Hiking safely

Australia's walking tracks are some of the most rewarding in the world. Conditions can also be harsh and change fast. A few minutes of planning before every walk is the best thing you can do to stay safe. This page covers the essentials. For more detail, read our guides on what to pack for a day hike, and on snakes, heat and safety.

In an emergency, call 000. If your mobile has no coverage, try 112, or activate a personal locator beacon (PLB).

Before every walk: the five checks

1. Official alerts. Check the managing park agency's alerts page for closures, track damage, planned burns and access changes. Every Aussie Hikers listing links to the official source.
2. Weather. Check the Bureau of Meteorology (bom.gov.au) forecast for the area, including wind and any warnings. Mountain and coastal weather can differ greatly from the nearest town.
3. Fire danger rating. Check the rating for the district. Don't walk in bushland on Extreme or Catastrophic days, when many parks close.
4. Your trip plan. Tell a responsible person where you're going, your route, who's with you, and when to raise the alarm if you haven't checked in. Many parks also have walker registration books or online trip intention forms.
5. Your capability. Choose a walk that suits the least experienced person in your group. Check the official grade, distance and elevation, and allow extra time.

Carry the essentials

Water (at least 2 litres, more in heat), food, a map and offline maps, a first aid kit with at least two compression bandages, a waterproof jacket, a warm layer, sun protection, a head torch, a charged phone and power bank, an emergency blanket, and a PLB on remote walks. PLBs are available to hire or borrow from many park offices and police stations.

Know your turnaround time

Decide before you start when you'll turn back, whether or not you've reached the destination. Turning around early is never a failure. Most incidents happen when people push on late in the day, in deteriorating weather, or when already tired.

Common hazards

Heat. Start early, carry plenty of water, rest in shade and watch for signs of heat exhaustion. Some central Australian walks close on very hot days.

Cold and changeable weather. In alpine Tasmania, Victoria, NSW and the ACT, snow and freezing wind can arrive in any season. Hypothermia is a real risk when people are wet and tired.

Cliffs and edges. Stay behind barriers and away from unfenced edges, especially in wind. Never take risks for a photo.

Water. Don't cross flooded creeks. Stay off wave-washed rock platforms. In northern Australia, assume waterways may hold crocodiles unless signs say otherwise.

Snakes. Stay on the track, watch your step and give snakes room. For any suspected bite, apply pressure immobilisation and call 000.

Getting lost. If you're unsure where you are, stop. Stay calm, stay put if you can't safely retrace your steps, conserve water and make yourself visible.

Walking in a group

Keep the group together, with the slowest walker setting the pace. Wait at every junction. Agree on a plan if anyone is separated.

Respect the place

Stay on tracks, take all rubbish home, leave plants, rocks and animals undisturbed, and follow requests at Aboriginal cultural sites. Use toilets where provided. Where there are none, bury waste at least 15 cm deep and 100 m from water.

Learn more

A recognised first aid course is one of the best investments a hiker can make. Joining a local bushwalking club is a great way to learn navigation and walk with experienced people.

Aussie Hikers provides general information only. Inclusion of a walk doesn't mean it's open or safe on any particular day. Always check official sources and make your own judgment.