Top Tips for the Perfect Bushwalk

Top Tips for the Perfect Bushwalk

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Posted 2016-04-30 by Gypsy Rosefollow
Before you start any adventure, make sure you always remember to come prepared and of course to have fun too!

Being in the great outdoors and out in nature is a experience that everyone will enjoy. However, at times things can go wrong and being nature, it is unpredictable! Whether it is from weather or an accidental fall the list below includes top tips for the perfect bushwalk from short easy bushwalks to intense overnight bushwalk hikes.



1. Safety
Always inform someone where you are going e.g. the reception at a Hotel or the place & #8206 ;you are staying at, a family member or friend.& #8206 ;
Be sure you wear the proper gear for the bushwalk intended as walks can last from a & #8206 ;few minutes to hours - see my point below on protection. & #8206 ;
Always have medical supplies on hand, you never know when an emergency occurs & #8206 ;and it is always best to come prepared as some walks are so remote that there will & #8206 ;probably be no phone range or a person in sight for hours - see my medical point for & #8206 ;more handy tips on this.& #8206 ;
Always follow the instructions given on walking tracks and be wise. Sometimes & #8206 ;something will be so awe-inspiring and even trying to get a glimpse of it might cause death or serious & #8206 ;injuries. (At times there will be no instructions at remote areas with bushwalks- be & #8206 ;smart and do not get close to the cliff edge or follow wildlife into the bushland etc)& #8206 ;
Take a mobile phone with you just in case there is an emergency and there is phone & #8206 ;range. & #8206 ;



& #8206 ;2.& #8206 ; Medical& #8206 ;In a backpack or pocket take some bandaids, bandages, salt (this is handy for leeches- & #8206 ;see my point on animal encounters), paracetamol or ibuprofen and a bottle of fresh & #8206 ;clean water. & #8206 ;
On short easy / medium grade walks (less than two hours return walk) keep a & #8206 ;first aid kit in your vehicle that is fully stocked for severe emergencies. & #8206 ;
& #8206 ; If the walk is more than two hours return, it is a good idea to take the full stocked first & #8206 ;aid kit with you, as returning back to the vehicle might not be an option. & #8206 ;



& #8206 ;3.& #8206 ; Protection & #8206 ;
Sunblock/ sunscreen is vital. In Australia our UV rays are extremely high and protection & #8206 ;from the sun is important, so always sunblock all body parts (even parts not exposed & #8206 ;e.g tummy and back) and apply again after your & #8206 ;walk. & #8206 ;
Long sleeves and pants (tucked into your socks) is recommended when bushwalking & #8206 ;as this prevents insect bites including ticks and leeches gripping on to you. & #8206 ;
& #8206 ; Always wear a hat or beanie as this protects you from the sun and from insects getting & #8206 ;stuck in your hair and of course bird droppings, or in my sister's case a caterpillar & #8206 ;crawling on her hat -certainly did not want that being stuck to your hair strands! & #8206 ;
Wear sturdy closed shoes such as sandshoes / joggers or hiking boots, this protects & #8206 ;your feet.
Do remember to pack the raincoat too just in case.



& #8206 ;4.& #8206 ; Maps & #8206 ;
& #8206 ; A good map never goes astray when you are on a bushwalk. Maps are available online, at & #8206 ;information centres and at times at the bushwalk destination- do your research & #8206 ;beforehand. & #8206 ;
A GPS or compass is a good idea, however, with GPSs it might lose its range and this & #8206 ;can become problematic - so a compass is your best bet. (Some smart phones do have & #8206 ;a compass app, which can come in handy too). & #8206 ;



& #8206 ;5.& #8206 ; Animal encounters

Always take salt with you on bushwalks, especially at rainforests as this is home to & #8206 ;leeches. If a leech happens to grip onto you, pour some salt on it and it will fall right off!& #8206 ;
Insect repellent is a great idea to prevent bites and encounters that you certainly do not & #8206 ;want. & #8206 ;
Always look on the floor below you as you might come across snakes, lizards, bird eggs, & #8206 ;spiders etc- they can easily be camouflaged and you do not want to accidentally & #8206 ;tread on one. & #8206 ;
& #8206 ; If an animal does come a bit too close and seems like it is going to attack, & #8206 ;stand your ground and never leave your eyes off its eyes- this is intimidating and more & #8206 ;than likely it will run off. If a kangaroo approaches, you never place your hand on your belly & #8206 ;as this is a signal of attack and they will attack!& #8206 ;
Always follow the instructions given on maps and the boards at bushwalks on animal & #8206 ;encounter safety. & #8206 ;
Never feed birds and wildlife, this can cause a list of problems including death and & #8206 ;serious medical problems to the animals and even attacks on yourself as they want & #8206 ;more of the food- never do this and always inform children too. & #8206 ;



& #8206 ;6.& #8206 ; Food & #8206 ;
You cannot forget food on a bushwalk! If you are bushwalking less than two hours return, & #8206 ;chances are you do not need loads of food, so a few supplies such as water, chocolate/energy bar, lollies or fruit will be fine. For longer walks, including overnight treks, come & #8206 ;prepared and stock up on food supplies. & #8206 ;
Always take all rubbish / food scraps with you, do not leave anything behind only & #8206 ;memories!& #8206 ;

& #8206 ;7.& #8206 ; Enjoy
And lastly enjoy yourself, get lost in it all and simply have a good time and do keep an eye & #8206 ;out for birds and wildlife in the distance and always stay on the tracks!

#escape_the_city
#family
#nature
#outdoor
#walks
%wneverywhere
87454 - 2023-06-11 07:38:17

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