Category: Information

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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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The Most Dangerous Part of Your Hike Might Be the Road

Sometimes when a track ends or a loop doesn’t quite join up, it’s tempting to walk a short stretch along a road to connect trails or return to your car. But what might seem like a harmless shortcut can actually be one of the riskiest parts of your walk.

Recently, Victoria Police raised concerns after reports of hiking groups using the notorious Black Spur in Narbethong, an 80 km/h road with no shoulder, sharp corners, and limited visibility, to link between tracks. Roads like this are not designed for pedestrians, and walking along them puts both walkers and drivers at serious risk of injury or death.

Why walking on high speed roads is dangerous

High speed roads, particularly in the country, often:

  • Have no verge or shoulder, leaving no safe space to step aside for passing traffic

  • Include blind corners, crests, and dips that limit driver visibility

  • Carry vehicles travelling at high speeds, giving little time to react

  • Lack footpaths, warning signs, or lighting

  • Are not places drivers expect to come across a group of walkers

Even small groups of walkers can take up more space than expected, forcing drivers to brake or swerve suddenly. In these conditions, a moment’s misjudgment can be catastrophic.

Plan to avoid road sections

Good trip planning helps you avoid risky connections:

  • Check maps carefully, including topographic and satellite views, to see if a walking track truly connects or if there’s a gap via road.

  • Plan alternatives, such as starting your walk at a different trailhead, using two vehicles for a car shuffle, or turning back at a scenic point.

  • Use established shared trails or roadside paths where available (e.g., rail trails or multi-use tracks).

  • Ask locals or Parks Victoria rangers if a route includes a road section before you go.

If you must walk along a road

Sometimes there’s no other option. If you absolutely must walk a short section along a road:

  • Walk single file, facing oncoming traffic (unless it’s unsafe to do so on a blind bend).

  • Wear bright or reflective clothing, even during the day.

  • Use headlamps or torches if visibility is poor.

  • Stay alert, no headphones, no distractions.

  • Move off the road surface entirely whenever a vehicle approaches.

  • Avoid blindly following the person ahead of you, your safety is your own responsibility.

For group leaders

If you’re leading a walk, it’s your responsibility to assess and manage road risks:

  • Review the route in advance and avoid any high-speed or blind-corner road sections.

  • Include safe access points in your walk notes and risk assessment.

  • Brief participants on what to do if the group encounters a road unexpectedly.

Bottom line: Roads are built for cars, not walkers. Even a short roadside stretch can expose your group to serious danger. A few minutes of planning can keep everyone safe, and keep bushwalking about enjoying the bush, not the bitumen.

The Black Spur, Narbethong.  Stunning, but deadly.

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Don’t Just Follow the Leader: Stay Safe on a Group Walk

What do you really know about the group you’re walking with? Joining a group walk is a fantastic way to explore new trails, meet like-minded people, and enjoy nature safely. But even in good company, your safety is ultimately your responsibility. Being prepared means you can relax, enjoy the scenery, and have fun knowing you’re ready for whatever the trail throws at you. Just never assume someone else will take care of everything.

How to Look After Yourself on a Group Walk

✅ Do Your Homework

  • Ask the leader: Where exactly are we going? How long will it take? What’s the walk grade? What's the group size?

  • Are the group leaders experienced in leading a walks like this one?  Does the group have insurance?

  • Make sure the walk and the group matches your fitness and experience level.

  • Check the weather forecast before you leave.  Be prepared to cancel or change your plans based on weather.

✅ Bring Your Own Map

  • Carry a paper map or download an offline map to your phone. If you get separated, it’s up to you to know where you are, don’t rely solely on the leader.  Google Maps - Offline and Maps.Me are good options, but you must download the maps to your phone before you leave home.

  • Do not rely on Alltrails as your single source of information, as it is known to be incorrect at times (Article: The Issue with Alltrails - Trail Hiking Australia.)

✅ Pack Your Essentials

  • At least 2 litres of water (more on hot days)

  • Snacks or lunch to keep your energy up

  • A small first aid kit (snake-bite bandage, emergency bivvy bag, bandaids, pain relief, any personal medication)

  • Warm or waterproof clothing, even if the day looks fine.

  • Torch

  • Wear hiking boots, or very sturdy trail runners

✅ Be Prepared for Emergencies

  • Check if anyone in the group has a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). If not, see if you can borrow or hire one.

  • Let a friend or family member know your plan, expected return time, contact details for who you are going with and let them know what to do if you do not return on time.  Victoria Police have a good trip intention form you can complete and share with friends/family.

  • Know what to do if you get lost.  Stop.  Stay calm and assess your surroundings.  Try to backtrack to determine if you are actually lost.  Read more about what to do if you get lost in the Bushwalking Manual.

✅ Stay Aware, Don’t Just Follow

  • Pay attention to where you are on the track. Notice junctions, landmarks, and how far you’ve gone.  Take photos of trail information signs.
  • If something doesn’t feel right, or makes you feel uncomfortable, speak up.  Maybe like the group is pushing on in bad weather, running out of daylight, or heading in the wrong direction. Safety is the responsibility of everyone, not just the leader.

The Bottom Line

Walking with a group can be one of the most rewarding ways to experience nature. By taking a few simple steps - bringing your own gear, knowing the route, and asking the right questions - you’re not only looking after yourself, you’re helping the whole group enjoy the walk safely.

When everyone takes responsibility, adventures become safer, more enjoyable, and memorable for all the right reasons. So get out there, explore, and make the most of every trail with confidence.

Find a Bushwalking Club near you.

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Safety Smartphone Apps for Hikers

Smartphones are powerful tools for bushwalkers, helping you stay safe, navigate trails, and stay informed about conditions. While no app replaces good planning, a map, or basic bushwalking skills, having the right apps on your phone can make a big difference in your hiking experience. Here’s our guide to must-have apps for Victorian bushwalkers.

Tell 000 your Location: The Emergency + app

Purpose: Helps you communicate your exact location to emergency services.

How it works: Emergency+ uses your phone’s GPS to provide precise latitude and longitude coordinates, including integration with What3Words, so emergency services can locate you quickly, even in remote areas with poor signal.

When to use: In an emergency, tapping the 000 and other emergency numbers will use your phone to call that service.  You can then use the app’s built-in GPS (including What3Words) to give precise Lat/Long location info to emergency services.

Important:

  • If there is no mobile coverage on any network, you may not be able to reach the Emergency Call Service via some mobile phones.
  • Always keep your phone charged and consider a portable power bank for longer trips.

Emergency + is available for Apple and Android

Check before, and as you go: The VicEmergency app

Purpose: Helps to keep you informed about emergencies and hazards in your area.

How it works: VicEmergency provides real-time alerts for bushfires, floods, and other hazards. You can check conditions before your walk and receive notifications while out on the trail, subject to network availability.

When to use:

  • Before your walk: Check for bushfires, floods, or trail closures in your area.

  • During your walk: Get real-time warnings about hazards nearby (subject to network availability)

VicEmergency App is available for Apple and Android

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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:

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Oscars Hut 2 Hut Trek/Run Challenge – New Events

The iconic Oscars Hut 2 Hut Trek/Run Challenge, raising funds for Autism, now has some great new formats for 20-22 February 2026:

Relay Teams Event: Leg 1: 38km, Leg 2: 35km, Leg 3: 27km – 24hrs to finish, limited to 20 teams.

Multi-day Half Miler (solo): Day 1: 23kms, Day 2: 50kms, Day 3: 10kms. Lalas event: 23km

Plus the usual events: 100km (over 1, 2 or 3 days), 50km and10km.

Read More

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Newbies volunteering opportunity with Bushwalking Tracks and Conservation this July

The July 13-14th track maintenance activity will be at Bunyip State Park and Kurth Kiln Regional Park, under 90mins from Melbourne. This will be an opportunity for lesser experienced volunteers to be coached on the job by more experienced volunteers.

So come along, grab a brush-cutter or hedge-trimmer, learn new skills, help clear some tracks and meet some great new people. Optional camping available.

Learn More

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Help Shape the Future of Victoria’s Alpine Resorts

Mt Stirling in the snow

Have your say on the 2026–2030 Alpine Resorts Strategic Plan

The Victorian Government is currently developing the 2026–2030 Alpine Resorts Strategic Plan, and public consultation is open until 6 July 2025. This is a critical opportunity for bushwalkers and nature lovers to have input into the future management of our alpine areas.

Victoria’s alpine resorts are more than just winter destinations. They are year-round natural assets, valued by bushwalkers for their stunning scenery, unique ecosystems, and remote trail networks. How these areas are managed in the coming years will have a direct impact on our access to trails, conservation of alpine biodiversity, and the overall experience of walking in these precious landscapes.

The draft Strategic Plan will guide decisions about tourism development, infrastructure, climate adaptation, and environmental protection. It’s essential that recreational users who value low-impact enjoyment of the alpine environment make their voices heard.

We encourage all members to:

  • Visit the Engage Victoria website
  • Read the draft plan and background information
  • Provide your feedback through the online survey or submission process

Your input can help ensure that bushwalking and nature-based recreation remain a priority in planning decisions and that the unique character of Victoria’s alpine landscapes is protected for future generations.

Read the draft plan and have your say

Submissions close 6 July 2025.

Let’s make sure the bushwalking community is represented in this important conversation.