"Bushwalking" involves a range of walking experiences from a few kilometres along a nature trail or bicycle track in suburbia to a day hike in a state or national park to a strenuous trek over a number of days carrying all your gear with you (backpacking). Bushwalking is different from simply walking for exercise because an integral part of the bushwalking experience is the appreciation of the natural environment through which you walk - the flora, fauna and scenery. Bushwalking can involve physical challenges such as climbing a mountain, crossing a creek or scrambling over boulders; and also mental challenges such as reading a map or navigating a course where there are no tracks. Hiking and tramping are other terms for bushwalking.

You'll do better and enjoy it more if you are fit before you go. However, bushwalking is within the physical capabilities of most people and is good exercise. To get fit, the exercise you need is the kind that builds up your heart and circulatory system; walking, climbing stairs, swimming, cycling, jogging and, of course, lots of bushwalking. If you are worried about your fitness start with easy trips. Do a couple of half-day or day walks fairly close to home - these might be 5 to 10 kilometres.

You don't need much equipment when starting. The right clothing ensures you enjoy bushwalking in both comfort and safety. Your clothing is your first line of protection from the cold, the wind, the rain, the sun, insects, snakes and the scrub. A number of light, adjustable layers are preferable to a few layers of thick fabric. Jeans become very uncomfortable to walk in if they get wet so many people prefer to wear shorts or trousers made of light weight material. Good footwear means comfortable light boots or runners with a sound tread. Headwear is essential to provide shade from the sun or warmth from cold winds. A waterproof jacket is also essential. Choose one long enough to sit on with a draw cord hood and NOT padded. For day walks you need a small pack to carry your hat, waterproof jacket, water bottle (one litre), and lunch and nibbles. Consider also taking sun glasses and binoculars. If you wish to camp overnight you will personally need a good sleeping bag and backpack, whilst a tent and stove can be shared with others. These items can be borrowed or hired until you decide exactly what you need. Specialist shops and clubs can help with advice.

Victoria offers a wide range of bushwalking experiences with a landscape that varies from desert to temperate woodlands to mountain forests and alpine ranges. 35% of Victoria is public land, of which 14% is National, State and other parks. Government, local councils and community groups have created many walking tracks and trails in parks and other public land to enable appreciation of the local area and environment, and in recognition of the physical and mental health benefits of bushwalking. The "Maps and Tracks" page provides links to web sites that provide information about specific parks and regions, walks and trails. Start with walks in easy country, on well marked routes with up to date track notes and maps. If possible, walk in fine weather. Build up your experience gradually.

The "Maps and Tracks" page provides links to web sites that provide information about specific parks and regions, walks and trails. Start with walks in easy country, on well marked routes with up to date track notes and maps. If possible, walk in fine weather. Build up your experience gradually.

You don't have to join a club but the simplest and safest way to get started is to learn from the experience of others. Bushwalking clubs are an excellent source of experienced leaders and walking companions, as well as offering useful trip suggestions and advice. Clubs generally have walk programs publicized well in advance and welcome prospective members as visitors on walks. Some clubs also have equipment available for hire. There are many bushwalking clubs throughout Victoria. See "Related topic links below"

Clubs generally have walk programs publicized well in advance. Most clubs offer a range of levels of walks from easy to hard. Day walks are usually on weekends but some clubs also offer mid-week walks. Clubs also organise extended walks over a number of days with overnight camping. Another activity popular with clubs is "base camping", where day walks are conducted out from and return to a base camp so people don't have to carry overnight camping gear on the walk. Most clubs' programs include some other outdoors activities such as canoeing and cycling, and also social events. Most clubs also have regular meetings which might include a guest speaker or general discussion on topics relevant to bushwalking. Clubs may also offer training in topics such as first aid, navigation and map reading.

Statistics show that 45 to 65 is the largest age group in bushwalking clubs. However there are clubs that are more targeted towards younger people and clubs with a very wide age range. Click on the Join a Club section under Walkers Info for details about individual clubs. Contact the Bushwalking Victoria office who can help find one suitable for you.

Clubs usually rely on participants' cars for transport, but may organize a bus or use public transport. (For example, the Melbourne Bushwalking Club provides a bus for Sunday walks.) Generally before a walk there will be a meeting point in the club's local area so participants can group to reduce the total number of cars required for transport to the start of the walk. See "Related topic links below"

That's a great reason to join a club. Bushwalking clubs are an excellent source of experienced leaders and walking companions who will be happy to help you learn how to read a map. You can always start with walks in easy country, on well marked routes with up to date track notes and maps. If possible, walk in fine weather. Build up your experience gradually.