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82km Non-Stop: Conquering the Overland Track for Mental Health!

By Cale Bennett Join Me

Have you ever wanted to just, quit?

Endurance challenges push you to your limits—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Anyone who has taken on an extreme endurance challenge knows the hardest battle happens within. It’s during these moments of darkness that resilience is tested, and it’s this experience I will embrace to raise awareness and funds to prevent others from falling into the darkest of places, where hopelessness can lead to irreversible decisions.

Mental illness is a universal challenge—it affects 1 in 5 Australians every year, and tragically, suicide remains the leading cause of death for men aged 15 to 44. These numbers underscore an urgent need for action.

That’s why I’ve chosen to raise funds for the Black Dog Institute, an organisation dedicated to pioneering mental health research and delivering vital support services for those impacted by mental illness and suicide.

On December 20, I will take on Tasmania’s Overland Track. Spanning 82 kilometres through the heart of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, this iconic route typically takes six days to complete. However, I will challenge myself to complete the journey non-stop, pushing my mental and physical boundaries to support this critical cause.

This effort is personal. It’s dedicated to my late brother, Luke, whose memory inspires me to take action and help others.

Your support can make a difference. By donating, you’ll contribute to the Black Dog Institute’s life-saving work, helping Australians find hope and support when they need it most.

Please join me in this journey. Together, we can take steps— for me: ~102,500 of them—to make a meaningful impact.

 

Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

$15,125

My Goal

$25,000

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My Achievements

My Updates

I made it!

Monday 23rd Dec
Hi All - thank you so much for your support. I have completed the walk and am now reasonably well rested; here's a bit of a rundown.

Undoubtedly, this was the most difficult physical and mental challenge I have ever undertaken.

Started at 5:15 AM on the 20th of December. 
Finished at 6:30 AM on the 21st December.

The weather was great the whole way—clear skies and a top temperature of about 23 (it felt like 33 in the bush!). 

The highlight was getting the sunrise under Cradle Mountain - quite special.

The final 10km from Echo Point Hut to Cynthia Bay was the most difficult part. I was beyond exhausted and was in all sorts of pain. I was willing myself forward in 15-minute increments where I seemed to not progress at all. It was not pretty. 

I am very grateful for everyone's support of this undertaking, and specifically the support for the Black Dog Institute. One of my (many) revelations was that walking the Kokoda Challenge was so much easier because I did it with Rob, Kirsty, and Harry. At your mental bottom, having people around you to encourage you, or even to not let down, is incredibly powerful. Going through difficult things on your own is so much harder.

Please be kind to one another.

Cale.




Thank you to my Sponsors

$22.58

Carmelo

Thank you 🤗

$80.25

D Pye

$50

Anonymous

$1,000

Technologyone Foundation

Congratulations! Fantastic achievement!

$54.12

Fi Schwegler

Well done Cale! Fi

$106.12

Chris Whittaker

Good luck Cale! Such a great cause!

$158.25

Suzanne Williams

Thanks Cale, Your trek is so very inspirational and is of so much impact to so many. Take care, return safe and enjoy Christmas with your family.

$100

Shelley Sorrenson

You got this Cale. Such a special cause.

$131.88

Leigh Wilson

$50

Phil Parker

You’re a weapon. Great cause, mate.

$500

Rony Cheriyan

Thank you bringing awareness to this matter. Good luck.

$54.12

Robert Darley

Best of luck, sorry I couldn't be with you for this one.

$158.25

George Kouvidis

Amazing effort Cale for a great cause

$80.25

Ben Ledwidge

Good luck bro. You’re an animal!!!

$54.12

Philip Mcgown

Good job

$158.25

Jen Hong

You got this Cale!... Truely inspirational, supporting you all the way!....

$131.88

David Cope

$263.75

Ugo

Well done mate, great cause.

$131.88

Greg Smith

Good luck!!

$54.12

Santa

Embarking on an 82km trek in the name of mental health? Well, that’s one way to work off the Christmas cookies! 🎅 Let me tell you, this isn’t just a hike—it’s a sleigh ride of strength, resilience, and a whole lot of holiday spirit (minus the reindeer). The mental toughness it takes to pull this off? Truly inspiring! 🌟 Wishing you all the best on your adventure ahead! May your boots stay dry, your energy stay high, and your snacks always be within arm's reach (because, let’s be real, even Santa needs a good snack). 🎒 Stay safe, keep strong, and enjoy every step of the journey. Merry Trekking!

$1.02k

Shaw Innes

Awesome effort for a great cause. Sign me up for the next one and I'll do it with you :)

$50

Naj Bahir

Thank you for bringing awareness and for sharing your story! Best of luck! You’ll smash it!

$105.50

Harish Hm

All the best Cale -

$66.99

Julia

Go Cale! -team contribution

$79.13

Josephine Hyland

All the best Cale!

$52.75

Trudy Edwards

Very inspiring Cale! You’re making a difference not only by raising money for such a worthy cause but also by raising awareness.

$500

Louise Iida

$125

Chandan Potukuchi

Awesome Cale, Way to go!!!

$470

Stuart Macdonald

You got this and so very well done!!!

$79.13

Ben Malpass

$100

Michael Stickney

All the best Cale!

$131.88

James Patterson

$100

Patrick Beckett

What a challenge, brilliant. Best of luck!

$105.50

Erin Strang

All the best Cale for the walk, sorry about Luke.

$105.50

Peter Nearhos

Great work. Good on you.

$50

Vince Wood

Good luck with the challenge Cale, go smash it!

$105.50

Duncan Madden

Huge challenge. Important cause. Wishing you all the best.

$52.75

Jatin

Best of success Cale!

$131.88

Tish

Amazing challenge! And what a beautiful spot.

$52.75

Ally Burns

Good luck Cale!! After Kokoda, this one should be a walk in the park.

$105.50

Susan Humphreys

Tremendous effort Cale!! Safe travels.

$79.13

Shiv Chetan

You got this Cale 💪🏽

$131.88

Tim D

Go well, Cale.

$263.75

Brooke Wells

Great work Cale. You are an inspiration. This is a cause very close to my heart also. All the best - I hope the weather treats you better than the last time!! Can’t wait to see your success on the other side.

$79.13

Greg Dent

$52.75

Deb D

What a wonderful cause, good luck with the trek

$52.75

Chantel Tse

Great cause and every step is going to make a difference.

$1.02k

Ed Chubg

Great job!!

$52.75

Timmo

All the best Cale!

$52.75

Chris Rose

Amazing effort. Thinking of you and your late brother Luke. Go get it mate.

$100

Justin

What a journey! The Overland is one of the best tracks in the world. Awesome challenge and a great way to raise money in dedication to your late brother. Can't wait to hear how you go.

$52.75

David Malek

Great cause and effort, Cale. Good luck with the trek!

$52.75

Garry Sherriff

Impressive Cale - wishing you plenty of stamina for the trek

$105.50

Andrew Sandford

$125

Julia

So inspiration!!!

$52.75

Eve, Maggie And Ted

Huge effort Cale for such an important cause!

$105.50

David Hampson

Best of luck Cale.

$131.88

Kirk X

You are amazing!

$100

Kirsty Keily

Absolutely inspirational Cale. Luke would be proud.

$52.75

Duncan Kelly

Hi Cale, I really admire you for taking on this challenge and signing up to do something that will make a real difference.

$100

Cait & Brad Cameron

Massive amount of respect Cale. A hugely important topic. YNWA springs to mind!

$100

Jacky Gu

Good luck Cale.

$316.50

Anonymous

Great cause

$5.02k

Anonymous