ABOUT JENAE + BUSHWALK THE GONG//

Since January 2016, Jenae has established a strong eco-brand Bushwalk the ‘Gong which is fast on its way to becoming a household name in Wollongong, NSW. Jenae, a strong ambassador for outdoor women embraces a healthy and nature-conscious lifestyle that is encouraging a tribe of followers of all demographics to get out and explore the local natural landscape.

On the weekend you will find her wrenching off a leech or two off her ankles, having a cool dip under a local lesser-known waterfall or scaling down a slippery slope with plenty of plant matter and dirt wedged under her fingernails. Weekdays, the +40 year old mother of two works full-time as a Chief Operations Officer in the corporate world in heels and makeup to boot.

Jenae has always had a strong interest in nature and photography and with the growth of social media, the Facebook page Bushwalk the ‘Gong evolved “as a hobby and a relief my personal Facebook friends who were forced to endure yet another bushwalking photo” says Jenae. Since its inception in 2016 the page has catapulted, attracting much attention from local and national media including the Illawarra Mercury, ABC OPEN, ABC local radio and a mini-documentary on ABC24. From a humble Facebook page the social media network has expanded into a website, Instagram, twitter and YouTube following.

Most admirable of the brand, Jenae has partnered with the National Parks Association – Illawarra Branch, offering free local walks to a captive audience. These walks generated by extensive interest are booked out events with some walks selling out in only 20min. The partnership with NPA allows the brand to educate and inspire people to conserve and appreciate the beautiful natural environment surrounding them in Wollongong. In the keeping of the ethos of accessibility, Bushwalk the ‘Gong offers many graded walks, particulary lower grades, to assist people looking to start hiking in a safe and comfortable supported group.

Bushwalk the ‘Gong, a simple vision for a side project is rapidly becoming a go-to resource for many locals and visitors alike sourcing intensive information, beautiful photos and trail guides.

WORDS FROM JENAE//

Enjoying the views from Mt Kembla Summit

“Bushwalking has always been a strong part of the Wollongong culture, but in recent years I think it’s been lost, only to be overshadowed by the beautiful coastline and growing cafe and bar culture. As the trends move to a more natural and organic way of living, creatures of the ‘Gong are feeling the lure of the escarpment again – and here I provide the visual feast for anyone to join me from the comfort of their home, or in person joining me on a group walk.”

I’d love for you to join me.

  • Bachelor of Geoscience  (Hons)
  • Diploma of Education
  • Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Teacher
  • Senior First Aid Certificate

7 Comments

  1. Juliette 0416 979 379

    Hi I love bushwalking love to join the walk on the 5 of march Sunday at clover hill road Macquarie pass national pass love to meet some people with same love of nature

    • Hi Juliette, thanks for your comment, I have also replied via email. Unfortunately this walk is fully booked, but stay tuned on Facebook to be the first to know about upcoming walks. Bushwalk the ‘Gong.

  2. Cathy Andreassen

    Hi Jenae would have to have loaned the Sunday 5th of March walk but I see that it is full. Could you please register my name on your mailing list for your next walk.
    Best regards Cathy Andreassen

    • Hi Cathy, thanks for reaching out. The event is full, however I do advertise all events on Facebook as they happen, so my suggestion is register quickly!
      Jenae

  3. Cathy Andreassen

    That was meant to read loved not loaned!

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