Category: News and Information

You may have heard about the Australian Walking Track Grading System.  It filters tracks by the level of fitness, experience and equipment required for each walk and grades them from 1 to 5. A grade 1 walk includes easy, accessible walks suitable for everyone, while grade 5 tracks are reserved for experienced and well-prepared walkers only.  Caro from Lotsafreshair explains the AWT Grading System in more detail here.

Whilst it may be in-precise at times, its the closest we have here in Australia to a standard for all walks.

The team at Tasmania Parks and Wildlife have shared some helpful images on their Facebook page to match the descriptions for each of the walk grades.

As we begin to say farewell to winter, now is a great time to remind ourselves of the importance of Treading Softly in the bush.  Victoria’s bushland areas are a valuable and fragile recreational resource.  They need to be protected and nurtured so that we and future generations can enjoy them. As experienced bushwalkers we have a responsibility to lead by example.

Some of the things you can do to leave no impact are:

• Make all parties small parties
• Keep to the track
• Use existing campsites
• Leave campsites in the same or better condition than when you arrived.
• Use a stove to cook
• Take care with campfires
• Protect water resources
• Bury toilet waste 15cm deep at least 100m from campsites, water sources and tracks, in the soil (not snow).
• Carry out all rubbish
• Respect flora and fauna
• Comply with biosecurity measures

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Bushwalking is a wonderful way to connect with nature, enjoy fresh air, and get some exercise. However, uneven terrain, unpredictable weather, natural obstacles and loss of concentration can pose risks of slips, trips, and falls. Here are our ten top tips to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable walk.

1. Wear Appropriate Footwear
Invest in high-quality hiking boots or shoes that provide good ankle support and have a non-slip sole. Proper footwear can significantly reduce the risk of slipping on wet or uneven surfaces and provide better traction and stability.

2. Check the Weather Forecast
Before heading out, always check the weather forecast. Wet and rainy conditions can make some trails slippery and more challenging to navigate. And don’t forget if you are wearing a hood on your raincoat, you can lose some of your peripheral vision.  If the weather looks unfavorable, consider rescheduling your walk for a safer day.

3. Stay on Marked Tracks
Stick to marked and maintained tracks. Venturing off the beaten path increases your risk of encountering loose rocks, uneven ground, ankle breaking holes and other hazards. Track markers are there for a reason-they guide you along the safest and most manageable route.

4. Use Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are not just for older walkers, those with injuries or nordic walkers, they can provide additional stability and support for everyone, especially on steep or uneven terrain. They help distribute your weight more evenly, reduce strain on your knees, and can catch you if you stumble.

5. Pack Light and Right
Carry only the essentials to avoid being weighed down by a heavy backpack. A lighter load makes it easier to maintain your balance. Ensure your pack is properly fitted and secured to prevent it from shifting and throwing you off balance.

6. Watch Your Step
Pay close attention to where you’re walking. Avoid distractions such as using your phone or taking in the scenery while moving. Scan the ground ahead for obstacles like roots, rocks, and holes, and plan your steps accordingly.

7. Maintain a Steady Pace
Avoid rushing, especially on tricky sections of the trail. Maintain a steady, controlled pace and take shorter steps on uneven ground. If you need to pick up speed, do so only on stable terrain.

8. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Stay alert to your surroundings and potential hazards. Listen for the sounds of wildlife or other bushwalkers, and be mindful of changing conditions underfoot, such as wet leaves, loose gravel, or mud.  And watch out for wet tree roots!

9. Take Regular Breaks
Fatigue can impair your judgment and coordination. Take regular breaks to rest, hydrate, and refuel with snacks. Keeping your energy levels up will help you stay alert and focused on the trail.

10. Hike with a Buddy
Whenever possible, bushwalk with a friend or in a group. Having someone with you can be invaluable in case of an emergency, and companions can help each other navigate tricky sections of the trail safely.

Happy trails!

If you’re new to bushwalking with a group, or simply appreciate the reminder, here’s a list of ‘Ten Commandments’ that we all should follow:

1. DON’T BE LATE Make sure you turn up at the appointed meeting place on time so that the others aren’t waiting A late start can mean a late finish which is no fun if you forgot to pack your head torch and have to stumble around in the dark on the way back to the cars.
2. BE READY TO GO Just because you arrived well before the appointed time, doesn’t mean you should then proceed to hold everyone up while you eat breakfast, change your clothes or Facebook all your friends to let them know you are about to embark on the adventure of a
3. DOUBLE CHECK YOU HAVE EVERYTHING You don’t want to have to admit to the Leader when you stop for lunch that you left yours sitting on the bench at home, or that you forgot your water bottle; or be asking to borrow someone’s tea bag, or their toilet paper, or if anyone has a spare pair of gloves or a rain jacket, or …
4. MAKE SURE YOU’RE UP TO IT Don’t kid yourself (and the Leader) that sure, you can manage a five-day pack walk in the mountains, after all you have been walking around the block every night after Check the walk grading, look at a topographical map of where the walk is being held (that’s the map with all the little lines on it), and if you’re not sure ask. Don’t ruin everyone else’s trip just because you have a big ego.
5. LEAVE A MARKER When nature calls and you have to duck into the bushes for a quick whizz, let someone know and make sure you leave your pack on the track so that when the Leader sends out a search party because you’ve slipped on a rock and are now lying unconscious in the undergrowth they’ll know where to start
6. RIGHT OF WAY Don’t forget that the walkers grunting and gasping up the mountainside have the right of way over the walkers cheerfully strolling down the mountain. It’s always polite to step off the track to let the poor buggers get by if there isn’t a lot of room. (You might even offer them a hand up).
7. INTERSECTIONS These can cause a lot of confusion and heartache, especially if you head off in the wrong direction. If you get there before everyone else because all those evening walks around the block have made you super-fit and you’re out to prove that you can manage even if you are carrying a 30kg pack, STOP! The accepted code of conduct is to WAIT until everyone in the group has arrived (including the Leader) before
8. FIVE MINUTES ‘TIL BLAST OFF! According to some, the most important aspect of bushwalking etiquette is the five-minute warning. You’ve stopped somewhere on the track for morning tea and you’re wondering… Do I have time to set up the stove and boil the billy for a cuppa, can I unroll my mat and have a little lie down and catch up on my emails, is there enough time to walk up to that ridge behind us and take a few panoramic photos? A good Leader will establish the length of the break and provide a five-minute warning before the walk is due to
9. SILENCE IS GOLDEN Sometimes it’s rather nice to walk without a constant chatter happening around Sometimes we like to appreciate the silence of wild places; to listen to the lyrebirds showing off their repertoire of bird calls; to hear the wind rustling through the leaves of the mountain ash; to hear the soft patter of rain on our jacket hood. So don’t forget to take a deep breath and let the stillness embrace you, rather than filling every second with your scintillating insights.
10. APPLAUD THE LEADER At the end of the walk it’s quite alright to give the Leader a standing ovation, a slap on the back, a warm handshake or help them unload their pack; better still shout them a coffee and cake on the way home to show your gratitude for organising the whole experience and getting you and your 30 kg pack home safe and sound.

By Eileen Clark, Border Bushwalking Club