Please carefully read all Safety Information below before you attend a walk.

Risk Management - this is everyone's job

We ask all walkers to follow all instruction from the Leaders; we take walkers safety very seriously.

• ALWAYS let the Leader know if you have a problem.
• Stay with the group—do not lag behind, go ahead, or wander off. If you leave early or turn back, inform the Leader directly or make sure someone else does. This prevents unnecessary searches or emergency alerts.  
  
• Risk – Only attempt walks suitable for your ability. Before booking, ensure you can complete the activity safely. If the leader doesn't know you, they may ask about your experience and fitness. Wet tropics increase the challenge. Always request more details if needed; the walk leader is your best resource.
• Expect changing conditions: walks may involve slippery ground, creek crossings, steep gravel, or unexpected challenges. Tracks can be dry one month and muddy the next. Leaders will advise you, but surprises do occur—so bring the right gear and stay ready.
  

Until you get used to our expectations, please don’t hesitate to ask any of our members and leaders. 

Walker Equipment 

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1. Whistle.
2. Wear suitable footwear with good tread; avoid old hiking boots for challenging rainforest terrain. Closed shoes are required in the bush.
3. Dress appropriately: hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and layers for warmth or rain as needed.
4. Walking poles improve stability and support; practice beforehand if you're not used to them.
5. Bring at least 2 litres of water for a full day hike; carry extra if using a bladder in case of leaks or low supply.
6. Carry snacks and hydralyte powder; eat before walks and have extra food for yourself or others who may need it.
7. First Aid – Every walker should carry a small first aid kit and a snake bandage, especially on bushwalks.   See the suggested First Aid List below.
   
8. Medicine – bring any medications needed for the walk.
   
9. Members should complete and carry a form with emergency contacts and relevant medical information for first aiders. Temporary Members can include a similar note in their bag. Link to the Emergency Form is here.
   
   

First Aid Kit Items you should carry, the 1st 4 are essential:

1. ​Emergency Contact and Medical Information Form
2. Snake bandage – get the “snake” specific one – if your chemist doesn’t have, order one (can be used for a multitude of injuries, not just a snake bite).  Include safety pins
3. Space blanket – if we had an injured person, it may take many hours, even overnight to be rescued, the injured party plus anyone who stays with the injured person could need several space blankets – if we all had a space blanket this could make a big difference
4. Dressings –  "Fixomull" style dressing is great for most injuries and blister prevention.
5. 1 x  5cm cotton bandage to hold on a dressing
6. Adhesive tape and safety pins
7. Antiseptic ointment (such as betadine) or Antiseptic Powder (such as Medipulv) – keep a check on dates, these things expire
8. Medicated antiseptic wipes
9. 1 triangular bandage

Walking Group Etiquette - this is how we conduct our walks
It is everyone's responsibility:

1. New walkers must stay with the group and learn group etiquette. Anyone ahead of the leader should wait at all track junctions, regular intervals, and any uncertain points until everyone arrives and confirms things are fine. Check if those at the back need rest, and always communicate—don’t just move on when you see others approaching.
2. Leaders appoint 2 Tail-End-Charlies, rotating as needed; if they swap out, inform the leader. Stay connected: watch and listen for those behind, and wait if anyone falls behind. If the Tail-End-Charlies drop back or have issues, alert the front group—shout or use your whistle.
3. Count the group regularly. No one should leave the track or group without notifying the leader. For brief stops like toilet breaks, inform someone and leave your pack at your exit point.
4. Be clear about your destination. The leader should have a map and be familiar with the route, while all participants are encouraged to learn about the walk as well.
5. Consider weather conditions and safety warnings, including potential hazards like floods, cyclones, or bushfires. Always check official sources for up-to-date alerts and track closures.
6. Make sure that the compass or GPS map is downloaded for offline use—and that more than one participant has access to the walk or track information.
7. When venturing beyond urban areas, the leader must carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or a GPS communication device such as a Garmin InReach. All walkers should know who has the PLB and understand how to operate it.
8. Leaders need to assess every walker’s fitness level and may refuse participation if someone’s ability is uncertain, since this impacts the safety of the entire group.
9. Report any issues, such as fatigue, slow pace, or developing blisters, to the leader immediately.
10. If any participants require special support, arrange for another walker to assist them before the hike begins.

If you become separated from your group:

1. If you get separated from your group, stop and sit down. Take some time to eat or drink, and recall where you last saw the group.
2. Unless you're certain you can find your way back, remain in place and keep calm—your group will be searching for you.
   
3. Use your whistle to signal for help by blowing three evenly spaced blasts.
4. If someone is missing, remember that the police handle search and rescue operations and should be contacted first in any emergency.

Bushfire, Electrical Storm, Cyclone or Flood

Bushfire:

1. Avoid walking during bushfire danger by checking with relevant authorities prior to walking.
2. If caught by a bushfire, move downhill if possible and seek shelter, such as in streams, pools, hollows, rocky outcrops, or recently burnt areas.
3. Cover exposed skin with wool or cotton, lie face down, and breathe cooler air close to the ground.
4. As a last resort, you may run through flames to reach burnt ground. 

​​If caught in an electrical storm:​

1. Stay away from high ground and isolated objects like lone trees.
2. Sit on your pack to insulate yourself from the ground if possible.
3. If necessary, spread out, crouch with feet together.

Cyclone and Flood:

1. Don’t walk if there is any danger of being caught in a flood or cyclone affected area.
2. If caught out by a flood consider changing your route, return and or abandon the walk.
3. Do not attempt to cross a dangerous or fast flowing river