Bushwalking
Bushwalking is an Australian activity. You may know it by a different name such as hiking, tramping, hill walking, rambling or trekking.
Bushwalking covers a wide spectrum of walking experiences in natural or green areas.
A bushwalk might be a walk along a trail through urban parks or forest near where you live, or it could be a full day walk or camping trip to a national park or reserve. At the other end of the spectrum a bushwalk can be a multi-day expedition where you are self-sufficient carrying a tent and food.
No matter which option you choose it is all bushwalking and because Australia has such a great network of natural areas and a wide variety of land forms there are many opportunities to get into bushwalking whether it be on designated trails or in remote wilderness areas.
The Bushwalking Team
The Team supports youth members and Leaders with training, resources, equipment and great suggestions about places to go.
Scout Bushwalkers meet monthly. The aim is to develop Leader knowledge and to provide walks for Leaders to develop their skills.
Follow us on Facebook – Scout Bushwalkers Vic - for hints, tips and upcoming events.
Bushwalking Courses
Leaders and Rovers can build their bushwalking skills from basic to advanced conditions including alpine, arid and remote areas. The bushwalking team offers courses from Trained Participant - Tracked Environment up to Extreme Untracked Environment. Courses offer continuous learning in navigation, communication, food, and equipment in tracked and untracked terrain.
Emergency equipment
Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are small and affordable devices carried by bushwalkers to raise the alarm if they get into trouble. The Team has two PLB’s which can be hired for expeditions or journeys. We will require a complete Route card, risk assessment along with an emergency contact list including any vehicle rego’s. We require this as the PBL’s are monitored by the Australian Marine Board. If set off a Bushwalking Team member will be contacted for details.
Bushwalking Interstate Trips
Interstate Bushwalking requires the approval of the relevant State.
Hazardous or Prohibited/Restricted Areas
Several areas in Victoria have special rules for camping and hiking, which can be hazardous or restricted. These include:
- Water catchment areas, due to access restrictions.
- Alpine areas, including Tali Karng.
- Lerderderg Gorge, after heavy rain – danger from rising water in narrow gorge terrain.
- Grampians National Park, due to terrain and water availability.
- Cathedral Ranges, due to terrain, water availability, and rock scrambling.
Before hiking or camping in these areas, Leaders must check the local regulations and restrictions. Leaders must also ensure they hold the appropriate accredited qualifications to lead the activity. In recent years, fires and floods have caused significant damage; many bush areas remain closed or restricted due to erosion or fire damage.
Permission Requirements: Where specific permission is required to enter restricted or prohibited areas, please provide all relevant information to the State Leader at least two months prior to the event.
Contact
State Leader – Bushwalking
state.bushwalking@scoutsvictoria.com.au