Category: News

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A New Era for Victorian Parks: 78,838 hectares of public land transferred to Parks Victoria

On 5 October 2026, 78,838 hectares of public land in Victoria’s Central West and South Gippsland will be officially transferred to Parks Victoria management, creating over 65,000 hectares of new national parks.

In total, Parks Victoria will be managing three new national parks, three new conservation reserves, seven new or expanded regional parks and almost 30 nature and bushland reserves. For bushwalkers, the transition provides long-term protection for important natural and cultural landscapes while continuing to support bushwalking and other outdoor recreation activities.

Key Parks & Recommended Walks

  • Wombat-Lerderderg National Park (~44,000 ha): Combines Lerderderg State Park with major parts of Wombat State Forest. Protects key walking corridors on the Great Divide Trail between Bacchus Marsh, Blackwood, and Daylesford.
  • Mount Buangor National Park: Combines the existing state park with parts of Mount Cole State Forest. Features granite peaks, waterfalls, and the popular 21 km overnight Beeripmo Walk.
  • Pyrenees National Park: Covers the rugged Pyrenees Range near Avoca, protecting dry eucalyptus forest and steep ridgeline tracks.  This includes the challenging 22km Pyrenees Endurance Walk
  • Mirboo North Conservation Park: Formerly the Strzelecki/Darimulra Block, protecting native tall forest and rainforest gullies in South Gippsland, including the kid-friendly Lyrebird Forest Walk along Little Morwell River.
  • Cobaw & Hepburn Conservation Parks: Protect granite boulder landscapes in the Cobaw Ranges and mineral spring gullies along the Goldfields Track near Hepburn Springs, and the Cobaw Pinnacle Loop near Lancefield.

Practical Info for Walkers & Clubs

  • Permitted Activities: Bushwalking, day hiking, picnicking, and nature observation continue across the new and expanded parks and reserves.
  • Bush Camping: Dispersed bush camping remains permitted in specified former state forest zones within Wombat-Lerderderg, Mount Buangor, and Pyrenees National Parks. Check local park regulations before heading out.
  • Planning Trips: You will find an extensive table of changes, including updated boundaries, track conditions, and park alerts on the Parks Victoria Central West Transition Page.

Bushwalking Victoria warmly welcomes this landmark transfer. Protecting these continuous green corridors ensures that walkers can continue to experience Victoria's rich natural landscapes for generations to come.

Cover Image: Melbourne Bushwalkers - Wombat - Lerderderg National Park

Lerderderg Amarok 4x4 club
Wombat - Lerderderg National Park - Amarok 4x4 Club
Melton Bushwalking Club - Beeripmo Walk
Melton Bushwalking Club - Beeripmo Walk
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Give the Alps a Boost this Summer

The snow may have been disappointing, but the mountains are still calling

It’s been a tough winter for many of Victoria’s alpine communities. Poor snow conditions have meant a difficult season for ski resorts, accommodation providers, cafés, shops and other businesses that rely heavily on winter visitors.

But there’s another season waiting in the mountains – the green season. Spring, summer and autumn are wonderful times to explore the Alps on foot. The snow gives way to alpine wildflowers, flowing waterfalls, open high plains and spectacular mountain views. Longer days make it possible to enjoy everything from shorter walks to challenging day and multi-day hikes.

Take your walking group to the mountains
Why not consider an alpine weekend for your club or walking group? Mount Buffalo, the Bogong High Plains, Falls Creek, Mount Hotham, Dinner Plain and the surrounding alpine areas all offer plenty of opportunities for walking.

Stay for a few nights, plan several walks and enjoy the mountains at a more relaxed pace. There are plenty of accommodation options, including commercial accommodation, privately owned lodges, club-run lodges, cabins, huts and camping. Staying locally rather than simply making a day trip means more
time to explore – and more support for the communities that welcome walkers. Your accommodation, meals, coffee, fuel and other spending all contribute to local businesses.

A great trip that also helps
The alpine communities have supported walkers and outdoor enthusiasts for generations. After a poor snow season, a few extra visitors during the green season can make a difference.

So when you're planning your next walking adventure, consider heading to the Alps and staying a little longer. Book the lodge. Get a group together. Plan some walks. Enjoy the mountains - and help keep their communities thriving all year round.

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The Catholic Walking Club of Victoria Celebrates 75 Years

This year marks 75 years since the Catholic Walking Club of Victoria first brought together people who share a love of walking, faith and the Australian bush.  On Sunday 24 May, around 60 members and guests gathered at St Thomas the Apostle school hall in Blackburn to celebrate the club’s 75th anniversary.

Cutting the 75th Anniversary cake

 

Club President Malcom Merrey welcomed guests to the celebration, which began with prayer in gratitude for creation and the experience of love and friendship while walking together in nature.

A slideshow presentation featuring photographs from three eras of the club’s history (1951-1976, 1976-2001 and 2001-2026) prompted stories and reflections as members shared memories from decades of walking together.  Speakers included long-time members, each reflecting on the life of the club during their respective eras.

The club’s strong photographic tradition was also on display, with historic photo albums safely kept within the Archdiocese of Melbourne archives exhibited alongside more recent albums.

The afternoon concluded with a toast, the cutting of a cake, and time shared over refreshments and conversation, celebrating not only the history of the club, but the enduring friendships and community it continues to foster.

Membership of the CWCV is open to anyone 18 years of age and over who is genuinely interested in bushwalking.  Anyone interested in joining, or finding out more, should visit the website.

Autumn in Olinda

Mt Loch Summit

Feathertop views steep descent to MUMC hut

Cross country skiing

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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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BTAC Track Maintenance, Myrtle Loop Walk, Yarra Ranges NP

The aim of this project was to reopen the Myrtle Loop Walk at the Beeches Picnic Area on Lady Talbot Drive out of Marysville. This short (600m) loop walk had been closed for a long time due to lots of large fallen timber after the Black Saturday fires.

To work out the scope of the job, Ranger Steve, John and myself did a recce in the week before. We found the line of the track sometimes with great difficulty, needing to negotiate multiple large logs across each other. It didn’t take long for us to realise that this is a high value track that would be worth the effort to re-establish. It is a fine example of the regenerating Myrtle Beech and Ash forest of the area. There is lots of interesting fungi on display at present.

 

The plan of attack was to put a team of 2 arbor saws, a hedgetrimmer and thrower through to clear space for the big saws and track clearers to work. As there was much wood in varying states of decay on the track, the clearers were armed with crowbars and mattock to break it up or lever it off the track. A brushcutter did a final cleanup after everyone was through.

We took advantage of being only 300m from the trailer and had a sausage sizzle for lunch with tea or coffee with carrot cake.

The teams worked through the track very efficiently (maybe the caffeine at lunch helped) and we completed the circuit by the end of the day.

Marysville Caravan Park was a good base being very close to a bakery and pub. No doubt we all enjoyed a pub meal in the evening with the satisfaction of having worked well as a team and finishing the job earlier than expected. To quote one volunteer, “it was good to see a worthwhile track transition from woe to go”.

11 Volunteers – 5 chainsaws, 1 hedgetrimmer, 1 brushcutter, 2 crowbars, mattock and rake.

600m of track cleared (re-established) in 77 volunteer work hours plus 46 travel hours.

Patrick Platt

Activity Leader

8-10 May 2026

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BTAC AAWT Square Top Clearing

The AAWT in the region of Square Top had a clearing in February 2024. However, the job was not completed, principally because of the long distance to walk in the tools from The Nobs. After much consideration, planning, postponing and re-planning, the job was finally done in mid-May. Two rangers and four BTAC volunteers met in Mansfield on Thursday 14 May. In two Parks Vic vehicles, we drove up Mount Clear Track to camp about 1 km west of where this 4WD track meets the AAWT, about 2 km north of Mt Clear. That afternoon, we walked our tools, fuel and protective gear up over Mt Clear to the saddle just before Square Top, leaving it there in preparation for the next day.

On day 2 we walked in again over Mt Clear and set to work. There was plenty for the chainsaws to do but relatively light work for the hedge trimmers, until we came to the saddle half-way along Square Top. We were then faced with chest-high overgrowing scrub of alpine pea, completely obscuring the track. We managed to cut a wide path through and met up with the start of the previously cleared work, just in time to begin our walk back. With the chainsaws doing a little further tidying up along the way, we arrived back at the vehicles just as the daylight was fading.

Rangers James and Emily excelled in catering for us, including cooking a delicious barbecue meal both nights. We were glad to have had the job postponed to this time: the weather was perfect- clear
skies and cool, sunny days.

Another small section of the AAWT has been improved.

John Green

14-16 May 2026

 

 

 

 

 

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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.