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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 will be next held on 19-25 May 2025. This special event highlights the important role of volunteers in our community and invites people not currently volunteering to give it a go.

 

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Sealers Cove Boardwalk Replacement Update – Open to Tender

After 4 long years closed to the general public, there is finally light at the end of the tunnel for Victoria's prize bushwalk - Telegraph Saddle Carpark to Sealers Cove on the popular Wilsons Promontory. Tenders are now open for construction of the new boardwalk, which was substantially damaged in storms in April 2021.

Sealers Cove is a highlight at the Wilsons Promontory National Park. With surrounding hiking trails, campground and stunning beach, the cove is popular with visitors to the park.

During 2021, successive storms and floods hit the Prom and caused significant and widespread damage. This included to the Sealers Cove Boardwalk, which provides a connection to the Tidal River visitor hub across an otherwise impassable swamp. The boardwalk was over 40 years old; and although sections were repaired after the flooding in 2011, the damage caused during 2021 is beyond repair.

The successful tenderer will be expected to seek numerous permits due to the sensitive nature of the area - including ecology, cultural heritage and heritage permits.
Construction is hoped to begin later this year, using FRP (fibre reinforced plastic) as the walking platform.

Parks Victoria Update (April 2025): https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects/eastern-victoria/sealers-cove-boardwalk-rebuild

Tender Information: https://www.tenders.vic.gov.au/tender/view?id=287463

Image: Parks Victoria Rangers assessing the flood damage to the Sealers Cove track.

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Advice for Safe Bushwalking

Advice for Safe Bushwalking

Bushwalking is a rewarding and enjoyable activity when approached with proper preparation and caution. Following these tips will help ensure your safety on the trails:

Before You Go

Plan Your Trip

  • Research your route thoroughly using maps, guidebooks, and track notes.
  • Choose a route suitable for the skill level and fitness of your group.
  • Inform a trusted person of your trip details, including your planned route and expected return time.
  • Refer to the Trip Planning Guide for comprehensive advice.

Prepare Properly

  • Use appropriate clothing and footwear for the conditions.
  • Pack essential equipment, including navigation tools, first aid kits, and sufficient food and water.
  • For a detailed checklist, visit Equipment and Clothing.

Communication Devices

  • Carry a reliable communication device. While mobile phones can be useful, they may not work in remote areas.
  • Consider a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or a satellite communication device for emergencies.
  • Learn more at Emergency Communications.

During the Trip

Navigate and Monitor Conditions

  • Follow your planned route and use navigation tools to stay on track.
  • Regularly assess trail conditions and adjust your pace as needed.
  • Keep the group together to avoid separations.
  • For detailed guidance, visit The Trip.

Weather Awareness

  • Observe the weather and be prepared to modify your trip if adverse conditions arise.
  • Learn more at Weather Guide.

Emergency Management

  • Be ready to handle emergencies. Familiarise yourself with first aid and survival techniques.
  • More information can be found at Managing Emergencies.

If You Get Lost

Stop and Assess

  • Pause and evaluate your surroundings.
  • Use navigation tools to determine your location and attempt to backtrack to your last known point.

Stay Put

  • If you cannot orient yourself, remain where you are to aid rescuers.
  • Call 000 and ask for Police or activate your distress signal using a PLB or satellite device.
  • Stay together if you are with a group.

Survival Tips

  • Seek shelter and stay warm.
  • Source local water if available.
  • Make your location visible with bright coloured items and use distress signals (e.g., three whistle blasts or torch flashes).

For detailed steps, see What to Do If Lost.

Final Advice

Preparation and vigilance are key to safe and enjoyable bushwalking. By planning ahead, carrying the right equipment, and staying alert, you can minimise risks and focus on the adventure. Always respect nature and prioritise safety for yourself and your group.

Bushwalking is a safe and enjoyable activity when you are well prepared. The best way to learn skills is from experienced walkers in clubs or other organised groups.  Find one to suit you in our list of  Victorian Bushwalking Clubs.

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Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing – Project Update

On 22nd November 2024 Parks Victoria released its latest community update on the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing project (FHAC). The update followed the first meeting in 11 months of the FHAC Strategic Advisory Committee on 6th November 2024, on which Bushwalking Victoria has two representatives.

Financial, environmental and cultural heritage assessments have provided new information that have resulted in changes to what is being delivered. The significant changes to the project announced in the community update include:

  • The walk will now be a four day – three night experience (previous plans were for five days and four nights). Overnight campsites are proposed at Cope Hut, Westons Hut and High Knob, with Cope Hut and Westons Hut being available for emergency use only, as they are now. Environmental and heritage assessments did not support the proposed new site near Tawonga Huts.
  • Track works to improve existing trails and install boardwalk sections to protect sensitive vegetation e.g. in the vicinity of Pole 333.
  • New tent platforms and new helicopter serviceable toilets (where not currently existing) at overnight campsites.
  • At High Knob, the addition of tent platforms, an emergency shelter and helicopter serviceable toilets to be located near the existing area frequented by bushwalkers over many years. The provision of these additional services will hopefully reduce pressure on Federation Hut and surrounds which is frequently experiencing unsustainable visitor numbers, especially on long weekends.
  • Due to financial constraints, overnight accommodation huts will not be constructed at this time, but they do remain in the master plan.

PV anticipates that the project will be completed in late 2025. The timing will depend on yet to be completed environmental and cultural heritage assessments, project costings and budgetary considerations.

For further information, visit the FHAC project page on the PV website.

Chris Towers and Eileen Clark
Bushwalking Victoria Representatives
FHAC Strategic Advisory Committee
chris.towers@bushwalkingvictoria.org.au

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Celebrating the Success of Try Bushwalking Month

As we approach the end of November we mark the success of Bushwalking Victoria’s Try Bushwalking Month, which encouraged newcomers to explore the beauty of the outdoors with experienced bushwalking clubs across the state. The initiative saw incredible participation, with 32 clubs hosting 80 walks and welcoming over 200 new participants to experience the joys of bushwalking across Victoria, from Mildura to Portland, Walhalla to Ballarat, Dunkeld to the Mornington Peninsula, and so many more!

Participants highlighted several aspects they enjoyed most about the walks, with discovering new places being the standout experience. Many appreciated the social connection with other walkers, describing the groups as welcoming and friendly, while the health and wellbeing benefits of walking in nature were also highly valued. Additionally, participants enjoyed learning from experienced walkers, gaining practical tips and insights, and felt reassured by the safety and support of the group. The affordability and low-cost membership further added to the appeal, making the walks accessible and encouraging ongoing involvement.

Participants praised the initiative for its organisation, accessibility, and welcoming atmosphere:

  • “A brilliant walk – I am now going to join the club.”
  • “Lovely, friendly club members made me feel very welcome.”
  • “Great information session with practical tips and examples of equipment.”
  • “Organisation was excellent, and camaraderie among members made the day enjoyable.”

Many enjoyed the variety of walks, the opportunity to connect with like-minded people, and the friendly support provided by experienced club members.

The event provided an inspiring introduction to bushwalking, with many participants expressing interest in joining their local clubs and continuing their bushwalking journey.

It also helped spread the word about the benefits of walking with a group, and brought bushwalking to new audiences, via articles in local papers, and even a full 1 hour bushwalking-themed Conversation Hour on ABC Radio Melbourne.

Bushwalking Victoria thanks all the clubs, leaders, and participants who made this month possible. Your enthusiasm and dedication have helped build a stronger, more inclusive bushwalking community.

Here’s to even greater adventures next year! You can get in touch with any of the Bushwalking Clubs at any time to try one of their walks.  Find a Club using our interactive map.

 

Mitchell Bushwalking Club
Friends of the Great South West Walk
Camperdown Bushwalking Club
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Donate your Paper Maps to Maps For Change

Do you know why it’s important to carry and plan trips with paper maps when bushwalking? Maps For Change is a project that wants to answer this question for a new generation of walkers.

This is a project led by paper map nerds at Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) and Victorian Mountain Tramping Club (VMTC) who see an opportunity to celebrate and recirculate maps to a new generation of walkers.

They love paper maps and are planning an event in May 2025 celebrating the values of them, showing why they are important, and how to use them. To help the process along they will be selling second-hand maps on the day for a gold coin donation each. Funds raised will go to conservation projects of VNPA and VMTC.

They are currently requesting contributions: the maps can be of anywhere in Australia and must be in usable condition.

Drop your maps off at the VNPA Office (Level 3, 60 Leicester St, Carlton), the VMTC Clubrooms in Powlett Reserve on a social night (from 7.30pm, 3rd Thursdays of every month), or bring them along to FedWalks where there will be a collection box at the registration area. Alternatively, get in touch with the paper map nerds at mapsforchangevic@gmail.com and they will find a way to collect them from you.

If you’d like to stay updated, follow us on Instagram at @mapsforchangevic or register to their mailing list to hear about their event here.

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Are we there yet?

Twenty one BTAC volunteers worked with Parks Victoria to clear 7.6 km* of scrub overgrowth and fallen timber on the AAWT between Mt McDonald and Square Top on the weekend of 23-25th Feb.

This is an impressive section of the AAWT along the Great Dividing Range, with steep mountains and spectacular views, following the divide between the Jamison/Howqua watershed that flows north to the Murray and the Barkly/Macallister watershed that flows south to the Gippsland Lakes.

On Friday 21 volunteers car pooled at Howqua Hills with those that had capable 4WDs to travel into camp at the Upper Jamison Hut. Each day to start work, we drove up the Knobs Track which is a moderately challenging 4WD climb. The second challenge was the distance that work tools needed to be carried in, as well as the climbs and descents, not to mention occasional rock bands to negotiate.

Though Saturday was a long and exhausting day (12 hours) there was a good sense of achievement among the volunteers. On getting back late in the day, it was great to have Tegan from Parks Victoria supporting us with the preparation and cooking of a delicious BBQ dinner.

Thanks to all the volunteers that put in so much effort; 360 work hours and spent over 175 hours travelling to and from the activity. Thanks to Parks Victoria. There was good synergy working with the Rangers, Jim Craven and Tegan Sharwood, on the planning, logistics and support. Thanks to Joe van Beek and Owen Morris for leading work teams.

 

*Knobs Track to Square Top –  6.4 kms 590m ascent, 350m descent. Knobs Track to Mt McDonald ridge line – 1.2 km, 150m ascent

More photos can be found HERE.

Compiled by Patrick Platt, Project Leader for BTAC

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Fed Walks a Resounding Success!

The Federation Walks event (FedWalks) is a weekend of bushwalking held annually in a different location in Victoria.  It is a wonderful opportunity for members of different clubs to walk together and for Bushwalking Victoria's individual members to join a weekend filled with bushwalking, nature, fun and friendship.

Around 210 participants enjoyed a terrific weekend of walks on 21-22 October 2023 in the beautiful Wombat State Forest. Twenty walks ranging from Easy to Hard were on offer all within 35km of the event base at the brand new Trentham Football and Netball Club rooms. It was an excellent location with camping on site and a cricket match on Saturday afternoon to entertain us on return from our walks.

Weather-wise Saturday was a great day for bushwalking but Sunday dawned cold, windy and drizzly. Some walkers either decided to stay warm and dry or change the walk they were going on. The misty drizzle persisted through the morning but spirits remained high on the walks and it dried off during mid-afternoon.

A local army of kitchen volunteers, very ably run by Di, provided a rolling afternoon tea on both days. Club volunteers served the meal for the event on the Saturday evening during which we heard from Jeff McDonnell whose club (Bayside) is organising the 2024 event aided by Melbourne Bushwalkers and South Gippsland clubs. Guest Speaker was Peter Yates, anthropologist and garlic grower, who lives locally. He showed a beautiful video of local environmental images including flood plains, red gums and revitalisation and talked about aspects of left brain/right brain and mythopoetics - a hypothetical stage of human thought preceding modern thought - the language of the soul and how bushwalking can be a way to tap into our right brain potential.

It was a great weekend with all returning back to base safely but rather damp, with friendships renewed and formed over a common interest of walking in the bush. Don’t miss next year’s event at the Prom!!

Robyn Shingles / Jack Winterbottom

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Insurance

National Insurance Scheme for Bushwalking Clubs

Bushwalking Victoria participates in the National Insurance Scheme negotiated and executed by Bushwalking Australia which arranges insurance cover for affiliated clubs and their members.

For the latest information on insurance arrangements, including policy documents, FAQs, claims processes and contact details for the insurance broker, please visit the Bushwalking Australia Insurance and Risk page.

Policies that are available include Public Liability, Associations Liability, and Personal Accident Insurance.

Leisure travel insurance cover for use by club members when participating in club organised domestic and overseas trips is also available through the insurance broker (Marsh) as a separate service.

Not all clubs participate in the Personal Accident insurance scheme arranged through Bushwalking Australia.

For those Clubs that are covered, it is up to the individual member to lodge a claim directly by downloading and submitting the Personal Injury Claims Form.  Clubs are required to sign off the claim form on behalf of their members.

Important Note: Some member clubs have elected on behalf of their members to not participate in the Personal Accident Insurance Scheme for 2024/25. These clubs are:

  • Waverley Bushwalking Club Inc
  • Dandenong Valley Bushwalking Club Inc
  • The Nomads Outdoors Group Inc

For Personal Accident Claims and Enquiries:

Accident and Health International (AHI) is the Underwriter for the Bushwalking Australia Personal Accident policy. Inquiries concerning this policy should be directed to AHI on 02 9251 8700 quoting Policy Number 0012117.

Claims should be submitted as soon as possible following an incident, by completing the Personal Injury Claim Form and submitting it to the insurer, Accident and Health International (details are on the claim form). In the case of major claims (i.e. serious injury or death) please also email the Bushwalking Australia Insurance Contract Manager

For Public Liability and Association Liability Claims and Inquiries:

All inquiries and any potential claims under these policies should be directed to the Bushwalking Australia Insurance Contract Manager or the BWV Secretary.

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Reinstatement of the Mitta Mitta River Walk

For many years, walkers on the Mitta Mitta section of the Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT) have been redirected onto a road to avoid an area heavily infested with English Broom. Parks Victoria agreed that reopening that 7km of track would significantly enhance the AAWT experience, allowing spectacular views of the Mitta Mitta River. Twenty Bushwalking Tracks and Conservation (BTAC) volunteers contributed 500 man hours to achieve the track reinstatement. Many of the volunteers were AAWT end-to-end walkers who wished to give something back to the track and the environment.

BTAC, one of the two operational arms of Bushwalking Victoria, has a pool of volunteers who carry out track maintenance and conservation projects in association with Parks Victoria and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. Their general philosophy is to offer support in the more remote areas of Victoria, where the local volunteer pool is often limited (or in some cases, non-existent).

You can see further photos and read BTAC project manager Joe van Beek’s full report of the volunteers’ brilliant efforts HERE, along with his suggestions to avoid further spread of English Broom.