NEWCASTLE BUSHWALKING SKILLS PROGRAM
Have you ever wanted to go bushwalking but felt apprehensive about getting lost or unsure about the right equipment ?
LENGTH
One Day
Group Lesson
$145.00pp
LOCATION
Watagan’s
Private Lesson
$250pp
SUITABLE FOR:
15 yrs and up
moderately fit
inc transfers
A DAY DEDICATED TO BUSH NAVIGATION
If you join us on the Newcastle Bushwalking Skills Program, we guarantee to make you confident navigating in the bush. Or we will teach you again for free.
The Newcastle Bushwalking Skills Program will provide you with the skills you need to be able to confidently go into the bush. Prime focus is on learning. That is to say on completion you should be able to either on your own or with a group of friends go out and safely find your way home again.
In other words part of being confident in the bush means you need to know where you are at all times.
It’s also important to realise that experience gained on the Newcastle Bushwalking Skills Program will enable you to explore many places that are off the beaten tourist track. Hidden places that offer outstanding bush and wildlife experiences.
The Newcastle bushwalking Skills Program is open to everyone that wants to get more out of their bush adventures.
Key points Newcastle bushwalking Skills Program
WHERE WE GO
A short drive south west of Newcastle is the Watagan Forest National Park. Generally speaking the park has an abundance of tracks and unique landscape features for us to practise our navigation skills.
We will be bushwalking and learning by osmosis, in other words actually navigating as we go.
Additionally, as you learn, you will also get to enjoy a day in the Australian bush that rewards with some breathtaking views, as well as some emotional and physical renewal.
Our Newcastle bushwalking Skills Program allows plenty of time for you to become fully immersed in all the natural beauty the National Park has to offer.
Being only an hour’s drive from the significant city,, Newcastle NSW also adds to the appeal of the Newcastle Bushwalking Skills Program.
Key points, about where we go
A FEW HIGHLIGHTS
The Walking Rivers Newcastle Bushwalking Skills Program is very much a social event.
Spending a day discovering and learning with a determined group of like-minded people creates memories that last a long time as well as being a great day out.
Newcastle Bushwalking Skills Program is more than just a day in the bush. It is also the feeling of accomplishment and achievement that, for many, is the attraction.
Furthermore, Newcastle Bushwalking Skills Program also provides passive exercise, the best kind because you are exercising while doing something fun, rewarding and easy to love.
You will feel your body responding to even the lightest of demands made on it, and through this response know that you are alive.
For others, a highlight is just exploring new area’s where does that track lead, what’s over that hill, does that stream have a waterfall, etc
Whatever your reason, after joining us on a Newcastle Bushwalking Skills Program I am confident you will not be disappointed.
Key points, activity highlights
GETTING THERE IS HALF THE FUN
Our one-day Newcastle Bushwalking Skills Program starts from our home base in Newcastle. We can, by arrangement, pick you up from your accommodation or residence.
The Walking Rivers bus travels from Newcastle out through Lake Macquarie and onto our start point.
We are as flexible as possible with our pickups to try and make it easy for you. Talk to us on an individual basis to arrange your pickup point. Of course, we will bring you back to your pick up location when your adventure ends.
Key points, about getting there
ABOUT THE FOOD
We have to say. When possible, we use locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables sourced from our nearby farmer’s markets. Furthermore, we also provide snacks just in case you get hungry while walking along. It is a Walking Rivers policy you will never go hungry, even after a day’s bushwalking in the fresh air.
Key points, about the food
ABOUT YOU
If you are at all nervous about your abilities to undertake the Newcastle Bushwalking Skills Program, remember you will not be asked you do anything that is outside of your skills level.
All you need is to be moderately fit and have a yearning for some safe and controlled learning.
Going on a fully guided adventure is very different to going it alone. Being conducted by professional, trained, qualified people allows us to go to many places that would be unthinkable on our own.
Additionally, we consider you to be part of a team overcoming all the challenges the bushwalk throws at us.
Finally, Walking Rivers has Insurance, comprehensive risk management and contingency plans in place. Additionally, safety procedures are in place that ensures you are free to not worry about anything too much other learning and having fun.
WE INCLUDE
- Professional guiding service
- Morning tea and Lunch
- National Park Fees
- Bus travel both ways
- Maps, compass and instruction
WE DON’T INCLUDE
- Accommodation
- Flights, airport transfers
- Travel/medical insurance
- Alcoholic or carbonated beverages
- Personal items
Check the list of what we include, and let us know if you have any questions about anything relating to gear or the day.
ITINERARY
The Newcastle Bushwalking Skills Program will be a day filled with learning and adventure from the minute you climb aboard our bus.
PRE-TRIP MEETING
WHEN: one day before leaving
WHERE: We will skype, message or telephone you to confirm our time and meeting place and bring you up to date if any changes are happening.
Our telephone call provides you with the opportunity to get answers to any questions you may have about the Newcastle Bushwalking Skills Program
8.00 start
We always aim to gather early to make sure we get the most from our day in the National Park as possible.
Once everyone is on board, we will make our way up to the National Park where our adventure begins.
10.00am
On arrival in the park, we will have morning tea, get issued with a map of the area and then start our bushwalk. While walking, you will be involved in many engaging activities centered around bush skills and navigation. Additionally, you will experience the breathtaking views of the area.
12.00 Mid-day.
Will see us arriving at a fantastic hidden place in the bush for our lunch break that will not disappoint.
1300
After our lunch and after exploring the lunch area we will be back onto our walking track for an afternoon of exploring and more bush skills.
1600
Now its back on the bus and the trip home, tired but feeling well rewarded for our efforts.
Its a time to reflect on the day and share stories from the days’ adventure or to discuss some of the navigation skills that you will have learned through the day.
IMPORTANT
We endeavour to return to Newcastle between 4 and 5 pm, however, due to the number of variables in wilderness travel we recommend that you don’t plan any critical appointments that rely on us being back at this time. Fixed times and dates can cause unnecessarily stressful complications should our return be delayed by something out of our control. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss your travel plans in more detail.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
We want you to become a confident bushwalker. We try on the Newcastle Bushwalking Skills Program to cover everything you need to know but recognise you may have more questions so if you do call +61 438563307 or email [email protected]
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
During your participation on the Newcastle Bushwalking Skills Program you will , you will only need to bring a small day backpack, we supply everything else you need to have a great day
You will need one bag:
- Your bus bag, a small backpack or similar
Please remember the saying “when bushwalking less is more”
Travelling on the bus
Your bag only needs to fit items you may wish to have with you while we are traveling.
For traveling, wear anything you feel comfortable in.
We do stop for toilet breaks and also from time to time and if we are passing through a town we might have a coffee break. This is usually done by consensus.
Items for consideration to bring along
- water bottle
- snacks
- lollies
- book to read
- sunglasses
- reading glasses
- travel pillow
- travel rug
- change of clothes to wear home
Our priority is protection from the sun it can be brutal i the middle of the day.
Small bottle of Sunscreen
Pay particular attention to face, neck, under chin, ears, backs of hands.
Hat
Ideally should be broad-brimmed and wind resistant. An excellent choice is a safari type of hat that covers your neck area. Baseball caps are not good bushwalking hats.
Sunglasses
Should be attached to a strap. We recommend taking a spare pair.
Long Sleeved Shirt
Over a thermal top. Both shirt and thermal top material need to be the quick-drying synthetic material such as polypropylene/polyester fleece or blend. DO NOT WEAR COTTON.
T-shirts and jeans etc. are not suitable clothing for Kayaking.
For people with more money a long sleeved Rash shirt is ideal.
Long synthetic Pants
A pair of shorts over the top of synthetic thermals are ideal for your legs.
Footwear
Good sturdy Hiking boots are ideal but expensive therefore if you are not intending taking up bushwalking as a permanent hobby, a good pair of runners will do the job.
Rain Considerations.
We recommend at the very least pack a lightweight spray jacket with hood.
It can be preferable to have a waterproof and breathable material like Gortex.
Warmth considerations.
In cold conditions avoid apparel made from cotton. Cotton insulates using open air pockets in between the fibers. When cotton gets wet, these pockets fill with water, and the garment loses its insulating properties.
Fabrics such as wool, nylon, and polypropylene insulate with closed air pockets inside the fibers. Garments made from these materials will hold some of their insulating properties when wet.
Consider a Fibre pile/fleece or puffer jacket if cold weather is forecast.
Medication – please ensure
1) The name and expiry date of drug is on the container;
2) You have the detailed instructions for your dosage and frequency;
3) Packed in a waterproof bag; i.e., sandwich bag or similar
4) Pack a full spare prescription in a separate container.
If you are flying, please pack all necessary medication in your carry-on luggage. It helps eliminate some stress should your checked bags be misplaced in transit.
Water bottle.
One litre Nalgene bottles are superior to all others for outdoor recreation.
Waterproof camera
Lightweight waterproof digital cameras (can be attached inside your life jacket with a lanyard);
GoPro or similar waterproof action cameras can produce excellent footage however they are savage on batteries. Consider how you will charge or bring
spare batteries and memory cards.
Toiletries
Minimal soap, toothpaste, and toothbrush, dental floss, feminine hygiene products.
Small comb/hairbrush, 2 disposable plastic razor.
Optional items for consideration
- Beanie
- Gloves either neoprene or fingerless sailing type
- Insect repellant small roll on
- Book to read
- Reading glasses
- Binoculars
- Down jacket
- Travel boardgames
- Cards
Please avoid wearing jewelry.
We would just feel bad if you lost something precious to you. Leaving it at home is the safest place for it to be.
Beverages
We supply a range of teas and coffee as well as juices. You are welcome to bring alcoholic beverages. Please note however that we do expect our guests to consume alcoholic beverages responsibly.
Smoking
It is against the law in Australia to smoke in National Parks. If you are a smoker, please consider nicotine patches as an alternative solution for the time you are on the river.
Leave no trace
Everything we take into the National Park we must take out. Including toilet waste. Don’t worry we have a system for dealing with everything. Your guides will go through it all with you.
GRAB YOUR CAMERA
The images you see below have all been taken during the Newcastle Bushwalking Skills Program