Navigation in difficult conditions

Conditions such as night, poor visibility, white out, foul weather, thick scrub, cliffs and steep or uneven slopes make for very challenging bush navigation.  It can be very difficult or impossible to identify terrain features, maintain bearings and to judge distances travelled, especially if fatigue and physical discomfort are also factors.. Nevertheless it is possible …

Navigation Techniques

There are a number of “tricks of the trade” commonly used by rogainers and orienteers, that are useful when bushwalking or ski touring too. Handrails  Bushwalkers use handrails most of the time because most bushwalking takes place on tracks.  A track is an example of a handrail. Tracks aside, when off-track walking, navigators are always …

Map Apps

Google Maps and Apple Maps are familiar, ubiquitous navigation Apps. While invaluable for day to day use, including walks along shared trails and coastal paths, the maps in these Apps lack the accuracy and terrain detail of contours, tracks, creeks and watercourses needed for bushwalking.  There are Map Apps much more suitable for bushwalking. Some …

Paper maps

Good maps are essential for planning and use during a trip.  The best maps to use for bushwalking are topographic which accurately represent the elevation and shape of the ground with contour lines. They also provide a great deal of other terrain features. Information provided by other maps which is not shown on standard topographic …

Guidebooks and other references

Guidebooks, National Park information sheets, magazines, websites, blog posts and bushwalking clubs can provide useful information on specific walks, equipment, skills, etc. Guidebooks Guidebooks are available from outdoor and map shops and online. Some provide detailed information with recommended maps for a specific iconic trip. Others may cover a wide variety of walking and skiing …

Invasive Species

Invasive species are an animal or plant species that, as a result of human activities, has spread beyond its normal distribution. This article is a brief overview.  In the Australian environment, as a result of European settlement, invasive species have already done and continue to cause immense damage to soils, native plants and animals, threatening …

Bushwalking with children

Bushwalking is a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding activity to experience as a family, an extended family or with several families. It is particularly special to introduce children to the natural environment and the joys of walking in the Australian bush. For many parents, their memories of bushwalking as children are a strong incentive to go …