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| WALKSAFE means advance planning of the >> Route |
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| Match difficulty with ability |
| When planning a trip, whether a day walk, an overnight hike or an extended trek, always aim to match aspirations
with ability, fitness and experience. |
| Keep in mind that a successful trip for a party of mixed abilities and expectations is difficult
to organize. For a safe and enjoyable introduction to bushwalking, arrange early trips with experienced bushwalkers or walk on well
marked tracks using up to date walk notes and maps. There are a number of books available containing advice and track notes for both
day and overnight walks in Victoria.
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| Estimate times |
Preferably plan short walks with as much variety as possible that will hold their interest
and will remain easily and enjoyably within their physical capabilities. |
As a rough guide for the average party allow 1 hr for every:
- 3-4K on a smooth flat track
- 1-2 K in rough terrain
Plus an additional hour for every:
- 500m ascent
- 1000m descent
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| These times are approximate and need to be modified for fitness, tiredness, pack weight, size and age of party, extreme
weather and overgrown or untracked walking. These times do not include rest stops. In the field, comparison of these estimates with
the time actually taken to cover each section provides a useful check of navigation and enables calibration of track notes or advisory
track signs with your party's ability. |
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| Allow time for regular rest stops appropriate to the needs of the party. |
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| As a guide, a fit group of experienced walkers may stop only 5-10 minutes every hour, whilst children, hot weather or a steep
climb may dictate more frequent breaks.
Be aware of seasonal daylight hours and aim to reach camp or return to transport well before dark. It is wise to always carry a torch,
even on a day walk. An early start is the simplest way to avoid unnecessary pressure being placed on walkers who are generally more
tired at the end of the day.
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Devise contingency plans to shorten a walk in the event of miscalculation of walk times, bad weather or an emergency.
Parks Victoria produces a range of free park notes and brochures.
Its website www.parkweb.vic.gov.au also provides up to date
information on closures.
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| Overnight campsites |
| Plan sheltered areas with access to water for campsites, and never rely on reaching mountain huts for shelter. |
| Overnight bushwalkers should be equipped to camp out at all times and in all conditions, since poor visibility or uncertainty
of exact location introduce considerable risk of failure to reach a hut. Alternatively, a hut may be full, not available for public use or, in some
instances, derelict or even demolished. |
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| Before leaving home, check: |
- Fire restrictions for the appropriate region*.
- Weather forecast for the specific area where you will be walking*. Remember that the forecast for Melbourne can be a very poor
guide to weather conditions in other areas of Victoria, particularly alpine regions.
- River levels if major crossings are planned*.
- Tides for some coastal walking*.
- Owner's permission if route involves crossing private land.
*Bureau of Meteorology www.bom.gov.au |
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| Leave trip intentions: |
| A clear record of your trip intentions should be left with a responsible person. |
| These ideally include a photocopy of a map marking your intended route and possible alternatives. Indicate the names of
members in the party, vehicle registrations, the time you expect to return and the time considered to be notifiably overdue. In the absence
of a suitable contact, leave this information with the local police, park ranger or in your vehicle. Where available, leave details of
destination, route and time of departure in hut, park or track log books. |
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| Remember to inform your contact of your safe return |
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