Bushwalking

Bushwalking is an adventure sport that promotes self-reliance, friendship and refreshingly uninhibited good times away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is challenging for novice and experienced walkers alike, depending on where you go; but in nearly all cases, the effort is a worthwhile trade for the benefits and rewards that Bushwalking provides. The almost ethereal quality of a sunrise over faraway ridges, or the morning clouds lazily drifting in a deep valley, cannot be matched in any urban environment: the magic is only amplified in good company. Bushwalking involves a bit of work and effort, but is compensated by a guiltless (and justified) consumption of sinful amounts chocolate.

Destinations

Most Bushwalking adventures take place across Victoria: the more commonly trodden areas include Bogong High Plains, Mt. Feathertop and Mt. Howitt in north-east Victoria and the Grampians in the west. Some of these areas contain bush huts in which to take emergency shelter in bad weather, and they are relics and reminders of an age long ago.

Alison and Gwyndolen walking along The Crosscut Saw, north-eastern Victoria. In the distance to the left are the Howitt High Plains; the rocky cliff-face drops into The Terrible Hollow. steve chan

Bushwalking isn't limited to Victoria: MUMC members have been known to walk the 230km Larapinta Track in the Northern Territory and repeatedly venture into the rainy, damp environments of Tasmania (such as the extremely popular Overland Track and the South Coast) and New Zealand.

Dan ascending Solomon's Throne at the Walls of Jerusalem, Tasmania. steve chan

This activity does not preclude the occasional beach walk at Croajingolong National Park or Wilson's Promontory, both of which are great locations in the warmer seasons.

Dave, Kate and Harry walking at Croajingalong. steve chan

Duration

The rugged alpine terrain and spectacular year-round scenery regularly entices many to embark on multiple-day journeys, usually lasting between two and four days. More often than not, these journeys span a weekend or public holiday throughout both semesters of the year. There are generally trips going over the summer holidays too, for a less conventional festive season.

However, during the semester (and especially near the beginning of the year) there are day walks which last for only one day. You won't require as much gear and due to their shorter duration, they are cheaper. The down-side is that it involves waking up at unusually early hours (such as around 5am) to get to the Clubrooms or other rendezvous area.

Styles

On such journeys you'll be carrying everything with you in a suitable rucksack or backpack, though for larger items such as tents and stoves it is likely you'll be sharing them with another member of your walking group. Don't be put off Bushwalking by the thought of carrying tons of equipment: though it is very common to be carrying everything on your back during a multi-day walk, this isn't strictly always the case: another (generally) less-arduous form of Bushwalking is called car-camping.

Car-camping is considered a more luxurious and relaxing approach to Bushwalking. This involves driving into a camp area or remote location and then departing on day walks, using the car as a base camp where you stow all your stuff. On such trips you'll basically bring everything you could possibly want—as opposed to just the necessities: extra items usually left behind include deck chairs, massive inflatable mattresses and six-person tents.

However, when car-camping, the sense of independence and adventure can be diluted somewhat and the more dedicated walkers may be yearning for more; for a weekend getaway in good company without the accompanying bruises and blisters, car-camping provides an excellent opportunity for "relaxing" and is also a good way to get started with Bushwalking if you're a beginner.