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In this month's episode of Trail Tales WA, we're chatting with Zahra—a woman, mother and hiker with a huge heart. She's creative, loves painting and craft, and has a wonderful ability to notice the beauty in the landscapes around her. She also happens to be neurodivergent and Muslim.

Earlier this year, Zahra shared a simple sentence on Facebook that stopped us in our tracks:

"I started living in April 2026."

What happened in April that made someone feel like they'd only just started living?

After spending years dreaming about adventure, Zahra finally found the courage to say "yes" to her first guided hike. What followed wasn't just a series of walks through nature—it was the beginning of a whole new chapter. One where she discovered confidence, friendship, community, and the joy that comes from doing something just for herself.

Together, we explore what held her back for so many years, what gave her the courage to take that first step, and the ripple effect that decision has had on every part of her life—from motherhood and mental wellbeing to finding her place in a community that celebrates her for exactly who she is.

This episode is about courage, belonging, putting yourself first without guilt, and the extraordinary magic that can happen when you finally give yourself permission to start living.

Make sure you're following Trail Tales WA on Instagram for the latest updates on episodes - instagram.com/trailtaleswa/

To find out more about Trail Tales WA podcast, visit offthebeatentrackwa.com.au/trail-tales-podcast

To check out OTBT's range of hikes, go to - offthebeatentrackwa.com.au

Find yourself a trail to hike in WA - TrailsWA.com.au

Hosted by Tracy Jones.

Produced by Cindy Jones.

Music by Andrii Poradovskyi from Pixabay

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In this month’s episode of Trail Tales WA, we’re switching it up. Tracy Jones is in the hot seat and the lady behind the scenes, Cindy Jones is hosting. We’ll be exploring a story built on passion, persistence, and the belief that nature should be accessible to every body. Tracy — Founder and Director of Off The Beaten Track WA, creator of Hike Ability, and one of WA’s leading voices in accessible tourism — is joining us to talk about how it all started, the meaningful work behind OTBT and the profound impact inclusive hiking has had on people with disabilities, families, carers, and communities across Western Australia.

As we dive deeper, we’ll also reflect on a special milestone in Tracy’s journey: being awarded Gold in Excellence in Accessible Tourism at the 2023 and the 2025 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards and most recently took home the Bronze for the Excellence in Accessible Tourism at the 2025 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards (that’s recognition on a national level!!) — a moment that recognises far more than a program. It celebrates lives changed, barriers broken, and a community committed to making the trails welcoming for all.

Read the blog that has helped so many hikers on the trails, including Tracy and Cindy - The Life of Py

Find a trail to hike in WA on Trails WA

Trail Tales IG - www.instagram.com/trailtaleswa

To find out more about our podcast and the tours Off The Beaten Track has to offer, including information on Hike Ability visit - https://offthebeatentrackwa.com.au/trail-tales-podcast

Music by - Music by Andrii Poradovskyi from Pixabay

Hosted By: Cindy Jones

Produced By: Cindy Jones

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In this month’s episode of Trail Tales WA, we sit down with Mikaela from Paddy Pallin to explore what it truly means to be values-led in the outdoor retail space.

Mikaela shares how connection, sustainability, and community sit at the heart of Paddy Pallin’s approach — from the way they support customers on their adventures, to how they show up for the broader outdoor community. We dive into why representation and diverse voices matter in adventure spaces, and how ambassadors play a vital role in creating a more inclusive and welcoming outdoor culture.

We also unpack the community projects and events Paddy Pallin is most proud to be part of — initiatives that go beyond gear and sales, and instead focus on building meaningful relationships, supporting people on the trails, and protecting the places we love.

This episode is about purpose-driven business, community connection, and the power of aligning values with action — on the trail and beyond.

To find out more about Paddy Pallin's community work visit - https://www.paddypallin.com.au/paddysdiaries/community.html

Check out all of Paddy Pallin's ambassadors including the ones mentioned in this episode - https://www.paddypallin.com.au/paddysdiaries/community/ambassadors.html

You can also check out any of Paddy Pallin's future events here - https://www.paddypallin.com.au/paddysdiaries/community/events.html

Trail Tales IG www.instagram.com/trailtaleswa

To find out more visit https://offthebeatentrackwa.com.au/trail-tales-podcast

Music by - Music by Andrii Poradovskyi from Pixabay

Hosted By: Tracy Jones

Produced By: Cindy Jones

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In this powerful episode of Trail Tales WA, we sit down with Fran — a legally blind hiker with an incredible story of courage, resilience, and connection to nature. Together, we open up an important conversation around hidden disabilities and what it means to navigate the world, and the trails, in ways many of us might never consider.

Fran shares how hiking became both a challenge and a gift — a place where obstacles are real but so too are the rewards of determination, independence, and the support of community. She reflects on the ways nature provides freedom, grounding, and a sense of equality that can sometimes be missing in everyday life.

This episode is about shifting perspectives, uncovering the strength in vulnerability, and recognising the invisible barriers people face — while celebrating the boundless spirit that pushes through them.

Make sure you're following Trail Tales WA on Instagram for the latest updates on episodes - instagram.com/trailtaleswa/

To find out more about Trail Tales WA podcast, visit offthebeatentrackwa.com.au/trail-tales-podcast

To look into OTBT's Hike Ability, check out - offthebeatentrackwa.com.au/hike-ability-ndis/

To check out OTBT's range of hikes, go to - offthebeatentrackwa.com.au

Find yourself a trail to hike in WA - TrailsWA.com.au

Hosted by Tracy Jones.

Produced by Cindy Jones.

Music by Andrii Poradovskyi from Pixabay.

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In this deeply personal episode of Trail Tales WA, we sit down with Stasia — a parent, advocate, and hiker — to hear her story of navigating life with two transgender children.

Stasia opens up about the emotional challenges, the strength she found in unconditional love, and the impact that walking on country had in helping her process, reflect, and reconnect with herself. The trails became more than just a place to walk — they became a space to breathe, heal, and find direction again.

Through vulnerability and resilience, Stasia shares what it means to show up, to support your children without condition, and to rediscover your own identity along the way.

This episode is about love, nature, growth, and the power of walking through life’s toughest transitions — one step at a time.

Check out the following useful links for more information or support:

Minus 18

Transfolk WA

Wear It Purple

Transcend Australia

Living Proud WA

Freedom Centre

PFLAG Australia

Headspace - Trans & Gender Diverse Youth

Make sure you're following Trail Tales WA on Instagram for the latest updates on episodes - instagram.com/trailtaleswa/

To find out more about Trail Tales WA podcast, visit offthebeatentrackwa.com.au/trail-tales-podcast

To check out OTBT's range of hikes, go to - offthebeatentrackwa.com.au

Find yourself a trail to hike in WA - TrailsWA.com.au

Hosted by Tracy Jones.

Produced by Cindy Jones.

Music by Andrii Poradovskyi from Pixabay.

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In this episode of Trail Tales WA, we chat with two passionate volunteers — Sarah and Lou — from the incredible not-for-profit, First Hike Project.

First Hike Project helps newly arrived refugees and asylum seekers explore their new home through the simple, powerful act of hiking. By connecting people with nature, culture, and community, their programs help ease the transition to life in Australia and build a deep sense of belonging.

The idea began over a decade ago when founder Neil McCulloch, an immigrant from South Africa, was hiking WA’s iconic Bibbulmun Track and wondered how he could share the experience with young people from refugee backgrounds. Today, First Hike Project operates across WA, NSW, VIC, QLD, and the ACT.

Sarah and Lou share the heart behind the project, what it’s like to guide someone on their first ever bushwalk, and the life-changing impact these shared experiences can have — not just for participants, but for volunteers too.

It’s a conversation about welcome, inclusion, and the way walking together can break down barriers and build new beginnings.

This episode is full of warmth, perspective, and unforgettable trail moments.

To find out more about First Hike Project, signing up to become a volunteer or to make a donation visit firsthikeproject.org.au

Check out First Hike Project on Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/first_hike_project_in_perth

Make sure you are following Trail Tales WA on Instagram for the latest updates on episodes - https://www.instagram.com/trailtaleswa/

To find out more about Trail Tales WA podcast, visit offthebeatentrackwa.com.au/trail-tales-podcast

Hosted by Tracy Jones.

Produced by Cindy Jones.

Music by Andrii Poradovskyi from Pixabay.

Send us Fan Mail

In this inspiring debut episode of Trail Tales WA, we sit down with the incredible Anne-Marie — a proud adventurer, passionate advocate, and one of the shining stars of our Hike-Ability community.

Anne-Marie shares her lived experience of navigating life with an intellectual disability, the challenges she’s faced, and how discovering accessible hiking has transformed her confidence, independence, and sense of self. From conquering steep trails to forming deep connections with fellow hikers, Anne-Marie’s journey reminds us that ability is not defined by labels.

Tune in as we talk about the power of inclusion, the importance of representation, and why the outdoors should be a place where everyone feels seen, safe, and celebrated.

Hosted by Tracy Jones.

Produced by Cindy Jones.

Music by Andrii Poradovskyi from Pixabay.

Links to websites talked about in this episode.

Off The Beaten Track - https://offthebeatentrackwa.com.au/

Hike-Ability -https://offthebeatentrackwa.com.au/hike-ability-ndis/

Accessible Adventures -https://offthebeatentrackwa.com.au/accessible-adventures/

All Ages First Aid -https://allagesfirstaidtraining.com/

Trails WA - https://trailswa.com.au/