Whether you’re new to navigation and would like some introductory information, or if you want to brush up on how to read a map, use a compass, or hone a specific navigation technique, CLICK HERE for a comprehensive list of resources, created by Andrew Robinson.
The short video clips are particularly useful. With these skills (as Australia’s late pioneering bushwalker Paddy Pallin said) you’ll be “Never Truly Lost”
How often have you chosen to do a walk based on a beautiful Instagram reel, or an exciting TikTok? Have you considered how fit/experienced/lucky with the weather the poster is? Have you considered that when someone says “easy”, it might be easy for someone who has scaled Everest, or is an experienced mountaineer, not so easy for you in your shorts and tshirt, just carrying a bottle of water?
According to New Zealand media, online content is misleading tourists into attempting hikes they are ill-equipped for, leading to several rescues being mounted across the South Island. (And its happening more and more here in Australia too!)
Read the Great Walks article here
(Image Brewster Track. NZ Department of Conservation.)
As this year marks the 90th anniversary of Bushwalking Victoria (formerly known as the Federation of Victorian Walking Clubs) we’re looking back on the history of recreational walking to acknowledge the early pioneers who paved the way for the hugely popular pastime that we enjoy today.
The exploration of inland Victoria began in 1824, when Hume and Hovell blazed a trail from present-day Albury to Port Phillip. While avoiding the snow-covered highlands, which they called the South Australian Alps, they saw a mountain that reminded them of a resting buffalo: thus a notable Victorian peak was named.
Twelve years later, Major Mitchell travelled across Western Victoria, followed by McMillan (1839), Strzelecki (1840) and Tyers (1840) who each traversed some of the remaining unknown area, utilising trails and pathways established by First Nations People. By the end of that decade, the general picture of Victoria’s topography had been laid out; from then on it fell to miners, graziers and others to fill in the details.
After migrating to Australia in the late 1840’s, the botanist Baron von Mueller embarked upon four extended expeditions around Victoria. Von Mueller was a definitive outdoorsman. During his journeys of discovery, he covered hundreds of kilometres on foot; he was first to ascend many Victorian mountains; he forded rivers and camped in untouched forests; he explored remote and scenic wilderness areas, including the alps from Mount Hotham to Mount Kosciusko. It has been suggested that, if Victorian bushwalkers were to seek a patron from history, von Mueller would be the likeliest contender.
In the mid-19th century, settlers gradually moved into the region surrounding Mt Buffalo; their enthusiastic descriptions of the mountain’s steep spurs and dense forest sparked the interest of others. Locals began to act as guides, leading individuals and small groups to see the massive granite tors, snow gums and clearings carpeted with snow grass. Visitors to the Horn, the Hump and the Cathedral spent long days in the saddle or on foot, followed by freezing nights in camp, so a simple lodging house was built in 1881.
The Bright Alpine Club was formed in 1888 for those keen to explore the alpine region around the township; snowshoes were used for winter ascents. When the club publicised areas such as Hotham and Bogong in Melbourne newspapers, interest in mountain excursions snowballed. Trains to Bright were scheduled to meet the demand – the popularity of bushwalking blossomed!
In June 1894, a group of men met in Melbourne to form Australia’s first walking fraternity. The all-male Wallaby Club was established as “…an assembly of good fellows, fond of walking – not in the athletic sense, but as a means of reasonable outdoors enjoyment that would be conducive to health, conversation and good companionship.”
Notwithstanding the antiquated restriction on female members, we think that description pretty much stands true to this day!
The Melbourne Amateur Walking and Touring Club (now the Melbourne Walking Club and longest standing member of BWV) was formed just four months later and the rest, as they say, is history.
Source: ‘The Scroggin Eaters: A History of Bushwalking in Victoria’, Graeme Wheeler (1991)
Of the 16 volunteers, who gathered at Omeo on the Friday and then preceded to the camping site on Johnnies Top on the weekend 22-15 March to clear a section of the AAWT, four were named John.
The original plan was to clear and improve the 12 kms from Johnnies Top to the Buenba Hut Site but a recce on the Thursday prior to the activity by Joe, Patrick and Parks Victoria Ranger, Ella Carr, determined that to achieve all the required works on the 6.5 km section down to Corner Creek, would be a good outcome. The recce team used two rolls of pink flagging tape to define the route for the track clearing teams. Including realigning two kilometres of track back onto the original alignment not used for many years and marking the track through thick regrowth in areas affected by the 2019/20 bushfires.
It was determined that the whole party would camp at Johnnies Top for the duration of the activity even though this meant that tools would need to be carried back up the 800 metre climb once the objective was met. The volunteers and two Parks Victoria Rangers divided into three teams; a chain saw team and two brush cutting teams. After two days of hard work including the climb back to camp all but the last few hundred metres of open ground down to Corner Creek had been cleared and new markers erected for part of the way. An AAWT walker would now find it much easier and quicker to get down off Johnnies Top.
Thanks to all the volunteers that put in so much effort; 320 work hours and spent over 300 hours travelling to and from the activity. There was great camaraderie among the volunteers who came from near and far, including ACT. Thanks to Parks Victoria, especially Rangers, Ella Carr and Jo Durant who provided support in planning, logistics and helped out on the tools. Thanks to John Green and Patrick Platt for leading work teams.
Joe van Beek
Project Leader for BTAC
Four maps, all highly popular with Victorian bushwalkers, have recently been updated. Published by Meridian Maps, they are available through bushwalking stores and specialist map stockists – check out BWV’s Discount Partners for the new editions.
These maps are also available in georeferenced electronic form through the phone app Avenza, which has full navigational ability. So you can always be confident of knowing exactly where you are!
As clubs gear up for their annual AGM, the perennial challenge of recruiting new committee members looms large. In this spirit, Eileen Clark from the Border Bushwalking Club has crafted a refreshingly lighthearted article, shedding light on the responsibilities and joys of serving on the committee. It’s a piece clubs may find valuable to share with their members as they navigate the recruitment process and inspire fresh faces to step up to the plate.
Who does what on the Committee?
The following descriptions are more or less true and may help you decide whether to nominate yourself or someone else for a Committee position at the AGM.
President (Ian)
Leads the Club with a firm but kind hand, making sure we don’t get lost along the tangled pathways of rules and regulations. The President usually chairs meetings, sees that our Club remains inclusive, welcoming and friendly, and ensures we meet the objectives of the constitution. He is pro-active when it comes to issues affecting the Club and encourages members to lead activities in a safe, competent and friendly manner. To do all this, you need the wisdom of Solomon and a strong sense of humour.
Vice-President (Alwyn)
This is the easiest job on the Committee provided the President never takes a holiday, sick leave or other period of absence. Since this is unlikely, it is helpful if the VP has a crystal ball to ensure that they will be present when the President is absent. In our Club, there is no expectation that the VP will automatically be promoted to President at some time.
Secretary (Dick)
The Time Lord of the Committee who turns hours into minutes when recording decisions made at Committee meetings. The Secretary also attends to correspondence and enquiries and maintains contact with Committee members. Key attributes include the ability to find pearls of wisdom among the dross of animated discussion at meetings, and a good sense of dates so that meeting notices are sent out in timely fashion.
Treasurer (Geraldine)
If you can count up to 20 without taking your socks off, this is the job for you. The Treasurer maintains our accounts, authorises payments and prepares financial reports for meetings with details of cheques and balances, incomings and outgoings. This requires a neat and logical mind and the ability to navigate a spreadsheet without using GPS.
Membership Secretary (Sandi)
This is the Keeper of the Records, charged with ensuring that members’ details remain SECURED, PROTECTED and kept PRIVATE. The Membership Secretary processes new membership applications, sends out welcome letters and checks that forms are correctly filled in. While once this involved a mountain of paper and the destruction of several forests, now it is all done on computer and so the ability to use same is an essential attribute.
Activities Co-ordinator (Bernadette)
Keeps us on our toes, saddles, skis, canoes and anything else. The Activities Co-ordinator oversees the program and liaises with leaders to ensure that planned activities are run safely. This is done by checking and approving planned activities before they appear on the Club’s website. The AC regularly reviews Club protocols and policies related to activities to ensure we are following best practice and encourages new leaders by arranging mentors. To do all this, you need a good knowledge of the places we visit, the aforementioned wisdom of Solomon and an operational crystal ball.
Equipment Officer (Wendy)
Do you know the differences between a tent, a teepee and a Trangia? Then think about becoming Equipment Officer. The Club has a selection of equipment for hire and the Equipment Officer ensures this is in good condition and also makes recommendations for replacements or new items.
Social Convenor (Ira)
Many members reckon this is the most important job of all. The Social Convenor ensures we have venues for meetings and appropriate refreshments to enhance our sociability. This requires the organisational skills of a Field-Marshal and the uncanny ability to know how many sausages to order for the Christmas Party when you have no idea how many people are coming. Another responsibility is ensuring the President always has a packet of Tim Tams that never runs out.
Newsletter Editor (Eileen)
If you’ve read this far you’ll have a good idea of what the newsletter editor does. Eleven times a year I must compile a stunning publication packed with news, information and trip reports. You be the judge! The editor has the choice of being on the Committee or sitting outside it and getting the required information in other ways.
Website Manager (Suzanne)
Is responsible for all the back office stuff needed to maintain the Club’s website and, from this month, our Facebook page. It is a highly skilled position and hence is chosen by selection rather than election. The website manager also has the choice of being on the Committee or sitting outside it.
General member(s) (Tim)
This is the member without portfolio, or the odd job man who does a bit of everything as the need arises. Drawing on his vast experience of this and other Committees, Tim has put together some thoughts about what makes a good Committee member:
Bushwalking Clubs play a crucial role in providing education, safety training, and ongoing skill development for those keen to explore Victoria’s tracks. Here we explore the practical benefits of joining a bushwalking club, focusing on how they serve as invaluable resources for learning and safety in the wilderness.
Learning the Essentials:
For beginners, bushwalking can be overwhelming. Clubs offer structured guidance, teaching navigation skills, gear essentials, and survival techniques through workshops and outings. Some clubs even offer low or no-cost hire equipment.
Prioritising Safety:
Safety is non-negotiable both in the wilderness, and closer to home. Clubs can prioritise safety through training programs and resources, ensuring that members are equipped with the skills and knowledge to navigate the trails with confidence and caution.
Continuous Skill Development:
Bushwalking is a lifelong learning journey. Clubs may offer basic through to advanced navigation, first aid, and specialised outdoor skills to enhance members’ proficiency on the trails.
A Glimpse into Club Activities:
Recent club activities have showcased the diverse range of learning opportunities available:
Bushwalking Clubs are practical resources for walkers at every level. By prioritising learning and safety, clubs empower their members to explore the outdoors responsibly and confidently.
Twenty one BTAC volunteers worked with Parks Victoria to clear 7.6 km* of scrub overgrowth and fallen timber on the AAWT between Mt McDonald and Square Top on the weekend of 23-25th Feb.
This is an impressive section of the AAWT along the Great Dividing Range, with steep mountains and spectacular views, following the divide between the Jamison/Howqua watershed that flows north to the Murray and the Barkly/Macallister watershed that flows south to the Gippsland Lakes.
Though Saturday was a long and exhausting day (12 hours) there was a good sense of achievement among the volunteers. On getting back late in the day, it was great to have Tegan from Parks Victoria supporting us with the preparation and cooking of a delicious BBQ dinner.
Thanks to all the volunteers that put in so much effort; 360 work hours and spent over 175 hours travelling to and from the activity. Thanks to Parks Victoria. There was good synergy working with the Rangers, Jim Craven and Tegan Sharwood, on the planning, logistics and support. Thanks to Joe van Beek and Owen Morris for leading work teams.
*Knobs Track to Square Top – 6.4 kms 590m ascent, 350m descent. Knobs Track to Mt McDonald ridge line – 1.2 km, 150m ascent
More photos can be found HERE.
Compiled by Patrick Platt, Project Leader for BTAC
Meridian Maps have produced a small addition to the Brisbane Ranges map. It shows the new circuit walk in the Steiglitz Historic Park.
The PDF can be downloaded by going to the Notes Tab on the map page at Meridian Maps.
As more and more people head out into the wilderness, it is crucial that we do our part to keep our wilderness areas clean.
We shared this ABC article on our Facebook page, and it generated a lot of chat.
Do you carry a trowel? How about a poo pot? What’s your best advice for leaving no trace when it comes to toileting on bushwalks?
We would love to hear your thoughts. Join the conversation.