Tips for New Bushwalkers

Choose your walks

Easy and easy-medium walks are suitable for beginners. Please check with the leader if you are unsure. For medium walks you should be reasonably fit and preferably have some recent walking experience. Unless you are already an experienced bushwalker, you should not attempt medium-hard and hard walks at first.

Weekend pack-carrying trips are more difficult because of the weight of the pack, and you should try a few day trips first, unless you already have some previous experience.

For base camps, you need not have any experience, as the day walks conducted on these trips are usually easy-medium or medium. They are a good way of learning camping techniques, cooking and food preparation, to try out tents and sleeping bags etc AND to see if you like camping, before trying a weekend pack-carry trip.

Don't worry about navigation

Every party has an experienced leader. It is their job to navigate the route or to delegate this task to another competent member. Keep in mind however, that all leaders are volunteers and therefore you cannot expect the same standards that you would expect from a commercially run bushwalking operation. If you are interested in map reading and navigation - and we encourage you to learn the basics - then the leader and others will be happy to assist and explain as you go. The names of the map sheets applicable to the walk are usually listed in the walk previews in The NEWS. You don't need to buy the map unless you are interested.

The club also conducts navigation courses and day trips at least once a year, where you can learn map reading and navigation, and try out your ability in safety. Rogaining and orienteering are other good ways to learn map and compass skills.

An understanding of the country through which you are walking greatly enhances the value of bushwalking. There are usually knowledgeable people on the walks who know something of the geology, the native plants and wildflowers, the birds or the history of the area.

Don't worry about equipment

Equipment for day walks is fairly basic, and you will probably have satisfactory items already. There is no need to outlay much money until you see whether you like bushwalking, and get ideas of what gear to buy by talking to others and seeing what is available.

Snakes and other hazards

We sometimes see snakes on our walks, but they are usually eager to get away from us. Do NOT interfere with or attempt to kill a snake. Take insect repellent if you are concerned about mossies, march flies or other bities!

What to bring on a day walk

FOOTWEAR: Boots are not essential, jogging shoes or "runners" are usually quite sufficient for most walks, (except perhaps winter walks where wet and cold conditions are a consideration). If you wear boots, make sure they are comfortable and well broken-in!

You should have a comfortable DAY PACK or haversack, (not a shoulder bag or a hand carry-bag. You will need your hands free).

In this pack you should carry:

Lunch.
Full Water bottle - at least 1 litre, more in hot weather. (You can't rely on finding water on the walk, and it may be unsafe to drink)
A rainproof parka, raincoat or poncho. A lined parka may be too hot. Waterproof over-trousers may be desirable on winter walks.
A wide brimmed hat is essential in Summer.
A pullover, beanie and gloves in Winter.
Matches in a waterproof container (old film container is ideal), and a torch, especially in winter.
Extra food for snacks or emergencies.
Whistle, pencil and paper.
Personal and first aid items, including sun screen, lip screen, toilet paper, bandaids, analgesics, etc. Note: The leader always carries a comprehensive first aid kit.
Trowel and toilet paper
Change of clothing and shoes, especially in winter. These can be left in the bus.
A vacuum flask may be desirable in Winter, either to take on the walk or for a hot drink at the end.

Consult the leader if you are in any doubt as to what gear may be required or desirable.

For Sunday walks, we provide bus transport. Wednesday walks, Thursday walks and Weekend trips use private transport. Saturday walks use trains and private transport.

May 2006

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