Bushwalking Etiquette

Be punctual

Don’t arrive late at the meeting place. If you cannot attend an event you have nominated for, contact the leader and cancel as soon as possible.

Follow the leader

Follow all reasonable directions by the trip leader.

· Stay in communication with other walkers. If you cannot see them, shout “Hey Bob” to re-establish communication.

· The leader may nominate a “tail” to walk at the back of the group. Make sure you do not get behind the tail. If you need a toilet stop, let the tail know.

· Keep a safe distance from the walker in front of you so you are not injured by swinging tree branches, walking sticks or dislodged rocks.

· If you wish to leave the group (e.g. to go home early) it is essential to explain the problem and seek the leader’s agreement.

Rubbish

Take only photographs, leave only footprints. Carry out all rubbish, including food scraps.

Minimum impact bushwalking

Our aim is to leave the areas we visit undisturbed and as close to their pristine condition as possible. So:

· Do not disturb any animal or plant life.

· Do not pollute creeks or lakes with soap, detergents or shampoos.

· Do not carry machetes, or cut or mark tracks.

· Do not damage standing vegetation (alive or dead) to collect firewood – and check that fires are permitted.

· Take stringent precautions to ensure fire safety.

· Use a fuel stove for cooking.

Bushwalking spirit

Bushwalkers prefer to hear the sounds of the natural bush inhabitants, not radios, telephones or raucous behaviour.