Walk 37km under the moonlight to give children a brighter future.
Get ready to strap on those walking shoes because on 23 November 2024 we’re launching the Dusk to Dawn 37km night walk!
Starting in North Sydney, you will pass some of Sydney’s most iconic sights as you make your way to the finish line at Bondi Beach. Every step you take will help raise much-needed awareness and funds for children impacted by natural disasters and ongoing conflicts.
Sign up today to help UNICEF be there for every child in need, no matter what.
Ready to challenge yourself?
As the sun sets over Sydney on 23 November, join thousands of other passionate supporters and embark on a 37km walk through the night.
Explore the course map
Take in the sights, sounds, and beauty of Sydney from a completely new perspective, while raising vital funds for children in emergencies.
Volunteers needed!
Saturday, 23 November, is going to be a big night!
We anticipate more than 1,000 people will join the Dusk to Dawn adventure as we walk under the light of the moon from North Sydney to Bondi Beach.
To help everything run smoothly, we're seeking volunteers to assist on the night!
Volunteers will help facilitate a range of activities across a shift of your choice to make sure every participant is supported and safe.
What impact will my fundraising have?
From natural disasters and disease outbreaks to ongoing conflict, the number of emergencies unfolding around the world is staggering.
In 2023 alone, UNICEF responded to 412 emergencies in 107 countries.
When you raise funds for UNICEF Australia, you’re helping us provide children in need with access to clean water, lifesaving vaccines, quality education and health care while ensuring children are safe and protected from harm - that’s a BIG reason to take on the Dusk to Dawn challenge!
Meet 10-year-old Fauzia from Afghanistan.
“Life was very hard when we didn’t have water,” explains Fauzia. “We couldn’t cook, bake bread, or wash ourselves. It was a 30-minute walk to fetch water, and I had to wait more than an hour to get my turn. By the time I got to school, I had missed most of my classes.”
Known for being one of the most dangerous places to be a child, Afghanistan is facing many challenges, including a water crisis in which 8 out of 10 people drink unsafe water. With the support of UNICEF and our partners, Fauzia’s village now has access to clean water. This also helps give precious time back to young girls, like Fauzia, who can no longer access education beyond the sixth grade.
We also support children’s education by distributing teaching and learning materials, high-performance tents for temporary classrooms, and textbooks. We assist with the reopening of schools that have been closed for many years due to insecurity and lack of funding, and we support the selection and training of teachers, including paying their salaries.
This is just one of the many ways in which the donations you raise will have meaningful impact!
Sign up to Dusk to Dawn
Start your Dusk to Dawn journey by registering today. Tell everyone why you you're walking 37km during the night and inspire your friends and family to donate and support UNICEF's lifesaving work.
Dusk to Dawn FAQs
If you’re facing registration issues, reach out to our Dusk to Dawn team at dusktodawn@unicef.org.au.
You’ll need to be 18 years or older to register for the event. Remember, you’ll need to walk with at least one other participant.
Each participant will fundraise a minimum of $100 to help UNICEF provide clean water, medical supplies, and emergency food to children in emergency situations.
The first wave of walkers departs from the Event Village in North Sydney at approximately 8 pm. We’ll notify you of your specific start time closer to the event.
With a challenging 37 km route, some participants will finish in the moonlight around 1 am, while most will complete it between 4 am and 6 am. You have a maximum of 14 hours to complete the walk.
Yes! There will be three checkpoints along the route. These are great opportunities to grab a snack, refill your water bottle, use the toilet, and stretch.
You’ll get your bib upon arrival on the event night. Visit the check-in marquee, where our friendly team will provide you with a bib and headtorch. Remember to wear your bib on the front of your t-shirt throughout the walk and keep the head torch on once it’s dark.
It’s a big walk, so it’s important that you’re prepared! You’ll need to make sure you have the following items in your backpack.
- water and a water bottle with at least a 600ml capacity
- sufficient food to keep you satisfied during the Event
- suitable clothing for all weathers
- a fully charged phone
- a Dusk to Dawn Walk route map (in either printed or digital format), and
- a basic first aid kit including Band-Aids and blister protection tape and any personal medication you require such as Panadol.
Only certified assistance dogs accompanied by handlers carrying a handler’s identity card are permitted to take part in Dusk to Dawn.