Welcome to Bushwalking Queensland

What is Bushwalking?  

Bushwalking is an Australian term for recreational walking in natural bushland, or other natural or near natural areas. It is usually done within National Parks, either on designated tracks or completely off track. In other countries it might have a different name such as hiking, tramping, hill walking, rambling or trekking.  Bushwalking should not be undertaken without some forethought. It is essential that bushwalkers properly prepare themselves with suitable clothing, equipment, food and water to ensure a safe and enjoyable bushwalk.

Bushwalking Queensland Inc. (BWQ)

Bushwalking Queensland Inc. is the peak body that represents the interests of bushwalkers and members of affiliated bushwalking clubs in the state of Queensland, Australia.   BWQ is also a member of the national organisation Bushwalking Australia Inc.

http://www.bushwalkingaustralia.org/

BWQ Functions:

• Administration of an optional group insurance scheme for affiliated clubs
• Advocacy role with government agencies, land managers and allied outdoor recreation forums
• Support and resourcing for both start-up and established clubs
• Support for not-for-profit community events with an outdoor recreation theme

We do not:

• organise nor take bookings for bushwalks
• operate an accommodation booking service
• promote commercial operations through weblinks

Club Walks:

Newcomers to bushwalking are strongly urged to contact one of our affiliated clubs to acquire the basic skills required to walk safely in the Australian bush. Simply click on Join A Club on the sidebar.

Walking with a club provides the following benefits ....

•   sharing of local knowledge of bushwalking areas
•   economy of effort in running away trips to remote areas
•   learning how to walk safely in the bush
•   gaining an appreciation of natural areas by practising minimum impact walking techniques
•   improving your fitness
•   developing bushcraft skills
•   experiencing bush adventures in a supportive, not-for-profit cost-sharing basis
•   expanding your real-life social network!

Whether you desire an easy entry-level graded track walk with like minded people, or something more challenging, our affiliated clubs have something to offer for everyone.  

When to bushwalk:

The best time of year to bushwalk in Queensland is winter, the days are usually mild and sunny. Summer is generally our wet season. Be aware also that we don’t have twilight, so always carry a torch and plan to complete the walk by sundown.

Combined Camps:

Each year, our clubs meet up for combined camps - a chance to expand your walking horizons and your network of fellow bush enthusiasts.

In South East Queensland, the clubs meet each August/September for the Annual Pilgrimage.
In Central Queensland, clubs from Bundaberg to Rockhampton join together for the Combined Clubs Camp, held over the May Long Weekend each year.

Join A Club, have fun, make new friends!

National Park Management:

In Queensland, National Parks are managed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), in the Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing (NPRSR).

http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/

Booking Campsites:

All camping within Queensland National Parks requires a permit. This applies to both car camping and remote bush camping. Apply and pay for a permit at: 

http://parks.nprsr.qld.gov.au/permits/faces/publichome.jspx?_afrWindowMode=0&_afrLoop=5739078738407860&_adf.ctrl-state=5ibyt3hh8_4

National Park Closures:

Certain tracks, facilities, access roads or whole National Parks may be closed at times for various reasons including severe weather events, wildfires, planned burns, flood damage, rockfalls or landslips, feral animal eradication, infrastructure works, etc. Check on park conditions before setting out on a bushwalk, or consult with the local ranger.

The current park alerts can be found at:

http://nprsr.qld.gov.au/park-alerts/index.php

 

Emergencies:

In the event of a serious (life threatening or time critical) incident on a bushwalk ring 000 and explain the situation.

For lost persons or parties overdue more than 24 hours, ring 000 and ask for the Police.

Bushwalking clubs can also contact the BWQ affiliated search and rescue group FMR Inc. to alert the Rescue Leaders:

http://fmrqld.bwq.org.au/overdue.html

 

BWQ email:     secretary@bushwalkingqueensland.org.au

BWQ postal:    PO Box 12884

                        GEORGE STREET  QLD  4003