BWV Newsletter - Bushwalking Victoria

Posted on 28/06/202628/06/2026 by Richelle Olsen

Beyond Following the Leader – Grampians Bushwalking Clubs Navigation Training Day

Article kindly contributed by Lee Gasser from Camperdown Bushwalking Club.

How many of us bushwalkers enjoy our hikes but are quite happy to follow the leader? That was me for the first couple of years after joining a bushwalking club.

Then I decided to become more involved and started leading walks. I began with walks I knew well, then gradually added new ones, heading out beforehand for a recce before taking a group. The source of my walks was predominantly trusted books, National Parks maps and established walk lists, yes, even AllTrails.

I also participated in off-track walks led by experienced leaders and absolutely loved the freedom of being able to get away from the beaten track. The next step for me was gaining more knowledge and experience in navigation so I could feel confident participating in, and eventually leading, walks where navigation skills were more important.

I already had reasonable map-reading skills, was comfortable loading a GPX file and following a course on my GPS and had learned more through leadership and navigation sessions run by Bushwalking Victoria and Camperdown Bushwalking Club. What I really needed though was practice with manual navigation.

So when I saw our neighbouring club, Grampians Bushwalking Club, offering a navigation day on a mountain I hadn’t previously explored, I jumped at the chance to join in.

While the original plan for the day evolved into more of an off-track walk guided by an experienced leader, it turned out to be exactly the practice I needed. I arrived with my 1:25,000 topographic map, the Avenza app loaded with the relevant map on my phone, a compass and my Garmin GPS.

What I really appreciated was the opportunity to quiz Julie, the leader and President of the Grampians Bushwalking Club on things I wasn’t sure about, practice taking bearings, recognise features in the surrounding landscape and match them back to the map, and check that I was correctly interpreting contours and terrain.

We had a lot of fun making our way through the bush and enjoyed lunch on the summit of Mt Gorrin. It was a great day out and an excellent way to build knowledge and confidence.

There is certainly plenty more practice required, but each time I get out there and use these skills, I know my confidence will continue to grow.

Many Bushwalking Victoria Affiliated Clubs offer navigation training and experience, Find a Club near you.

Posted on 27/05/202617/06/2026 by Richelle Olsen

Bushwalking is Booming in Victoria

The latest 2026 AusPlay data confirms bushwalking is continuing to thrive as one of Victoria’s most popular physical activities.

According to the Victorian statistics:

937,035 Victorians participated in bushwalking, that's up 10% from last year
Bushwalking recorded a 16.1% participation rate
Participation is now larger than many traditional sports including tennis, basketball and Australian football

Bigger Than Many Traditional Sports

The participation numbers place bushwalking ahead of many traditional organised sports in Victoria.

The data reflects a major shift toward flexible, low-cost outdoor recreation and informal physical activity.

Thriving Across All Ages

The data also shows bushwalking is thriving across almost every adult age group:

18-24 years: 14%
25–34 years: 19%
35–44 years: 19%
45–54 years: 17%
55–64 years: 19%
65+ years: 9%

More than 204,000 Victorians aged 25–34 participated, highlighting the continued growth of hiking culture, adventure travel and nature-based recreation among younger adults.

Importantly, participation remains strong right through to older age groups, with 107,615 Victorians aged over 65 participating, reinforcing bushwalking’s reputation as an accessible, lifelong activity.

Bushwalking Vs Hiking

Interestingly, participants were given the option of calling their participation hiking or bushwalking.

Bushwalking: 56%
Hiking: 42%
Virtual Bush Walking: 2% (digital experience that recreates the feeling of exploring a wilderness trail, while you walk on a treadmill or in local streets)

Motivations

Causes of Drop Out

The figures highlight the growing importance of:

Walking tracks and trail infrastructure
Regional outdoor tourism
Public land access
Bushwalking clubs and volunteers
Investment in outdoor recreation

The message from the latest AusPlay release is clear: bushwalking is no longer a niche activity in Victoria - it is now one of the state’s major participation activities.

Posted on 27/05/2026 by Richelle Olsen

Spot an Issue on the Trail? Snap Send Solve It

Bushwalkers are often the first people to spot problems on Victoria’s tracks and trails - from dumped rubbish and blocked paths to damaged signs, bridges or trail infrastructure.

One of the easiest ways to report these issues is through Snap Send Solve.

Snap Send Solve allows the public to quickly report issues in parks and natural areas across Victoria. The free app or online form enables users to submit photos, location details, and descriptions of problems, such as litter, damaged facilities, or safety hazards, in under 30 seconds. Reports are routed directly to relevant teams for timely action, whether is be Parks Victoria, local councils or other land managers.

Why use it?

Snap Send Solve makes reporting faster and more accurate by sending:

A GPS location
Photos of the issue
A description of the problem

This helps land managers quickly identify exactly where the issue is and what needs attention, reducing delays and streamlining maintenance responses.

What should you report?

Common trail issues include:

Dumped rubbish
Fallen trees blocking tracks
Damaged signs
Broken boardwalks or bridges
Unsafe infrastructure
Overflowing bins
Graffiti or vandalism

A quick report from the trail can help improve safety, protect natural areas and support the teams and volunteers maintaining Victoria’s outdoor spaces.

Before you head out

Download the app before your next walk or ride and help keep Victoria’s trails safe and enjoyable for everyone. Snap Send Solve Official Website

Other ways to report issues in Victoria

While Snap Send Solve is great for everyday maintenance and infrastructure issues, some problems are better reported directly to the relevant Victorian authority.

You can also report:

Illegal rubbish dumping or pollution to Environment Protection Authority Victoria
Suspected illegal track clearing, native vegetation removal, wildlife harm or other environmental offences to the Conservation Regulator.
Issues within parks and reserves directly to Parks Victoria
Urgent hazards on local trails and shared paths to your local council

The more accurate information you can provide, including photos, GPS locations and clear descriptions, the easier it is for agencies to investigate and respond quickly.

Posted on 23/07/202523/07/2025 by Richelle Olsen

FedWalks Grampians (Gariwerd) 2025 – Walks Program Now Available

Bushwalking Victoria’s flagship annual event, FedWalks, is back this October, and the 2025 program is set to showcase the spectacular peaks, trails and rugged beauty of the Grampians (Gariwerd). This event is hosted by the Grampians and Boroondara Bushwalking Clubs.

The Grampians is a magical place that is enjoyed by many bushwalkers. Although large parts of the Grampians have been devastated by bushfires, there is sufficient undamaged bush remaining to conduct a weekend of walking. The people of Halls Gap will most certainly welcome our patronage.

Location: Halls Gap, Grampians (Gariwerd)
Event Dates: Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 October 2025 (check-in from 3pm on Friday 10 October)
Event Hub: Halls Gap Centenary Hall, 115 Grampians Rd, next to the Information Centre

This year’s Fedwalks is open to all members of Bushwalking Victoria-affiliated clubs and Individual Members of Bushwalking Victoria. With 23 walks to choose from – ranging from gentle rambles to challenging climbs – there's something to suit every kind of walker. But places will be limited, so we encourage you to start planning your weekend now.

View the Walks Program

What you Need to Know:

Walk and Dinner Bookings open 10 August 2025 – take the time to review the walks program now so you’re ready to choose your favourites.
Costs:
- $40 for the full weekend (2 days of walking)
- $20 for one day only
- Optional Saturday night dinner: $45 at the Event Hub
Many areas of the Grampians National Park are still closed due to bushfire recovery, which means some walks overlap or follow the same route in reverse. View the Walk Overview Map.
Expect climbs and rock scrambling - it’s the Grampians, after all! Pay close attention to the grades, distances and estimated durations to find walks suited to your comfort and experience level.
Some walks take a slower pace on steeper sections and may have a lower grading than you’d expect from the terrain.

Accommodation:

You will need to organise your own accommodation in Halls Gap. From camping and motels to boutique luxury, there’s something for all budgets. Start your search with the Visitor Information Centre (https://www.visitgrampians.com.au).

Fedwalks is all about community, challenge, and connection through shared adventure. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this fantastic weekend in one of Victoria’s most iconic walking destinations.

Visit fedwalks.org.au for full event details.

Walk Overview Map:

Posted on 18/10/202119/01/2022 by admin

On Board with the Board

We were happy to welcome two visitors to the September Board meeting: Merilyn Liddell (Melbourne University & Alumni Bushwalkers) and Trevor Rosen(Melbourne Walking Club).
Although many Board members have only met on Zoom, we’re working well as a team to support and represent Victoria’s bushwalkers.

Of the numerous issues discussed, the following might interest you:

COVID-safe plans for clubs: the President, Mike Grant, has recently spoken with many clubs regarding their questions and concerns about group sizes on walks and at meetings, whether walkers should be required to be double-vaccinated and whether walkers should car-pool.As current restrictions change regularly and are different for Melbourne and the regions, it seems unwise for BWV to develop its own COVID-safe plan for clubs to access. Our advice is that clubs adhere to the density limits proscribed by the managers of their meeting venues and, above all, refer to the publically-available material on the State Government website.Over coming weeks, the advice from the State Government regarding requirements for recreational groups will become clearer.
Mountain Bike Trails: Whilst many bushwalkers are also mountain bike riders, we’d all agree that the safety of walkers in the bush and the conservation of ecosystems and natural landscapes are vital. Complaints about the joint use of tracks is common, as is concern about environmental and heritage site damage.
Bushwalking Tracks and Conservation (BTAC) is working on a position statement on Mountain Bike Trails; once complete, it will be sent to clubs for feedback.
New Individual Supporter Members: Eight new members joined our association this month. Welcome aboard!
Anniversary of the formation of the Federation of Victorian Walking Clubs with BWV members, old and new, in 2024. We look forward to celebrating the 90th.
Risk Management: Risk assessment and mitigation is high on the “Help!” list of many clubs. A new BWV working group has been established: as well as researching legislative requirements, the group hopes to gain a better understanding of what guidance clubs want from BWV. They will also investigate what happens with club incident reports and analyse incident and injury trends.

From your Board; more next month.

Posted on 17/06/202118/10/2021 by Sharyn Lang

Bushwalking for Fun, Fitness, Friendship and Nature!

Retiring soon? Consider bushwalking as a way to stay fit, get outdoors and socialise!

At last, you have the time to make your dreams of leisure a reality …

You have retired!

Or at least have reduced your working hours.

You most likely have this on your wishlist:

To get fitter or maintain your fitness,

To get outdoors more – commune with nature, as they say in the classics,

To socialise more, meet new people and make lasting friendships,

To spend quality time with your spouse or showing your grandchildren the bush,

You cannot, no you must not be stuck at home, looking for a new weed to pull from the garden!

YOU NEED TO GO BUSHWALKING!

Most of us look forward to retirement with so much anticipation, but once the dust has settled:

You have been on that trip, and there will be more travels, but not next week.
You have, at last, put the regimen of working life behind you, swept away the former routines, and finally grasped the concept that work, paid or voluntary, is now optional, not compulsory.
You have caught up on all those jobs around the house that have been deferred for as long as you can remember.

YOU NEED TO GO BUSHWALKING!

Retirement can bring on many challenges such as:

Adjusting to a change in the pace of life;
Settling into your new lifestyle, new routines;
Coming to terms with your changed financial position, and for many,
Downsizing from the family home and moving to a new neighbourhood;
Moving to be near family, more childminding.

Some retirees find it hard to imagine how they had time to go to work while others find time weighing heavily. Many retirees speak of feeling lost and disconnected or socially isolated. Few retirees will spend their golden years cruising the seven seas, living the life of the eternal grey nomad or find the meaning of life managing their personal superannuation fund.

Everybody needs and wants to find their correct balance between satisfying, meaningful activity and leisure.

YOU NEED TO GO BUSHWALKING!

Eventually, the years move on and the physical realities of aging cannot be swept under the carpet any more. To keep the aches and pains to a minimum, to help medication do its job and reduce the risk of all the ‘modern’ epidemics, all advice leads to staying socially connected and physically active.

BUSHWALKING TICKS ALL THE BOXES – Fun, fitness, friendship, well-being and nature!

So let’s look at the amazing opportunities of having time on your hands and the world at your feet:

Bushwalking is a fantastic way to meet like-minded people, make new friends and to keep in touch with old friends. For families, it is a great multigenerational activity to enjoy together, to share in the wonders of nature and to learn or pass on knowledge of the natural world.
Here in Victoria, we are blessed with ample opportunities and a variety of terrains in which to explore.
- Close to Melbourne, near to regional cities or towns, one hour from home near public transport or two hours drive out in the countryside, and if you are so inclined, at more remote destinations.
- There are Council Parks, State Parks and Forests, National Parks and popular recreational areas.
- A choice of short, medium or long walks;
- Every grading of walk from easy through to challenging, catering to every level of fitness and ability;
Bushwalking does not require expensive membership fees or elaborate equipment. It is something that can be enjoyed as a member of a club or group or in a casual get together with friends. Best practice is not to go onto less travelled tracks on your own.

VISIT A BUSHWALKING CLUB

Most bushwalking clubs will allow you to join them as a guest (usually for up to three walks), that way you can get a feel for the club and its members and what recreation it can provide for you, before you commit. You can explore our affiliated bushwalking clubs here. Many clubs arrange interstate and international walks, so there are many options for you to spread your wings.

Click on this link to see how Bushwalking could be your gateway to safe outdoor recreation!

All Images courtesy of Melton Bushwalkers, one of our affiliated bushwalking clubs.

Posted on 14/06/202118/10/2021 by Sharyn Lang

Paper Maps for Bushwalking

How to print a paper bushwalking map from an electronic version

Over recent years, many map producers have provided their map collections in electronic form. Only a limited number of these maps are available in a printed form. Geoscience Australia ceased printing its 1:250,000 topographical maps late in 2019. This is not a major problem for bushwalkers in Victoria: 1;250,000 (1cm to 2.5km) is not a scale most walkers use, because these maps provide insufficient detail. Good detailed maps covering Victoria at 1:25,000 (1cm to 250m) and 1:50,000 (1cm to 500m) are available in electronic form and many are also available as paper maps. These scales are far more useful out on the track.

Paper maps can be purchased from suppliers such as Vicmap (mainly 1:50,000), Spatial Vision and Meridian – see Finding Maps for Walking in Victoria for a detailed list of sources, including shopfront and online suppliers.

If, rather than purchasing a paper map, you want to print one of the many electronic maps which are available from a variety of sources (including any of the Geoscience 1:250,000 maps) it’s relatively easy.

Many maps are produced in geopdf format. This allows the maps to be displayed and used in navigation software and apps e.g. Avenza. It also allows them to be easily printed to the correct scale using free software e.g. Adobe Acrobat reader. A walk leader can use an electronic map for navigation with their smartphone and carry the identical paper map.

Here are some options if you wish to have a printed copy of a geopdf map – either a whole map or part thereof.

Print the whole map

Take the geopdf file to your local printer. It will cost about $20 for an A1 sheet and a little more if you want it on more robust waterproof paper, OR
Print the map as smaller tiles and stick them together. You can do this at home, using Adobe Acrobat reader. Open the required map, press ‘Print’ then press the ‘Poster’ button. Ensure ‘Tile Scale’ is on 100% and ‘Overlap’ is set at 1cm. ‘Cut marks’ should be checked to make putting the tiles together easier.

The preview screen will show how the map image will be tiled. Press print. Trim/assemble the sheets.

Print part of the map

Open the map in Acrobat reader. Click on the ‘Edit’ menu and then ‘Take a Snapshot’. Highlight the desired area and press print. Press ‘Size’ and ensure ‘Actual size’ is checked. Your selected area will be shown in the middle of a sheet. If your selected area is larger than one sheet, you can poster print in tiles as described above.

What to do if you don’t have a colour printer

Most modern computers can make a pdf file through the Print interface. Instead of printing to a physical machine, you can make a pdf file instead. Use the above instructions and just change the setting under ‘Printer’ to the pdf driver.

You can change the paper size to A3 under ‘Properties’ if you have a larger area to cover, or want bigger map tiles. Place the saved pdf file on a USB thumb drive and take it to your local self serve colour photocopier/printer.

Poster printing is a quick and cheap way to produce reasonable-quality larger maps from geopdf’s. You can use waterproof paper too, if you wish: ‘Rite in the rain 8512’ paper can be used in a laser printer; it’s about 30 cents an A4 sheet.

When printing from electronic maps, please remember to respect copyright. Personal use only.

Author: Andrew Robinson

Date: 06 August 2020

Category: BWV Newsletter

Bigger Than Many Traditional Sports

Thriving Across All Ages

Bushwalking Vs Hiking

Motivations

Causes of Drop Out

Why use it?

What should you report?

Before you head out

Other ways to report issues in Victoria

What you Need to Know:

Accommodation:

Walk Overview Map:

Busy with your Santa list?

How to print a paper bushwalking map from an electronic version

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we walk and meet. We respect their elders past and present.

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