Wandering Minds Reaches the Bay

BAILEY Seamer likes to walk…..a lot. The idea of walking 5000 kilometres within 12 months may not be everyone’s realistic goal but Bailey is more than half way and Hervey Bay is her latest destination.

This is a physically challenging journey but what gives Bailey the motivation is her own chronic mental illness and the determination to raise awareness around mental health.

Her trek started in May 2022 from “South Point” (most southern point of Australia mainland) and travels along the eastern coastline to the most northern tip of Cape York Peninsula in Queensland.

She has followed foot trails of the most rugged terrain, walked the beaches under all weather conditions and even crossing rivers, often twice at a time to transfer her camping equipment and clothing supplies.

“I crossed a river recently when after the final crossing a large Bull Shark swam pas,” says Miss Seamer.

Seven months can be a long time away from home but Bailey has set her goal to tackle majority of this challenge alone with no support crew.

Bailey openly talks about her battles with mental illness and her teenage years being a constant battle with medications, regular visits to mental health services and the many different diagnosis given to her.

“I was very fortunate to have a supportive family,” She said.

It was after one of her many times spent in a psychiatric ward that she set her goal to walk the east coast of Australia.

Two and half years later, she is walking the talk and was about to trek K’gari for a few days to include as part of her journey.

“This has put life into perspective for me,” said Bailey.

“I’ve found purpose in my life but most of all I have met some wonderful people along the way. Everyone has a story.”

Her journey can be followed on her Facebook page Wandering Minds.

Bailey is raising funds for Black Dog Institute and donations can be made on her website https://wanderingminds.org