In an insightful interview with The New Daily in April 2023, Darren, founder of Trail Hiking Australia, shares his personal journey into bushwalking and how the outdoors became his sanctuary for mental clarity and healing. From battling depression to finding peace in the Australian wilderness, Darren reflects on how hiking transformed his life and provides valuable insights for anyone interested in pursuing this enriching activity.
Can you share your personal story about how you got into bushwalking and why it has become a passion for you?
I have been running my own design agency, by myself, since 1993. I had built a solid business with a good mix of regular clients and had plenty of work to keep me occupied for more hours each day than I had hoped for. So much so that I often had to compromise my family time in order to keep ahead of the workload. Over time, I started to become resentful of my work but had to keep soldiering on as I needed the work to fund a few investment properties we had purchased along the way. I had created a giant wheel and I was the little mouse keeping it going and could not get off. I guess a lot of people feel this way in life, that we live to work.
One day my world came crashing down. I was beside myself with grief and felt overwhelmed by everything in my life. I could not understand what was happening to me as my life had been so great. I had fallen into a deep depression. A depression so deep, that I felt nothing but despair. I just didn’t know any other way out and was in so much pain. I know people who have lived with depression, but until you have experienced the black dog for yourself you will never know or truly understand the absolute darkness that surrounds you or sickening pain that enters your heart.
On reflection, I think it was the feeling of being trapped by what I had created that made me feel depressed about my life, although I did not realise at the time. I just thought that everything around me was falling apart, and I started to think that I would never get out of the hole I was in.
At the time I lived on the edge of a state park in Melbourne’s west so one day I dragged myself out of bed and went for a walk by myself in the bush. I returned quite a few hours later feeling more alive and refreshed than I have ever felt. So, the next day I did it again, then again, and again.
For the following two years I hiked by myself every weekend (sometimes both Sat and Sun). Sometimes I stood on the edge of a cliff, contemplating the reasons for life, sometimes I stayed away from the cliffs, not knowing what I would do. Despite having these thoughts, I kept hiking as it gave me purpose, it seemed to give my life meaning and ultimately it allowed me to somehow clear my mind of all the negative thoughts that were continually racing through it. I felt like I could relax, that no-one was watching me, judging me, questioning my decisions, or expecting something of me. I was at peace in the bush and above all, I felt insignificant and connected to something greater than myself. That may seem like an odd feeling to rejoice in for someone with depression but when I was at my worst, I felt like the world was revolving around me and the feeling that I was but a mere spec on this earth made me stop and realise that there is more to life than just me and what I was going through. It made me stop to consider my family, my friends, my two lovely boys.
What are the top physical and mental health benefits of bushwalking, and how have they personally impacted your life?
Hiking is a great way to get in touch with nature and to get a bit of exercise as you explore. From boosting fitness, to improving mental wellbeing – and even helping us in our social lives, hiking offers all kinds of tangible benefits. The great news is that it doesn’t stop there. When you consider all the physical, health, psychological, emotional, and mental health benefits of hiking there really is no reason not to head out into the wilderness and start exploring our amazing country. I am passionate about hiking and the benefits it provides.
There are many studies that show that time spent outdoors can:
- improve stress levels
- alleviate or lessen symptoms of depression
- reduce anxiety
- lower blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension
- lower production of stress hormones such as cortisol.
While hiking may not be the answer to all of life’s problems, it has certainly improved my life. Getting into nature may help improve your quality of life, keeping your mind healthier and your body stronger. Sometimes a return to nature can do a world of good.
For someone new to bushwalking, what are your top tips for getting started and enjoying a safe, successful hike?
The great thing about hiking is you get to pick your speed and difficulty for the perfect amount of challenge that suits you. Here are my top tips for anyone getting started:
- Decide how long you have to hike
Pick a hike based on how much time you have – do you have the entire Sunday? Or do you just have a few hours on a Tuesday afternoon?
- Decide if you’ll be hiking solo or with a friend/group
Solo hikes may have its advantages (mobile meditation anyone?), however it is also more dangerous should anything happen while you’re out on the trail. It would be recommended buddying up with a friend or your significant other particularly for your first hike – it’s a great bonding opportunity!
- Determine your starting level
If you are a complete newbie, sending yourself out on an eight-hour hike through the unmapped wilderness is highly not recommended. Start slow to develop your skills and pick places you’re familiar with that will allow you to stop when necessary and get back to your car or home quickly.
- Choose your hiking location
If you don’t have a place in mind, search trailhikinmg.com.au or jump on Google to find the closest park. Ask your friends/co-workers if they know of any good spots too. Do some research as you’d be surprised how many places are out there ready for you to explore. Just make sure the trail you choose is suited to your experience and fitness.
- Decide what to wear
Your clothing is important as it is your first line of protection. Dress for conditions, bring extra and have wet weather clothing available. Always have enough to cover you for the worst-case scenario. Weather conditions in wilderness environments are sometimes unpredictable. Re-check weather forecast throughout your trip.
- Determine what to pack
A lot of this will depend on how long your planned hike is and what sort of weather/obstacles/adventures you’re bound to get yourself into on the hike. Make sure you always have plenty of water, navigation aids, a torch, and the ability to contact emergency services if something goes wrong. GPS and mobile phones help but they do not replace experience. Bush walking clubs are a good way to advance your experience and knowledge. Carry spare batteries or a portable charging pack.
- Decide what food you’ll need
How much you need to bring will depend greatly on your type of trip, but you want to make sure you are adequately prepared for your adventure, pleas a little extra if something goes wrong.
- Check the weather
Always check a current and forecasted weather report but do not rely on it, plan for worst-case scenario by carrying extra food, water, clothing, and equipment. Weather can change very quickly.
- Let someone know, before you go.
It’s important to tell others about your trip intentions so they can contact police if something goes wrong. Your safety is in your hands so let someone know before you go.
Can you share your essential bushwalking gear recommendations, and what are some common mistakes that beginners often make when choosing their equipment?
One of the greatest mistakes people make is not being adequately prepared. Many people become lost or injured, even on short walks so the best advice I can offer is to plan your hike and be prepared.
The Ten Essentials are survival items that hiking and Scouting organisations recommend for safe travel in the bush. I don’t necessarily believe you always need to carry all ten items, but this should be the first point of reference when deciding what you may need for each hike.
Current Ten Essentials
- Navigation. Topographic map and assorted maps in waterproof container plus a magnetic compass, optional altimeter or GPS.
- Sun protection. Sunglasses, sunscreen for lips and skin, hat, clothing for sun protection.
- Insulation. Hat, gloves, jacket, extra clothing for coldest possible weather during current season.
- Illumination. Headlamp, flashlight, batteries. LED bulb is preferred to extend battery life.
- First-aid supplies, plus insect repellent.
- Fire. Butane lighter, matches in waterproof container.
- Repair kit and tools. Knives, multi-tool, scissors, pliers, screwdriver, trowel/shovel, duct tape, cable ties.
- Nutrition. Add extra food for one additional day (for emergency). Dry food is preferred to save weight and usually needs water.
- Hydration. Add extra 2 litres of water for one additional day (for emergency).
- Emergency shelter. Tarp, bivouac sack, space blanket, plastic tube tent, jumbo trash bags, insulated sleeping pad.
What are your top three favorite bushwalks in Australia, and what makes each of them unique or memorable?
I love escaping as far as I can from civilisation so, heading for the mountains is always high on my list. Here’s three of my favourites, noting they are all challenging multi-day hikes. I love all these due to their remoteness, ruggedness, isolation, physical and mental challenge.
The Buller Huts Trail (Victoria). 96km, 7 days, Grade 5. https://www.bullerhutstrail.com.au/
Western Arthurs A-K (Tasmania). 67km, 7 days, Grade 5. https://www.trailhiking.com.au/hikes/western-arthurs-a-k/
Mount Cobbler Plateau Circuit (Victoria). 30km, 2 days, Grade 4. https://www.trailhiking.com.au/hikes/mount-cobbler-plateau-circuit/
Can you provide some advice on how to minimize one’s environmental impact while bushwalking and promote responsible, sustainable hiking practices?
The Leave No Trace Seven Principles are the bedrock of the Leave No Trace program. They provide guidance to enjoy our natural world in a sustainable way that avoids human-created impacts. The principles have been adapted so they can be applied in your backyard or your backcountry. The principles are:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimise Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Find out more at https://www.trailhiking.com.au/preparation/leave-no-trace/
How do you handle unexpected challenges or emergencies during a bushwalk, and what precautions should hikers take to stay safe?
Heading out on the trail? Plan your hike like your life depends on it – because it does. Correct planning, and the right navigation aids, will help you avoid getting lost.
The Aussie outdoors, with its unpredictable and ever-changing environment, can be both exhilarating and dangerous. Nature does not discriminate, even the most well prepared and seasoned hikers can suffer an injury on the trail. Even if you are just going for a short walk, there’s always a possibility you could break a limb, cut yourself, get bitten by insects or snakes or become lost. So you need to be prepared, carry a first aid kit and PLB or communication device. Knowing what to do if you do suffer an injury can help you avoid further danger or complications.
If something goes wrong, the first things to do in any emergency situation are:
- Don’t panic! This wastes energy and leads to poor decision making
- Stop, stay calm and think
If you become lost or separated from your group, here’s a few tips on what to do next: https://www.trailhiking.com.au/safety/what-to-do-if-you-get-lost-hiking/
Some hiking injuries are preventable; others are easily treatable on your own. If your injury prevents you or a member of your group from continuing it’s likely you will need to consider calling for external assistance. Here’s some recommendations on what to do: https://www.trailhiking.com.au/safety/what-to-do-if-you-are-injured-on-a-hike/
Can you tell us about a memorable experience or encounter you’ve had while bushwalking, and what lessons you’ve learned from it?
One of the most memorable experiences I have had was on a hike in Victoria’s high country. I was leading a group on a challenging overnight hike. Most in the group I had hiked with before, so I knew their level of experience and fitness. A couple of people in the group I had never met until we arrived at the trail head. Halfway through the first day, I noticed one of the group members started to ask a lot of questions about where we were, if I knew the way (which I did) and was commenting a lot on how this hike was harder than she thought. Over the next few hours, it became clear to me she may have taken on more than she was ready for so I paid a lot more attention to any changes in her demeanour.
At our camp that night, she was asking a lot of questions about the following day, if I knew the way, how hard it would be, how long it would take, how well was I prepared, how good my navigation skills were. The list goes on. She started to question my planning a lot, which is ok, but it became clear to me she was becoming increasingly afraid. We reached a point on the hike where we have to haul our packs up a vertical rock escarpment. While my wife and I were trying to determine the best way up, I noticed this group member had become very wide eyed. I knew right then it was not wise or safe to proceed. As a group, we could have pushed on and encouraged her along but I believed the only way she could be reassured that everything would be OK, was to turn back.
So, despite the returned journey now being longer than the forward journey, it was not as technically challenging and I new she would have confidence as she had been that way before. So as a group, we all agreed we would not press on and we returned the way we came. The change in her demeanour was immediate and I knew it was the best decision I could have made (despite the disappointment I was feeling).
The lessons I learn from this are to:
- Always hike with people you know if you are planning an overnight or challenging day hike.
- Always be observant of those around you. The simplest change in demeanour can mean something is not quite right.
- Be respectful of people and never let them feel like they are letting the team down (there will always be other opportunities)
- Be prepared to change your plans.
- If you start hiking as a group, always remain as a group.
How do you stay motivated to continue bushwalking, and what advice would you give to others looking to make it a long-term activity in their lives?
I don’t really need motivation to hike. My life always seems so busy and noisy that I long for any opportunity to escape into nature. It doesn’t always have to be for days on end, even a 30 minute stroll through the busy can be re-energise. The best advice I can offer is just to start hiking. Start small, experience different trails, build up to overnight and multi-day hikes if that is what interests you. The great thing with hiking is there are no limits, to expectations, no goals to meet or challenges to beat. Just go for a walk at your own pace, you never know where it might lead you. I just started hiking one day and have never stopped since.
What role do you think bushwalking can play in fostering a deeper appreciation for nature and its conservation, especially in light of climate change and other environmental challenges
Being in nature literally saved my life. My appreciation for that runs so deep that I believe it’s my duty to take an active stance on issues affecting our natural world. I know a lot of people struggle with anxiety and depression and immersing oneself in nature in amazing antidote. Considering the unique benefits nature willingly provides us, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature and conserving and protecting our wild places is one of the best ways we can give back.
Sadly, there is a real danger we risk consuming nature due to the explosive growth in high-yield ecotourism, with large numbers of consumers seeking novel and pampered eco-experiences in remote wilderness locations. These inappropriate developments in our precious and wild places don’t only put our natural environment at risk, they put at risk the significant mental health and emotional well-being benefits that nature provides us.
Immersing yourself in nature is a give-give experience. Once we start taking, the values are gone forever.
Final Thoughts
Darren’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the greatest healing happens in the quiet of nature. His journey from personal struggle to a deep connection with the outdoors illustrates the profound physical and mental health benefits of bushwalking. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or new to the trail, Darren’s experiences offer an inspiring message about the potential of hiking to clear the mind, restore balance, and find purpose.