The Cowboys Community Foundation welcomes the return of the Townsville Hike and Explore 100km Charity Hike, set to take place across the weekend of 27-28 June 2026.
Following the success of last year's event, the initiative will once again raise vital funds for the Cowboys Community Foundation and NRL Cowboys House, supporting programs that create meaningful opportunities for young people and families across North Queensland.
At its core, the event represents more than an endurance challenge - it is a powerful demonstration of community spirit, bringing together passionate individuals committed to making positive and lasting impact.
Building on the momentum of 2025, where participants covered more than 100 kilometres and raised $12,500, this year's event is set to be the most ambitious yet, further strengthening its role as a key community-driven fundraising initiative in the region.
Townsville Hike and Explore’s 2026 team of charity hikers features a group of passionate community leaders and outdoor enthusiasts united by a shared commitment to pushing their limits and giving back – Michael Pugh, Wes Graffin, Sean Dromey, Arika Appleby and Anne Camplin.
"This is shaping up to be our biggest, toughest and most rewarding event yet. I've assembled a strong team, all united by a commitment to take on this incredible challenge for a great cause,” Michael said.
“The team brings together a diverse mix of experience and determination - from avid endurance hikers Sean Dromey and Wes Graffin to proud First Nations woman and marathon runner Arika Appleby, and President of Volunteering North Queensland, Anne Camplin.
"I love our community, I love our city and I’m passionate about giving back to vital community groups and organisations such as the Cowboys Community Foundation and Cowboys House. It’s incredibly rewarding to once again rally such an inspiring group around this fundraising event.
"This isn’t just a hike - it’s a true test of character, determination and resilience. We’ll be relying on each other every step of the way for motivation and the drive to get the job done. There are no chopper extractions where we’re going - we start together and we finish together, no matter what.
"Covering more than 100 kilometres across some of the most demanding terrain in the region won’t be easy, but I intend to lead this team to the finish line and, hopefully, to a record-breaking donation total, surpassing last year’s $12,500. We’d greatly appreciate the community getting behind the team and showing their support by making a donation to the event."
Cowboys Community Foundation CEO Fiona Pelling praised the continued commitment of Townsville Hike and Explore and their loyal supporter base.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Townsville Hike and Explore team and everyone involved for once again stepping up to take on such an extraordinary challenge in support of the Cowboys Community Foundation,” Fiona said.
“Events like this go far beyond fundraising - they raise awareness, inspire others and directly support the life-changing programs we deliver through the Foundation and NRL Cowboys House.
“Every kilometre walked helps create greater opportunity for young people across North Queensland, and we're proud to stand behind this initiative as it continues to grow in its second year.”
The 2026 hike will see participants cover more than 100 kilometres of rugged and diverse terrain, beginning at the stunning Raspberry Falls in Girringun National Park, north of Townsville. The route will take hikers through sections of Lannercost State Forest and on to Hidden Valley, marking approximately the halfway point of the journey.
From Hidden Valley, the group will continue to Paluma Village before tackling the iconic PRB Track, a formidable section not attempted since last year’s event. This demanding leg will involve both on- and off-trail navigation across day and night conditions, testing endurance, resilience and teamwork.
After navigating one of the toughest stretches between Paluma and Banana Creek, hikers will descend the range into the headwaters of Rollingstone West Branch Creek.
From there, the team will navigate the creek downstream to the coast, emerging on Pace Road and finishing near the Bruce Highway, surrounded by the region’s picturesque pineapple fields.
The hike is scheduled to commence in the early hours of Saturday morning on 27 June, with participants expected to finish late Sunday afternoon or early evening.
Hikers will be supported at the halfway point on Saturday evening by Hidden Valley Cabins, who will provide accommodation and meals before participants continue the second stage of the challenge. This support highlights the strong community spirit behind the event, with local businesses and supporters playing an important role in its success.
Townsville Hike and Explore welcomes donations supporting the 2026 event, with all proceeds supporting the Cowboys Community Foundation. Donations can be made through the online donation form at cowboysfoundation.org.au/the-hike.
