Category: Articles

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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.

Grampians Nav 3

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.

Grampians Nav 4
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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.

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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:

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.

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A Letter to Bushwalking Volunteers

Dear Bushwalking Volunteers,

Ahead of National Volunteer Week this May, we want to proudly celebrate the heart and soul of bushwalking in Victoria — YOU, our extraordinary volunteers.

Your time, your energy and your belief in the value of bushwalking keep our trails open, our communities connected, our bushwalkers safe and our wild places protected.

THANK YOU for every step, every meeting, every moment you’ve given. You inspire us all.

To our Bushwalking Club Volunteers:

Our clubs are a community service and you are the glue that holds them together. You give your time, skills and energy to lead walks, plan programs, manage memberships, maintain websites, handle finances, train new leaders, keep records, manage committees, coordinate events and so much more. Whether you're guiding people through the bush or quietly working behind the scenes, your contribution creates welcoming, active and resilient bushwalking communities. You make it possible for thousands of Victorians to connect with nature, build friendships and enjoy the benefits of bushwalking safely and sustainably.

Thanks to your selfless contributions, club membership remains incredibly affordable — sometimes just the cost of a few coffees. Yet for that small amount, new bushwalkers discover a vibrant community, unforgettable adventures and the kind of support that only passionate volunteers can offer.

To our Bushwalking Tracks and Conservation (BTAC) Volunteers:

Thank you for giving up your weekends, for the heavy lifting and the dirty work, often in remote and rugged places and in all weather conditions. You clear fallen trees, rebuild eroded tracks, repair bridges, install signage and advocate for the protection and maintenance of our precious walking environments. Your work is physically demanding and often unseen, but it is absolutely vital. Thanks to your dedication, countless walkers can safely access and enjoy the beautiful tracks across Victoria.

To our Bush Search and Rescue Victoria (BSAR) Volunteers:

Your expertise, skills and commitment provide immense comfort to every bushwalker. Knowing that if the worst happens — if someone becomes lost or injured — there is a highly trained, professional and compassionate team ready to respond brings great reassurance to our entire community. You volunteer your time at a moment’s notice, often in challenging conditions and difficult terrain, to search tirelessly and bring people home safely. Your courage, teamwork and selflessness embody the very best of what it means to serve and support others in the outdoors.

To our BWV Board and Conveners:

Your time and commitment go well beyond attending a monthly meeting. You provide strategic direction, advocate for bushwalking at the state and national levels, build partnerships, guide projects and help tackle the complex issues that affect our trails, parks, and clubs. You bring expertise, energy and leadership to every decision, often behind the scenes and always with the best interests of the bushwalking community at heart. Your contributions shape the future of bushwalking in Victoria and strengthen the voice of walkers everywhere.

To our Leadership Training Committee volunteers:

Thank you for your dedication to developing the next generation of walk leaders. Through your planning, mentoring and training, you are passing on vital skills and ensuring that our clubs continue to offer safe, enjoyable and inspiring bushwalking experiences. Your work builds confidence, leadership and community spirit among bushwalkers, and your impact will be felt on every track, with every new leader who steps forward.

To our Project, Event, and Support volunteers:

Thank you for stepping up whenever needed — whether it’s contributing to projects, assisting during Try Bushwalking Month, sharing your skills in communications, or supporting behind the scenes with admin and training. Your steady, often unseen efforts are essential to the success of our programs, the strength of our community, and our ability to share the joy of bushwalking with more people.

A special thank you to the FedWalks Committee — your dedication, time, and countless hours of planning and coordination make this flagship event possible. Your work exemplifies the commitment and passion that drive our community forward.

At Bushwalking Victoria, we know that volunteering is more than giving time — it’s about connection, purpose and shared passion. In a world that’s moving faster than ever, the spirit of volunteering reminds us of what truly matters: community, care and protecting what we love.

Through your efforts, you are not only enriching lives — you’re preserving the places we treasure for generations to come. And together, we're showing what a volunteer-driven movement can achieve.

To all our volunteers: thank you.

For showing up. For sharing your skills. For believing in the power of nature to bring people together. You are the true stewards of Victoria’s bushwalking future.

With deep gratitude,

 

Richelle Olsen
Executive Officer
Bushwalking Victoria

National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering and it highlights the important role of volunteers in our community and invites people not currently volunteering to give it a go.

 

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Your Hiking Crew Is Growing – Now What?

More and more people are getting into hiking through informal groups - weekend hikes with friends, Facebook or Instagram groups, Meetup crews, and local networks. It’s social, flexible, and a great way to get outdoors.

These groups often feel pretty different to traditional bushwalking clubs. They’re usually more casual, easier to join, and a bit more spontaneous - which is a good thing. It shows bushwalking is growing and changing.

But as groups get bigger or more active, a few questions tend to pop up. Things like how to stay organised, how to keep everyone included, and how to keep trips safe and running smoothly.

This isn’t about overcomplicating things - just about making sure what’s working now can keep working as your group grows.

What changes as your group grows?

A small group of mates is easy. But once more people start joining or more walks get planned, things can shift:

  • More people to coordinate
  • Different fitness and experience levels
  • More pressure on whoever’s organising
  • Higher expectations around planning

That’s all normal. But it can help to think ahead. Some common questions groups start asking:

  • How do we keep things running smoothly?
  • How do we support people who step up to lead?
  • What happens if something goes wrong? 
  • Do we need to think about insurance?

You’re not the first to ask these - a lot of established clubs have worked through the same challenges over time.

What about bushwalking clubs?

Let’s be honest - bushwalking clubs can have a bit of a reputation for being older or more formal. And while many do have long-standing members, that’s not the whole story.

Clubs can offer things like:

  • Systems for organising walks
  • Support for walk leaders
  • Insurance and risk management
  • Mentoring and a community with many, many years of experience

The real question isn’t whether these things are useful - it’s whether the style feels right for your group.

Do you need to become a club?

Not necessarily. Some groups want to stay exactly as they are - and that’s totally fine. Others start wondering if there’s a middle ground. Something that keeps the relaxed, social vibe but adds a bit of structure where it helps. That could look like:

  • Keeping things flexible and social
  • Adding simple systems as you grow
  • Getting access to training or support
  • Sharing leadership across the group

It’s not about changing your identity - just supporting it as it evolves.

Staying informal (but still connected)

You don’t have to become a formal club to stay on track. But staying connected to the wider bushwalking community can be really valuable:

  • Learn from other groups
  • Pick up tips and good ideas
  • Get support when things get tricky
  • Team up for bigger opportunities

You can stay independent and connected at the same time.

A quick check-in for your group

If your group is growing, it might be worth a quick chat amongst your hike organisers about:

  • Where do we want to be in a year or two?
  • Do our organisers and leaders feel supported?
  • Are we set up to handle different skill levels?
  • Have we thought about safety and risk (including insurance)?

There’s no pressure, no “right” answer - just a chance to stay ahead of the curve.

Want to connect?

Bushwalking Victoria supports all kinds of walking groups - formal and informal. That might mean:

  • Staying informal but linking in to the bushwalking community
  • Getting advice or mentoring
  • Exploring affiliation or starting something new
  • Or just having a chat

If you’re curious, reach out.  We are a friendly bunch who love supporting people to get into nature.  Email us at admin@bushwalkingvictoria.org.au

Bushwalking is for everyone - and there’s no one “right” way to be part of it.

Thanks to The Hiking Tribe for the excellent image

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“Heading Out” for a Quick Hike – Lessons from the Celine Cremer Tragedy

When you’re heading out for a quick hike, it’s easy to think: It’s only a short walk. I’ll be fine. That mindset is exactly what safety experts warn against.

The tragic story of Celine Cremer is a powerful reminder of how quickly things can go wrong - even on a simple outing.

In 2023, Celine set out alone for what was meant to be a short walk near Philosopher Falls in Tasmania. She relied on her phone for navigation. She didn’t return.

Her disappearance triggered a large-scale search. Sadly, her remains were only found much later, after family and friends organised their own efforts. In the ABC Australian Story, her friends and family share a simple message that hits hard:

Before your next hike, ask yourself:

  • Who knows where I’m going?
  • What’s my backup if my phone fails?
  • Am I prepared if something goes wrong - even for a short walk?

You can watch and read more here:

The key lessons every walker needs to hear

1. Always tell someone where you’re going

This is one of the simplest - and most important - safety steps. Before you leave:

  • Tell someone your planned route
  • Let them know when you expect to be back
  • Agree on when they should raise the alarm if you don’t check in

If something goes wrong, this information can make the difference between a quick rescue and a long search.

2. Your phone is a tool - not a safety plan

Phones are great… until they’re not. In remote areas:

  • Signal can disappear
  • GPS accuracy drops (especially in dense forest or valleys)
  • Apps like Google Maps aren’t built for bush tracks

Even offline maps have limits - they often miss terrain detail, hazards, and smaller tracks.

Better approach:

  • Carry a paper map
  • Bring a compass
  • Use a proper hiking GPS or app designed for bushwalking
  • Always have a backup

3. Stay on track (especially if you’re inexperienced)

Going off-track might seem harmless - a shortcut, a quick detour, a better photo.But it’s one of the fastest ways to get lost.

Tracks exist for a reason:

  • They’re mapped and maintained
  • They reduce navigation errors
  • They help rescuers find you if needed

If you’re still building experience, stick to marked routes.

4. There’s no such thing as a “just a short walk”

Many incidents happen close to the trailhead. Short walks can still involve:

  • Changing weather
  • Slippery or uneven terrain
  • Poor signage
  • Limited phone coverage

Treat every walk with respect:

  • Check the conditions
  • Bring water and snacks
  • Pack basic safety gear. (First aid kit, lightweight bivvy bag, waterproof clothing)
  • Wear appropriate clothing

5. If you get lost - stop moving

It’s instinct to keep walking and “try to find your way out.” But that often makes things worse.

If you’re lost:

  • Stop
  • Stay where you are
  • Make yourself visible
  • Conserve energy

Search teams work from your last known location. Staying put gives them the best chance of finding you quickly.

Learn the basics before you go

The Bushwalking Victoria Bushwalking Manual is a great starting point for understanding navigation, preparation, and safety. It’s practical, beginner-friendly, and designed for exactly these situations.

Celine Cremer’s story is heartbreaking - but it’s also preventable. Hiking doesn’t have to be risky. With a bit of preparation and the right mindset, it’s one of the safest and most rewarding ways to spend time outdoors.

So before your next hike, ask yourself:

  • Who knows where I’m going?
  • What’s my backup if my phone fails?
  • Am I prepared if something goes wrong - even for a short walk?

Because getting home safely is the goal, every time.

 

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A Glimpse of the Great South West Walk

A Glimpse of the Great South West Walk

This film features the insights and experiences of three walkers who traveled through this rugged and beautiful landscape. This unforgettable journey winds around three National Parks, the pristine Glenelg River and the vast Southern Ocean.

The 2026 Fedwalks event is hosted by the Friends of the Great South West Walk, based out of Portland, Victoria.  Open to bushwalking club members and Bushwalking Victoria individual members, we are looking forward to seeing sections of the walk in ways only the locals can show you.  Keep the 10-11th of October, 2026 free in your calendar.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the making of this production, including the Friends of the Great South West Walk, the Portland Field Naturalists Club, Powerhouse Productions, Glenelg Shire Council and the many volunteers who assisted in so many ways.

Get more details on the Great South West Walk, or walk with the Friends of the Great South West Walk.

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Learning to Lead with Confidence: Inside BWV’s Walk Leader Training

Bushwalking Victoria invited us to attend the BWV Walk Leader Training, and what an incredible and rewarding experience it turned out to be! It was a fantastic opportunity to learn, grow, and gain valuable knowledge that will help us lead hikes more safely and confidently in the future.

The training covered a wide range of essential skills. One of the highlights was learning how to properly use a compass alongside a map for navigation. Even though modern navigation apps are widely available, the training reinforced how important it is to understand traditional navigation methods, especially in remote areas where technology can fail or signals can drop. It was both fascinating and empowering to develop these practical skills.

We also learned in detail about what it truly takes to lead a hike successfully. From planning routes, assessing risks, managing group dynamics, and ensuring participant safety, to preparing for different environmental and weather conditions – the session gave us a much deeper understanding of the responsibilities that come with leading outdoor adventures.

Another extremely valuable part of the training focused on emergency preparedness. We were guided through how to respond if an injury or accident occurs during a hike, including how to stay calm, assess the situation, provide immediate assistance, and coordinate help when required. These are critical skills that can make a real difference in ensuring everyone’s safety on the trail.

It was a long and intensive day filled with learning, discussions, and hands-on activities, but every moment of it was absolutely worth it. We walked away with new knowledge, improved confidence, and a stronger sense of responsibility as hike leaders.

We sincerely thank Bushwalking Victoria for providing us with this amazing opportunity and for their continued support in helping build safer and more skilled outdoor communities. We are truly grateful and excited to apply what we learned in future hikes and adventures.

Author: The Hiking Tribe

Note from Bushwalking Victoria:

Bushwalking Victoria organises Leader Training days several times a year for affiliated clubs and individual members.  Dates are usually announced in the Bushwalking Victoria Newsletter.  Subscribe Here.

In addition, Bushwalking Victoria has produced the online Bushwalking Victoria Leader Resources.  While these resources are intended to support leadership within bushwalking clubs, the practical advice, reference material and learning activities can also act as a prompt to individuals wishing to arrange and conduct group walks in the Australian bush.

There is no substitute for actually leading a walk. Most organised bushwalking clubs will arrange for a new leader to work with an experienced mentor. Use the resources on this site to guide your thinking about how to prepare and what to do as a leader of a group on a bushwalk.

 

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If you could give your “beginner hiker self” one piece of advice – what would it be?

Sometimes the best advice doesn’t come from manuals or gear lists. It comes from people who’ve learned the hard way, one step at a time. Recently, the Facebook page Hike Like a Woman asked its community a simple question: “If you could give your "beginner hiker self" one piece of advice, what would it be?”

The responses poured in. Practical. Honest. Encouraging. Occasionally hard-earned. Together, they form a brilliant beginner’s guide, straight from the trail.

Here are the key lessons that came through loud and clear.

1. Hike Your Own Hike

  • Again and again, walkers reminded beginners that it’s not a race.
  • Go at your own pace. Take breaks. Stop comparing your distance, speed or fitness to others. Some days you’ll fly, some days you’ll crawl. Both count.
  • Put one foot in front of the other. Slow down. Look around. Enjoy the journey, not just the destination.

2. Shoes and Socks Matter (A Lot)

If there was one unanimous theme, this was it.

  • Wear shoes with good grip
  • Buy footwear that fits you, often half to one size bigger
  • Don’t wear brand-new boots on a big walk
  • Wool socks are worth the investment
  • Some swear by boots, others by trail runners or sandals in warm weather.
  • There’s no single “right” answer, just what works for your feet.

3. Poles Are Not Cheating

  • Hiking poles came up over and over, especially for downhill sections.
  • They help with balance, reduce strain on knees and hips, and can make long days far more comfortable. Many wished they’d started using them earlier.
  • A common tip from the community was to learn how to use poles properly, because technique really matters.

4. Carry Less, But Carry Smart

  • “You don’t need as much as you think you do” was a recurring refrain.
  • Lighten your pack where you can, but don’t skip the essentials. Carry the basics, including first aid, and think about how far you’ll have to carry every item you bring.
  • As one walker put it, know what to carry, when to carry it, and how many kilometres you’ll carry it for.

5. Eat, Drink, and Rest Before You Think You Need To

  • Hydration and fuel matter more than beginners often realise.
  • Drink before you feel thirsty.
  • If you’re suddenly exhausted, stop and eat. You’re probably hungry.
  • If you think you’ve brought enough water, bring a bit more.
  • Small snacks, regular breaks, and enough sleep before a hike all add up to a safer, happier day out.

6. Prepare, But Don’t Wait Forever

  • Preparation matters. Planning matters. But so does actually getting out the door.
  • Half the battle is starting. Don’t wait until everything feels perfect. You’re stronger than you think, and experience is the best teacher.
  • Plan properly, then go.

7. Safety Comes Before Summits

  • Several comments reminded beginners that the mountain will always be there.
  • If conditions aren’t safe, turn back. If the weather changes, adjust your plans. There’s no shame in choosing another day.
  • Being prepared also means knowing when not to continue.

8. Solo or With Others, Both Are Valid

  • Some encouraged hiking with a buddy. Others spoke passionately about solo walking.
  • The consensus was clear. Both are fine, as long as you plan appropriately, know your limits, and take responsibility for your safety.
  • There’s no single “right” way to experience the trail.

9. Strength, Stretching and Recovery Matter

  • Bushwalking isn’t just about walking.
  • Stretch regularly. Strengthen feet, ankles and joints. Build strength off the track as well as on it. Your body will thank you, especially on the descents.

10. Be Present

Finally, beyond gear and technique, many people shared something deeper.

  • Stop. Look around. Put yourself in the way of beauty. Be open to discomfort, healing, joy, and the quiet moments that happen between footsteps.
  • For many, bushwalking becomes more than exercise. It becomes a way to reconnect.

One Last Piece of Advice

  • Just go.
  • Don’t wait. Don’t overthink it. Hike more often. Enjoy every step. It’s almost always worth it.

With thanks to the community at Hike Like a Woman for sparking the conversation and generously sharing their hard-earned wisdom.

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Magical Mountain Mystery Tour trip report

Bayside Bushwalking Club returned to Mount Howitt for its annual four-day walk, after a two-year break.  Sometimes we don’t make it because of bushfires, road closures or the occasional bout of horizontal hail!

On day one, Paul, Louise, Margaret, Rosie and I walked the 5 km into the Macalister Springs campsite and set up camp for the next three nights.  At around 3 am, a spectacular lightning and thunderstorm swept through, bringing a short but intense downpour.  Fortunately, everyone stayed warm and dry, and the weather remained kind for the rest of the trip.

A misty start for the intrepid bushwalkers (Photo: Rosie Erlandsen)

 

Mist, Mountains and Memories

On the final day of 2025, we headed North along the Cross Cut Saw towards Mount Buggery.  Low cloud lingered all day, limiting the mountain views to occasional fleeting glimpses, but this added to the atmosphere.  A highlight was spotting a rare grey currawong.

Back in camp, we caught up with a lovely family whom Paul and Louise had met 5 years earlier, when the boys, Martin and Owen, were just 3 and 5 years old.  Owen delighted us by making cute little grass wreaths and left them around the Vallejo Gantner hut and trees for us to discover.

Loo with a misty view (Photo: Jeff McDonell)

 

New Year’s Eve on the Track

That evening, we celebrated NYE with Hannah, who was walking the Australian Alpine Walking Track (AAWT) solo from Canberra to Walhalla – an impressive 35-day journey!  She appreciated the company on New Year’s Eve and we were later pleased to see that she successfully completed the entire walk.  Well done, Hannah!  We attempted to celebrate New Zealand New Year’s Eve at 9 pm, but I think we were all in bed by about 8.30.

The Viking with walkers bottom left (Photo: Jeff McDonell)

 

Starting 2026 on the Right Foot

We welcomed 2026 by heading up Mount Howitt, continuing the tradition of  a celebratory drink at the summit and starting the year ‘on the right foot’.  Clear skies rewarded us with magnificent views across to Mount Buller, Mount Speculation, The Viking, Mount Beauty and beyond.

As planned, we then headed south towards Mount Magdala.  After a couple of hours walking, we opted for an early lunch with a leisurely stroll back to camp.

A Fitting Finish

On our final night, we shared the last of our New Year’s Eve treats we had carried in and spent an enjoyable evening of conversation before another early night.  Day four was an easy 5 km walk back to the Mount Howitt car park – thankfully no flat battery this year-  with lighter packs and lighter minds for having camped out for 4 days while enjoying the natural beauty of the Australian bush.

It was a magical trip, with magnificent alpine views, a mysterious day wrapped in mist, with the early alpine wildflowers brightening the landscape.  Here’s hoping we’ll see you there next year.

Early alpine wildflowers (Photo: Rosie Erlandsen)

 

Report by Jeff McDonell