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Minimal Impact Bushwalking Code
By following this Code, participant Clubs will minimise
the impact of their activities on the resource that
provides us with so much pleasure. Click
here to download our Minimal
Impact Bushwalking Code 
Campsites
- Use an existing campsite rather than make a new one
in the same area. Setting up camp will be easier
and additional ground cover will not be damaged.
- Leaders should limit the size of their party, especially
in sensitive areas.
- Never cut live trees for tent poles.
- Minimise damage to flora and fauna by taking care in
selecting how and where you camp.
Campfires & Stoves
- Strictly obey all regulations regarding campfires and
fire bans.
- Fires should not be lit in sensitive areas, or areas
with a shortage of firewood. Stoves must be used in
high-use areas (note: in some areas of Australia regulation prescribes
"stove only" areas).
- Use established fire sites wherever possible. By preference
use a “pit” fire and bury ashes. Use only
dead wood for campfire fuel and ensure sufficient cleared area is
maintained around fires and stoves for the
prevailing conditions.
- Don't make fires near trunks of trees, on roots, on
peaty soil, or where the fire could spread or be
difficult to extinguish.
- Keep a suitable fire suppressant handy to control the
fire should it begin to spread.
- Once fire remains are cold, bury them and spread leaf
litter or soil over the fire site. Distribute unused
firewood and minimise the visual impact.
- Don't dispose of aluminium foil or cans by burning
(note: some material may be lined with foil, leaving
an unsightly and non-biodegradable mess). Don't dispose of other material
unless the fire is very hot and
you are sure that it will be reduced to ash. Avoid producing noxious
smoke. When in doubt carry it out!
- Exercise great care with stoves. Do not allow excess
pressure, which may cause safety valve ignition.
Sanitation
- Bury human wastes. Dig a 200mm (8”) deep hole
at least 100m away from any open water.
- Disposal of human waste at heavily used campsites requires
more effort. Go further away!
- Wash well away from streams and ensure that any soap,
detergents or food refuse does not enter water
ways and water sources. When cleaning utensils use gritty sand rather
than detergents.
Rubbish
- Apply the "carry in, carry out" rule. This
applies to orange peel, fruit cores, sanitary items, seeds and
egg shells. (Remember to take some plastic bags and, if you can, carry
out rubbish left by other parties.)
- Before leaving a lunch spot or campsite check that
no rubbish is left.
Tracks & Routes
- Go in small parties and tread carefully to avoid damaging
vegetation. Use stepping stones or
boardwalks where provided in eroded areas.
- Limit walking in areas that have been over-used.
- Minimise walking on loose ground, scree slopes, dunes,
marshes and bogs.
Flora & Fauna
- Native flora and fauna should be left undisturbed.
Do not kill snakes.
- Do not take domestic animals on walks.
- Report sightings of feral animals, illegal forest grazing
or illegal use of protected areas (eg. wood
cutting or removal of rocks) to park or forest authorities as appropriate.
Further information on Minimum Impact Bushwalking is
available at Leave No Trace Australia
Minimal Impact Bushwalking
Code - Dieback - Risk
Management - Submissions/Minutes
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