Bushwalk Etiquette Code

We respect Indigenous culture

• We acknowledge the Gumbaynggirr people, the traditional owners of the land on which we walk

• We treat sites of spiritual or cultural significance with respect

• We obtain permission from traditional landowners or the relevant land manager to visit sensitive areas

We respect landowners

• We respect landowners and do not trespass on their land

• We leave farm gates as we find them

We respect fellow bushwalkers

• We welcome people from all walks of life irrespective of gender, age, race, religion, culture, colour, sexuality; and behave in an harmonious manner

• We appreciate differences and welcome learning from others, building relationships based on mutual respect

• We do not tolerate bullying, harassment or discrimination in any form

• We encourage and support our bushwalk facilitators

• We respect the right of our facilitators to accept or reject applicants for specific activities based upon the assessed degree of difficulty and the assessed competence of individual bushwalkers

• We respect the right to enjoy the peace and quiet of the bush without undue disturbance from technology

• We help fellow bushwalkers in need

• We walk at a pace that is comfortable for the slowest bushwalker in the group

We leave no trace

• We remove our rubbish from the bush and bury human waste away from watercourses

• We do not pollute the ground and waterways with soaps and detergents

• We do not remove plants or rocks

• We do not disturb native wildlife

• We use existing tracks to avoid erosion and unnecessary damage to plants and animals

We preserve Australia's biosecurity

• We seek to protect the natural environment from the negative impacts of pests, diseases and weeds

• We clean our clothing, equipment, cars, wheels and vessels to prevent the spread of pathogens and diseases that threaten bio-security

• We report significant or unusual pests, diseases and weeds

We mitigate incidents

• Because incidents and rescues have the greatest impact on the environment:

• We prepare for, and carefully plan each trip

• We share our trip intentions

• We act safely

• We are self-reliant

We take responsibility for acting safely

• We always carry clothing and equipment appropriate to our planned activity

• We carry first aid items appropriate to our planned activity

• We walk in groups of three or more so that there are sufficient people to summon help in an emergency

• We ensure the safety and well-being of all children entrusted to our care on a bushwalk

• We engage in bushwalking activities unimpaired by the consumption of alcohol or use of drugs

We are self-reliant

• We carry sufficient food and water in order to survive unexpected delays

• We wear and carry appropriate clothing and equipment for our comfort and safety in expected weather conditions, and carry gear to suit the worst possible conditions we are likely to encounter

• We ensure we have sufficient training, experience and expertise to safely carry out our planned activity