'Pram lady’ returns to FNQ, conquering the Bloomfield Track on foot
TRIUMPHANT RETURN
Her trusty but weathered pram is on its last legs but that didn’t stop Sarah Barnett from returning to our region with even greater strength.
Fearlessly taking on the notorious Bloomfield Track by foot, she pushed her pram all the way to Cooktown.
Last year, Ms Barnett journeyed 6000 kilometres from Adelaide to Cape Tribulation, raising funds for Trees for Life. This year, starting from Melbourne, she decided to challenge herself further.
“I did feel a bit scared last time to take on the Bloomfield track to Cooktown, so I decided if I could make it back, I'd attempt it,” she explained.
“I thanked God for sure when I reached Cooktown, a lot could have gone wrong that didn't,” she expressed.
“To be honest, I feel exhausted now. Those hills were full-on, but it was very satisfying to finish for sure. Now I’m fully ready to park the stroller in the garage for some time.
“My patient partner, Nev, has been with me throughout this long journey. He surprised me by riding a bike to meet me around the Sunshine Coast.
“Next time, we might try the Bloomfield Track on mountain bikes. He's a keen cyclist, and he's encouraging me to retire the stroller and invest in a bike.”
Special encounters
During her journey, Ms Barnett met people from various backgrounds, but her encounters with indigenous communities stood out.
“One beautiful encounter was with an elder near the Burdekin river. He shared the area's indigenous history, emphasising their harmony with the land. His kindness also touched my heart when he offered me money to buy a few meals.”
Environmental awareness
Ms Barnett’s journey was not only about personal challenges; it carried a profound message of environmental awareness and conservation.
“My goal this trip was to raise awareness of conservation, simplify our lives, and use cars less, relying more on our legs for transportation,” she said.
“Bush camping and travelling like this increased my love for nature, making me realise how little we need to be content.
“It really does concern me that often, for the sake of money, profit, and human comfort, we are destroying so much of the pure nature.
“I encourage others to venture into the wilderness on foot, escaping materialism for a fresh perspective on what truly matters. I hope more Aussies will consider the environment, and how precious our nature really is.”
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