News and Media Coverage

Trail Hiking Australia News and Media

Darren edwards profile pic

My name is Darren Edwards. I am the founder of Trail Hiking Australia, an experienced bushwalker, and a search and rescue volunteer. Over decades of exploring Australian wilderness areas, I have focused on promoting practical, experience-based guidance that supports safer and more responsible hiking.

I have appeared on ABC News Breakfast and A Current Affair, and been interviewed by ABC Radio National (PM) and ABC Radio National (Life Matters) on bushwalking safety and risk awareness. I have also been quoted in the Washington Post, ABC News, WellBeing Magazine, and Nine’s Coach, and featured across multiple print editions of Great Walks Magazine. Together, this work reflects an ongoing commitment to improving hiking safety and public understanding of outdoor risk.

This page includes recent news, media appearances, and coverage relating to Trail Hiking Australia and the broader hiking community. It also highlights key initiatives aimed at strengthening hiking safety, accessibility, and informed decision-making on the trail.

For media enquiries, commentary, or expert input on hiking safety, trip planning, navigation, risk management, or Search and Rescue matters, please get in touch directly. I am available to provide informed, field-based insights for print, radio, television, and digital media.

Media Appearances and Coverage

ABC Radio National (Life Matters) — June 2026

Interviewed on ABC Radio National’s Life Matters program to discuss hiking preparation, risk awareness, and responsible decision-making on the trail. Listen to the interview

ABC News — December 2025

Quoted in an ABC News investigation into whether social media is masking the real dangers of bushwalking in Australia. Contributed commentary on the gap between how hikes are presented online and the actual conditions hikers encounter. Read the article

ABC Hobart Drive — December 2025

Appeared on 936 ABC Hobart’s Drive program with Lucy Breaden to discuss concerns that social media may be creating a false representation of bushwalking, masking the struggles and dangers hikers face. View the program listing

ABC Radio National (PM) — January 2025

Interviewed on ABC Radio National’s PM program on hiking safely in Australian bushland, covering preparation, navigation, and risk management. Listen to the interview

ABC News Breakfast — January 2025

Appeared on ABC News Breakfast to discuss bushwalking safety and the risks faced by underprepared hikers in Australian conditions. Watch the segment

Washington Post — June 2024

Quoted as an expert source in a Washington Post feature on wilderness survival following the rescue of a hiker lost for ten days in a California forest. Contributed commentary on survival priorities, the rule of threes, and the importance of signalling for rescue. Read the article

WellBeing Magazine (Issue 203) — May 2023

Featured as the primary expert source in a WellBeing Magazine article on the physical and mental benefits of hiking. Contributed guidance on planning, navigation, gear, hydration, and trail etiquette. Read the article

A Current Affair — June 2019

Appeared live on A Current Affair as part of a feature story on puffer jacket buying advice, contributing field-based expertise on outdoor layering and cold weather gear selection. View the story

Nine / Coach — September 2018

Featured as the sole expert source in a hiking guide for beginners published on Nine’s Coach platform. Contributed advice across navigation, gear, clothing, hydration, weather assessment, and trail safety. Read the article