Walking and running

Tracks in parks and reserves may be easy, moderately difficult or quite difficult and can be steep, slippery or difficult to follow.

Remember that natural environments can be unpredictable, so prepare by:

• understanding the Australian Walking Track Grading System
• understanding safety
• checking alerts
• researching your trip and printing high-quality maps to take with you (remember, mobile phones and GPS may not work in remote areas or dense bush)
• checking the weather forecast and preparing for extreme, changeable conditions particularly when walking in the mountains
• being sun-smart
• avoiding large areas of vegetation during total fire bans
• telling someone where and when you are going, and when you expect to return
• sticking to tracks to avoid getting lost
• taking your own water, and treating water from creeks or tanks before drinking it
• completing walking registers where they are provided at the beginning or end of a walk
• noting any closing times where applicable

If you are walking or running next to a waterway, you should take extra precautions. Learn how to reduce your risk around waterways.

Remote hiking

If you are planning to hike in a remote location:

• take a first aid kit
• ensure someone in your party is trained in remote first aid
• take a compass
• consider hiring a personal locator beacon (available for hire from Namadgi Visitor Centre and Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre)

Walking parties visiting the Bimberi Wilderness must not be greater than 8 people in number.