Bushwalking and Expeditions (Grade 4 – 5 Tracks)

Includes
• Tracked area
• Trackless area
• Lightweight expeditions

Description
Bushwalking is an Australian activity that covers a wide spectrum of walking experiences in natural or green areas. A bushwalk might be a walk along a trail through urban parks or forest near where you live, or it could be a full day walk or camping trip to a national park or reserve. At the other end of the spectrum a bushwalk can be a multi-day expedition where you are self-sufficient carrying a tent and food. No matter which option you choose it is all bushwalking and because Australia has such a great network of natural areas and a wide variety of land forms there are many opportunities to get into bushwalking whether it be on designated trails or in remote wilderness areas.

Definition from the Australian Bush Walking website
• Grade One is suitable for the disabled with assistance
• Grade Two is suitable for families with young children
• Grade Three is recommended for people with some bushwalking experience
• Grade Four is recommended for experienced bushwalkers, and
• Grade Five is recommended for very experienced bushwalkers

Who Can Participate
Open to members who are 14 +.
Some Activity Providers may have additional age or height restrictions.

Safety Rules

Download Bushwalking GPG

• The minimum dress requirements are: T-shirt (long sleeves recommended), long pants, sturdy hiking shoes with good grip and a hat. Minimum jewellery can be worn as long as it doesn’t impact on safety.
• Minimum activity group size to be 4 participants.
• After training and practical experience, Guides aged 14 – 17 years can walk without an adult group leader in open countryside as long as they are supervised by a suitably qualified adult (a supervisor ensures the participants safety and well-being during the walk, but does not have to be with the group at all times).
• If the intention is to stay overnight, the activity is then considered as an Expedition, relevant qualified personnel will be required.
• If walk is longer than 6hrs then a Activity Leader/Instructor with one of the following qualifications needs to be with group
o Conduct Expeditions
o Cert iii in Bushwalking
o Cert iv in bushwalking
• If the proposed route is further than 30 minutes from an accessible road or refuge with a landline telephone the Activity Leader/Instructor needs to carry one of the following emergency equipment
o Satellite phone
o EPIRB
o PLB – Personal Location Beacon
o GPS

Supervision Requirements
Refer to Girl Guides Australia Ratios at a Glance

Leader in Charge
• The LiC must ensure that all participants are informed of appropriate clothing and/or personal equipment prior to the activity. When making this decision weather and other possible scenarios need to be considered. eg. If walking at night a reflective vest.
• The LiC must organise and collect the ADM.27 from youth members and ADM.28 from adults. The LiC must inform the Activity Instructor of any health conditions or behaviour issues with participants.
• The LiC must have appropriate first aid kit and emergency equipment suitable for the activity present at the activity venue.
• The LiC must ensure participants have water and food appropriate to the activity.
• The LiC is responsible for all participants when they are not participating in the activity.
Activity Instructor
Many outdoor activity centres will use in-house instructor qualifications. If you are unsure if they are accepted or alternative qualifications are held, contact your State Outdoor Activities Manager to ensure the instructor’s qualification is suitable.

Questions to be asked when looking for an Activity Provider
• The Activity Leader/Instructor is to brief all participants on safety and the care of equipment prior to the activity.
• It is suggested that the Activity Leader / Instructor provide ground training prior to the commencement of the activity if relevant.
• Obtain permission from relevant authorities for access and use of land. Examples are: National Parks, State forests and private landowners.
• The ratified Activity Leader / Instructor must have knowledge of the locality, facilities, and terrain and weather conditions of the area that the activity will be taking place.
• Should there be inclement weather the LiC and ratified instructor will need to negotiate whether the activity should proceed or be postponed.
• Activity Leaders/ Instructors must have a first aid kit and appropriate rescue equipment readily accessible to all participants.

Notification Forms Required

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS ALL FORMS

For Approval – Prior to the Activity
• OUT.01 Camp/Adventure-based/Event: Notification /Application
• ADM.56B Risk Assessment Plan for Outdoor Activities, Events & Camps
• The Activity Provider’s Risk Management Plan

At the Activity
• Participants are required to have completed: ADM.27 for Youth Members or ADM.28 for Adults
• Girl Guide Incident Report

After the Activity
• OUT.03 Camp/Adventure-based/Event Report

Last Modified: 09/09/22 at 11:12 PM