Bushwalking Best Practices for Safety
The recent story of Hadi Nazari’s experience in Kosciuszko National Park has sparked much discussion in the hiking community. While I have not personally spoken with Mr. Nazari and was not involved in the incident, I believe there are valuable lessons we can all learn from this situation. It’s not my intention to criticise or judge his actions. Instead, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the importance of preparation and the fundamentals of safe bushwalking.
Let’s break down some of the key points from the incident as reported by ABC News and discuss best practices for bushwalking to ensure we’re all as prepared as possible when venturing into the wild. The goal here is to provide practical advice and share insights that can help us stay safe in the great outdoors, no matter our experience level.
1. He told rescuers he became lost after trying to take a shortcut to Geehi Campground.
Safety Recommendation:
- Taking shortcuts can lead to dangerous situations, particularly in unfamiliar terrain. Shortcuts often involve hidden obstacles, steep drops, or wildlife encounters that you may not face on the marked trail. These routes can also be more difficult to navigate, leading to delays or worse. It’s always better to stick to the marked trails and follow your planned route.
- If you do decide to divert, ensure you are highly familiar with the area, carry a reliable map and compass, and have strong navigational skills. Only take shortcuts if you are absolutely certain of the route and conditions, and always consider the risks involved.
- If you’re considering taking a shortcut, first weigh the pros and cons. Could the shortcut save you time, or is it likely to put you at greater risk? Avoid shortcuts when you’re unfamiliar with the area or when conditions are changing (e.g., fog, darkness, or bad weather). If in doubt, always stay on the trail.
2. The 23-year-old said he went missing after he attempted to take a shortcut to the campground after leaving the Hannels Spur Trail to take a photograph on Boxing Day.
Safety Recommendation:
- It’s easy to get distracted by photo opportunities, but leaving a marked trail can be risky. Even brief detours off the path can lead to disorientation, particularly in remote or dense areas. Always prioritise safety and navigation over capturing photos.
- If you do decide to step off the trail for a photo, ensure you have a solid understanding of your surroundings and carry necessary navigation tools (like a map, compass, or GPS) to stay oriented. If conditions change or you lose your bearings, retrace your steps immediately to regain the trail.
- When tempted by a photo, ask yourself: Is it worth the risk of straying from the trail? Always ensure you are comfortable with the environment before stepping off the path and keep your focus on your safety and navigation.
3. The medical student told Ms Boxall the bush became dense and navigation impossible as soon as he left the track.
Safety Recommendation:
- When navigating dense bush or off-track terrain, it’s crucial to recognise early signs that conditions are becoming unsafe. If navigation becomes difficult or you feel disoriented, especially in an unfamiliar or remote area, the best decision is to turn back immediately. Continuing on could increase the risk of getting lost.
- Always carry essential navigation tools, such as a map, compass, and GPS, and ensure you know how to use them effectively. Before venturing off the marked trail, make sure you are confident in your navigational skills and have a clear plan for returning to the trail if conditions change. In challenging terrain, sticking to the marked trail is often the safest option.
- Consider using technology as a backup to traditional navigation tools. Apps like Gaia GPS or Avenza Maps can store offline maps, but they shouldn’t be your only means of navigation. Having a paper map and compass ensures you aren’t reliant on battery-powered devices.
4. He also did not have a map, and his phone was already out of battery by Boxing Day.
Safety Recommendation:
- Never venture into remote areas without essential navigation tools, including a map, compass, and GPS. A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is a crucial safety device that can help rescuers locate you in case of an emergency, especially when mobile reception is unreliable.
- Always ensure your phone is fully charged before starting your hike and bring a portable power bank for emergencies. Relying solely on technology can be risky—always have backup navigation systems in place, such as a map and compass, in case electronic devices fail.
- Consider carrying a small solar charger or an extra battery pack to keep your devices powered for longer hikes. Your safety depends on your ability to stay connected and navigate correctly.
5. Police said Mr Nazari survived by eating foraged berries and two muesli bars he had found in a remote hut called the Opera House Hut.
Safety Recommendation:
- While being lost for 13 days is a rare and extreme situation, it’s a reminder of the importance of carrying enough food, supplies and emergency gear, knowing how to navigate, and being prepared for the worst.
- Foraging can become a survival strategy in these situations, but it should never be relied upon as knowing how to identify plants that are safe to eat is not easy. Carrying enough food, water, and emergency equipment is essential for staying safe, even when things go awry.
- When hiking, always bring a sufficient supply of food and water, especially when you’re in remote areas. It’s good practice to carry extra in case of unexpected delays or emergencies.
Stay Put When Lost:
- In the event that you become lost, it’s often safer to stay put rather than continuing to wander, especially if you’re in a remote or unfamiliar area. Staying in a shelter, such as a hut or setting up your tent or emergency shelter, can improve your chances of being found by search teams. By staying in one place and using any available resources, you increase the likelihood that rescuers will locate you quickly.
6. Police said Mr Nazari went missing with a 600mL drink bottle, a sleeping bag, and a tent in a backpack. Ms Boxall said he was found with “just the clothes on his back.”
Safety Recommendation:
- A 600mL bottle is insufficient for hikes longer than a few hours, and day hikers should always carry enough water for their expected journey. For overnight or multi-day hikes, at least 2 litres is a good baseline, but also plan ahead for water sources along the way. Know where you can reliably source water and how to treat it (e.g., by boiling, filtering, or using purification tablets) to make sure it’s safe to drink.
- In addition to water, ensure your pack contains other essential gear such as food, a tent or shelter, a sleeping bag, and appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions. It’s important to keep all essential gear with you at all times during a hike. Losing or abandoning gear can significantly reduce your chances of survival. If you find yourself lost or delayed, these items will greatly improve your chances.
- Pack essential survival items: emergency blanket, first aid kit, headlamp, extra clothes, and matches. Make sure everything fits into a small survival kit for emergencies.
Staying Put in Emergencies:
- In emergency situations, it’s crucial to stay put and use available resources to signal for help. Doing so can prevent further disorientation and increase the chances of being found quickly.
- Use your shelter for protection and to make your position noticeable to search teams. Bright clothing, your tent fly, reflective materials, or signalling devices like a whistle or mirror can help increase your visibility. Additionally, scattering unused items around your camp area can further improve visibility.
Final Thoughts
This incident highlights the importance of preparation and staying on course. Hikers should always stick to the marked trails, bring essential navigation and emergency communication tools, carry sufficient food and water, and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Avoid shortcuts and distractions and always inform someone of your plans. Being well-prepared can make all the difference in staying safe during your hike.
As we continue to learn more about the details of this incident, there may be additional insights that come to light. The advice provided here is based on what is publicly known at this point. As the story unfolds, I will be sure to update this advice to reflect new information and help us all stay better prepared for our bushwalking adventures.
Image: Darren Edwards, Trail Hiking Australia.
Coralie Ginn sums it up.
Janice Lindsey hope people find the recommendations useful. Particularly those beyond the regular bushwalking community.
Trail Hiking Australia excellent advice. This high profile case is a great opportunity to reassess safety procedures. It’s an amazing story of survival
Janice Lindsey thanks for your kind words. I completely agree—this incident provides a valuable opportunity for all of us to reflect on our safety practices. I hope it sparks even more conversations about how we can better prepare for the wild places we all love.
I very much doubt he told anyone he was looking for a shortcut
Nicholas Hayes thanks for your comment. The information I’ve referred to comes from the reports shared by ABC News, where it was mentioned that Hadi Nazari told rescuers about trying to take a shortcut. However, as we all know, reports can sometimes vary, and it’s not my intention to speculate on the details. The key takeaway here is the importance of preparation, navigation skills, and avoiding risky shortcuts—whether or not that was the specific cause of the situation. Ultimately, we can all learn from these incidents to stay safe in the outdoors.
Trail Hiking Australia I expect there is more to why he separated from his friends, as it would be very unusual for people not to wait.
Ken Beath it’s certainly not the best idea.
Ken Beath yeah I don’t get that part of the story either. Why did they leave him behind?
Cameron Wheatley there are certainly a lot of thoughts and questions. Hopefully we will all know more in the near future. For now, I think it’s great that it has prompted a lot of positive preparation and safety discussions.
Cameron Wheatley The story is that he went somewhere for a photo, and he was then supposed to catch them up. Something doesn’t seem right. I wondered if they had a disagreement about the route.
Good take-aways that can keep us all alive. It’s the little mistakes made on top of other previous little mistakes which show how complacency can be such a killer.
Julia Patten Absolutely, it’s often the accumulation of small mistakes that lead to bigger problems. Complacency is a dangerous mindset when we’re out in the wilderness. Staying vigilant and making safety a priority is key to avoiding those missteps. Thanks for highlighting that important point.
Julia Patten except that this involved a massive pile of huge and glaring mistakes. Not just little ones. Friends left him behind. He decided to take a shortcut through rough and unknown terrain. He didn’t have enough water. He had no nap. He had no compass. He had no PLB. He had no phone battery. He had no food. It defies logic that in that situation- heaven forbid you found yourself in it – that you would take even half a step off the track 🤦♂️
Excellent takeaways Darren. I really enjoy your focus on these incidents that help us all think that little bit more about what we are doing out there, before we go.
Grant Hollingworth thank you.
An overlooked item is a whistle. Very handy for emergencies. Can comment more but advice is really dependent on your skill level, such as preparation and understanding of what the lau of the land is with everyday: where are you in relation to water, roads, etc.
Hadi also had a fire lighter and was able to light fires. If you’re lost, and there’s a fair chance people are looking for you a smokey fire with green eucalyptus leaves can be seen for 10s of kms.
Al Czvazanki Great points! A whistle is indeed a vital piece of emergency gear, knowing how and when to use it is just as crucial. I’ve covered that on a separate post on my site for anyone interested.
And you’re absolutely right—understanding the lay of the land and being aware of key features like water sources and roads can make all the difference in an emergency.
Also a great tip about using green eucalyptus leaves to create a smokey fire—that’s excellent advice for increasing visibility to rescuers. Thanks for sharing
Here’s the link to my post about signalling for help: https://www.trailhiking.com.au/safety/signalling-for-help-when-lost-or-injured-on-a-hike/
Trail Hiking Australia NP. I was thinking of how one would prepare a comprehensive guide on how to stay safe: what to do when planning before you leave home, what to do when you’re on hike to stay safe, what to do when things go awry, and what to do when lost.
Al Czvazanki totally agree this information is vital. I have a heap of info on my Trail Hiking Australia site about this and recently condensed the key safety messages this into site called Explore Safe. The purpose of this site is to cut through the clutter to the key messages. You can find this here: https://www.exploresafe.au/
Here’s a link to the article I’ve referred to in my blog post: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-23/hadi-nazari-snowy-hydro-tunnels-opera-house-hut-journal/104803644
Too many hikers have an over-reliance on a phone app for navigation. Many have almost no navigation skills and no desire to learn how to navigate.
Scott Melhuish I agree this is a growing concern. I wrote a piece the other day with an open challenge to test your skills by leaving non essential tech at home. https://www.trailhiking.com.au/preparation/bushwalking-without-tech/
TLDR: Hadi broke all the rules on how to be found
Ben Potter it would seem there is more to learn there.
Best summarised “don’t mindlessly wander off alone into extremely rough and completely unfamiliar terrain” full stop .. but also without any form of navigation aid whatsoever, not even a map! Was this guy for real? 🤦♂️
Cameron Wheatley It’s definitely a strong reminder of how important it is to have proper navigation tools, skills, to be prepared, and to stay on track, especially in unfamiliar terrain.
Cameron Wheatley exactly, and no this guy was not for real, that will become clear in the months ahead 👌
Daniel Grey and what hard evidence do you have of that?
Jonathan Miller I’ve no evidence, but I’m puzzled that he remained in good health and not visibly emaciated after 2 weeks allegedly with no food, no shelter and no reliable water.
Rachel Duck I dunno hey. Either this guy is really and I mean REALLY clueless or there’s something weird going on. Why did he leave behind his tent and sleeping bag???
I have previously asked what makes you an ‘experienced’ hiker as he was described in the news and by friends as he seems to have made some basic mistakes. Do you think panic or stress contributed to this ? At some stage you would have to sit down and weigh up all options and make a plan. Surely he would’ve realised the alarm would be raised, but after day 3, 4 or 5 you may have doubts. 🤔
Brett Duke what makes you an experienced hiker is a great question and is one I’ve explored. Panic can certainly make or break you in situations like this and is often the cause of things going pear shaped. The first thing anyone should do is sit down, try to remain calm and think about your options. Often the best steps are to retrace yours to a last know point to try and regain your bearings.
Brett Duke he didn’t have a map. He is not experienced. End of story.
Cameron Wheatley he didn’t have, or do, multiple things so I totally agree.
Darren thanks for a sober, rational article on this. The mainstream media coverage hailed a miracle, but what is now more usefully coming out on the ABC is the sort of advice you are providing. It is our responsibility to make sure we minimise the risk of us needing a rescue, and when we do need one, to make it as easy as possible for rescuers to find us.
It would be interesting to know what Hadi’s thinking processes were but we don’t.
The plethora of conspiratorial constructions being made by bushwalkers on the basis of very little hard information are very disappointing. Well done to you, Darren, for adroitly sidestepping such comments.
Jonathan Miller Thank you for your kind words. I completely agree—it’s so important that we minimise risks and make it as easy as possible for rescuers if help is ever needed. While it’s natural to have questions about decisions made during an incident, my focus is on what we can all learn to better prepare ourselves for the challenges of the outdoors. I really appreciate your perspective and support for fostering constructive discussions about safety.
Jonathan Miller well said. Couldn’t agree more.
Thank you for writing this. It’s the most sensible response I’ve read.
I’m shocked about the debate on other forums with seemingly experienced hikers stating that it’s not normal practice to carry your own map or PLB. It’s mind boggling and frustrating so thank you again for bringing this best practice that many of us use already, to light. 👍
Kelly Van Den Berg thank you. Really appreciated. While I understand a lot of people have questions, as I do too, I’m not in a position to speculate as I wasn’t there or part of the search and rescue. For me, the best thing we can do with this, or any incident is to learn from it, regardless of what opinions we may form from the little info often available. Judgement doesn’t help anyone.
Hello All the advise in this article is awesome. But I am concerned in the way the author singled out the person who got lost. The author is a rescuer he should know protection of casualty including privacy is important. Yes it was splashed all over the media. But I’m getting really concerned that people will not reach out for help as they are afraid of judgement and shame. Perhaps just say the recent search highlights the need for the following trail craft. Be a guide not a judge. The wilderness is for everyone. For those with experience pass it on. With respect
James van Daele Appreciate the feedback. The article I wrote is in direct response to the ABC media story. I made a very clear point of not scrutinising or judging the incident but focussed on the little bit of information that had come to light. The experience I have shared was delivered with respect. Sorry if that was not your takeaway.
Trail Hiking Australia hello not sure we’re I replied to you before I not saying your trail skills are wrong. I just worried by naming someone they and others will feel shame and not want to ask for help in the future when they need it.
Having undertaken rescuers and fire fighting I was trained to not judge or name in public people we helped. Sorry
James van Daele I think it is best we end this discussion. I do believe you are wrong with your accusations of me and have completely missed the point of this article. You have judged me for something I did not do and this conversation really has gone too far. I read just the entire thread that has stemmed from your original comment and it is a completely unnecessary discussion that has taken away from the positive purpose of the article.
Trail Hiking Australia Well said. What a completely unnecessary and negative point of view James has. It is a shame he felt he had to stand on his soap box and ruin the tone of this discussion. Sorry there are people like this in the world Darren. Speak as though they are experts but offer nothing.
James van Daele I think you may have missed the mark there. I am really concerned by the way you have singled out the author (Darren), when this is the only response to this particular incident that has been super helpful by focusing on the learning lessons. I am concerned that if other people, single out those who are doing their best to get the safety messages out there, as you have just done, then people may stop trying to spread these important messages. This is not helpful to anyone. There was not an ounce of judgement or shame in what was written. Maybe you might want to rethink your comment?
Grant Hollingworth Thank you for this comment. I was about to say the same thing. Shoot the messenger of great advice. I don’t get it.
Grant Hollingworth no his advise is A1 I said that.
Grant Hollingworth just need to focus on the skills and not name people who have had a bad experience. Naming people develops a atmosphere of keeping it quiet and then people don’t ask for help when they need it.
James van Daelefair enough. You are of course entitled to your view but I think we’ll have to agree to disagree on this one and Darren’s consistent and thoughtful approach to education. Yours is the only comment like this in this post so maybe there’s something in that?
Grant Hollingworth it’s cool. I just know if I go to a road accident to night and make public comments in a public forum I’d be getting a call. Guess my generation of rescuers focused on the rescue the skills to not be rescued. We never mentioned names. I have seen that change over the last decade. It scare me people a lot. We want to ensure people focus on getting out there and doing it right. Fear and shame make people do really crazy stuff. Again the author was A1 correct with skills trail skills.
James van DaeleI understand but you are way off the mark with this one. You have clearly laid down judgement where it is not due. I think it’s actually quite disgraceful what you have done here. You have deliberately attempted to undermine all this good messaging. You have added nothing at all of value to this discussion about safety. Well done!
Grant Hollingworth don’t be angry the point was and I have talked with author were it’s best to focus on the skills and not name individuals who have been rescued.
I know you have not spoken with the author (Darren) so not sure why you needed to state that. And who said I’m angry. Just extremely disappointed in your attitude towards this. You have brought your soap box to a discussion where it clearly was not needed. It concerns me that you could not see that, and it concerns me that you cannot see the negativity that comments such as yours bring to an otherwise positive and helpful discussion.
Grant Hollingworth I put another message for Darren I did reply to him but I’m not sure where it went.
I just checked my EPIRB battery time
James van Daele my PLB battery recent expired. Just sent it off for a replacement.
James van Daele Agree the advise by Darren is awesome. But, I think you need a bit of perspective here. Darren made it very clear that he was not being critical or judgmental. Maybe you missed that? I am certain Darren, knows the protocols around discussing search and rescue events and naming people involved. I have been following his posts about safety for some time and know he is extremely respectful of that. This event is ‘very very’ different to a rescue or road incident nobody has ever heard of. This is an international news story that has been covered by every press outlet across the country as well as some overseas for more than three weeks. If you are so concerned about the protection of the guys name, maybe consider writing to these media outlets and tell them not to publish his name? If you have read some of the damning comments on these news stories, it is pretty clear that mentioning his name as a lead in to this article, could not possibly have done further harm. The public have already achieved that. Had Darren not mentioned his name, we would have all known who he was referring to anyway. So really it’s a mute point you make. I agree the wilderness is for everyone and those with experience should pass it on with respect. That is EXACTLY what Darren has done! Sadly, this is not at all what you have done. A disappointing outcome really.
So well written and such sound advise. Thank you
Another wonderful objective and practical article. It’s wonderful reading a non judgmental piece. And other commenters with extra points of view. The trolllers should take a piece of your expertise rather than write trash
Karen Jane Hawkins awww thanks. That means a lot