Enjoying a safe park visit
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General
Alpine areas
Coastal areas
Bushland areas
Open country
Murray River
Safety in Remote Areas General Flies and other insects
Remember to bring your insect repellent when you visit a park, especially if you're planning a picnic.
Safe Drinking Water.
Drinking untreated water such as creek water, bore water, or sometimes even rainwater, can lead to illnesses including gastroenteritis. Natural water sources should be used with caution and water treatment methods used to make water safe to drink. Remember, think before you drink and treat the water if you are unsure. Be self-sufficient with drinking water. Carry it in and/or know how to make untreated water safe for drinking. Further information is available from the Water - Make It Safe to Drink park note or by visiting the visit the Department of Human Services website www.dhs.vic.gov.au. Ensure that you are well prepared for any walk or other activity.
Is it within your (and your group's) capabilities? A reasonable walking rate for adults is 3 to 4 km per hour along level formed tracks; when climbing, allow an hour for each 300 to 350 metres. A total of six hours on the track, including rests, is a comfortable limit for a day's walk. Three or four people is the minimum advisable number for a bushwalk.
In an emergency this allows one to stay with an injured person and one or more to go for help. Plan so that children in the group can enjoy the walk too.
One kilometre for each year for the child's age (between 5 and 15) is a useful guide, reduced if climbing is involved. Be aware that during nesting season some native birds may swoop
Most birds swoop only during the nesting and rearing period. They are only trying to protect their territory, nests, eggs and young. Most swooping behaviour is a form of bluffing. Birds rarely make contact when swooping. Further information about how to cope with swooping native birds is available from the Department of Sustainability and Environment website. Check weather forecast and modify your plans accordingly.
Be prepared to turn back if the weather deteriorates. Let someone responsible know your plans and your estimated return time.
Make sure you tell them when you return safely. In some parks permits or Trip Intention Forms are required. Ensure that you know the route.
Carry an appropriate map. Check directional, warning and advisory signs. If you have a mobile phone, remember that it may not receive or transmit in some areas. Carry appropriate gear in a small day pack.
For any walk of more than a kilometre or so, take water, a snack (eg. fruit, health bar) and a small first aid kit. Insect repellent and a torch can prove to be very useful. Carry a coat and/or jumper if it's likely to be wet or cold. Several thin layers are better than one or two thick ones. Wear suitable shoes or boots.
Thongs or sandals are not suitable. Runners or lightweight hiking boots are excellent. Always wear a hat and use sunscreen in summer.
On days above 30°C carry ample drinking water, and have frequent small drinks and rests. Wear a woollen hat in winter; a great deal of heat is lost from the head. If you see a snake, don't panic. Stand still or stamp.
Snakes nearly always move away when they feel footstep vibrations. Don't attempt to kill it - you could well be bitten, and snakes are protected in any case. Alpine areas - Be prepared for sudden unexpected weather changes at any time of year. Snow can fall mid-summer and cold winds blow up rapidly.
- Do not travel alone. Four is a good number for a group. Always use Trip Intention Forms and log books.
Alpine huts are for temporary refuge only, not accommodation. - Make sure you have a good tent if planning an overnight hike.
- Be aware of the causes, symptoms and treatment of hypothermia.
- Cold, wet and windy conditions are a dangerous combination. Take appropriate warm, windproof and waterproof clothing.
Coastal areas
- Take great care near cliff edges, and below cliffs.
Many cliffs are unstable. - When walking on the beach or on rocky shores, look out for sudden unexpected large waves.
- Remember that walking on sand can be quite slow and tiring.
- Swim only at patrolled beaches. Beware of currents, rips and rocks.
Bushland areas - Be especially careful on windy days in forest areas - branches may fall. Find out more about how to avoid tree risks here.
- Leeches can be a problem in wet forest. Avoid them by wearing long trousers tucked into socks or gaiters. If one does attach, a match or salt applied to its tail will quickly dislodge it.
- If you encounter a flooded stream change your route, walk upstream or turn back. Don't attempt to cross a fast-flowing stream over thigh deep.
- Beware of mine shafts in old mining areas. Keep to tracks.
Open country
- Remember that some magpies defend their territories vigorously in spring.
- To prevent a swooping attack, wear a cap with 'eyes' painted or stuck on the back, wave a stick over your head, or glare at the offending bird!
Murray River Safety in Remote Areas
Navigation
For bushwalking and four wheel drive touring it is advisable to obtain large scale topographic maps of the area to be visited. Most of Victoria is now covered by 1:25 000 maps which can be purchased from Information Victoria or other specialty guide book and map shops. Become familiar with map reading basics such as interpreting contours and measuring both bearing and distance. Ability to use a magnetic compass is also essential in direction finding. The use of Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers is also becoming more commonplace. GPS receivers are being installed in motor vehicles for navigation, and simple hand held units can be purchased at very moderate prices. Although these excellent units can tell the user where they are located at any point in time they do not substitute map reading skills.
Communication
Remember the mobile phone network coverage is limited to populated areas and transport corridors. Many parks are out of range. Satellite phones and two way radio communication such as the various types of CB radios is recommended for serious off road adventurers.
If planning a long walk or extended stay in a park, always let someone know your itinerary and keep them informed it if it significantly altered. Intentions Books are often located at the commencement point of many longer or remote area walks. Extreme rescue operations can be made easier by use of EPIRBs or GPIRBs which are devices enabling rapid location in emergency situations. It is possible to acquire these units, however they must only be used in life-threatening situations.
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