Who are we?
Bushwalking Queensland Inc. (BWQ ) is the peak body that represents the interests of its affiliated bushwalking clubs in the state of Queensland, Australia. It also acts in the interest of the wider bushwalking community, through its advocacy role with land managers and various government departments. BWQ is a not-for-profit, non-commercial association, run by volunteers drawn from the club network.
What is Bushwalking?
Bushwalking is an Australian term for recreational walking in bush land or other natural areas. It is usually done within National Parks or other protected areas, either on designated tracks or completely off track. Alternative terminology for bushwalking includes hiking, tramping, hill walking, rambling, trekking. Bushwalking should not be undertaken without some forethought. It is essential that bushwalkers properly prepare themselves with suitable clothing, equipment, food and water to ensure a safe and enjoyable bushwalk.
When to bushwalk?
The best time of year to bushwalk in Queensland is winter. The days are usually mild and sunny. Summer is generally our wet season and can be very hot. Be aware also that we don't have twilight, so always carry a torch and plan to complete the walk by sundown.
Why walk with a club?
We strongly urge anyone wishing to take up bushwalking to make contact with a local club. Clubs provide peer group support, offer resource and knowledge sharing, advise on walk gradings suitable for beginners, teach you minimum impact bushwalking skills so you can walk ethically and safely, and can organise car pooling to share transport costs. Importantly, clubs provide a social structure that serves its members for a lifetime.
Click on the Club page to find a club in your region.
What if something goes wrong?
In the event of a serious (life threatening or time critical) incident on a bushwalk ring 000 and explain the situation.
For lost persons or parties overdue more than 24 hours, ring 000 and ask for the Police. If no signal, try 112 for the extended mobile network.
It is recommend that walkers carry a PLB in remote areas in the event that there is no mobile service.
Insurance cover
Clubs affiliated with BWQ participate in an Australia-wide insurance scheme administered by Bushwalking Australia providing Personal Accident and Public Liability cover.
Click on the Admin page to download a claim form.
Bushwalk Database
The Bushwalk Database has walks mainly in South East Queensland but covers all of Australia.
It has been compiled by members of bushwalking clubs affiliated with Bushwalking Queensland Inc and from other sources.
Each walk has a route description, a topographic map with the walk route overlain and a GPS file (in .gpx format)
The Bushwalk Database is password protected but is open to members of approved bushwalking clubs.
To Gain Access:
Email admin@qldbushwalks.online
with your full name, email address and bushwalking club.
You will then receive instructions on how to login.
Bushwalking Manual
https://bushwalkingmanual.org.au
Affiliations
We are affiliated with:
Bushwalking Australia Inc. https://www.bushwalkingaustralia.org
Outdoors Queensland https://outdoorsqueensland.com.au
Queensland Walks https://queenslandwalks.org.au/walk-hub
Park Alerts
For latest information on park or track closures, etc. https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/park-alerts
BWQ subscribes via RSS and Twitter, so check our Twitter, and will post relevant park alerts on the Facebook Group and Page of these park alerts.
Camping Permits
For camping in Queensland National Parks a camping permit is usually required.
Contacting us
News and additional items: https://bushwalkqld.wordpress.com
BWQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bushwalkqld
BWQ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bushwalkingqueensland
BWQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BushwalkingQLD
BWQ email: secretary@bushwalkingqueensland.org.au
BWQ postal: PO Box 12884, George Street QLD 4003
Please note we do not take bookings for club walks. Please contact the clubs directly for walk enquiries.
Click here for more information on how BWQ is managed.
All Bushwalking Queensland Inc. web pages are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 2.5 Australia License.