Walks Information

Walk Gradient: Track grading is a primary means of informing walkers about the features and challenges of our walks.  It enables walkers to decide if a walk is the right level of difficulty for them.  

 

Easy: Fairly even path with no steep sections.  Suitable for beginners or inexperienced walkers.   A short walk no greater than 5-8 km and less than 4 hours duration. 

 

Easy-Moderate: Path walk which may have a gentle hill section or sections and/or occasional steps, some rough ground.   Walks no greater than 10km and climbs of 100-200 metres.  Duration of 4-5 hours.  Some prior experience bushwalking and a reasonable fitness level required.

 

Moderate: Rough path or track, some cross country sections,  possible creek crossings.  Climbs and descents of 200-400 metres.   Tracks may have short steep hill sections and rough surfaces.  Some obstacles under foot.  10-12 km. 6 hours duration.  Good fitness and stamina level required.

 

Moderate-Hard:  Rough track or cross country walk.   May have arduous climbs and steep sections.  May include long steep sections, use of hands for climbing, rock hopping, creek crossings and fallen debris on tracks.  Good upper body strength, stamina and fitness required.  Climbs and descents of 600-800 metres.  6-8 hours duration.

 

Hard:  Cross country, steep hills, uneven ground, may include some rock climbing.  Very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, which may include navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked.  Walks range from 10- 20km. Climbs and descents of 800 or more metres. Good upper body strength, stamina, agility and fitness required. 6-8 hours duration. 

 

Equipment: Initially we recommend you spend little or no money on equipment until you discover if the club is for you.  A simple backpack, sturdy shoes, a PVC bottle for water and old shirts and shorts/long pants will suffice until you can discuss with experienced members who will delight in telling you the ‘pros and cons’ of their style of boots, backpacks etc. 

 

The majority of our bushwalkers walk in shorts summer and winter. Even in cold weather most people warm up soon after beginning the walk. If you prefer, long pants with zip off bottoms may be your choice. Jeans are generally not suitable for walking. If it rains, wet long pants are not as easy to dry as wet legs! In scratchy terrain some wear long pants of light material, but you will also discover gaiters are good leg protection. 

 

Each walks program has a reminder of the Club’s expected requirements regarding equipment you should take on all walks.  Please make sure you bring suitable equipment; no-one else will be carrying extra.

 

Compulsory Items: Suitable clothes, boots, high gaiters, sock protectors, hat, sun block, morning and afternoon tea and lunch, at least 2 litres of water, whistle and a personal first aid kit.

 

You should also carry a light rain jacket, swimming togs and towel, (if partaking) insect repellent, sunscreen, toilet paper, and your ‘emergency person’ contact details in a ziplock bag.

 

You should also take a small piece of foam or plastic to sit on as scrub itch is prevalent in some areas. Also take a set of clean clothes to wear home in case you get wet or dirty. Remember that you could be in someone else’s car.