Guidebooks and other references

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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 areas in Australia with only limited detail for each walk.

Some factors to consider when using a guidebook to plan a trip include:

  • when the information was last updated (year of publication)
  • how much detail is provided
  • reputation of the author(s)

Note:  Maps in guidebooks are intended as an indication of where to walk and to make it easier to plan a trip and follow the notes, but they should be used in conjunction with recommended commercial and topographic maps. They should not be the only map used for navigation on a trip.

National Parks and public land information

Track notes may be available from national park offices or on websites provided by national park services and state land management offices. These may include track and park information sheets that should be downloaded prior to the trip.

Each state provides online information about routes including park, track and road conditions or closures, water and fire restrictions or events, etc.

See State information pages for more detail.

Magazines

There are a number of outdoor magazines available. Some have track notes and surveys vetted by other experienced outdoor enthusiasts, others do not. They can be useful sources of ideas for trips.

Information on websites

Various websites published by individuals, clubs and other organisations provide information on outdoor activities including trip notes, equipment advice and safety information.

Caution: Such information may only represent one person’s experience or opinion. The information may be out of date or inaccurate.

Bushwalking clubs

Bushwalking clubs often have a significant body of specific knowledge from past trips. Clubs hold meetings where speakers give presentations about trips. Most bushwalkers are keen to talk about their trips and provide information about specific routes.

Some clubs keep trip reports that may be available to members. These reports provide details on track conditions, campsites, water availability and how long the group took for sections of the route at the time of the trip. There may also be articles in club newsletters and on websites.

For information on bushwalking clubs across Australia see:

See also