Image of Nic Deka at Cathedral Mountain, he's carrying a backpack and is dressed for the cold, in front of a rugged landscape of rocks and water
Nic Deka at Cathedral Mountain

Plan for success before heading out into the wilderness

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PWS Regional Manager North-West, Nic Deka, shares his advice on preparing to walk safely in Tasmania's parks and reserves.

Tasmania offers an amazing diversity of outdoor adventure opportunities with about half our state in reserves that include vast areas of bush, rugged mountains, wild rivers and cliffs.  We have a global reputation as a bush and mountain walking destination with walks that vary from short and easy to very hard, remote, multi-day walks.

The challenge of walking in Tasmania's wilderness areas should not be underestimated.

There are inherent risks when you venture into the outdoors that can never be eliminated. The best we can do is to minimise these through the application of our knowledge, skill and experience, and this needs to be built over time. There is no quick fix.

Walking safely starts with proper planning and preparation. If you want to do the Overland Track, it shouldn't be your first walk. Start with several easier overnight walks where you can develop your knowledge and understanding of Tasmania's mountain environment and its weather, and develop your skill in using your equipment, feel comfortable carrying a pack and know your boots are comfortable and up to the job.

Plan for success and ensure that you have good quality equipment and clothing. If you buy a cheap tent, you'll probably regret it when it fails to keep you dry and warm.


Walkers with backpacks and wet weather gear climbing a track

Walkers climb out on the track from Scott Kilvert hut
Photo: Cameron Blake

Know how to use your gear. Putting your tent up in the backyard on a calm day doesn't give you the skill you'll need to get it up in snow, sleet and strong winds.

Be flexible with your plans and keep an eye on the weather before you go. Make sure that you and your equipment will be able to cope, and if in doubt, postpone or cancel your trip. If you start the walk and then find the weather is worse than expected and you're struggling, turn back and try again another day.

Over the years there are many people who have set off on the Overland Track or other alpine walks expecting conditions will stay the same or improve. On the Overland Track, if the weather is poor at Ronny Creek or Dove Lake, it will be worse when you get up on the Plateau, and worse still when you get around the back of Cradle Mountain where you're exposed to the full force of south westerly storms.

Many of our mountain walks offer the opportunity to climb various summits. Generally, these are an option. If you don't have the climbing skills required to safely make the ascent – and the descent – opt out. And remember that if it's wet or windy the climb will be twice as difficult and the risks a great deal higher.

A good adventure is the one you come home from and share with friends. Be realistic about your level of knowledge, skill and experience and your ability to safely complete the challenge you choose.

Visit our walker safety page for more information or seek advice from one of our staff members in the field.​

Published 30/01/2025

Contact

All General Parks and Wildlife Service Enquiries
Box 1751
Hobart TAS 7001
Phone: 1300 827 727 Monday to Friday (9:00am to 4:30pm)
Email: parkfees@parks.tas.gov.au
Website: http://parks.tas.gov.au/about-us/contact-us