The word bushwalking was coined in Australia and it normally indicates hiking in the ‘bush.’ The bush can include the typical Australian Outback as well as the Australian rainforest, but this term is also normally used by English speakers from both Australia and New Zealand.
Here the term bush is used to refer to the particular mixture of vegetation found throughout Australia, often a combination of forest and scrub that can be quite dense.
Bushwalking typically refers to a type of hiking done off the trail which is not illegal here, even in the national parks.
Bushwalking is usually done to go ‘hunting’ for pictures of wildlife such as koala bears, dingos, wallabies or echidnas or to go discover pristine places and have a bath by a waterfall perhaps.
This activity may entail some ‘clearing’ since not all dense areas of vegetation are easy to get through especially when lacking trails.
There are several kinds of different bushwalker associations and groups in Australia dedicated to promoting the exploration and also the protection of the environment. These groups often organize events and engage people in low-impact nature walks, generally trying to ensure that natural beauty is not damaged by clearing or littering.
A great deal of bushwalking activities take place in Australia's national parks and state forests.
This type of outdoor activity can be practiced by basically anyone, from children to senior citizens and true bushwalkers can enjoy nature all year round, from the heat of summer through the snow of winter.
It is recommended that hikers travel in groups of at least in pairs since solo explorations can be potentially dangerous in this country due to heat, potential encounters with venomous animals or the possibility to get lost and injured as in a famous movie you may have seen telling the story of a hiker who got hurt and stuck for days.
Extra care needs to be taken when traveling in the Outback and the Australian bush because, for foreigners who are used to walk near towns and inhabited areas, it is hard to deal with these places which are very isolated and cut off from civilization so foreign tourists can easily get lost and disoriented.
One must therefore be careful and avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
If you are planning a bushwalk trip it is necessary to:
- Make sure you have a phone with good service or satellite service and GPS
- Bring maps and define your route in advance
- Take lots of water and food with you
- Let someone know where you are going and when you are supposed to be back
- Check the weather forecast before you go and avoid extreme temperatures
- Find out about the length and level of difficulty of the hike. If the walk is difficult or you are not trained it is best to take a local guide
- Wear comfortable shoes, clothing that covers you and a hat
- Sunscreen is mandatory, and insect repellent is highly recommended
- Bring clothes against the rain or the cold as the temperature may drop easily (Australian temperatures can go up or down quite easily)
- Read the signs carefully if any
With these precautions, you can travel serenely and discover all the beauty of bushwalking.
ALBERTO FERRANDO PHOTOS
Rainforest in Australia:
Fauna:
Scrubs:
Bushwalking by the beach:
