Begin Bushwalking – Development v2
Tips to get Started
Walking in the Australian bush is a great way to improve your health and fitness, see wonderful new scenery, and perhaps make new friends.
We want to help people who are new to bushwalking in Australia to have a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.
This website gives some simple advice to help you choose a walk that suits your needs, and guides you to plan, prepare and stay safe on your walk.
- Make sure there are enough daylight hours to complete the walk. Do not start in the late afternoon.
- Count the number of walkers before you start and check that everyone is there whenever you stop.
- If your group size is more than 6 nominate a stronger walker to stay at the back to see that everyone keeps up.
- Check your map regularly and keep on the track.
- Wait for the whole group whenever the trail joins another track.
- Don’t lose sight of others in the group.
- Walk at the pace that is most comfortable for the slowest walker.
- The walking pace will get slower the further you go, and when there are hills.
- Look out for each other and other walkers.
- Stop regularly to ask how everyone is feeling, to have a drink and snack.
Walking as a group
- Once our clothes get wet, our body temperature can fall quickly and we can feel miserable. Getting too cold is dangerous.
- Keep your feet dry and wear longer socks that you can tuck your trousers into so they don’t get wet.
- On hot days it is easy to dehydrate. Wear a hat and sunscreen. Take rest stops in the shade and drink plenty of water.
Stay dry, stay cool
- Walk through mud and climb over obstacles on the path rather than damage nearby vegetation.
- Do not pick anything or take home any souvenirs.
- Respect nature and other walkers by not having loud music, phones or excessive talking.
- Take all your rubbish home, including tissues.
- Bury or carry out all toilet waste and do not use non degradable wipes.
Leave no trace