Activity & Member Information

Prior to their first walk, potential members should read and understand the club's Walker Responsibilities which can be found below. They should also be aware of our  walk gradings to ensure they are capable of completing the walk they choose.

In addition, potential members should print the first page of our membership form and bring it along to their first three walks to be signed by the leaders if the walks are completed successfully. The membership form can be downloaded below.

Potential members should ring the leaders of their first three walks beforehand, to find out what the walk will be like and what is expected of them. This also gives the leader the opportunity to find out whether you are capable of completing the walk successfully, ensuring that the walk is not adversely affected.

Those interested in joining the club will be invited to participate in three walks before committing themselves to membership. An annual fee plus a joining fee is then payable. The Joining Fee is $10. The annual fee is $30. Members of other clubs affiliated with Bushwalking NSW receive a discount of $10 from their annual subscription and pay only $20 per year. The club currently has approximately 220 members. The club is also a group member of YHA Australia.
 

We’ll ride (MTBs needed) a Fire Trail for 5/6 km, leave bikes and head off-track to explore around a Creek/River confluence. Short canyon sections, cascades and swimming holes with a visit to nearby prominent feature. Swimming if warm. Scrub/regrowth encounters and wet feet possible! 

Prior to the Walk 

• Confirm that you are physically capable of completing the walk by checking its length and level of difficulty.
• If the program does not provide these details, please don't hesitate to contact the walk leader for clarification.
• Select appropriate clothing for the walk, such as long sleeves and pants, and wear enclosed footwear, especially for off-track walks.
• Be aware that walk leaders may choose to exclude you from participating if they believe your fitness or skills are insufficient, if your clothing or footwear is unsuitable, or if the equipment you're carrying is deemed inadequate.
• We strongly recommend having ambulance cover for added safety.
• In case of uncertain weather conditions or if there is a change in the meeting location, please contact the walk leader.
• Keep in mind that walk leaders may make last-minute adjustments to the planned walks, particularly after conducting a reconnaissance, so it's a good practice to get in touch with the leader if this is crucial for you.
• Lastly, ensure you have the exact change ready for any required payments to drivers (refer to Car Sharing details below). Your preparedness and attention to these guidelines will contribute to a smoother and safer outdoor experience.
  

Always Carry

• Sufficient water supply (at least 1 litre, and more on hot days)
• A comprehensive first aid kit, including a space blanket for personal use in case of an accident
• A compact, waterproof container containing your completed Emergency Information Form, that can be downloaded from the link at the bottom of this page
• Protective wet weather gear, such as a rain jacket, is essential
• Ensure you have a warm jacket, including thermals and a beanie for more remote or winter walks
• Don't forget to wear a hat for sun protection
• Carry a flashlight with spare batteries
• Keep matches or a lighter handy
• Bring an ample supply of food and emergency rations, and consider a thermos for a morning tea if desired
• A whistle is an important safety accessory to include in your gear.
  

Useful Optional Items 

• Mobile phone for communication
• PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) for emergency situations
• GPS device or a mobile phone app for navigation
• Garden gloves or work gloves for handling scrub and rough terrain
• Climbing tape for added grip and protection
• A thermos and supplies for morning tea or coffee, which is highly recommended
• Hydralite or a similar electrolyte replacement for staying hydrated and replenishing essential nutrients.
  

During the Walk

• Maintain visibility of both the walkers ahead and behind you; if necessary, signal the leader to halt the group.
• Stick with the leader, even if you believe there may be a route error, but do express your concerns to them.
• Adhere to the leader's instructions for the collective safety and welfare of the group.
• Keep a safe distance behind other hikers to avoid potential hazards like swinging branches or unintentional collisions.
• At intersections, wait for the rest of the group to regroup and catch up.
• On steep slopes where there's a risk of dislodging rocks, keep the area below you clear to prevent accidents.
• Stay alert to fellow walkers; if you notice any issues or difficulties, inform the leader.
• Don't hesitate to inform the leader if you encounter any personal challenges or problems during the hike.
• If you need to temporarily leave the group for any reason, inform someone within the group.
• Enhance your navigation skills by paying attention to your surroundings and route.
  

After the Walk

• If you are injured on a walk ensure that the walk leader completes an incident report.
  

Environmental Awareness 

• Ensure you carry out all litter and trash generated during your hike.
• Respect nature by refraining from walking over lyrebird mounds and pristine areas like caves or middens.
• Preserve the ecosystem by refraining from collecting plants, cuttings, or bush rock.
• If you have a campfire, make sure to completely extinguish it; avoid creating "fairy ring" fireplaces.
• When venturing off the established tracks, aim to walk in smaller groups and, when feasible, spread out to minimize impact.
• Stay on designated trails whenever possible, avoiding shortcuts that can harm the environment.

Car Sharing
For environmental and parking reasons, we encourage car-sharing - at a cost per passenger per kilometre which varies from time to time, depending on the price of petrol. Distances are rounded up or down to the nearest 10km, and the final cost rounded up or down to the nearest dollar. Example: a round trip of 76 kilometres is rounded up to 80km. If the current car sharing cost is 15c per kilometre, the cost per passenger is $12.00. The cost can be reduced by mutual agreement for longer trips ie. outside the Shoalhaven.
 

In the event of an accident or incident necessitating the use of a first aid kit, it is essential that you equip your own first aid kit with the items you anticipate needing for potential treatment.

Likely Necessities:

• Pain relievers, such as aspirin, paracetamol, or stronger alternatives if available
• Antiseptic supplies like tea tree oil, Dettol, or alcohol wipes
• Band-aids or adhesive tape suitable for addressing blisters, cuts, and abrasions
• Various bandages, including crepe and triangular ones, along with safety pins or clips
• A snake bandage, which is vital for personal safety
• A space blanket
• A small container containing information about your allergies, medications, emergency contact, and next of kin
• A first aid booklet
• Anti-histamines in cream and tablet form, and an epipen if you possess one
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Gauze or cotton wool
• Rubber gloves (in case you need to assist someone else)
• Hydralite or a similar electrolyte replacement

It is strongly recommended to have ambulance cover, as transportation from remote areas can be exorbitantly expensive, and the club's Personal Accident Insurance may not extend to cover such costs.