Good day-hike preparation is mostly about three things: choosing a walk that suits you, telling someone your plan and carrying the right basics. This guide pulls together what Australian park authorities and walking organisations commonly recommend, and explains how to think about each item.
1. Plan the walk before the gear
Choose a walk that matches your fitness and experience, and check the track grade. Look up the map, distance, climb and terrain, and check for closures or warnings with the park authority. Check the forecast for the day and area, because conditions can change quickly. Be realistic, and be willing to turn back if you are tired, injured or the weather changes.
2. Tell someone your plan
Tell a responsible person where you are going and when you expect to be back, and let them know when you return. Park guidance recommends this for every walk, and in some places you can register your trip.
3. Clothing and footwear
- Layers you can add or remove, in breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics. Walking guidance commonly advises avoiding cotton, which stays wet.
- Sturdy shoes or trail shoes with good grip, broken in before the walk.
- Sun protection: a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Insect repellent if the area calls for it.
Park authorities also advise avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, and walking during the cooler hours where you can.
4. Water and food
Carry plenty of water, and more than you think you will need. There is no single amount that suits every walk, because it depends on heat, distance and effort. Plan to carry enough safe drinking water for the whole walk. Do not rely on finding water along the route unless its availability has been confirmed, and use appropriate treatment where required. Pack snacks that are easy to eat while walking.
5. Navigation
Do not rely only on your phone. Batteries fail and mobile coverage can be missing. For extended or remote walks, carry a printed map and compass, with GPS or offline electronic maps as a backup. Study the route before you start, and stay on marked tracks.
6. Communication and emergencies
Where mobile coverage is not reliable, authorities recommend carrying a locator beacon (PLB) or a satellite phone. Keep devices charged and carry a backup power source. If carrying a personal locator beacon, register it with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and keep its details current. Pack a first aid kit that suits the walk, and know how to use it.
7. A short "essentials" checklist
- For extended or remote walks, a printed map and compass, with GPS or offline electronic maps as a backup
- Sun protection
- Extra food and water
- Extra clothing layer
- Headlamp or torch, in case the walk takes longer than planned
- First aid kit
- Emergency shelter or a way to stay warm
- A way to call for help
8. Carrying it all
A good pack makes all of this easier to carry. We explain what to compare in How to choose a daypack for hiking.
This guide is general information, not safety advice for a specific walk. Conditions change, so check current advice from the park authority and local services before you go.
Sources and further reading
- Northern Territory Government: Bushwalking and hiking safety in parks
- Great Walks: 11 things to do before you set foot on the trail
- Australian Maritime Safety Authority: Beacon registration