Bushwalking Program

The Bushwalking Program has range of different types of activities you can take part in.

Bushwalking

Bushwalking is one of the finest ways to enjoy nature because it offers such a range of experiences, along with the opportunity to meet new people.  There is a range of one-day and multi-day walks.

Cycling

Whether you are a mountain biker or prefer road biking our cycling trips have you covered. Our trips can take up to an entire day or be combined with camping on overnight and longer journeys.

Excursions

Visit interesting places by bus on one of our excursions, which usually include walks of varying lengths, an opportunity to explore the area and the chance to meet up with friends.

Walk, talk and gawk

A Walk, Talk and Gawk is a leisurely park visit/guided nature walk, either full or half day, with frequent stops for observation.

Expert leaders point out significant features, give ecological insights and explain how a park or area is managed.

Easy going ambles

These are slow-as-you-go strolls with rests along the way. If the spirit is willing to exercise and enjoy the great outdoors but your body slows you down, these ambles are for you..

Urban walk/activity

Explore interesting natural and cultural heritage by walking or cycling in an urban setting.

4wd

Join a convoy or get a lift in another participant’s 4WD and have an adventure in nature found in more remote or less accessible areas of Victoria.

Conservation activity or event 

There are many environmental restoration projects, citizen science monitoring and special events for you to have a hands-on experience helping nature. Tree-planting, weed pulling and rabbit control, are some of the activities you can choose from in our program.

Your registration will be sent to the activity leader, who will get in touch with you to confirm your attendance.

A few things to note when choosing your activity:

• Select activities that are suitable for your bushwalking experience and fitness. The leader will check to make sure all participants will be able to safely take part in the activity. If they feel the activity won’t be suitable for you, the leader may recommend other more appropriate activities. You can find out more by reading the Activity Grades below.
• There are a limited number of places for each activity.

Booking, getting all the details and cancelling

• You can register for the activity using the form provided for each activity in the calendar. Please fill out one form per attendee
• Full details of the activity are provided to participants once they are registered. Make sure you check the emails from the leader for full activity details.

If you are no longer able to attend an activity you have registered for, please cancel your registration by contacting the leader. This helps the volunteer leader manage numbers and may mean someone on the waiting list is able to join the activity instead.

Here’s a few tips on what to bring along. Of course you’ll have some of your own adventure essentials as well. If there’s some gear you don’t have already, many shops that sell bushwalking and camping gear also hire out gear.

Day bushwalk

• Day size backpack (not a shoulder bag or shopping bag)
• Sturdy footwear, preferably hiking boots that are worn-in
• Water bottle (minimum 1 Litre)
• Woollen beanie/balaclava
• Woollen jumper/thermal jacket
• Pants and long-sleeve top to keep the sun off
• Waterproof jacket and overpants
• Beanie, gloves and jumper/thermal jacket if it’s cold weather
• Gaiters (if you have them or needed for the trip)
• Sunhat
• Sunscreen
• Toilet paper & trowel
• Personal first-aid kit
• Whistle
• A plastic bag for rubbish found en-route
• All of your food and drink for the day

Overnight bushwalk
Bring all of the day bushwalk gear above PLUS

• Large backpack (with waterproof liner, e.g. garbage bag)
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping mat
• Tent
• Stove and fuel
• Matches
• Torch
• Thermals
• Plate/bowl/mug/cutlery
• Personal clothing items e.g. some fresh socks and undies for day 2

It’s up to you. You’ll need to organise your own way to get to and from the activity, unless otherwise stated. Some leaders will encourage carpooling and there may be public transport options. It depends on the activity.

Volunteer led bushwalking and activities are temporarily free of charge.

• Read the notes and advice sent by the activity leader.
• Give the details of the activity and the activity leader to someone you trust. That way someone knows where you’re going and when you’re expected back.

• Although the leader is a volunteer, they are responsible for the whole group. Everyone’s cooperation makes the leader’s job easier and the trip more enjoyable for all.
• Get to the meeting place on time. Make sure you’re on time so you don’t get left behind.
• Follow the leader’s instructions - during the activity. Everyone’s cooperation makes the leader’s job easier and the trip more enjoyable for all and is the key to a great day.
• Stay with the group. Don’t race ahead, and don’t fall behind the whip (person designated to be at the back). Try to maintain a comfortable distance between you and the person in front. Let the leader or the whip know if you’re falling behind or are unable to keep the person in front of ahead in sight.
• Remember the whip is to be the last in the group. Do not lag behind and divide the group.
• If nature calls and you need to go off track, make sure you tell the leader or whip and leave your pack on the track before you bush.
• If you see other party members who need help, you may be able to offer assistance. Do not leave it entirely to the leader.
• Adhere to our Minimal Impact Bushwalking policy. Check out our leave no trace tips (LINK) to minimise your impact on the nature you’re visiting.

You might need to travel do a car shuffle to ensure there are vehicles at the start and end point of your activity. If so:

• It is easier in smaller groups than in larger groups.
• Try to carpool to reduce numbers.
• Drivers should be aware of how many cars there are, the make and colour of other cars in the convoy, and who is last.
• Where available, exchange mobile phone numbers.
• Try to keep visual contact with the car in front and behind (though it’s not always possible due to safety requirements, dust, winding roads, etc.)
• At intersections where direction changes, the lead car should wait for everyone to catch up before entering the intersection. Do not continue until all cars have caught up – this may take time.
• If separated, return to the last-known point on the route and wait. Do not attempt to second-guess the leader and find an alternative route to the destination.
• Obey road rules and follow safe driving practices at all times.

The grade of the activity gives you an idea of how challenging it may be. If you don’t have much experience with bushwalks or bike riding, it’s a good idea to start with some easy grade activities and work your way up.

The grading information in the above table should be used to decide if you can complete a proposed activity enjoyably and with little risk. If you are inexperienced, you would be expected to progress through the grades, and to do day walks before attempting overnight pack-carrying walks. Discuss any doubts about your abilities with the leader.

In some cases, gradings are combined, e.g. easy/medium or medium/hard. Exploratory walks are in areas unfamiliar to the leader. In keeping with VNPA policy and minimal impact guidelines, there is no intentional off-track walking or routes selected through environmentally sensitive areas.

Disclaimer

By participating in a VNPA event you agree to do so at your own risk.

Liability

Every person participating in a VNPA activity does so at their own risk in all respects and, as such, accepts full responsibility for their suitability, fitness, and preparedness for the activity and for any injury to themselves. The Association, its office bearers, organisers, leaders, and helpers are absolved from any liability in respect of any injury, loss, or damage suffered by the participant while engaged in any VNPA activity to the extent permitted by law.

Insurance

The VNPA has a public liability insurance policy.

Volunteer personal accident insurance

The VNPA has volunteer personal accident insurance.

Occupational Health and Safety involves shared responsibilities and a team approach. Everyone associated with the VNPA has a duty of care, which requires each person to be capable and responsible for their own health and safety as well as for the health and safety of others. So far as is practicable VNPA is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment that is safe and effectively eliminates or minimises the risks to the health and safety of staff, members, volunteers, contractors and visitors.

Volunteers are advised that personal vehicles used for VNPA business and activities are not covered under the VNPA Public Liability or any other insurance. Volunteers should have as a minimum Third Party Motor Vehicle insurance or Full Comprehensive insurance when undertaking activities with the VNPA.

Children under 18 years old are welcome to attend VNPA activities if accompanied and supervised by their own parent or carer at all times, and if accepted prior to the day by the activity leader.

All incidents should be reported to the activity leader at the time they occur.

Serious incidents should be reported to the leader and to the VNPA Office on 9341 6500 within 48 hours of the incident. Examples of serious incidents include:

• An injury requiring medical or dental treatment from a health professional (e.g. doctor, dentist, medical practice, hospital). This does not include treatment of minor injuries by a qualified first aid officer.
• An incident that results in the attendance of emergencies services including police,
  ambulance, fire, SES, Bush Search & Rescue, or similar.
• An incident that results in property damage.
• A motor vehicle accident.
• Any serious misconduct including violence, abuse, neglect, discrimination or harassment.

Is all of this policy and safety information provided on the day? Is it necessary to include here?

The Bushwalking Program has an Emergency Contact System for more remote or extended activities. If the Emergency Contact system is required for the activity you are attending, the volunteer leader will advise you of the name and phone number of the selected contact. All participants should leave details of their trip, the expected time of return and the phone number of the contact with a relative or friend. Anyone who is concerned by your delayed return should direct any queries to the designated Emergency Contact for your activity.

VNPA's objectives emphasise principles of conservation and education. This policy provides for the conduct of walks held as part of our Bushwalking Program and as a guide to emphasise acceptable standards to minimise the impact of activities in the bush.

Bushwalking is defined as walks in native bushland not developed for high-level visitor use.

You can read the policy here.