What is bushwalking in Australia?
Bushwalking is the Australian term for hiking in natural areas, such as national parks, forests and mountains. It ranges from short strolls on marked tracks to multi-day treks through remote wilderness.
The word bush is used in Australia for natural, undeveloped land, especially forest or scrub, so bushwalking simply means walking in the bush. In other countries, the same activity is usually called hiking, trekking or tramping.
Australia has thousands of kilometres of walking tracks. Famous multi-day walks include the Overland Track in Tasmania, the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory, the Bibbulmun Track in Western Australia and the Great Ocean Walk in Victoria.
Staying safe
Bushwalkers are advised to carry plenty of water, wear sun protection, tell someone their plans and check weather and fire warnings. Personal locator beacons are recommended for remote walks.
Bushwalking clubs organise group walks, and the Leave No Trace approach encourages walkers to protect nature.
Spring and autumn are the most popular seasons for bushwalking in southern Australia, while the cooler dry season, from about May to September, is best in the tropical north and Central Australia.
Bushwalking is one of Australia's most popular outdoor activities, and many national parks offer short, well-maintained walks suitable for families, with lookouts, waterfalls and picnic areas. Rangers and park websites provide track notes and closures.
Did You Know?
The Bibbulmun Track, stretching about 1,000 kilometres from Kalamunda near Perth to Albany, is one of the world's great long-distance walks.