Let someone know before you go
Planning a hike, heading somewhere remote, or exploring an unfamiliar area? Make sure someone knows your plans. Registering your trip intentions is a vital safety step that can help ensure help reaches you quickly if something goes wrong.
Use this online trip intentions form at Trail Hiking Australia to record key details about your trip — like your route, timing, emergency contacts, and equipment — so that a trusted person can act if you don’t return as expected. Once completed, a PDF summary will be sent to you and to the friend, family member, or other trusted contact you nominate. The PDF includes clear instructions on how they can notify Police Search and Rescue if needed.
Filling out a trip intentions form does not trigger an automatic search and rescue response. It’s your responsibility to make sure your nominated emergency contact knows when and how to raise the alarm if you don’t return on time. Your safety is in your hands — letting someone know before you go could save your life.
If you own a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), make sure it’s registered with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). I also recommend uploading your completed trip intentions PDF when you add your trip details to AMSA for extra peace of mind.
Please read the privacy policy. A summary of the relevant privacy information is also included at the end of this form.
The form is divided into three parts.
- Your Hike
- Your group and Equipment
- Your Emergency Contacts
To complete this form, you’ll need
- Name, email address and phone number of your emergency contact
- Details of all members of your group
- Trip details, start and finish locations, departure and return date and time
- Details of your equipment. For example, your mobile/satellite phone number
- Fill in required fields marked with an asterisk *.
