Step into Nature - Promoting physical activity in nature for community-based health and well-being

CQUniversity’s 10,000 Steps team's Step into Nature Project aims to inspire and encourage people of all ages, abilities, and cultures to connect with nature and engage in regular active recreation and physical activity.
CONSULTATION
Talking with existing and interested local councils and community groups to co-create strategies that promote physical activity in nature in their region.
INNOVATION
Implementing innovate upgrades which increase interactive feedback on steps logged across Queensland on the 10,000 Steps website.
IMPLEMENTATION
Developing supportive resources, tools and campaign materials to support the implementation of a Step into Nature campaign in regions across Queensland.
Delivered through the 10,000 Steps Program, the Project encourages and supports Queenslanders to be physically active in their local natural environments. This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government Department of Sport, Racing, Olympic and Paralympic Games through an ActiveKIT grant.
Resources
As part of the Project, and following extensive collaboration with 10,000 Steps Coordinators, Local Governments, and other Stakeholders, we have developed Step into Nature resources and tools for use by both individuals and organisations.
Steps Maps
The State and Postcode Steps Maps are interactive maps of 10,000 Steps members and their step counts, which can be explored by location and time period.
Accessible from the 'In Your Area' section of your website Dashboard, the Steps Maps can be used to:
- Get a bird's eye view of steps logged within individual postcodes, regions, or states
- Discover how stepping in your region changes by day, week, month or year
- Compare steps data for your area with your own, or those of your Group or Tournament

The Nature-based Physical Activity Directory
Early consultation revealed our members wanted better access to nature-based resources in their area. To address this need, we consulted with 78 Local Government Areas in Queensland to create a directory listing nature-based activities and resources across the state.
Accessible from the 'STEP INTO NATURE' box located in the 'In Your Area' section of your website Dashboard, you can choose a Local Government Area near you or click on 'Explore More Locations' to get started.

The Step into Nature Communications Toolkit
The Step into Nature Communications Toolkit has been informed by feedback and ideas shared with us by our 10,000 Steps Coordinators and Stakeholders. The Toolkit includes both ready-made and customisable templates for posters, flyers, social media tiles, educational resources, and other promotional materials.
This FREE suite of engaging, evidence-based resources makes it easier than ever to promote the mental and physical health benefits of being active in nature.
How can you access the Step into Nature Communications Toolkit?
If you're a Coordinator in Queensland, you can access the Step into Nature Communications Toolkit through your Coordinator Hub.

Not a Coordinator?
If you would like to use the Step into Nature Project to promote nature-based physical activity, become a Coordinator now! You'll gain access to our dedicated Coordinator Hub which is where you will find all the resources. PLUS 10,000 Steps has many other resources, tools, strategies, and engagement activities to support organisations to promote active living, and can also connect you with other supportive services within Queensland.
Become a Coordinator:
Step 1: Login or Create Your Account
Login to your existing account, or create and verify your 10,000 Steps Account.
Use your own email, not a shared or general inbox.
Step 2: Register Your Organisation
Step 3: Access Your Coordinator Hub
Once you've been approved by our team, check out your Coordinator Hub, including Coordinator Resources, Tournament Creation, and Coordinator Support.
Evidence-based Articles on Physical Activity in Nature

The Benefits of Being Active in Nature

12 Ways to Get Your Steps up in Nature

Embracing Nature: Accessible Physical Activity for All Abilities

How to Get Started Being Active Outdoors
Discover ways our partners are supporting Queenslanders to be active outdoors:

Health and Wellbeing Queensland

Queensland Walks

Outdoors Queensland
The Step into Nature Project is proudly supported by the Queensland Government through the ActiveKIT Super Round
