There is over 5,000km of coastline between the southernmost and northernmost points of Australia and Bailey Seamer is well on her way to walking the distance.
Bailey started her journey at South Point in Wilsons Promontory National Park on May 18, 2022.
She stopped off in Mackay last week after 280 days of walking on her way to Cape York, aiming to reach her destination by July.
“It’s been really rewarding,” Bailey said.
“I’ve done so many incredible things and had so many amazing opportunities in communities, to connect and to pursue that passion of helping with the mental health work going on here in Australia and contribute in a positive way.”
Bailey is raising funds for Black Dog Institute and their ongoing commitment to research, resources and services.
She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at a young age, her inspiration for the walk coming three years ago when she discovered she was capable of long walks.
“I really struggled to complete things,” Bailey said.
“It was something I felt like I’d achieved.
“I was looking at my future and felt like a lot of doors were being shut on me.
“I just went, ‘I can walk really long distances and I’m pretty good at it – I’m going to do this big walk to show myself and other people with mental illness that it might not be the nine to five conventional lifestyle but there is a life worth living with mental illness that doesn’t have to stop you from pursuing things and achieving things.”
Bailey started the walk alone in the Victorian cold, with a 20km pack, walking as far as she could before stocking up with supplies at the nearest town.
Since reaching Queensland, she’s been joined by a support vehicle, allowing her to walk more freely and smash out 30 to 40kms a day.
She said the walk is a metaphor for life with bipolar and reflects her own personal journey, with good days and bad.
“There’s been days when I’ve woken up exceptionally depressed or suffering from chronic low moods … and then fast forward two hours and I’ve already climbed a mountain,” she said.
“If you believe something’s possible, it is.
Visit wandering-minds.org to follow Bailey’s journey and contribute to her cause.
Bailey Seamer is walking from the southernmost to the northernmost point of Australia, raising funds for Black Dog Institute. Photo supplied
