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BTAC Activity Report: Mt Buffalo National Park Track Clearing 27 Feb to 1 March 26

10 BTAC Volunteers met with Parks Vic Ranger Zoey Godfrey at the Lake Catani campground on Friday 27 for a welcome and induction in preparation for an early start the next day. Zoey outlined her expectations and safety requirements and that we would be working on Saturday morning to clear tracks in the Le Souf Plateau area of the Mt Buffalo National Park.

When we left Melbourne heavy rainfall was underway across Victoria and by good fortune avoided Mt Buffalo and we able to get the job done in fine and warm conditions.

The trip was a first visit to Mt Buffalo for some volunteers.  As the work progressed all expressed admiration for the ever present expansive views of the rugged granite  terrain  and surrounding mountains, and this is reflected in the photos.

The Lake Catani campground is a Parks Vic hidden gem.  It has first class camping facilities and is a great place to chill out or go for a walk after working on the tracks,  Some volunteers opted to take up Parks kind offer of staying on an extra night.

The project was conducted safely with no reported safety incidents or issues.

The  main work objectives  for the weekend were to:

  • clear by brush cutting, hedge trimming , and raking excessive vegetation over tracks in the Le Souf Plateau and Cathedral area.
  • locate and clear drainage features on pathways, conserving their heritage value and sensitivity to further erosion using line trimming, matocking where appropriate and blowing to expose as well as cleanup

Tracks in this area contain frequent formed stone  steps and staircases . They have been in place for more than 50 years and required careful treatment so as to not disturb the placement of each rock step and its water drain features, and not to cause damage that will create future erosion issues.

The team used normal brush cutting, raking and tossing methods to clear excessive vegetation.  The ensuing drainage maintenance was more of a conservation exercise with track features passed first with a pack mounted blower and then carefully manicured with line trimmers and some low impact matocking before the blower was used as a final debris removal leaving the stairs, etc. looking like brand new!

Blowing causes leaves, accumulated dirt and debris to fly everywhere. We were fortunate to have hot showers at the Lake Catani campsite so we could all get clean at end of day.  This process, implemented recently by Zoey certainly is effective on rock stair tracks but not so on sandy surfaces where the powerful air flow can easily erode the track surface.  Well done to Robyn, Emily and Toby for their enthusiastic adoption of this new BTAC technology!

Other worthy mentions are Heather, Mark, Phil, Colin and Yvonne, for their constant hard work on brush cutting, raking and tossing, and to Peter for celebrating his birthday with us!   Also thanks to Zoey for the delicious BBQ meal!

For those interested we contributed approx. 240 volunteer and achieved the following stats.

Le Souf Track and side tracks to The Sentinel, Mahomet’s Tomb. Corral Peak and the Castle.

Works completed:

  • 1200 m Brush cutting. Line trimming and clean up
  • 800m Hedge trimming
  • 500 m Track blowing to remove debris and expose drainage
  • 400 m drains on Sentinel Track
  • Replaced totem and temporary sign on Castle track

The Hump and Cathedral track

Works completed:

  • 2000m blowing (up and down ) to expose drains and remove debris
  • 900m  brush cutting and hedge trimming
  • 500m clearance of well hidden drains
  • Replacement of totem on Cathedral track

Trip Photos can be found here

The project was a great success and we are all looking forward to next year

Mike Grant

BTAC Project Leader

The class of February 2026
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BTAC Volunteers at Mt Buffalo

BTAC volunteers had a very productive weekend at Mount Buffalo, working on Le Souef Walking Track complex, focusing on drainage out to the Sentinel and brushcutting out to Mahomets Tomb and Corral Peak.

All but the last 140 meters of the Hump Walking Track was cleared on Sunday, again focusing on drainage,  vegetation clearing and some signage repairs.  We were excited to welcomed a first time volunteer (and not scare her off), while everyone else were repeat offenders.  One crazy volunteer chose to celebrate his birthday by joining the volunteer activity.

Thanks everyone that attended and PV for the wonderful BBQ on Saturday night.

Remember to check the Bushwalking Victoria web site for future projects. We have jobs for everyone.

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National ExploreSafe Day – 1 December

Together, We Can Make Every Adventure a Safe One

National ExploreSafe Day returns on December 1, 2025, as a nationwide call to action for everyone who loves the outdoors. Created in collaboration with Trail Hiking Australia, this annual event reminds Australians that adventure and safety go hand in hand.

Recent events have highlighted the importance of preparation and awareness when exploring our wild places. Too often, a lack of planning, unsuitable gear, or poor decision-making leads to avoidable rescues, and sometimes, tragedy. National ExploreSafe Day exists to change that narrative, empowering every hiker, bushwalker, and adventurer to explore with confidence and care.

Stay Safe. Explore More. Always #ExploreSafe

Everyone can get involved by sharing their own safety tips and adventure stories on social media using #ExploreSafeDay. Free resources, including printable safety checklists, emergency guides, and social media assets, are available at www.exploresafe.au.

“Adventure should always be memorable for the right reasons,” said Darren Edwards, Founder of ExploreSafe and Trail Hiking Australia. “Too often, rescues occur because people forget to plan, underestimate the environment, or overestimate their abilities. National ExploreSafe Day is about encouraging everyone to plan ahead, pack smart, and make safety a habit—not an afterthought.”

“Preparedness doesn’t take the fun out of adventure—it helps ensure you come home to tell the story,” added Edwards.“We want every Australian to stay safe,explore more,and always #ExploreSafe.”

Discover ExploreSafe Day Resources

View the Bushwalking Victoria supporting resource for ExploreSafe Day

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What a weekend up on the Mount Howitt Spur!

These popular feeder tracks from the Upper Howqua onto the AAWT at Mount Howitt received some TLC. From 14–16 November, our Bushwalking Victoria BTAC crew — alongside the legends from Parks Victoria — smashed out 15.3 km of track clearing across the Howqua region.

Friday kicked off with an advance team clearing the 4 km Howqua Feeder Track. By Saturday, 12 eager volunteers were on deck and split into two crews:

  • Crew 1 pushed up Mount Howitt Spur and made huge progress.
  • Crew 2 tackled Queens Spur and the first 800 m of Stanley Name Spur.

Saturday night’s hero moment? A top-notch BBQ cooked by the Parks Vic team… after two of them had already walked and chain sawed 18 km of track. Absolute champions.

Campfire laughs, shared know-how, and good company capped off the night.

Sunday saw Crew 1 wrap up the remaining 2.5 km of Howitt Spur, while Crew 2 cleared 4 km from 16 Mile Jeep Track through to Ritchies Hut.

All up: A massive, productive weekend with some seriously hard-working volunteers. Huge thanks to everyone who got stuck in.

Check us out if you would like to join an activity.

Report and images courtesy of Peter Maffei

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In the Media: The popularisation of wilderness walking has led to a rise in rescues

Bushwalking Australia and Bushwalking Victoria President Jeff McDonell has recently featured across ABC’s national media platforms, radio, television, and online, discussing a growing concern for the bushwalking community: the rise in rescues as more Australians head into the wilderness. As bushwalking surges in popularity, Jeff highlights the importance of preparation, self-reliance, and respect for the risks that come with exploring remote landscapes.

"If the weather turns bad, turn back.  The mountain will still be there next week" - Jeff McDonell

ABC Radio National 3 minute interview - 3 November 2025

ABC Online News article - 3 November 2025

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BTAC Volunteers Enhance Safety on Paling Spur Walking Track

Paling Spur Walking Track runs about 3.5 km up from the Cobungra River, climbing roughly 500 metres and leading up to Youngs Spur, providing access to Young Hut and the AAWT near Basalt Temple on the Bogong High Plains.

A group of 11 volunteers and Parks Victoria Ranger Al met at Mt Hotham on Friday afternoon and drove 5 km to the turnoff to Brandy Creek Firetrail. We then travelled in 4WD vehicles 4 km down to the Cobungra River. After that, we made a couple of trips to walk our gear from the vehicles a kilometre along to our camping spot on the flats at the base of Paling Spur. This required repeated crossings of the Cobungra River to ferry our gear across. Despite the water being more than knee-deep and quite cold, only two volunteers fell in, and we were pleased to make it to our idyllic campsite. A fire was started to warm us in the cold night as we cooked dinner and discussed plans for the next two days of work.

Saturday started very cold. We formed into a chainsaw pair and two teams, each with two brushcutters. The chainsaw and first brushcutter team walked up the 500-metre climb to start work at the very overgrown top of the spur. The second brushcutter team cleared 100 metres of dense track beside the river, which we had passed on the way to the campsite, before climbing halfway up the spur to continue clearing. By mid-afternoon, the three teams met up, with enough time for some extra clearing before finishing for the day and leaving the tools by the track.

Al had carried in a barbecue plate and a large esky of supplies for Saturday dinner. The fire was started, and the food prepared — special mention to Andrew for his excellent cooking and to Ros for salad preparation. It was a very enjoyable meal; thanks, Al!

One brushcutter wore out during the day, but Al and Patrick managed to make it serviceable again for Sunday. On Sunday, in the milder weather, we all climbed the steep section of the hill again and, in two teams, cut our way down, completing the work by midday. After lunch, we ferried our gear back over the river and along the track to the 4WD vehicles, then transferred to cars at the top of Brandy Creek Firetrail.

It was very satisfying to clear such an overgrown track and improve a number of bends to minimise the likelihood of walkers wandering off course. Everyone worked hard, including using the two larger Parks brushcutters. Among all the others, first-time volunteer Jack was especially notable. We enjoyed fine weather, a great sense of camaraderie, and unity of purpose.

About 4 km of track was cleared and improved over the 500 m climb. We contributed 143 volunteer hours and 206 hours of travel, administration, and reconnaissance. The great contribution by Ranger Al in leadership, planning, and support was appreciated by all the volunteers.

John Green, BTAC Event Leader

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Fedwalks Grampians (Gariwerd) 2025 – thats a wrap

What an incredible weekend it was at FedWalks 2025, held in the spectacular Grampians (Gariwerd) and co-hosted by the Grampians Bushwalking Club and Boroondara Bushwalking Club. With fewer than 20 members, the Grampians Bushwalking Club achieved something truly special, helping to deliver a seamless and memorable event for walkers from across the state.

There were 222 bushwalking participants representing 34 bushwalking clubs, from Sunraysia in the far northwest to Ben Cruachan in East Gippsland - a wonderful snapshot of Victoria’s vibrant bushwalking community.

You can now view all of the walks on the BWV website.

Next year, Federation Walks 2026 will be based in Portland and hosted by The Friends of the Great South West Walk.

Gisborne Bushwalking Club shares their FedWalks adventures:

 

Kim Kurdel - Fedwalks participant: A group of five from Gisborne Bushwalking Club stayed near Halls Gap, avoiding windy tent conditions. On the first day, I completed an easy-medium walk from Zumpsteins to Mackenzie Falls, including a climb to the top of the falls, enjoying views and wildflowers. After returning, the group enjoyed afternoon tea and later dinner followed by a talk by Parks Victoria about Gariwerd’s bushfire recovery program. On the second day, choosing a short, easy walk to Venus Baths, there I saw rock formations, wallabies, and made new friends. The trip ended with coffee in a scenic garden, after which I returned home with a booklet of Grampians walks and fond memories of a rewarding weekend.

Gail Davies led two walks, Pohlners loop and a section of the Grampians Peaks Trail at the southern end of the Grampians Range:

Day 1: Pohlners loop walk covered everything the Grampians has to offer, Views, rock hopping, sand paths and Banksia forests.  Thanks to a little booklet "Flowers of the Grampians"; the 15 walkers were able to identify numerous flowers including the bitter pea, running postman, wax-lipped orchid, donkey orchid, as well as heath, correas, grevilleas and many more.  During the walk we witnessed rock climbers and abseilers and everyone took a photo of Bird Rock.  A few of the group scrambled along the 250m track to the top of Mt Stapleton before lunch, whilst the remainder of the group only walked part of the track to view the wind cave.

Day 2: Griffin Fireline to Cassidy Gap.  After much consternation over the number of vehicles needed to do a 10km car shuffle, the group of 9 headed off on the walk.  At the start of the track everyone had to clean their boots by walking through brushes and a disinfectant spray. The first 2km was along a sandy track, with flowering Xanthorrhoea trees and orchids.  Then the climb started. Several sections of the track had stone steps and once on the top of the ridge there was more rock hopping.  There were extensive views to the Victoria Valley in the west and the vast plains to the east.  We had all fingers and toes crossed for the rain to stay away, but unfortunately, the heavens opened about 1.5km from the end of the walk.  Every cloud has a silver lining, and within 10 minutes of the rain starting we arrived at the beautifully appointed Djardi-Djawara campsite, where we took refuge in the community shelter until the rain eased.  The rain stopped just as quickly as it started, the sun came out again, and we all dried off in the 900m walk back to the cars.

Annie Gray and Mark Summers lead 2 walks over the weekend, Gardens of the Grampians (GotG) and Beehive and Gar Falls:

Day 1: GotG is a 10 Km loop, 531mt elevation that takes in Venus Baths, Splitters Falls, Grand Canyon and the iconic lookout, The Pinnacle. After a very overcast and wet morning, by the time that we started the walk the sky had cleared and we had perfect walking weather throughout the day. Having had recent rains, there was plenty of water in both Venus Baths and the falls. The wild flowers, orchids and natives were in bloom and the views all around, were breathtaking. The tracks were in good condition and the walks on the rock faces were well marked and the view from The Pinnacle was spectacular. From here, it was just 3+
Kms back to Halls Gap and afternoon tea.

Day 2:  After a 20 minute drive and a car shuffle, we just wanted to get started. A short walk in from the trail head and it’s straight up Beehive Falls then along Briggs Bluff Walk before joining the Grampians Peaks Trail (GPT). Soon we joined the Gar Waterfalls Walk. This track takes in no less than 4 unique and beautiful waterfalls. With only 600mts left, we made it back to the cars just as a heavy shower struck, that would have drenched us all. Then it was back to Halls Gap and our farewells, paperwork for the leaders and, the long drive home.

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Alpine Walks Demand Alpine Preparation – Any Time of the Year

The recent deaths of two people on Mt Bogong in Victoria, another on Cradle Mountain, plus the recent death on Mt Field in Tasmania are tragic reminders that even short walks in Australia’s alpine regions can become life-threatening when weather conditions change suddenly, at any time of the year, not just winter.

Dr Jeff McDonell, President, Bushwalking Victoria said "Preparation saves lives. Don’t let schedules or timelines put you at risk. Check the weather daily in the lead-up to your walk and cancel if storms are forecast. Carry proper alpine gear, including a fully waterproof jacket, and ensure you have emergency communications such as a Personal Locator Beacon or satellite device. The mountains will wait - safety won’t."

Mt Bogong - Victoria’s highest peak at 1,986 metres - is a strenuous and potentially hazardous climb because of its exposed nature. Even experienced bushwalkers and back-country skiers can become disoriented when visibility drops. It’s easy to miss a turn when snow and ice are blowing in your face. Proper clothing and equipment are essential and hypothermia can develop within minutes in freezing conditions.

Victoria’s 60 bushwalking clubs promote safety, leadership, and good preparation for people who enjoy walking in the outdoors. Club activities are guided by experienced bushwalkers, and there’s no substitute for experience when conditions turn tough.

Dr McDonell said "There’s a growing trend to organise bushwalks through social media groups, but this approach often lacks essential skills in navigation and first aid. Bushwalking Victoria encourages people to join clubs, where they can gain the experience and knowledge needed to enjoy the bush safely and respond effectively to the unexpected."

Here's some actionable steps you can take to stay safe in alpine environments:

Plan Thoroughly

  • Research your route: Study maps, track notes, and official Parks Victoria advice for the area you are visiting. Know the terrain, distances, escape routes, and alternative options.
  • Choose walks to suit your group’s experience and fitness. Alpine terrain is more demanding and mistakes are harder to recover from.
  • Leave trip details with a trusted person, including your intended route and return time.

Learn to Navigate

There are a range of options to improve your navigation skills.

Check the Weather - Again and Again

  • Monitor forecasts daily in the lead-up to your walk. Don’t just check once; conditions can change quickly.
  • On the day, confirm the latest Bureau of Meteorology alpine forecast before starting out.
  • If storms, heavy snow, or severe weather warnings are issued, change your plans. The mountain will still be there tomorrow or next week.

Pack for All Conditions

Alpine preparation means being ready for the worst weather, not just the best. At a minimum, every walker should carry:

  • Waterproof and windproof jacket and over-pants. This is non-negotiable. A quality waterproof jacket, made from Gore-Tex or a similar material, will keep you dry for hours in heavy rain and protect you from dangerous windchill. Cheaper “fashion” jackets, even if they claim to be waterproof, will often leak or fail under sustained wet conditions. Invest in the best jacket you can afford.
  • Warm clothing layers (fleece or wool, not cotton).
  • Gloves, hat, and thermal underlayers.
  • Map, compass, and the skills to use them.
  • Emergency shelter (even on day walks) to protect you from extreme elements.  This may be a tent, emergency bivvy bag or a survival shelter.
  • Sufficient food and water, with extra in case of delays.
  • First aid kit
  • Reliable communication - ideally a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger.

Tip: Buy gear from reputable outdoor equipment suppliers with experienced staff. They can guide you to equipment that has been tested in real conditions, rather than gear designed mainly for fashion.

Adjust as You Go

  • Watch conditions closely during your walk. If the weather worsens, shorten your trip or turn back.
  • Keep your group together. Alpine terrain makes it easy to become separated in fog, snow, or wind.
  • Allow extra time. Alpine walking is slower and more tiring than lowland tracks.

Learn from Experience

The best way to gain alpine skills is by walking with experienced bushwalkers. Bushwalking Clubs and organised groups provide opportunities to learn navigation, equipment use, and decision-making in a safe, supportive environment.

Final Advice

Bushwalking is safe and enjoyable when you’re prepared. In alpine areas, preparation means planning ahead, packing the right gear, and being willing to turn back when conditions change. Above all, never compromise on your waterproof jacket, your safety depends on it.

Alpine walks demand alpine preparation, every time.

For more detailed guidance, see the Bushwalking Manual

 

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BTAC in the Dandenong Ranges – New Project with Parks Victoria Olinda

On Saturday 6th September 2025 twelve volunteers met at Butterfield Reserve to clear a section of the Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track. A section of the track had some major wind storm damage with lots of large tree trunks down and crown material blocking it. The Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track is a 16.5km historic route that goes from Sassafras to Emerald following Sassafras Creek, Woori Yallock Creek and Menzies Cks through some amazing tall forest.

After a briefing at Butterfield Reserve we formed two teams. One to work from Moxhams Rd and the other from Rankins Road with the plan that we would meet each other somewhere between. The teams were able to move through at a good pace as Parks Vic staff had taped sections where the track was indistinct or needed realignment. Luckily we had enough chainsaw operators to have 5 chainsaws running.

After the teams made contact in the early afternoon, we had time to work on the sections from Rankins Road and David Hill Road back to Butterfield Reserve. On Sunday one team completed these sections while the other worked on the track from Butterfield towards Emerald on the Menzies Creek section. Due to the wind speed picking up and knowing a storm front was coming through we wisely finished around lunchtime.

A special thanks to Mike and family who generously hosted the volunteers who stayed overnight at his property nearby. It was an enjoyable evening with a delicious BBQ dinner provided by Parks Vic.

It was great to work with the team at Parks Olinda, especially Shannon Walsh who made sure track marking prep work was done and who supported us so well with the chainsaw work.

The stats:  Approximately 5.5 kms of track cleared, 132 volunteer work hours, 30 hours of volunteer travel time.

Patrick Platt

BTAC Activity Leader

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos – Phoebe Nguyen and Mike Grimes

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Guided Bushwalks within 90 minutes from Melbourne this September

Guided Walks Within 90 Minutes of Melbourne this September

You don’t need to travel far to find incredible bushwalking adventures, in fact, some of the best trails are right on Melbourne’s doorstep. This September, Try Bushwalking Month is packed with guided walks less than 90 minutes from the city, led by friendly local clubs.

From tranquil wetlands and historic gorges to coastal cliffs and forested ranges, there’s something here for every level of walker - whether you’re trying bushwalking for the first time or looking for a new weekend challenge.

Here’s what’s on within 90 minutes of Melbourne this September:

Easy Nature Escapes

  • Bald Hill Reserve – Gisborne Bushwalking Club
    Wed Sep 3, near Kyneton
    A relaxed walk for beginners with views of the Macedon Ranges.
    Grade 2, 6–10km
  • Research–Maroondah Aqueduct Trail – Melbourne Walking Club
    Wed Sep 3, Eltham to Wattle Glen
    Flat, easy trail with public transport access.
    Grade 2, 11–15km
  • Corhanwarrabul Wetlands, Jells Park – Waverley Bushwalking Club
    Thu Sep 4, Wheelers Hill
    Easy-paced walk with wetlands birdlife, including pelicans.
    Grade 2, 6–10km
  • Wattle Walk – Blackburn Creeklands to Blackburn Lake – Koonung Bushwalking Club
    Sat Sep 13, Blackburn
    Celebrate spring with blooming wattles.
    Grade 3, 6–10km
  • Macleod Gresswell Park – The Ramblers Walking Club
    Wed Sep 17, Melbourne’s north-east
    Explore grassy woodland reserves without leaving the suburbs.
    Grade 1, 6–10km, PT accessible

Coastal Adventures

  • London Bridge & Bay of Isles – Bayside Bushwalking Club
    Sat Sep 6, Portsea–Sorrento
    Coastal tracks, sea caves and a beach picnic.
    Grade 3, 11–15km
  • Merricks to Flinders Coastal Hike – Melbourne Young Hikers
    Sat Sep 6, Mornington Peninsula
    A full-day beach hike along a quiet stretch of coast.
    Grade 3–4, 16km+
  • Devilbend Reservoir Circuit – Catholic Walking Club of Victoria
    Sun Sep 7, Mornington Peninsula
    Scenic circuit around the Peninsula’s largest inland waterbody.
    Grade 3, 11–15km

Ranges, Gorges & Forests

  • K Rd Cliffs & Werribee Park – Werribee Bushwalking & Outdoor Club
    Sun Sep 7, Werribee
    Explore dramatic cliffs, the river, and the historic mansion gardens.
    Grade 3, 11–15km
  • Ted Errey Nature Trail, Anakie Gorge – Ballarat Bushwalking Club
    Sun Sep 7, Brisbane Ranges
    Walk through historic Anakie Gorge with rewarding views.
    Grade 3, 11–15km
  • Sugarloaf Reservoir Circuit – Boroondara Bushwalking Club
    Sat Sep 13, near Yarra Glen
    A 16km loop with wildlife and sweeping views.
    Grade 3, 16km+
  • Churchill Park Circuit – Boroondara Bushwalking Club
    Sun Sep 14, Endeavour Hills
    Walk through Lysterfield Park, with kangaroos and a trig-point lookout.
    Grade 3, 6–10km
  • The Mallee in Melton – CAEX Bushwalking Club
    Sun Sep 14, Melton
    Explore a rare patch of Mallee scrub in the suburbs.
    Grade 3, 11–15km
  • Burchell Track North – Melbourne Bushwalkers
    Sun Sep 21, Brisbane Ranges NP
    A big day out on the rugged Burchell Track.
    Grade 3, 16km+, PT accessible
  • Four Brothers Rocks, Bunyip State Park – Boroondara Bushwalking Club
    Sun Sep 21, near Gembrook
    Forest tracks, fern gullies, and massive granite boulders.
    Grade 3, 11–15km

Why Walk with a Club?

Joining a club-led walk means you can simply turn up and enjoy the trail, no need to worry about maps or logistics. It’s a chance to explore close to home, meet like-minded people, and discover places you never knew were so close to the city.

👉 Choose your walk, register, and join us this September for Try Bushwalking Month

Register for a Walk in September