Preparation underpins every hiking safety system
Preparing for a hike is not a single task. It is the process of making decisions that support every safety system before you leave home — route selection, weather interpretation, gear choices and understanding your personal limits.
The articles in this section cover everything from planning route types and assessing hazards, to group dynamics, solo hiking, navigation without technology, and campsite selection for Australian conditions.
10 Tips for hiking in hot weather
Read more →Ten practical tips for hiking safely in hot weather, covering early starts, hydration, pacing, heat awareness, fire risk, and when to change plans.
14 Outdoor hacks for wet weather
Read more →Practical wet weather outdoor hacks to stay dry, warm, and safe. Gear choices, clothing, camping tips, and simple habits for hiking and camping in rain.
6 Tips for hiking with your dog
Read more →Planning to hike with your dog? Learn where dogs are allowed, how to protect wildlife, manage fitness and hydration, and hike responsibly in Australia.
7 Ways to lighten your hiking pack load
Read more →Learn how to reduce hiking pack weight through smarter planning, packing habits, and movement skills without relying on expensive new gear.
A beginner’s guide to hiking with your dog
Read more →Planning to hike with your dog in Australia? Learn about trail access rules, 1080 bait risks, heat stress, wildlife hazards and responsible preparation.
Australian Walking Track Grading System (AWTGS)
Read more →Understand the Australian Walking Track Grading System — Grade 1 to Grade 5 explained with detailed criteria, at-a-glance tables and accessibility considerations.
Beginner’s guide to hiking in Australia: A practical systems-based approach
Read more →New to hiking in Australia? Learn how to plan safely with practical advice on gear, hydration, navigation, trail grading and Leave No Trace.
Beyond the App: Why Planning Your Own Hike Builds Safety and Confidence
Read more →Can hiking apps replace planning? Why independent route planning improves safety, terrain awareness, and confidence on Australian hikes.
Beyond the Headlines: What Bushwalking Incidents Teach Us About Safety
Read more →Bushwalking incidents offer valuable lessons. Learn how preparation, weather awareness and better judgement reduce risk on Australian trails.
Bushwalking During Snake Season: How to Reduce the Risk
Read more →Learn how to hike safely during snake season in Australia, with practical prevention tips and clear guidance on snake bite first aid and PIT.
Bushwalking Without Tech: A Practical Test of Navigation and Self-Reliance
Read more →Can you bushwalk without a navigation app or GPS? Learn how testing traditional navigation skills improves self-reliance, safety and confidence on Australian trails.
Camping in the Australian outback
Read more →Practical guidance for camping in the Australian outback, covering water planning, heat management, campsite choice, wildlife, fire risk, and remote safety.
Campsite selection for overnight and multi-day hikes
Read more →Learn how to choose safe, low-impact campsites for overnight and multi-day hikes in Australia, covering weather, drainage, wind, water protection, and Leave No Trace.
Choosing the Right Hike: Circuit, Return or One-Way Routes Explained
Read more →Not sure which hike format to choose? Learn the pros and planning considerations of circuit, return and one-way hikes in Australia.
Comfort on the Trail: Practical Ways to Improve Your Hiking Experience
Read more →Improve hiking comfort without overpacking. Learn practical strategies for better hydration, sleep, load carrying and recovery on the trail.
Common Hiking Questions: Practical Answers for Safer Hiking
Read more →Common hiking questions answered. Learn what to pack, how to stay safe, prevent blisters, manage hydration, navigate, and follow Leave No Trace.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Trekking at High Altitudes
Read more →Learn the common mistakes to avoid while trekking at high altitudes, including climbing too fast, not eating enough, dehydration, and unsafe sleep practices.
Day Hike Packing List: The Essentials and Why They Matter
Read more →Day hike packing list for Australian conditions. Learn the essential items to carry and why they matter for navigation, hydration, weather, first aid and safety.
Electronics redundancy planning for hiking
Read more →How to plan electronics redundancy for hiking, covering phones, GPS devices, satellite communicators, power banks, solar, PLBs, and maps.
Essential Travel Tools for Overseas Hiking Adventures
Read more →Essential travel tools for overseas trekking: insurance, booking tips, money apps, eSIMs, and more to help you hike smarter, safer, and stress-free.
Get fit for hiking: Essential tips
Read more →Learn how to get fit for hiking with practical training tips to build strength, endurance and resilience for safer, more enjoyable time on the trail.
Get fit for trekking: Essential tips for hikers
Read more →Learn how to get fit for trekking with practical training advice on endurance, strength, core stability and trail-specific preparation for safer adventures.
Getting a group of hikers together
Read more →Learn how to plan group hikes by matching people to suitable routes, managing group size, setting expectations, and preparing for safe outcomes.
Hike Planning and Preparation in Australia: A Safety Systems Guide
Read more →Learn how to plan a hike safely in Australian conditions, including terrain, heat, timing, gear, communication and emergency preparation.
Hiking group size: why keeping it small matters
Read more →Learn why hiking group size matters, including safety, pace, environmental impact, and how to choose an appropriate group size for each hike.
Hiking in a group: benefits, tips and safety
Read more →Learn the key principles of hiking in a group, including planning, group size, shared responsibility, and how to manage safety on the trail.
Hiking in Cold Weather: Staying Warm, Dry, and Safe
Read more →Cold weather hiking tips for staying warm, dry, and safe. Practical advice on layering, pacing, nutrition, weather checks, and managing heat loss on winter hikes.
Hiking in different seasons: Tips for exploring year-round
Read more →Learn how to hike safely year-round with seasonal tips for weather, gear, trail conditions, and planning across spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Hiking in summer: start early to avoid peak heat
Read more →Practical advice for hiking safely in Australia’s summer heat, including early starts, pacing, route choice, hydration, and heat risk management.
Hiking in the Australian outback
Read more →Practical advice for hiking in the Australian outback, covering heat management, water planning, navigation, wildlife risks, and decision making in remote terrain.
Hiking in Winter: A Guide for Australian Adventurers
Read more →Plan safer winter hikes in Australia with practical guidance on conditions, layering, navigation, daylight, traction, and overnight preparation.
Hiking preparation: Think Before You Trek
Read more →Plan your remote adventure or multi-day walk in NSW National Parks with these helpful tips. Think Before you Trek for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Hiking solo: essential tips and preparation
Read more →Considering hiking solo? Learn how preparation, self-reliance, planning, and communication help you hike alone safely and make better decisions on the trail.
Hiking with a baby bump: Tips for hiking while pregnant
Read more →Thinking about hiking while pregnant? Learn practical tips for trail choice, pacing, hydration, and safety to hike comfortably with a baby bump.
Hiking with confidence: A guide to walking steadiness
Read more →Improve hiking balance and walking steadiness to reduce falls, prevent injury and move confidently across uneven Australian terrain.
Hiking with Kids: Planning, Safety and Shared Responsibility
Read more →Planning a hike with kids requires careful decisions around safety, pacing, and suitability. Learn how to prepare for safe, enjoyable family hikes.
Hiking with Older Kids Older Kids and Teenagers
Read more →Hiking with teenagers means balancing independence and safety. Learn how to manage pace, responsibility, and risk when hiking with older kids.
Hiking with Young Children: Toddlers to Primary Age
Read more →Hiking with young children requires short distances, close supervision, and flexible planning. Learn how to manage energy, safety, and pacing on family hikes.
Hiking with your baby: Tips for a safe adventure
Read more →Thinking about hiking with your baby? Learn practical tips on carriers, trail choice, packing essentials, and pacing for safe, comfortable family walks.
Hiking with Your Gog: Essential Tips and Gear
Read more →Planning to hike with your dog? Learn essential tips, trail rules, wildlife considerations, and must-have gear for safe, responsible dog hiking.
How much water should you carry on a hike?
Read more →Learn how much water to carry on a hike based on time, terrain, weather, and remoteness, with practical planning advice for safer hiking.
How the Hiking Hydration System Works
Read more →What is the hiking hydration system? Learn how water, salts, heat and behaviour interact to affect fatigue, judgement and safety on the trail.
How to Calculate and Optimise Your Base Weight
Read more →What is base weight and how should you calculate it for hiking? Understand fixed load, reduce fatigue, and optimise your pack without compromising safety.
How to Keep Wildlife Out of Your Pack and Tent
Read more →Learn how to keep wildlife out of your pack and tent on overnight hikes in Australia, with practical food storage tips that protect animals, gear, and campsites.
How to keep your hiking gear dry and organised
Read more →Discover how to keep your hiking gear dry and organised using layered systems, smart packing, and practical strategies for rain, humidity, and wet camps.
How to keep yourself safe on a group walk
Read more →Learn how to stay safe on a group walk by preparing properly, staying aware, carrying essential gear, and taking personal responsibility on the trail.
How to manage hydration during a hike
Read more →Learn how to manage hydration during a hike with practical advice on when to drink, recognising early warning signs, and avoiding dehydration or overhydration.
Interpreting the Australian Walking Track Grading System: Limitations and Context
Read more →Understand the limits of the Australian Walking Track Grading System and why Grade 4 and 5 walks demand deeper research and self-reliance.
Is this hike suitable for kids?
Read more →Not every hike suits kids. Learn how to assess distance, terrain, exposure, weather, and safety margins to choose family-friendly walks.
Leading a Hiking Group: Responsibilities, Decision-Making and Safety
Read more →Learn what it means to lead a hiking group, including planning, pace management, decision-making, and how to keep groups safe on the trail.
Leave No Trace when bushwalking
Read more →Learn the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace and how they guide responsible outdoor behaviour, protecting landscapes, wildlife, and shared spaces for everyone.
Leave No Trace when Camping on Overnight Hikes
Read more →Learn how to camp responsibly on overnight hikes, with practical Leave No Trace guidance for Australian conditions, covering campsites, waste, water, fires, and impact.
Minimalist Camping: How to Pack Light Without Sacrificing Safety
Read more →Learn how minimalist camping reduces pack weight through planning, multi-use systems, and experience, without compromising safety or comfort on the trail.
Overnight hiking with kids: Tips and advice
Read more →Overnight hiking with kids requires conservative planning and flexibility. Learn when children are ready and how to plan safe first trips.
Phytophthora cinnamomi (Cinnamon Fungus)
Read more →Learn how Phytophthora cinnamomi (Cinnamon Fungus) threatens the Australian bush. Discover how to stop the spread of dieback by cleaning boots and staying on track.
Plan your hike like your life depends on it. Because it does
Read more →An opinion piece on hiking safety and personal responsibility. Why proper planning in Australian bushland can prevent rescue, injury and death.
Planning a day hike: A guide to day trip preparation
Read more →Planning a day hike? This guide outlines key steps to help you head out on your day adventure. Feel confident and comfortable with your level of preparation.
Planning a Family Hike: Expectations, Pacing and Margins
Read more →Good family hikes start with realistic planning. Learn how to set expectations, pace the day, and build safety margins when hiking with kids.
Planning an overnight hike: Stepping beyond the day trip
Read more →Planning an overnight hike in Australia? Learn how to manage load, food, water, navigation, and risk for a safe and rewarding 24-hour adventure.
Planning Multi-Day Hikes in Australia: Navigation, Water, Food, Camps and Risk
Read more →How do you plan a multi-day hike? Cover navigation, water, food, camps, permits, check-ins and risk controls so your route is realistic and safe.
Planning to hike in winter? Invest in the right gear
Read more →Can being underprepared for a winter hike in Tasmania be fatal? Research shows how gear, planning and judgement determine survival in harsh terrain.
Planning Your Australian Hiking Adventure: A State-by-State Guide
Read more →Planning a hike in Australia? Climate, terrain, and weather can differ drastically between states. Here’s a few things to consider when hiking in each state.
PLBs: Safety nets, not shortcuts – Why self-reliance matters
Read more →Every hiker should carry their own PLB. Learn why personal locator beacons are safety nets, not shortcuts, and why self-reliance still matters most.
Prepared for the Track: Prepping, Planning and Packing for Safer Hikes
Read more →Use the 3 Ps of hike preparation, prepping, planning and packing, to reduce risk, stay found, and handle delays or injuries on the track.
Preparing for your first multi-day hike in Australia: A systems-based beginner’s guide
Read more →Preparing for your first multi-day hike in Australia? Learn how to plan safely using a systems-based approach to load, fitness, water and route choice.
Six practical ways to become a more comfortable hiker
Read more →Improve your hiking efficiency with six practical tips covering pack weight, footwear, insulation, trekking poles and load management.
The Ten Essentials: a systems approach to hiking safety
Read more →Find out how the Ten Essentials work as a safety system for hiking, why each matters, and how to apply them to real Australian conditions.
THINK Before You Hike: Essential Safety Tips for Every Hiker
Read more →What is THINK Before You Hike? Learn a structured five-step safety framework that strengthens planning, gear selection, and risk management.
Time and Distance Planning for Hikes: Estimating Duration, Elevation and Effort
Read more →How do you estimate hiking time accurately? Account for distance, elevation, terrain, group pace and breaks to reduce risk and finish before dark.
Trail etiquette: Sharing tracks safely and respectfully
Read more →What is trail etiquette when hiking in Australia? Understand right of way, shared tracks, closures, dogs, noise, and how to reduce conflict and impact.
Trail Running for Beginners: A Safe and Progressive Approach
Read more →New to trail running? Learn how to build endurance, improve technique, choose the right gear and stay safe on uneven terrain in Australia.
Trail Running: How much water should you carry?
Read more →Learn how much water to carry when trail running, with practical guidance based on time, intensity, terrain, and safety rather than distance.
Trip Intentions and Rescue Planning for Hikers
Read more →How does rescue planning work on a hike? Learn how trip intentions, escalation timing, PLBs and clear plans reduce search time and improve outcomes.
Understanding different hiking styles and outdoor safety
Read more →Explore common hiking styles, the safety risks linked to each, and how better planning, skills, and judgement can reduce injuries and getting lost.
Understanding Gait Speed for Hiking
Read more →Learn how to calculate your hiking gait speed and use it to plan time, pace climbs, manage fatigue, and avoid getting caught out after dark.
Victorian High Country Huts Code of Conduct
Read more →Victoria’s High Country huts are emergency shelters, not accommodation. Learn the Code of Conduct and how to protect these alpine heritage refuges.
When Family Hiking Doesn’t Make Sense (and That’s OK)
Read more →Family hiking isn’t always the right choice. Learn when to postpone, shorten, or skip a hike to protect safety and long-term enjoyment.


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