Hot Girl Walk gets a Canberra glow up thanks to the Girls Club CBR
Posted on
Going for a walk isn’t exactly groundbreaking, but (like most things) a TikTok trend makes the process of donning your headphones and setting out for a stroll one of the coolest things you can do.
Dubbed a Hot Girl Walk (originally created by TikTok user @exactlyliketheothergirls), the global phenomenon began as a 6.4km outdoor walk, where you listen to an inspirational podcast or a motivational playlist and you only think about three specific things: What you’re grateful for, your goals, how hot you are.
Now, it’s evolved, and the term can be (and is) loosely used to describe any walk that makes you feel good. But the Hot Girl Walk has had a glow up in Canberra – and it’s all thanks to the Girls Club CBR.
A community created for women looking to connect, move and make friends (without the pressure of awkward small talk), the group started on Instagram in April of this year. Founded by AJ – who moved to Canberra at the end of 2024 – the group began after she started going on Hot Girl walks to explore the city, and on a whim, posted in a local Facebook group to see if anyone fancied joining her.
To her surprise, 20 women turned up. And then 40. And by the third walk, The Girls Club CBR was born.
“It began with a simple aim: connection through movement. Meeting people as an adult can be tough – especially without those regular touchpoints to turn acquaintances into friends. Our walks create that rhythm, and a safe, easy way to get fresh air, support your mental health, and have a chat,” explains AJ.
“There are already some brilliant groups in Canberra – friendship brunches, trivia nights, open-invite walks – and we regularly signpost to them. But we’re here for the women who are looking for something a little more low-key and tailored to twenty to thirty-something women.”
View this post on Instagram
Designed to be as introvert-friendly as possible, with no pressure to stay for the whole thing, the Girls Club CBR hosts monthly walks in various locations across Canberra.
Partnering with local cafes – because it’s not a Hot Girl Walk without a beverage in hand – AJ says the concept is you can go solo or with a friend, peel off when you need, and know that you’ll be welcome, no matter where you are in your social or movement journey.
“We keep things intentionally casual and low-pressure. You don’t need to know anyone. You can come once or come regularly. There’s no expectation to stay the whole time,” she explains.
“We’ll also always post a picture of our volunteers in the WhatsApp community 10 minutes before a walk so you’ve already got some friendly faces to look out for.”
But for AJ, it goes beyond walking. Also partnering with local sporting clubs – like the Canberra Raquet Club – as well as studios, she wants to help introduce women to new activities in a safe, friendly way.
“I wanted to help women explore movement in ways that felt approachable. Research shows that many women feel self-conscious about getting active, which can hold them back from moving their bodies regularly,” AJ says.
“We’re aiming to change that – one low-pressure taster session at a time. Whether it’s Pilates, pickleball, or something new, it’s about giving it a go in a welcoming, beginner-friendly space – with the added bonus of meeting a few friendly faces along the way.”
Knowing first-hand how hard it is to make friends in Canberra, AJ says the response to The Girls Club CBR has been “incredibly positive”. With more and more women attending – which will see plans to trial staggered walk start times for different age ranges (under 27s, 28 to 35, and 36 plus) – the club has grown quickly in the last few months.
View this post on Instagram
As for what AJ hopes attendees get out of their Hot Girl Walk or sports session with The Girls Club CBR?
“In a word? Confidence. Confidence to show up, to strike up a conversation, to try something new. Confidence to follow up with someone afterwards and keep the momentum going. And maybe even confidence to come back and do it all again.”
“The kind messages and feedback people share after events – like ‘I finally made a friend’ or ‘I really needed that’ – have been so heartening. We now have a small team of volunteers who make it all happen: walk coordinators who help plan and guide the events, and community stewards who welcome newcomers and ensure everyone feels comfortable. Their warmth and support are what make the club what it is.”
Continuing to build the walk series and have more beginner-friendly taster sessions in the works (Pilates, netball, and volleyball are on the list), AJ is also working with someone who’s been inspired to build something similar for men in Canberra.
With longer-term plans including developing the model into a blueprint that could be adapted to support different age groups, different needs, and even other communities across Australia, one thing is for sure: The Girls Club CBR is turning into a phenomenon of its own.
“If you’ve been thinking about coming along but weren’t sure, this is your sign. You don’t need to be fit, outgoing, or know anyone. Just bring yourself. There’s a spot for you here,” says AJ.
“Most people are just as nervous as you are, and often all it takes is one “hey, mind if I walk with you?” to spark something great.”
Keep an eye on @cbrgirlsclub to see what’s coming up!
