Be respectful and conserve our wild places
The wilderness is a peaceful place. Those who visit should have the opportunity to breathe, think, and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the bush and coast.
Don’t be that person with a speaker who blares music or feels the need to shout at the top of their lungs. The wild places are for all of us; create good vibes, and allow others to relax and unwind.
The wilderness is beautiful and wild, and we want to keep it that way, so we all have an obligation to look after the land and conserve it for future generations.
It starts with making sure that you take everything you bring in, back out with you again. Rubbish attracts more rubbish, so if you do see litter in the bush, earn yourself some good karma and remove it.
Bush Safety
An adventure into the bush or along the coast should be carefully planned and researched, especially if you plan on visiting any wild places that are remote or involve going off-track.
While the wilderness is stunningly beautiful, it’s also potentially dangerous. But with the right preparation and gear, you can mitigate risks and know what to do in the rare case that something happens.
In an emergency: call 000. If you don’t have phone signal, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB)
Be safe.
Let people know where you’re going. Tell a member of your family or a friend where you are intending to go and how long your adventure is expected to last. You can also fill out a trip intention form and register it with the NSW National Parks Service.
Carry an offline map. Many of the trails and spots on this site are in areas with unreliable or no phone signal. Before heading out, make sure you have a map that doesn’t require internet connection or carry a paper map. If your map is digital, bring a power bank in case you need to recharge your device.
Pack a PLB and first aid kit. A PLB can save your life in the bush. You can purchase one from an outdoor store or hire one from a selection of National Park Visitor Centres. Carrying a first aid kit that includes treatment for snake bites is essential. These can be picked up cheaply from many first aid centres around the region.
Check the fire danger rating and weather forecast. Check the RFS website for the current fire danger rating (www.rfs.nsw.gov.au). Only embark on your adventure in suitable conditions. Never enter a canyon when rain is forecast or go on a bush walk when the fire danger is elevated.
Check the park alerts to see if the trail/area you are visiting is open. Don’t hike on closed trails. Check the NSW National Parks website (nationalparks.nsw.gov. au) or the relevant council website before you embark on any trip to ensure your proposed track is open.
Do your research and know your route. Know your limitations and be prepared to turn back if necessary.
Bring plenty of water. Always carry more water than you think you’ll need, especially on hot days when intense sun can cause heat stroke and dehydration. A LifeStraw is a good back-up if you run out of water.
Wear the right clothes. Some of the bushwalks on this site involve overgrown paths, so wearing clothing that covers your arms and legs to prevent scratches or rashes from plants rubbing against your skin is recommended. Choose comfortable, but capable shoes with grip on any tracks that may be slippery. If you’re hiking in very cold weather, avoid wearing cotton, which leaches the warmth from your body when wet.
Pack the right gear. Ensure you have sunscreen, food and snacks, as well as waterproof clothing. Some areas have leeches, mosquitoes and ticks, so bring insect repellent, and know how to remove leeches and ticks safely.
Be aware of changed track conditions. Following big weather events such as flooding and bush fires, there may be changed conditions on the tracks, even if they remain open for hiking. After very heavy rain, there’s greater risk of landslides, rockfall and treefall. Never rely on trees for support following heavy rain as they can become water-laden and spongy, and it doesn’t take much weight for them to snap. When walking after bushfires, be aware of sharp, charred edges to the bushes and trees, this is especially important if going off-track when the paths will be narrower.
Flora and Fauna. Australia is famous for its venomous creatures and NSW is home to a few of them. While encounters are extremely rare (in 12 years, we’ve only seen a handful of dangerous snakes) you should be prepared. Identifying dangerous flora and fauna is valuable, and www.poisonsinfo.nsw.gov.au is a great resource. Here’s some things to be aware of.
Snakes: are more likely to appear on trails in the spring just after hibernation but can be seen during any of the warmer months. If you see one, wait until it has moved on before proceeding. If you get bitten, use a compression bandage, stabilise the limb and call 000 immediately.
Spiders: it’s incredibly rare that you’ll see a venomous spider, but the best thing to do is avoid putting your hands and feet in holes you can’t see into, and check your footwear if they’ve been left outside.
Gympie gympie: also known as the giant stinging tree, the gympie gympie is a plant that can give a painful and long-lasting sting. It can be a tree, but often you’ll see junior growth that’s more like a bush. Learn how to identify their leaves (a large heart-like shape) and don’t touch.
Bluebottles and other jellyfish: sometimes seen on the coast and beaches, you’ll normally see them washed up on the sand and, if so, you should avoid the water at this time. On popular beaches, the lifeguards patrolling will normally issue a warning if swarms are present.
Leeches and ticks: generally more of an irritant than a danger. Ticks can be found anywhere in the bush all year round, though you are most likely to acquire one in thick, overgrown bush. Leeches tend to be found in damp environments, and can be numerous after heavy rains. If bitten by a leech, gently remove it (avoid using salt or harsh methods, as it can cause it to regurgitate into the wound). If you know you’re in an area where leeches may be present, give yourself a once over every so often as you can usually flick a leech off before it bites, which is much easier than when it has latched. If you’re bitten by a tick, remove with a steady, even pressure, pulling directly upwards. Don’t twist, jerk or crush the tick. In both cases, clean the wound after removal.