determination, compassion and courage can go a long way.
To support Julie’s fundraiser for Rosies, https://bit.ly/49bMSkV
