‘Granola girl’ social media trend hides real risks of Aussie bush
A social media aesthetic encouraging Gen Z to get out and enjoy the Australian bush hides real risks like recent hiker rescues, an expert warns.
The social media “granola girl” trend may be creating a false representation of bushwalking, masking the struggles and dangers hikers face, an expert has warned.
Di Westaway OAM is a mother, grandmother and the founder of Wild Women On Top.
The Sydney-based, female-focused adventure group runs guided hikes Australia wide and internationally.
Westaway, 66, said she had recently seen a surge in popularity in outdoor activities with young people, with many taking to social media to share footage of their adventures.
“It’s so good that hiking is now trendy for young people,” Westaway, who has been in the industry for 25 years, told InDaily.
Granola girl is fuelled by influencers who spruik a free-spirited and eco-conscious lifestyle, with outdoor adventure at its core.
Globally, its hashtag has 2.6 billion views on TikTok alone with the trend encouraging people to share videos and pictures of their outdoor adventures or lifestyles.
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But Westaway warned caution saying that tackling the Australian outdoors was not always “pretty”.
Her comments come after four hikers were rescued across two separate incidents in 24 hours in the Tallebudgera Valley in the Gold Coast hinterland last week. InDaily is not suggesting the hikers were involved in the “granola girl” trend.
“The Australian bush is so wild and so remote, and it’s so easy to get lost in it,” Westaway said.
“I think sometimes people see these extraordinary views and believe anyone could get there and back safely.
“They’re underestimating the preparation needed.”
On Thursday evening, a 22-year-old and a 19-year-old woman contacted emergency services after they became stranded on a hike at Mount Cougal.
The Rescue 500 chopper was quickly dispatched, but due to rugged terrain and fading light, it was unable to winch the pair out, according to police.
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It returned on Friday and the pair was “successful extracted from the trail” just before 6am, according to Gold Coast Superintendent Brett Jackson.
Less than 24 hours after the first distress call, another two hikers were rescued after they were injured and became stranded at Bally Mountain.
A 19-year-old woman and 20-year-old man were winched to safety by the Rescue 500 about 4.20pm on Friday.
They suffered minor injuries and were taken to Gold Coast University Hospital for treatment.
Westaway hoped the incidents would not deter adventurers from discovering the “joy of nature”, but rather highlight the preparation and precautions hikers should take.
“It’s so good for the mind, body and spirit to be out in nature,” Westaway said.
“But people have to do it safely.”
She encouraged hikers to “consciously” prepare before they set off.
“I would hate for people to be scared to get out in nature – that’s not the answer,” she said.
“But people do need to train, prepare and learn how to be in the bush.”
She said there were extensive resources and groups for people wanting to learn the necessary skills.
The Department of Environment and Tourism also regularly shares information on bushwalking and hiking safety.
According to a spokesperson, the top ten tips are:
- Prepare in advance;
- Know your limits;
- Never hike alone;
- Stay on marked paths;
- Dress and pack smart;
- Respect the environment;
- Be wildlife aware;
- Understand trail etiquette;
- Be prepared for emergencies;
- Work with the weather.
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