There are growing concerns about the number of bushwalkers who are getting into trouble out on the trails across the country, and authorities are continuing to hammer the safety message.
In the last few weeks, there have been a number of search and rescue missions carried out in remote country.
The story of a 23-year-old man who was found in early January after 13 days of being lost in Kosciuszko National Park made international headlines … but not all stories have a happy ending.
Late last year, the body of a 54-year-old solo bushwalker from Queensland has been found on the Western Arthur Range Traverse in the Southwest National Park in Tasmania’s remote south-west after an emergency beacon was activated.
Personal Locator Beacons can be liefsavers. PIC: NPWS
That tragedy occurred less than a week after a man in his 60s died while bushwalking in Tassie’s Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. That man, who was walking alone, was found unresponsive on a walking track near the junction of the Hansons Peak and Twisted Lake track.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is once again reminding bushwalkers to prioritise safety before heading out on long or remote walks by using two simple tools – personal locator beacons and trip intention forms.
No larger than a mobile phone, but far more reliable, it says personal locator beacons are especially useful for long-distance and multi-day hikes. When activated, these devices transmit a distress signal via satellite, allowing emergency services to find your location, even without mobile reception.
The NPWS says personal locator beacons can be hired for free from 12 national park visitor centres across the state, or purchased at quality outdoor supply shops.
It says trip intention forms are also a critical safety tool for hikers. They provide NPWS with key information about a planned route, expected return time and even the colour of clothing being worn by walkers. This information should also be shared with an emergency contact before departing.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Acting Deputy Secretary, Naomi Stephens, said New South Wales national parks were incredible, but could be ‘unforgiving’ and it was very easy to get lost in them.
“We welcome around 53 million visitors a year to national parks across the state,” she said. “Given these numbers, it is crucial for hikers to inform someone about their plans, carry a personal locator beacon, and ensure they are well-equipped with the necessary supplies.”
The NPWS says hikers should ensure they are educated on the planned route, comfortable with its difficulty and ideally travel in a group of three or more people, while wearing bright, waterproof, windproof and light weight clothing. They should also wear protective shoes, a hat and sunscreen; as well as carry essential supplies such as water, food, first aid kit, matches, a torch, a topographic map and compass.
Locations for hiring personal locator beacons are listed on the NPWS website.
Trip intention forms can be submitted at a visitor centre when collecting a personal locator beacon, or online on the NPWS website.
Further advice about hiking safety is available on the NPWS bushwalking safety webpage.
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