FAQs
Still have a question that isn't answered below?
Reach out to our Heart & Sole team via E: events.nnsw@ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org.auor P: +61 2 4957 7783 between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday
About the Walk
What is Heart & Sole – Walk for Sick Kids?
Heart & Sole is a 20km community walk raising funds to support families with seriously ill or injured children who need the wrap around support of Ronald McDonald House Northern NSW.
Participants walk from Ronald McDonald House Newcastle, through local suburbs, along the leafy Fernleigh Track and Newcastle’s stunning coastline, finishing at Foreshore Park.
Every step helps families stay close to the care their child needs.
When is Heart & Sole – Walk for Sick Kids?
Heart & Sole will take place on Sunday 16 May, 2027
Registrations are now open. Sign up and walk to support sick kids and their families.
Where does the walk start and finish?
The walk starts at Ronald McDonald House Newcastle
Lookout Road, New Lambton NSW.
The finish line celebration takes place at Foreshore Park, Newcastle.
How long is the walk and what is the course?
Heart & Sole is a 20km coastal walk.
Most participants complete the walk in around 4 to 6 hours, depending on pace and how often you stop along the way. The event is not a race, so you are welcome to take it at your own pace and enjoy the experience.
The route takes you through friendly local suburbs, along the leafy Fernleigh Track, and out to the stunning Newcastle coastline, before finishing at Foreshore Park.
There are plenty of opportunities to pause along the way, including cafés along Bathers Way and our refuelling pit stop at Scenic Drive.
You can download the course map and directions here. Hard copies will also be available at event day registration.
How do I register?
Registering is simple! Clicke the Register button at the top of the place and follow the prompts to sign up.
What does it cost to register?
A range of ticket options are available which will be shows during the registration process.
Early Bird registrations are now open until 18 April, 2027.
General registration will open from 19 April to 12 May, 2027.
You can view the current registration prices here.
Can I create or join a team?
Yes. Many participants take part in Heart & Sole as part of a team with friends, family members or work colleagues.
Creating a team is a great way to stay motivated, share the experience and raise funds together.
You can create a team when registering, or join an existing team later. Each participant will still have their own fundraising page, with all funds contributing to the team total.
Can my whole family participate?
Of course. Heart & Sole is a family-friendly event and we welcome participants of all ages.
Many people take part with friends, family members or colleagues. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Please keep in mind the full course is 20km, so consider what distance is suitable for younger walkers.
Do I have to walk the whole 20km?
Participants are encouraged to complete the full course, however the walk is not a race and you are welcome to take breaks along the way.
Many walkers stop for coffee, photos or simply to enjoy the coastline.
Fundraising
What impact will my fundriaising have?
Every dollar raised through Heart & Sole helps Ronald McDonald House Northern NSW support families with seriously ill or injured children to stay close to the care their child needs.
We encourage participants to aim for the Heart & Sole fundraising goal of $380.
Reaching this amount can help support a family for two nights at Ronald McDonald House, providing a place to stay, meals and the comfort of being close during treatment.
Many participants find this goal more achievable than expected. It can be as simple as:
- 8 friends donating $50, or
- 15 people giving around $25
Start by sharing your personal fundraising page with a few people who know you, that’s often all it takes to get going.
Many participants go on to raise even more, helping support a family for longer.
Every donation helps families stay close when it matters most.
Where do the funds I raise go?
Funds raised through Heart & Sole help Ronald McDonald House Northern NSW support the thousands of families who rely on our Houses, Family Rooms,Family Hub, Family Retreat and Learning Program each year.
These services give families with seriously ill or injured children a place to stay close to their child and the care they need.
Ronald McDonald House Northern NSW is a 100% community owned and operated organisation, meaning funds raised locally support families across our region.
To learn more visit www.ronaldmcdonaldhousennsw.org.au
Are donations tax deductible?
I've never fundraised before. What support will I get?
If fundraising is new to you, don’t worry. Many of our participants are fundraising for the first time.
Once you register, we’ll provide helpful tools to get you started, including email templates, social media resources and simple tips to help you share your page and ask for support.
You can explore the fundraising resources here. If you need a hand or have questions along the way, our team is always happy to help. Just get in touch at events.nnsw@ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org.au.
Event Day
What time does the walk start?
Heart & Sole gets underway from 7am.
Walkers will set off in staggered waves from 7am. Please plan to arrive 20 minutes before your allocated wave time.
Your wave time will be confirmed closer to the event based on the time selected during registration.
What should I bring with me?
We recommend bringing:
• Comfortable walking clothes
• Well-worn walking shoes or trainers
• A hat and sunscreen
• A refillable water bottle
• Snacks or energy food
• Any personal medication you may require
• A lightweight rain jacket depending on the weather forecast
What support is available along the course?
Along the route you will find:
• Public toilets and water bubblers marked on the course map
• Cafés along Bathers Way if you would like to stop for a break
• Friendly volunteers cheering you on
• A refuelling pit stop at Scenic Drive with snacks and drinks
• Ronald McDonald House Northern NSW support vehicles monitoring the course
Will there be First Aid available?
Yes. First Aid will be available at the start and finish locations and at key points along the course.
If you feel unwell during the walk, please speak to a volunteer or event crew member and they will assist you.
In an emergency please call 000.
Is there a bag drop at the event?
Can I bring my dog?
To ensure the safety and comfort of all participants, only registered assistance dogs accompanied by their handlers are permitted on the walk.
Getting There
What transport options are there?
We reccomend parking at the Foreshore and catching Bus B13 from Customs House to John Hunter Hospital approximately every 20 minutes. Visit transportnsw.info for more information.
We encourage you to leave your car at home where possible.
Limited paid parking is available in the John Hunter Hospital multi-storey car park.
Weather & Cancellations
What happens if it rains?
Heart & Sole will proceed rain or shine, so please check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.
What happens if the event is cancelled?
Heart & Sole will go ahead in most weather conditions.
If the event needs to be cancelled or postponed due to circumstances outside our control, such as severe weather or safety concerns, we’ll let all participants know as soon as possible via sms, email and updates on the event website.
Finish Line
What happens at the finish line?
Celebrate your achievement at Foreshore Park with music, food, family friendly activities and a great community atmosphere.
You’ll find coffee, food and drinks available, along with a finish line photo opportunity to capture the moment.
It’s a great chance to relax, reconnect with friends and enjoy the celebrations after completing the walk.
Will I receive anything after completing the walk?
After the event, participants will receive a digital finisher certificate sent to the email address used during registration.
