Giving Back at The Bloody Long Walk – Brisbane

Some Sundays are for relaxing… but this one was about giving back, getting involved, and soaking up an incredible atmosphere in Brisbane.

We volunteered our time at The Bloody Long Walk – Brisbane, a well-known charity event that raises funds for Mito Foundation, supporting people affected by mitochondrial disease. The event brings together thousands of walkers who take on a roughly 35km challenge from Sandgate into Brisbane City, all for an important cause. It’s one of those events where the energy is contagious—whether you’re walking, cheering, or just soaking it all in.

And what really stood out this time? Seeing familiar faces from the Sunshine Coast event making the trip down to Brisbane. There’s something pretty special about that sense of community—people coming together again, pushing themselves, and supporting a cause that matters.

Early Start at Curlew Park, Sandgate

We kicked off the morning bright and early at Curlew Park in Sandgate, right near the starting line. There’s always a buzz before these big events—walkers stretching, chatting, grabbing last-minute coffees, and mentally preparing for the long trek ahead.

We spent some time helping out and watching the waves of walkers head off. You could feel the mix of excitement and determination in the air.

Meanwhile, Shari had her own priorities…

The nearby dog park was calling, and she was keen as mustard for a run. Safe to say she made the most of it—zoomies, sniffing, and making a few new furry friends before we continued the day.

Breakfast Stop – Mulga Bill’s Riverside

Once most of the walkers were well on their way, we made our way into the city for a well-earned breakfast at Mulga Bill’s Café, right along the river.

If you’ve never been, it’s a fantastic spot—river views, relaxed atmosphere, and a prime location along the Brisbane Riverwalk. On event days like this, it’s also a hotspot for walkers passing by, so there’s always something happening.

Breakfast definitely hit the spot:

Hearty scrambled eggs for a proper start to the day

Kim went for pancakes (because… why not?)

And of course, Shari wasn’t left out—she scored herself some bacon

The service was great, friendly and quick despite the steady flow of people, and it’s the kind of place where you can just sit back, enjoy the view, and watch the world go by.

Wandering Riverside Markets

From there, we rolled straight into a wander through the Riverside Sunday Markets.

These markets are always worth a visit—a mix of local stalls, handmade goods, clothing, and little hidden finds scattered along the river. There’s a laid-back vibe, live music floating through the air, and plenty to browse at your own pace.

Kim couldn’t resist and picked out a pair of earrings—because no market visit is complete without finding something to take home, right?

At the Finish Line

At the end of the markets, the atmosphere shifted again—we’d arrived at the finish line of The Bloody Long Walk.

This is where everything comes together.

Kim took up position at the finish line, cheering on the walkers as they came in. And honestly, this part of the day hits differently. You see it all—relief, pride, exhaustion, and sometimes even a few emotional moments as people cross that line after such a big effort.

Some walkers sprint the last stretch, others take it slow, soaking in the moment—but every single one of them has a story behind why they’re there.

It’s a powerful reminder of what events like this are really about.

Wrapping Up the Day

From volunteering in the early morning, to riverside breakfast, market wandering, and cheering on finishers—it turned into one of those days that just felt full in the best way.

Not just busy… but meaningful.

Have you ever taken part in The Bloody Long Walk, or volunteered at an event like this?

Would you tackle the full 35km, or are you more of a cheer-from-the-finish-line kind of person?

And if you’ve got a favourite Brisbane riverside café, we’re always keen to add it to the list.

Let us know—we’re always up for the next adventure.