Step away from your desk and into the forest on Thursday 10 September for a Walk and Talk, a guided net walking experience designed specifically for local small business owners in the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale.
Hosted on the newly opened Whim Trail, this relaxed 3 km walk winds through lush jarrah forest and provides the perfect setting to slow down, breathe deeply, and have the kind of conversations that rarely happen in boardrooms.
At just $20 per person, this is not a hike focused on distance or pace. It’s about connection, conversation and clarity and the perfect opportunity to check in with others and take meaningful action on R U OK? Day.
Walk & Talk is a guided, lightly facilitated walk in nature that brings local business people together to share ideas and experiences, talk through challenges and pain points, learn from one another in a supportive and informal setting, and build genuine local connections. By stepping outside the usual office or meeting room environment, conversations flow more naturally and people often feel more open to sharing insights, asking questions and offering support. Think networking without the awkwardness, and professional development without the PowerPoint.
Enjoy a 3 km guided walk along the Whim Trail at an easy, conversational pace, with light facilitation by Off The Beaten Track WA to gently encourage open discussion and the sharing of ideas. Conversations are shaped naturally by the group with no forced agenda, allowing space for authentic connection as you walk. Along the way, pause to enjoy a relaxed breakfast style morning tea on the trail, creating time to connect, reflect and leave feeling energised and inspired. Surrounded by the jarrah forest, the calm and grounded environment naturally invites deeper conversations and fresh thinking.
This Walk and Talk is ideal for small business owners, sole traders, creatives, local operators, service providers, freelancers, consultants, community leaders and remote workers who are craving connection, fresh perspective and a sense of community. It’s designed as a relaxed space to meet like minded people, share ideas and step away from the usual routine while spending time in nature. You don’t need to be a seasoned hiker to take part, just bring a pair of comfortable shoes and an open mind.
Walking in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve focus and spark creativity, and when conversations happen side by side rather than across a table they tend to feel more natural, honest and productive. It’s remarkable the clarity that can emerge when your phone stays in your pocket and the forest quietly does the heavy lifting. This is an opportunity to walk, talk and connect with like minded local business owners, share the highs and lows of running a business, and leave with fresh ideas, new connections and a clearer head, with nature as the boardroom and conversation as the agenda.
Your guide for this Walk & Talk is Tracy Jones, Founder and Director of Off The Beaten Track WA.
Tracy is a multi-award-winning small business owner with over 10 years’ experience in business, recognised in the 2024 BusinessNews 40 Under 40 for her leadership, innovation and impact in Western Australia’s tourism and small business sector.
As a mum to two teenagers, Tracy understands the juggle that comes with running a business alongside real life. She knows the value of stepping away from the noise, creating space to think clearly, and having honest conversations with people who get it.
Expect practical insights, thoughtful facilitation and a welcoming, down-to-earth experience led by someone who truly understands small business.
We recommend 2ltrs water, notepad & pen, business cards (or just exchange details and keep things environmentally friendly), camera, personal first aid/medications, a good attitude and big smile!
The Whim Trail is suitable for most fitness levels. This is an easy, low-impact 3km walk at a relaxed, conversational pace. No hiking experience is required and regular rest stops are included. It is an out and back trail, meaning if we need to cut it short before we turn around, we absolutely will.
We meet at the Trailhead at Jarrahdale Oval, Nettleton Rd, Jarrahdale. There will be a map and pin in your confirmation email to the exact location which connects to google maps.
Perfect! Many of our hikers come along solo. Walking side by side makes it easy to connect, and our Guides help create a welcoming, inclusive environment from the start.
We monitor the weather constantly on the lead up and throughout our hikes. Light rain usually won’t stop the walk, but in the case of unsafe weather, you’ll be contacted with clear options ahead of time.
The group size for a Walk & Talk is kept small to allow for meaningful conversation and connection. Limiting our hikes to 20 guests ensures the experience stays relaxed, personal and supportive.
This Walk & Talk – Nature’s Boardroom session is proudly sponsored by the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, supporting local business connection, collaboration and growth within the community.
We also extend our thanks to our valued supporters Business SJ, Peel Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Co.lab Byford for helping champion opportunities that bring local business owners together, strengthen networks and foster a thriving, connected business community.
Together, these organisations are committed to strengthening local businesses through meaningful connection, capability building and community-led opportunities.
