Exploring Springbrook National Park With Bay Active

Kira Simpson

After living on the Gold Coast for almost a year, Dave and I decided it was about time we start exploring some of the bushwalking trails around the hinterland.

We chose Springbrook National Park. Only a short drive from the Gold Coast (approximately an hour) I was thrilled to discover a beautiful new place to explore so close to home.. Springbrook is one of four national parks that make up the Gondwana World Heritage-listed area, and it’s spectacular.

Mid year is a great time to go bushwalking in Queensland. June is one of the few months where its not swelteringly hot, making walking an actual pleasant experience. We went on a Wednesday and found the the trail to be mostly empty so it save for one large group and two other couples.

Ethical activewear brands
Ethical activewear brands

Ethical activewear brands

Twin Falls

We opted for an easy walk this time and took the Twin Falls Circuit. The circuit is four kilometres and only takes about two hours. Factor in more time if you plan to stop for photos or lunch. The track is mostly flat are rated an easy to moderate walk with plenty of places along the way to stop, have water break and take in the magnificent views. At each of the lookouts along the track you can see all the way out to the Gold Coast and the ocean. It was a nice reminder of how lucky I am to live in a coastal town with easy access to beautiful national parks.

Halfway along the trail you some across Twin Falls. Due to a lack of recent rain, only one of the falls was flowing lightly. The small water hole  at the base was crystal clear and almost inviting enough to take a dip, but it was a little chilly so I’ll save that one for a summer visit. If you visit in the warmer months, pack a your swimmers and a picnic lunch, Twin Falls is a gorgeous spot to spend the day.

Ethical activewear brands

Outfit Details

I’m wearing the BAY Active Brand New Day Crop and the Eternity Tights. Both are made from GOTS Certified organic cotton with no side seams which means ultimate comfort.

The tights are high-waisted and sit snugly just above my belly button. I walked in them for five hours and I’m pleased to report they did not slide down once. They’re super stretchy making it easy to move and climb and get to those hard to reach spots to take photos. I’ve also worn these while practising yoga and for weight training, they’re perfect for both activities.

The crop is comfort personified. I love the thick straps, they’re supportive without digging into my shoulders. I wore a backpack all day and when I took it off there were no marks on my shoulders. The crop has medium support so it’s great for low impact activities such as walking or yoga. It’s become my go to crop for walking and lounging days when I want to go sans bra.

Bay Active

BAY Active is a Byron Based ethical activewear label. Like many of the small fashion brands emerging from Byron, Bay Active is a heart driven business.

Founder Helen came from mainstream fashion with boutiques in Byron Bay for some 15 years. Over time, she noticed clothing for one of her stores was actually becoming cheaper and faster, it was then she came to realise her business was contributing to an humanitarian and environmental fallout.

“It became clear there was a different business case to be had, one that fostered awareness and responsible attitudes toward our people and our planet. One that embraced fair work practices, that mitigated pollution and waste and cared for our agriculture. I found that place again where I learnt the rules of the game, that’s how BAY was born.” – Helen O’Carroll – CEO

Fabrics and Certifications

BAY Active use natural fibres and regenerated fibres  in their clothing. GOTS Certified organic cotton, Australian Merino Wool and ECONYL, a beautifully soft material made from recycled fishing nets. The factories they work with are certified by Ethical Clothing Australia, Australian OrganicGlobal Organic Textile Standard, just to name a few. You read more about their certifications here.

BAY Active are also part of Buy 1 Give 1 an initiative, where sales made through Bay Active directly fund B1G1’s developments.

“Every time you buy a piece of clothing from us, you are providing an opportunity to a woman in India to end the poverty cycle. These commitments enable her to purchase a sewing machine, become self-employed and lift herself and her family out of poverty.”

Shop the Bay Active range here.

This post is sponsored by Bay Active.

Ethical activewear brands

Ethical activewear brands

Ethical activewear brands

Ethical activewear brands

Ethical activewear brands

Ethical activewear brands

Kira Simpson

Kira Simpson is an environmentalist and sustainability expert. She started The Green Hub as a blog in 2015, which has since grown to become one of Australia’s largest education sites dedicated to helping people live a more sustainable lifestyle.