Welcome to Australia’s Hiking and Bushwalking Blog! This blog is your one-stop shop for all things hiking and bushwalking in Australia. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, I’ve got the information and resources you need to plan and enjoy your next adventure. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about getting started, developing your hiking skills, hiking safely, health and hygiene, navigation techniques, and hiking hacks. I also cover the food and gear you’ll need for your hikes, as well as how to care for it.
And of course, no hiking blog would be complete without stories from the trail! I share inspiring stories from my own adventures, as well as from my readers. I encourage you to get involved in this exciting community by submitting your own trip reports and hiking trails, planning your own events and joining conversations in the forums.
I also offer free meal planners, packing checklists and dowloadable hiking guides, to help you plan your next adventure. Whether you’re looking to explore a new trail or learn more about hiking and bushwalking in Australia, I’m here to help. So start planning your next adventure today!
SV Topographic Maps Review
5 CommentsField test and review – I can say without question that our SV Topographic Map provided us with the knowledge and confidence to get-it-right the first time and not spend hours in the bush trying to…
Outdoor Research Arete Gloves Review
No CommentsField test and review – Outdoor Research best sellers, the Arete Gloves are among the most versatile alpine gloves available, offering grip, dexterity and waterproof protection for extended backcountry adventures.
Mountain Designs Gore WINDSTOPPER Jacket Review
3 CommentsField test and review – I was so thankful that I had my Mountain Designs Gore® WINDSTOPPER® Jacket on my Field Test to Kala Patthar (5643m/18513ft)
Kathmandu Alopex GORE-TEX Pro Jacket Review
1 CommentField test and review – For the rest of the journey via Lobuje to Gorak Shep the conditions did not relent. It was -50 but it certainly didn’t feel that cold as we progressed under…
Understanding topographic features for your hikes
1 CommentThe most useful feature of topographic maps is the precise way that they portray the shape of the land. These maps are designed to show where the terrain will rise and fall and how quickly…
Hacks for hiking up or down hills
No CommentsShorten your stride when hiking up or down hills. Long strides are fine on flat terrain, but when going up or down, shorten your stride. A benefit of this technique when going downhill is that…
Hike navigation tips
No CommentsHike navigation requires preparation, observation, and attentiveness to your surroundings. Always prioritise safety and be prepared for unexpected situations. Here’s a handful of tips that have helped me on many hikes.
Australian Adventure Activity Standards
No CommentsSafety standards shouldn’t change just because you cross a state border. That is why state outdoors bodies have come together to develop a single set of national standards for outdoors adventure activities. What do they…
Bring on the carbohydrates when hiking
No CommentsHiking food should be high in carbohydrate, tasty and easy to eat (not too dry or crumbly) so bring on the carbohydrates.
Leave a map before you start hiking
21 CommentsAre you planning a hike, going somewhere remote or where the weather can be extreme and terrain challenging? It’s important to tell other people about your trip and leave a map, so they can contact…
Leaving the trail – Leave a sign
8 CommentsWhen you leave an item on the trail at the point where you left, others know where you left the trail and will have a better chance of finding you.
Carry water when hiking
No CommentsIt consistently amazes me how many times I see people out for a walk or hike with nothing but the clothes they are wearing. If you run out of water, you have only a day…
Rock cairns for hike navigation
9 CommentsThe rise of “pointless” rock stacks (cairns) are angering some in the bushwalking community, who believe they impinge on the natural environment and can lead hikers astray.
Carry personal identification on your hikes
No CommentsWhen planning a hike, most most of us think about the things we need to take such as backpack, boots, clothing, feed and water. But a lot don’t think about protecting themselves in case of…
How to spot and treat mild dehydration
3 CommentsDehydration occurs when you don’t have enough fluids in your body. If you suspect you are (or someone else is) dehydrated, stop, get out of the heat and re-hydrate.
Do you get swollen hands when hiking?
9 CommentsSwollen hands can be caused by several things. The most common causes are gravity and the way the body distributes heat during exercise.
Carry a bandana on your hikes
17 CommentsThere are many ways to use a hiking bandana for any situation you might find yourself in. I recommend keeping a bandanna permanently in your pack.
Aarn Featherlite Freedom Overnight Pack Review
21 CommentsField test and review – Ultimately the choice of pack comes down to fit, comfort and whether it meets the users requirements, for me when I put the Featherlite Freedom on, it fits, it is…
How to spot and treat heat exhaustion
No CommentsMany hikers, backpackers, and climbers who are participating in activities in the desert, high temperatures, and high humidity levels will be more susceptible to heat exhaustion.
Get fit for trekking
21 CommentsDo you want to get fit for trekking? If you are preparing for a trek, whether it is Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro, Kokoda or a multi-day adventure in your local national park, you need to…
Cotton kills in the outdoors – or does it?
7 CommentsThe saying ‘cotton kills’ suggests that cotton is not an ideal clothing material for when the temperatures are low. Combining cotton and hiking in cold weather could make ‘cotton kills’ a reality for you through…
Helinox Ground Chair Review
31 CommentsField test and review – Comfort while hiking and camping is worth a few grams as the Helinox Ground Chair takes outdoor comfort to a new level of lightweight portability.
Using a GPS to navigate the trail
No CommentsHave you purchased your first GPS unit and now find yourself staring at the screen wondering how to use a GPS? Don’t worry, you are not alone. Here’s a few tips to get you started.
How to read a map for hiking
19 CommentsKnowing how to read a map isn’t difficult, for most people, given training, a bit of practise and continual use. The symbols, topography lines and direction helpers all might require a little understanding, but the…
