Trail Hiking Australia News and Media

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
Read more →What changes when hiking safety shifts from gear to thinking? This Australian guide explains how incidents develop and how to respond before problems escalate.
Read more →Do small issues on hikes lead to bigger problems? This guide explains how incidents develop early and how to recognise warning signs before they escalate.
Read more →What is the HSSF Practitioner Certification? A new Australian hiking safety certification assessing decision-making, system strain and real-world conditions.
Read more →Free hiking safety training for Australian hikers. Learn to recognise risk early and improve decision-making in real bushwalking conditions.
Read more →How do you prepare safely for a hike? Explore updated hiking preparation and safety checklists that help assess risks, gear, and planning before bushwalking trips.
Read more →Ensure safety standards remain consistent across state borders with the development of a unified set of adventure activity standards in Australia.
Read more →Free hiking planning calculators help walkers assess feasibility, difficulty, time, water and risk before a hike, addressing common factors in Search and Rescue incidents.
Read more →Press release: The Hiking Safety Systems Framework introduces a structured, systems-based model for safer hiking and bushwalking in Australia.
Read more →Meet Trail Mate, a smart chat assistant for hikers. Get instant, trusted answers on trails, gear, and safety to prepare for your next adventure.
Read more →Excited to announce my partnership with Osprey Australia as an ambassador! Discover how their gear supports my hiking adventures and stay tuned for future reviews.
Read more →Read an exciting Q&A on Stirling Range National Park, highlighting its unique hiking trails, Bluff Knoll, and tips for an unforgettable adventure in WA’s iconic park.
Read more →Darren Edwards shares essential hiking safety tips on ABC News Breakfast, promoting preparation and readiness for bushwalkers to explore trails safely and confidently.
Read more →Stay safe on the trails with the THINK Before You Hike framework. Learn how to plan, gear up, and prepare for your next hiking adventure. #ExploreSafe
Read more →Report: Hiking as Little as Once a Week Can Boost Ability to Talk Incessantly About Hiking. Learn about the benefits and prepare for endless trail tales.
Read more →Join National Explore Safe Day on December 1st, 2024, to promote outdoor safety and responsibility. Learn essential tips to enjoy Australia’s landscapes safely.
Read more →Trail Hiking Australia celebrates 50,000 members! Join the community to discover top trails, plan hikes, and connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts across Australia.
Read more →KEEN is making a bold claim with their new Targhee IV, touting it as the “last hiking boot you’ll ever buy.” Built with KEEN.FUSION for zero sole separation.
Read more →VICSES volunteers are prepared to assist, but it’s crucial to carry a map, compass, water, torch, and know the trail well. Avoid unnecessary search and rescues.
Read more →Discover over 3,600 trails across Australia with Trail Hiking Australia! Explore curated hikes, trusted trail info, safety resources, and planning tools for free.
Read more →Darren Edwards, founder of Trail Hiking Australia, launches New Community Forum and Event Management Tool on the Trail Hiking Australia Website to Promote Mental Health and Well-Being
Read more →Discover Darren’s transformative journey into bushwalking in The New Daily interview. Learn how hiking helped him overcome depression and find peace in nature.
Read more →Darren shares insights on walking holidays in Australia with Channel Nine’s James Dowling, highlighting popular multi-day trails and the benefits of hiking for mental health.
Read more →Plan a trip to Kosciuszko National Park on Monero Ngarigo Country to experience the new 9km Guthega to Charlotte Pass walk through sub-alpine landscape.
Read more →Discover the all-new Trail Hiking Australia website! Explore 3,200+ trails, filter by difficulty, save favourites, and use safety tools. Your adventure starts here!
Read more →Trail Hiking Australia launches a new, improved website with over 300 articles, enhanced search, safety features, and 3,200+ trails to help you explore the outdoors.
Read more →What impact could development have on the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing? A principle-based perspective on protecting wilderness and public access.
Read more →The tragic events and devastating fires of 2020 have taken a toll on cherished trails, but the passion for hiking and preserving nature remains strong.
Read more →Part of the challenge when planning a hike is to understand the Trail Access and Features that relate to any given hike. When you return from a hike, don’t forget to update the conditions so that the hiking community can benefit...
Read more →Michael G Lee, an avid nature lover, hiker, swimmer, and cyclist, claimed to have hiked 50 mountains. He passed away peacefully on June 3, 2018, after a full life.
Read more →Do some places need protection from development? Keep It Wild Australia explores how increasing access and infrastructure are reshaping wilderness areas.
Read more →What impact could development have on the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing? Explore a balanced view on access, infrastructure, and protecting alpine wilderness.
Read more →Backlash against Tasmania’s green tourism boom prompts warnings of limited access. Discover the Green Shoe Brigade and Tasmania’s new loggers.
Read more →Discover the analysis by Bushwalking Victoria on the AAAS Core and Bushwalking Standards, highlighting their relevance and exceeding expectations.
Read more →Should tourism infrastructure be built in national parks? Explore a balanced perspective on development, conservation, and public access in Victoria’s wild places.
Read more →Create personalised lists of favourite and completed hikes on Trail Hiking Australia. Easily log in, add hikes, and track your adventures with a click!
Read more →Explore the Buller Huts Trail, a 96km, 7-day wilderness trek in Victoria’s Alps. Experience rugged terrain, alpine summits, and historic huts on this challenging adventure.
Read more →Read Darren’s Q&A with AMK Enterprises, sharing insights on his hiking journey, TrailHiking.com.au, and tips for exploring Australia’s best trails.
Read more →Explore Victoria’s hiking trails with the redesigned Trail Hiking Australia site. Discover trails near you, plus detailed maps, GPX files, and safety tips.
Read more →Explore Victoria’s hiking trails with Trail Hiking Australia’s redesigned website. Find trails near you, filter by destination, distance, grade, and more.
Read more →We’re thrilled to unveil the refreshed Trail Hiking Australia website—your go-to resource for exploring over 175 Victorian trails with maps, GPX files, and more!
Read more →Discover the most comprehensive online resource for Victorian hiking trails. Access maps, GPX files, trail descriptions, and planning tips at Trail Hiking Australia.
Read more →Explore over 170 hikes across Victoria with Trail Hiking, offering detailed trail info, maps, GPX files, and more. Perfect for all adventure seekers.
Read more →Trail Hiking is gaining momentum with detailed trail info, GPX files, and crowdsourced content. Join the growing community of outdoor adventurers today.
Read more →Explore over 170 hiking trails across Victoria with Trail Hiking. Find detailed trail descriptions, maps, GPX files, and more to inspire your next adventure.
Read more →Discover over 170 hiking trails in Victoria on Trail Hiking. Find detailed trail info, maps, GPX files, and more to plan your next outdoor adventure.
Read more →Discover over 170 hiking trails across Victoria with detailed information, maps, GPX files, and more at Trail Hiking, your go-to resource for outdoor adventures.