Bushwalking in the alps
Bushwalking can offer the most intimate and challenging experiences of the Australian Alps with a diverse range of terrains and environments and ever changing weather conditions the walker can come across almost anything from rocky escarpments with breathtaking views to feilds of flowers, historic huts and an abundance of wildlife. Information about organised walks for a wide range of abilities and experiences can be found at the National Park and region visitor centres.
The Australian Alps offer extensive walking track networks and management trail systems. Walkers can choose from very easy to very hard challenges:
- Short (1 to 4km), well-maintained and marked tracks, sometimes with interpretive information provided;
- Half-day and day walks; and
- More remote, overnight or extended walks.
No matter what kind of activities you enjoy in the Alps, you can minimise the impacts you have on the environment and other visitors by following some simple rules.
Challenge yourself to leave as little trace of your visit as possible. Care for the Alps now - so they'll be just as wonderful in the future.
Stay on the right track
In some areas, walking tracks are being upgraded to minimise the impact of increasing foot traffic; boardwalks are necessary in some places with large numbers of visitors. You can help minimise the damage in the following ways:
- Stay on the track even if it's rough and muddy - Walking on the track edges and cutting corners on steep 'zigzag' tracks increase damage, erosion and visual scarring, as well as causing confusion about which is the right track.
- Spread out in open country where there are no tracks - Spreading out (rather than following in each other's footsteps) disperses impact. A plant stepped on only once has more chance of survival than if trampled by the whole party.
- Avoid sensitive vegetation - Sphagnum bogs, cushion plants and other sensitive vegetation are easily destroyed by trampling. Stay on rocks and hard ground whenever possible.
- Keep the wilderness wild - Cutting new tracks is illegal and marking tracks with cairns, tape or other materials is unsightly and can confuse other walkers.
- Walk softly - Choose appropriate footwear for the terrain. Solid but lightweight walking boots are best. Sandshoes can be used on most tracks on the mainland in summer and sandshoes should be worn around campsites.
- Choose a different route - each time you visit a trackless area, and camp at different sites whenever possible.
Plan your trip
- Let someone know before you go bushwalking - Tell them about your party, your route, when you plan to return and the equipment the party is carrying. Remember to contact them and let them know when you return.
- Keep your party small - Large parties (of more than eight people) have more environmental impact and can adversely affect the experience of other visitors.
- Go off peak - Where possible avoid the peak times of the year (December to February). You will miss the crowds and spread the impact, giving the environment a chance to recover.
- Mountain weather changes very rapidly - Don't be fooled; it can snow in summer too. So be prepared.
- Plan your route - so that you can camp at recognised campsites. If possible do not create a new site.
- Minimise your impact - by taking the following items:
- Fuel stove and fuel for cooking
- Good quality tent
- Hand trowel for burying toilet wastes.