Leave No Trace

​​​​​The seven principles​​ of Leave No Trace build awareness, appreciation and respect for our natural and cultural heritage.​

1. Plan ahea​d and prepare

• Know the regulations and special concerns of the area you will visit
  
• Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use
  
• Walk in small groups. Split larger parties into groups of 4-6
  
• Repackage food to minimise waste
  
• Take maps and a compass or a GPS, and know how to use them to eliminate the use of flagging tape or rock cairns
  

​2. Walk and cam​p on durable surfaces

• Durable camping surfaces include established campsites, tent platforms, rock, gravel and sand
  
• Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary. If you use rocks to secure tents, return them to their place when you leave. 
  
• Protect water sources – camp at least 50 metres from lakes and streams
  
• Protect plant life – avoid the spread of phytophthora​ and other soil-borne diseases by keeping boots, camping equipment and vehicle tyres clean 
  

In frequently used areas:

• Concentrate use on existing tracks and campsites 
  
• Always walk on tracks, even when it is wet or muddy, so damage is kept to a narrow band 
  

In pristine areas:

• Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and tracks
  
• Avoid places where impacts are just beginning
  

​​​3. Dispose of waste properly

• Pack it in, pack it out. Check your campsite and rest areas for rubbish and spilled food. Pack out all rubbish and leftover food 
  
• If there is a toilet, use it. Otherwise bury all faecal waste and toilet paper in holes 15-20cm deep at least 100m from water, camps and tracks. Cover and disguise the hole when finished 
  
• Carry out any sanitary pads, tampons and condoms
  
• Wash up using hot water, preferably without soap or detergent. Strain and scatter washing up water 50 metres away from water sources 
  
• Wash your body at least 50m from water sources  
  

​​​4. Leave what you find

• Respect Aboriginal sites and other sites of cultural significance
  
• Preserve our past: examine but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artefacts
  
• Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them
  

​5. Minimise campfire impacts – use a fuel stove

• Many parts of Tasmania are Fuel Stove Only Areas. In these areas fires are not permitted. Carry and use a fuel stove 
  
• Out of preference, use fuel stoves even where fires are permitted. Escaped campfires have caused landscape wide damage, and can threaten human, animal and plant life
  
• If lighting a fire (where permitted) use only established fire places and keep the fire small
  

​​6. Respect wildlife

• Keep wildlife wild. Feeding animals can turn them into pests and may make them sick 
  
• Store food and rubbish securely to prevent wildlife finding it
  
• Observe wildlife from a distance​
  

7. Be considerate of your hosts and other visitors

• Respect Aboriginal culture and country
  
• Respect the wishes and regulations of all hosts (eg Aboriginal, pastoral, land managers and locals)
  
• Only visit places where you have obtained appropriate permission 
  
• Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience
  
• Let natural sounds prevail – avoid loud voices and noises