Author: VicHealth works with health promotion experts to create a Victoria where everyone can enjoy better health and wellbeing.

Any coronavirus information mentioned is accurate at the time this article was first published (1 February 2021). For the most up-to-date information about coronavirus restrictions, please visit the source: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au

 

Summer is a great time to get outdoors, and with Victoria now in a COVID-normal setting it’s now easy to go and explore some of the great bushwalks the state has to offer.

In this article we look at:

• Some basics you need to start bush walking
• Quiet hiking locations across Victoria
• Advice for bushwalking in summer
• The benefits of spending time in nature
  
  

Be Healthy was created by VicHealth to provide helpful tips and advice on how you and your family can stay healthy. You can read more Be Healthy articles here.

 

Where to start with bushwalking

If you’re new to bushwalking or hikes, it can seem a little daunting at first. Where can you find a trail or track that’s easy to navigate or not too hilly? What equipment you need? How can you find someone to go with? These can all be barriers to getting started.

Richelle Olsen from Escaping Your Comfort Zone, an organisation which runs body positive hikes for women and non-binary people and is supported by VicHealth’s This Girl Can - Victoria program, says that often you don’t need specialist hiking equipment.

“Don’t get caught up in the hype of needing to buy hiking boots if you want to go hiking,” she said.

“Yes, hiking boots are brilliant if you are doing long hikes, carrying a large pack, or are hiking on super rocky, technical trails and you need some extra ankle support. But when you are just starting out, just wear the most comfortable trainers/runners you have.”

“Ideally wear a shirt that is breathable, but it doesn't really matter if you are only out for an hour or two.” 

Richelle also recommends taking a rain jacket if there’s a chance the weather turns when you’re out walking.

For more tips on getting started with bushwalking, you can read this blog on the Escaping Your Comfort Zone website.

With the weather warming up it’s also important to remember to be sun smart, particularly if you’re spending an extended period outdoors. See our simple tips to protect yourself this summer here.

 

Quiet bushwalking and hiking spots across Victoria

For Victorians in metropolitan Melbourne, finding remote, quiet places to enjoy a bushwalk or hike can be a bit of a challenge. But there are plenty of options within driving distance of the city to choose from.

Richelle says some of her favourite places which can provide a safe, ‘great outdoors’ experience are rail trails.

“Rail trails are great as you can go as far or as short as you like, plus they are usually relatively flat. You can pick a section, park the car, and walk from there,” she said.

 

 

Advice for bushwalking during summer

Many of Victoria’s great bushwalking spots are found in regional or remote areas. But with temperatures rising through summer comes the risk of bushfires.

If you are planning on travelling to regional bushwalking areas in summer, Visit Victoria has some tips to remember:
 

Before you leave:

• Download the VicEmergency app and save the VicEmergency Hotline number (1800 226 226) to your phone
• Check the Fire Danger Rating for your destination on the Emergency Victoria website

While you’re away:

• Listen to local radio for warnings and advice while you’re on the road
• Stay up to date by checking the VicEmergency app, visiting the Emergency Victoria website or following @VicEmergency on Twitter and Facebook.
• Check if a Total Fire Ban has been declared for the area you are visiting. For more information, check the CFA website.

• On Severe or Extreme Fire Danger Rating days, it’s safer to travel to cities and towns. Never travel into a high-risk bushfire area where a Code Red Fire Danger Rating has been forecast

 

What are the benefits of bushwalking in Victoria?

Ben Rossiter, CEO of Victoria Walks, says the benefits of taking the time to explore walking areas around the state are numerous, and not just for individuals.

“Before COVID, walking was already the most popular physical activity of Victorians, then during lockdown most of us explored our neighbourhoods on foot like never before, but now we are ready to roam further afield,” he said.

Victoria Walks has put together a list of lesser known and quieter walks for people looking to avoid popular spots.“As it feels like everyone wants to get out and walk and reconnect with nature, you might want to avoid some of the well-known walks like the 1000 Steps, the Redwood Forest and the You Yangs,” Ben said.

He also recommends considering travelling to regional areas, which have been hit hard not only by the pandemic, but also in some cases by last summer’s devastating bushfires.

“Now is a perfect time to visit regional areas recovering from the pandemic’s economic hardships and Alpine Shire has some fabulous walks that were not impacted by last summer’s horrific bushfires.”

More walking inspiration can be found on the Victoria Walks website.

Being in a natural environment also has tremendous benefits for our mental health, according to VicHealth CEO Dr Sandro Demaio.

Sandro discussed the practice of ‘nature bathing’ on ABC Radio Melbourne, which you can read more about here.

 

Tips for getting started (or back into) bushwalking

• Do some googling about walks or trails in your area. You often don’t have to go far to start with, but make sure if you’re just starting out that the walk isn’t too long or over difficult terrain.

• Look the part, but don’t break the bank. You don’t need to rush to your local outdoor clothing shop before a hike. Clothing such as lightweight t-shirts or shirts, shorts, leggings or trackpants (depending on the weather), a wide-brimmed hat and runners or trainers are usually all you need for bushwalking. However, if you’re going to invest in one thing, make it a waterproof rain jacket – Victorian weather can be unpredictable.

• Carry some essentials with you. Take a small backpack with you which can hold things like your rain jacket, a small first aid kit, sunscreen, water and some snacks. Adjust what you take depending on how long you’ll be walking for. Usually you can find advice on how much water to take in the information for a trail or track.

• Tell someone where you’re going. If you’re going on a more remote walk on your own or in a small group, tell someone else where you’re going before you leave. That way if something happens, they can help.

• Remember some coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions still apply. Although masks don’t need to be worn outside now, you still need to carry one with you and wear it if you can’t stay 1.5 metres from others . Physical distancing must also be maintained, and you should wash your hands as often as you can.