Walk safely
Bushwalking is fun provided you take some simple precautions to ensure your safety.
What to wear ... what to take
Always wear and carry gear to make your bushwalk more comfortable:
Wear sturdy shoes
Expensive hiking boots are unnecessary unless you plan to hike a long way in
difficult country. If you are sticking to national park tracks, comfortable
walking shoes are adequate. Never wear thongs, high heels, shoes without adequate
grip on the soles or tight or uncomfortable shoes.
Wear comfortable clothes
Dress according to the track conditions and weather. You get warm when walking
so wear layers you can remove easily and replace when you stop and cool down.
Long sleeves and trousers minimise scratches, stings, bites and sunburn. Wear
loose clothes — walking in tight clothes can be uncomfortable and cause
rashes. Wear a hat. Don’t wear good clothes. You might get dirty (and that’s
half the fun!).
Be prepared
Take a raincoat and warm jumper in case the weather changes suddenly! Take your
camera and binoculars and enjoy the local wildlife.
Be sun-smart
Wear a hat and sunscreen. Carry water to drink on longer walks.
Take a backpack
Even for a short walk, a backpack is a good idea.
You can carry useful items but leave your arms free to scramble over rocks,
help someone else or use your binoculars or camera. If you get hot, you can
put your jumper in the backpack rather than carrying it. Here are some useful
items for your backpack:
- water bottle
- snack food
- raincoat
- spare jumper
- sunscreen
- insect repellent
- basic first-aid kit
- park brochure and track map
- compass
- camera and spare film
- binoculars
- mobile phone
- matches or torch
- pocket knife
- bag for rubbish
- plastic groundsheet to sit on
You might enjoy your walk so much, you decide to go further! Be prepared, just in case!
Close encounters with wildlife
Getting close to nature is one of the best rewards for your bushwalking efforts.
While seeing native animals is a bonus, close encounters with wildlife can be
risky.
Enjoy your wildlife encounters:
- Remember, this is the animals’ home! Look after the bush so animals can continue to live here.
- Look but don't touch! Wild animals, unlike pets and domestic animals, are not used to human handling. You might get hurt if you try to pat a wild animal.
- Never treat native animals like pets. Don’t chase or scare them. You might get hurt. Make sure your kids understand that animals have rights too.
- Go spotlighting, but, remember, bright lights can damage animals’ eyesight. Use spotlights with protective covers over the lenses. Never shine a torch on an animal for more than a few minutes.
- Detour around any snakes. Never poke them with a stick. Some Australian snakes are very dangerous. If you are bitten, apply a pressure bandage to the area around the bite to minimise the blood flow. Seek medical attention immediately.
- Keep wildlife wild — for your sake and theirs, don't feed native animals. Human foods can harm native animals. Fed animals have been known to attack people.
- Keep your food secure away from hungry animals. Apart from the awful mess animals can make, you might have to leave the park early if you run out of food.
- Keep your noise down. You’re more likely to see native animals if you stay quiet, and other visitors prefer the soothing sounds of the bush to blaring radios.
Safety in the bush
National parks are wild places with hidden dangers for the unwary visitor. Here
are some tips to make bushwalking safe and enjoyable:
Before you go:
- Find out whether the park you want to visit is suitable for your level of bushwalking experience.
- Take some friends or family with you. Never bushwalk alone.
- Get a park brochure or map and take it with you on your walk.
- Obtain your camping permit if you plan to stay overnight.
- Let someone know your plans in case you get lost!
Things to take and wear:
- Wear comfortable, protective footwear. Thongs, high heels, new shoes and dress shoes are not suitable. If you get blisters, you won’t have much fun!
- Wear a hat and sunscreen and avoid painful sunburn.
- Always carry water. Bushwalking is thirsty work!
- Wear insect repellent to discourage biting and sucking things.
- Take a raincoat. Walking in the rain can be fun provided you’re not dripping wet.
- Take a small backpack with extra clothes, space for any clothes you shed when you get hot, water and a few nibbles to keep you going.
- Take a detailed map and compass on longer walks.
- Take a tent, sleeping bag, food, water, compass and map if you plan an overnight hike.
During your walk:
- Detour around any snakes. Never provoke them!
- Stay on the track. Read all signs carefully.
- Avoid drinking creek water. Even apparently pure water can be contaminated. Take your own supply.
- Stay well back from cliff edges and waterfalls to avoid any accidents.
- Supervise your children.
- Pay attention to any warning signs. Stay behind safety fences.
- Try to avoid walking on slippery rocks.
- Think before you swim. Never dive or jump into any waterhole.
After your walk:
- Look for and remove any ticks and leeches after your walk.
- Take your rubbish home with you.
- Get your photos developed and share your memories with friends!
Last updated: 29 May 2006
