The Bush Club, bushwalking in Sydney, Bush walking

Walking with the Bush Club

On this page: What to expect | Grading of walks | Transport | Training programs | Notes for visitors


Walks Schedule

Click here to download the latest Walks program
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A Walks Schedule setting out the details of forthcoming walks is issued to members every three months. We also have a Short-Notice walks program via email.

A wide variety of bushwalks is included in our program. The walks include:

  • walks any day of the week
  • an average of 30 walks each month
  • easy - hard day walks
  • easy - hard pack walks from single overnighters to several days
  • occasional liloing, kayaking, cycling
  • interstate and overseas walking trips
  • base camp and accommodated walking trips

To show you the range of walks we offer:

Click here to download the latest Walks program

Click here to download the previous Walks program

Note these do not include contact or meeting details. These are available on the program sent to members and prospective members.


Walking with the Bush Club - what you can expect

For any walk, the leader:

  • sets the grade, route and pace of the walk;
  • is entitled to inquire about the capacity of a member to complete the walk as planned; and
  • is understanding, helpful and supportive on the track.

In return, participating members are expected to:

  • have the ability to complete the walk as described;
  • be self reliant (in respect to water, food, first aid, navigation, clothing, etc); and
  • be a participative and co-operative member of the group.

Grading of walks

Each walk is given a rating 1-6 by the leader of that walk. It includes a difficulty rating, a description. Within The Bush Club, there are some further qualifiers that are used, in addition to the walk grading , to help describe and define the type and style of the walk.

The 'Route & Description' column explains any special difficulties or features on a walk.

Grade Definition
1 Easy Opportunity for large number of walkers, including those with reduced walking ability to walk on well marked and even tracks. Tracks are man made and may have a few steps. Should not be steep. Suitable for beginners. Distance should not exceed about 10km.
2 Easy-medium Easy walk, mostly on tracks of low gradient Opportunity to walk easily in natural environments on well marked tracks. Tracks should not be steep. Distance should not exceed about 15km.
3 Medium Medium walk with some hilly sections and/or rougher terrain. Opportunity to walk on defined and distinct tracks with some steep sections requiring a moderate level of fitness. Suitable for fit beginners. Distance should not exceed about 20 km.
4 Medium-hard Steeper, rougher terrain and may have off-track sections (no more than one quarter of the walk) or a longer distance track walk. Opportunity to explore and discover relatively undisturbed natural environments mostly along defined and distinct tracks.  Tracks can be steep.   There may be short sections of rock scrambling involved. Leaders should have map reading abilities and/or ability to use a compass. Distance depending on circumstances.  Not suitable for most beginners.
5 Hard Off-track or difficult terrain. Opportunity for walkers with advanced outdoor knowledge and skills to find their own way along often in distinct tracks or off track in remote locations.  May include steep sections of unmodified surfaces.  There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance should not exceed 30 km, but may be short and difficult.  Not suitable for beginners.
6 Very hard Strenuous off-track walk or very long distance. Opportunity for highly experienced walkers to explore remote and challenging natural areas without reliance on managed tracks. Terrain may be steep, uneven and no track.  There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance covered is unlimited, but may be short and difficult. Only for experienced walkers and not suitable for beginners.
M Qualifying Only walks marked 'M' are membership qualifying walks. However, prospective members may join any walks with the leader's consent.
SEA Support,
Encourage,
Achieve

For those seeking to build up confidence and fitness, and looking to complete more challenging walks. For these walks, the leader:

  • is purposely considerate of the needs and wishes of such members when planning the route and setting the pace;
  • systematically tailors and conducts the walk to suit the capacity of participants; and
  • is an encouraging mentor and guide on the track.

SEA walks are for members who:

  • are keen to get to new, exciting and wonderful places but with some uncertainty about their abilities to do so;
  • want to further stretch and develop their skills and self reliance; and
  • are happy to be part of a mutually supportive and encouraging group that stays together on the track.
LTW Leadership training walk The leader is available to instruct aspiring leaders in techniques of walks leadership.

Click here to download a pdf of the guidelines

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Walk Guidelines for participants are sent with the full programme to prospective members. They can also be downloaded from our web page 'Notes for leaders and walkers'



Transport 

Walks are arranged so that members can use public transport whenever practicable and often this is the most convenient way to travel to and from walks. When public transport is not practicable, members' cars are used; leaders organise car-sharing arrangements and costs are shared according to a recommended formula. You'll find the current pricing (according to petrol costs) on our Latest News webpage or the current Walks Programme.



Training Programme

Instruction in map-reading and bush navigation using map and compass is provided on occasional training days and weekends. Experienced leaders are happy to pass on their knowledge of bushcraft. We also run Leadership Training days. You don't need to do these before you become a leader.

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Interested?

If you would like to join one of our walks, please check our Become a member page, read our guidelines and contact our Membership Secretary. We'd love to have you join us.

Visitors

Visitors may take part in walks only if invited by a full member (who must be present on the walk) and subject to the leader's approval. Approval should be requested by the member, not the visitor. A leader has the right to refuse to take visitors on walks. Visitors will be granted temporary club membership to enable them to take part in the activity.

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