BEFORE THE WALK MAKE SURE YOU’VE CHECKED THESE
Park Closures
Before your hike, especially during the flood and fire season, make sure you check the National Parks’s website for park closure alerts.
Park and Forest Closures
Check for current operations and events.
Weather report
Forecasts become less reliable the further they look forward, but are generally reliable for the first 24 hours. Do check the forecast, and keep an eye on the weather as you walk. Avoid walking when there is a risk of thunderstorms. Great care is needed when walking in summer, due to the hot, dry conditions. Generally, it is more pleasant to walk in the cooler months. Check the UV index. Weather forecasts can be found at www.bom.gov.au.
Notify
Before heading into the bush it is always a good idea to write a note to someone you can trust, with information about your adventure. This way if there are any issues like you are late coming back they know how to help.
Things to tell your friend
- What is your planned route/walk
- Who is in your group
- Names
- Mobile phone number
- Experience
- Next of kin contacts
- Relevant known medical conditions
- What gear you have
- Where you plan to park your car (and the number plate)
- When you plan to start and finish the walk
- When to contact the police if you do not return
- PLB serial number
It is also good to leave these details with the local police station, if there is an emergency in the area, the police will have more information about who they are dealing with.
Check out the NSW police Think before you TREK page they also have a handy “Trip Intention Form”. Also download the Emergency + app to help you if you’d need call for help on the track.
To help you on the way, buy the GNW book or download the Wildwalks app.
