Trailblazer Tips for May Adventures Outdoors
Trailblazer Tips for May Adventures Outdoors
For resident Sunshine Coast, Queensland Trailblazer @sammnewton, May weather is primed for outdoor hikes and adventures. The temperatures are comfortable, the sun gets up later, and it's the perfect time to lace up your boots and test your gear (and fitness) in preparation for longer cool-weather hikes and activities.
“It's technically the off-peak season, no school holidays, no snow yet, no cyclones. So everywhere should be quiet and uncrowded, which is even more reason to get out there.” — Zorali Trailblazer, Sam
3x Outdoor Activities You Look Forward to in May
1. Hiking season
I've booked a multi-day hike over the Ngaro Track, a new trail in the Whitsunday Islands.
2. Surfing
May is when we start getting those southerly winds consistently up Australia's East Coast, which makes our points nice and clean.
3. Night rides and runs
We lose the light early now (sunset around 5pm), and I remember last year I did a lot of riding and running at night with a huge head torch. It was a lot of fun. Keen to get back into it.
Get more inspo on the journal: Autumn Adventures guide
3x Places You Love to Play in May
1. Close to home: my own backyard
May is usually stunning on the Sunshine Coast, so I don't see myself going far, just enjoying what's already on my doorstep.
2. Same neck of the woods: Noosa National Park
You can't beat a Noosa National Park run as a local trot.
3. A little further from home: Queensland's Scenic Rim
The weather's finally cool enough to enjoy those longer, harder hikes in the Scenic Rim, which makes them way more enjoyable.
Before you set off, run through our Gear Checklist so nothing's left behind.
3x Tips for Adventuring in May
1. Test your gear
It’s not quite cold yet, which makes it the perfect time to figure out your own layering system, what feels warm, what feels light, and what just works for you, before the real chill sets in.
2. Stay weather-aware
We still get dumps of rain on the coast this time of year, so always be prepared and check the forecast — BOM is your friend.
3. Chase sunrises
The sun's not getting up at 4am anymore, it's coming up much later, which is perfect for getting out to enjoy it.
More on layering? Read our Battle of the Base Layers breakdown.
Off-peak, uncrowded, primed. May is short — go get a piece of it. Tag @zorali in your missions, we're watching.
