[10] Her work with the league, which continued into the 1950s,[11] encouraged Australian women to pursue physical fitness through exercise, diet, hygiene, and outdoor recreation.

[12][13] One of the League's signature events was a mass public gathering of women for outdoor exercise, often led by Hughes.

[14] Hughes opined against high-heeled shoes, and that good posture, grace, and muscle tone were more conducive to health and beauty.

[17][18] Hughes wrote biographies of Australian historical figures for young readers, including Arthur Phillip,[19] James Cook, Ernest Giles, and Matthew Flinders.

She also recorded audio books, including biographies of Helen Keller, Alexander Graham Bell, and Florence Nightingale.