Before you set out on your bushwalking adventure you need to make sure you are adequately prepared.
Once you have found the general area through which you want to bushwalk, choose some companions for the trip - four walkers in a group means an injured person need not be left alone while two people go for help. Never walk on your own; if you break a leg or something you could be in real trouble.
When it's time to plan your route you need to determine your group's fitness and experience. While most fit hikers can cover about 15 to 20km per day, depending on the terrain, beginners may have difficulty if tramping above 10km a day.
A recent 1:25 000 topographical map and a compass are essential, particularly if you plan to hike in areas that are not often used. The map will show you the type of terrain you'll be travelling across, and the hills and valleys along the way. This helps you work out how much ground you can cover in a day and how many nights you will be camping. Take time to study the map carefully, and if you have no idea how to use a compass then do a course or find someone who can.
Get as much information as you can about the area from people in the know. Local bushwalking clubs and national park rangers might well have up-to-date information on the conditions you're likely to expect, possible bushfire dangers, camping spots and the availability of water.
Make sure you pack well for the trip and use the best equipment for the conditions you might encounter. Remember that the weather can change rapidly, especially in mountainous areas - so pack for all situations.
Always take a first aid kit, waterproof clothing, a sure way of making a fire (waterproofed matches could be a lifesaver) and more water than you think you'll need. Keep in mind though that the more weight you carry the harder the walk will become. As a rule, try and keep your pack's weight down to around 12 kg, and never attempt to carry more than 15 kg.
Before setting out it's essential that you inform someone where you are going and details of your route, what time you plan to set off, and when you think you'll return. Don't forget to let them know all went well when you've finished. Take a mobile phone if you can, but check with someone beforehand about phone reception in the area.
It's also important to choose a leader. Though bushwalking is a team effort, you need someone to make the important decisions, especially if an experienced person is walking with bushwalking beginners.
If you are walking a marked track, or are using a guidebook to show you the basic route, make sure you take notice of the estimated time it will take you to cover the route. If it's a shortish distance, but your guide says it takes quite a few more hours than you would expect, then prepare for some tough uphills and downhills.
Once on your way keep to the track. The Australian countryside can be very fragile and is prone to erosion - as well as being quite capable of quickly causing disorientation - so don't wander off into the bush or create new paths.
It's always best to cook using a stove, as it helps prevent bushfires and means you don't end up with a load of ashes. If you must light a campfire then you should always use fireplaces on patches of ground used by campers before you. Never light fires near trees, bushes, on grass, or beside stumps or logs. River rocks can explode in a fire.
Put out your campfire with water - covering it with sand or dirt means it can smoulder for days - and remove all traces of it by carefully scattering the ash and raking the ground before you leave.
It's better to leave no trace and come home safely with your rubbish in your rucksack and good memories in your head.
NSW National Parks can be closed at times of bushfire danger. It is advisable to check with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service before you set off. Either phone 1300 361 967 (within NSW) or (02) 9253 4600 or visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au.
4WD
